Phnom Penh European and International dining guide
Topaz is one of the best French restaurants
Increased tourism has seen a host of pizzerias and contemporary Soho-style cafes spring up, mainly around Art Street and Sisowath Quay, while the long relationship with Gallic gastronomes means Phnom Penh has some of Asia’s best French dining.
Most of the better tourist spots are along the riverfront, where dozens of al-fresco hole-in-wall eateries, sit alongside chic air-conditioned restaurants and funky bars. The top-end restaurants, mainly at or around the luxury hotels, are almost entirely catered to Westerners, as are well beyond the budget of most locals.
French and European food in Phnom Penh
Topaz: One of Phnom Penh’s premier French restaurants, featuring an outstanding, if expensive, selection of mainly succulent meat dishes, fine desserts and possibly the city’s best service. #100 Sothearos Boulegvard, tel: (023) 211 054. $$$$
Atmosphere: A more relaxed but still fancy French experience can be found here, which is a favourite with tourists and expats. The menu is sheer quality and the wine list thorough. #141C Norodom Boulevard, tel: (023) 994 224. $$$
Rega Hotel and Restaurant: An absolute bargain for French and Khmer food, this tiny hole-in-the-wall place serves up simple but delicious meals at a fraction of the prices of other fancy French restaurants. The Khmer workers are fluent in French but struggle with English. #08 Street 75, tel: (023) 986 251. $$
La Croisette: Owned by local expat Tassilo Brinzer, the regular entertainment – everything from movies, theme nights and guest DJs – means there is always something happening. #241 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh. tel: (023) 220 554. $$
Del Gusto: One of several eateries operated by The Boddhi Guesthouse group, the fare is welcome relief on any visit to Tuol Sleng. The food, mainly tapas and other Spanish items is itself worth the visit. #43, Street 95, tel: (023) 211 396. $$
Pacharan: Operated by the same group who runs FCC, the tasty sangria and wide, but pricey, Spanish menu includes tasting specials. The coffee machine is magnificent. #389 E1, Sisowath Quay, tel: (023) 224 394. $$$
Irina Russian Restaurant: One of Phnom Penh’s few remaining testaments to its former Soviet influence. Filling meals, delivery service and home-made vodkas make it a popular choice for travellers. #15 Street 352, tel: (012) 833 524. $$
Insider tip – finding addresses
The old French system of house numbering was done away with in Year Zero. Don’t be surprised to find a laundry or a travel agency at your intended destination. Don’t panic – a couple of doors down will be your choice, as many locations share the same address. E0 means ground floor.
Western food in Phnom Penh
Satisfy that fast food craving in Phnom Penh
Kandal House: One of the riverfront’s stand-out Western restaurants, offering plenty of food for the homesick, with everything from pizzas with fresh parmesan to pork chops and mash. #239 Sisowath Quay, tel: (012) 525 612. $$
The Shop: Reminiscent of a New York café, with counter service featuring quality light meals and snacks such as sandwiches, fresh bread and pastries and daily specials. It also operates its own Belgian chocolate shop two doors down. #35 Street 240, tel: (023) 998 638. $$
Le Duo: A wood-fired pizza oven draws hungry travellers, if you can stomach the gaudy 80s surroundings. Attentive staff makes this Italian specialist a great place for Calzone and osso bucco. #41 Street 322, tel: (023) 991 906. $$
K-West Steakhouse: On the ground floor of the Amanjaya Hotel, this is the place to go to satisfy your steak urge. Prices are high (US$15 – US$30) but the thick-cut, juicy steaks are worth it. Free Wifi also available. #1 Street 154, Sisowath Quay, tel: (023) 214 747. $$$$
Cantina: One of the few Mexican establishments in Cambodia, Cantina draws locals and visitors hankering for tacos and enchiladas. Its prime locale on the riverfront, surrounded by cheap pizza joints, and lively atmosphere make it a standout. #347 Sisowath Quay, tel: 023 222502. $$
Tamarind: A hugely popular Moroccan restaurant on the trendy Street 240, there is outdoor seating at the front and on the huge terrace complete with silk curtains and pillow seating. Sheesha pipes also provided along with good happy hour deals. #31 Street 240, tel: (012) 830 139. $$
Price guide
$ – dishes under $3; quart of beer $1; whisky shot $1.50;cocktails $2
$$ – dishes $3-10; quart of beer $1.50; whisky shot $2; cocktails $2.50
$$$ – dishes $10-20; quart of beer $2; whisky shot $2.50; cocktails $3
$$$$ – dishes over $20; quart of beer $3; whisky shot $4; cocktails $5
Saffron: A very stylish Middle Eastern restaurant that offers complimentary Hookah pipes and apple tobacco with all meals in addition to an extensive wine list. #11 Street 278, tel: (012) 247 832. $$
Frog and Parrot: On the riverfront offering pub meals and a fantastic bubble and squeak. Great for people watching though you might share the front tables with a random collection of children selling books, beggars and wandering shoe shiners. #273 Sisowath Quay, tel: (012) 190 9685. $$$
Riverside Bistro: The largest menu in the land, with over a thousand choices that range from Italian and German to Thai and Khmer. Situated on the riverfront inside a pretty pink colonial house, there is definitely something for everyone here, and a good choice for families. Corner of Sisowath Quay and 148 Street, tel: (023) 213 898. $$
For Khmer food and bakeries check out the Khmer cuisine and bakeries in Phnom Penh listings.
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