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Restaurant in PhnomPenh

Amok Restaurant & Cafe - Tasty option

2 Street 278, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 912 319

Description: Amok does great, reasonably-priced Thai and Khmer food in a pleasant open air setting on a quiet street. Menu is comprehensive, and vegetarians are well catered for. The Khmer curries are excellent. Often Khmer musicians are there playing traditional instruments while you eat – but not in an intrusive way.

Type of Food: Khmer / Thai

Atmosphere - Delicious

141C Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
At a glance and on a quiet day this French restaurant looks to be a little lacking in what it is called, but it really grows on you and draws a regular crowd of expats and tourists alike. The food is excellent, as are their desserts -- particularly their white/dark chocolate mousse. Not quite as expensive as Topaz, this is still one of the pricier restaurants in town.

Type of Food: French /

Boat Noodle - Seriously de-chilified food

Street 63, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Boat Noodle offers good Thai food, though it is seriously de-chilified, so be sure to ask if you like it spicy. The fresh spring rolls are a favourite. Particularly popular in the evening, they offer cheap drinks and prompt service. A pretty standard Khmer menu is also available.

Type of Food: Khmer / Thai /

Cafe Mariam - Breakfast hideaway

208C Street 63, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 217 910;
cafe_mariam@yahoo.de

Set in the backyard of a small house, Mariam does reasonable breakfasts and their lunches are decent as well. It's a little-known, hidden away kind of spot, so if you want a nice quiet breakfast with a good book, this isn’t a bad spot.

Type of Food: Coffee and/or Tea House / International /

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 07:00-17:00

Comme a la Maison Delicatessen - Worth a look

13, Street 57, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (23) 360 801;(012) 951 869;

This pleasant, hidden away eatery is set in a garden terrace and has a laid-back but stylish French feel. The steaks offer good value, pizzas are scrummy and their salad Nicoise superb. The ice-cream desserts alone make the trip worth it. You can expect professional, warm service. They also have a great little bakery inside, with good croissants, and rillettes which get good reviews from our French pals.

Type of Food: French / International /

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00-15:00 & 18:00-22:30

Del Gusto - Breakfast favourite

43 Street 95, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 446 710;

This charming, tucked away guesthouse and restaurant set in a lovely colonial house has friendly staff serving up salads, tapas and a rare Phnom Penh find -- poached eggs in vinegar, along with other delicious all-day brekkies. Spanish-owned Del Gusto is clean, quiet and tasteful, if a little out of the way. Be sure to get there early to grab the best positioned veranda table (unless we beat you to it). Recommended.

Type of Food: International / Spanish /

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00-20:00

Ecstatic Pizza - Not too ecstatic

Norodom Blvd - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 365 089;

One of the smaller pizza places in town, Ecstatic does standard pizzas, pastas and beers. The slightly out of the way location tends to attract residents rather than travellers. The food is good comfort food though the traffic noise a bit unpleasant.

Type of Food: Pizza /

Elsewhere - Best just for drinks

#174 Street 51 (cnr with 254), Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
When you're at Elsewhere you really don't want to be elsewhere. Intimate garden restaurant and bar, with a small pool at its centre. The gardens really are lovely and the service impeccable. Comprehensive drinks and cocktails list priced a little on the high side, but the exceedingly pleasant setting justifies it. Shame about the boisterous Khmer music bar/restaurant across the road. The availability of menu items, as well as their quality, is inconsistent and can be disappointing. Best to eat elsewhere and then head to Elsewhere for after dinner drinks.

Type of Food: International /

Friends - Great spot

215 Street 13, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
This popular tapas restaurant employs and trains former street children. The food is healthy and varied, the drinks good and prices slightly upmarket but not beyond most backpackers' reach. The fun, colourful atmosphere and amiable staff make this spot worth going out of your way for. It's very close to the National Museum, so you could tie in a visit there to a refreshing break here.

Type of Food: International /

Garden Center Cafe - A green oasis

23 Street 57, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 363 002;
bob@gardencentercafe.com
http://www.gardencentercafe.com

A green oasis in a dusty city, this place is popular with expats and travellers. The menu will satisfy both carnivores and herbivores, and their yoghurt is the best in Cambodia. The atmosphere is casual and subdued, and the staff is friendly. We highly recommend their great quiches, healthy salads, and spinach cream enchiladas though in our opinion their burgers are mediocre (others swear by them). Most of the plants are for sale.

Type of Food: International / some vegetarian /

Irina Russian Restaurant - Traditional Russian food

#15 Street 352, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 833 524;

This restaurant offers a wide selection of Russian dishes – as the name would indicate. It is not a place to go if you are looking for a light meal. Everything on the menu will leave you stuffed. If you are a fan of potatoes, this is the place for you –- Irina seems to put potatoes in almost everything! Try the Seliodka with a few shots of neat vodka -- excellent.

Type of Food: Russian /

Jars of Clay - Scones

39b Street 155 - Phnom Penh
Located near the energy-sapping Russian Market, Jars of Clay is an expat-oriented coffee and lunch place. Food is reasonable and the setting peaceful. Scone fans will be surprised: someone makes scones in Phnom Penh!

Type of Food: International /

Khmer Kitchen - Khmer and Thai food - good prices

41 Street 310 - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 712 541;

Good for lunch or dinner, Khmer Kitchen is a similar setup to Khmer Surin with reasonably priced Thai and Khmer food. You can eat inside or outside and its a comfortable spot - we prefer it for lunch than dinner. Service can be pretty sleepy though, so if it's a lunch, make it a long lunch.

Type of Food: Khmer / Thai /

Khmer Surin - The Khmer place people tell you to go to

9 Street 57, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 363 050;
khmersurin@bigpond.com.kh

This is generally the first Khmer place to be recommended to newcomers, hence the touristy feel to the place. They claim authentic Khmer cuisine -- yet their exhaustive menu skips market gruel. Upstairs is cushions on the floor for soft western bums. Service can be a little indifferent, but if you're wary of street meat, it's a safe place to sample Khmer cuisine.

Type of Food: Khmer / Thai /

Le Duo - Great pizzas

14c Street 51, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 991 906;(012) 342 921;

If you can get past the apricot-fanned napkins in the wine glasses, which is a bit 80s, the pizzas here are very good -- particularly with aubergine -- and are cooked with a flourish in a wood-fired pizza forming the restaurant's focal point. The staff are attentive and the friendly hosts drift between tables making sure everything is up to scratch. You can expect reasonable prices for something trying to be a bit more upmarket than the nondescript pizza joints on the riverside. Specialising in French, Italian and Sicilian dishes, the latter two seem to be what this place is about, with their osso bucco special sounding tempting. Be wary of their Calzones –- they include a raw egg along with the insides of your choice. It's a great lunch spot if you're shopping at Ambre/Elsewhere.

Type of Food: French / Italian /

Le Rits - With a pleasant outdoor garden

14 Street 310 - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 213 160;
nyemo@everyday.com.kh
http://www.nyemo.com

This restaurant tucked away off Norodom Blvd has both pleasant outdoor garden and indoor aircon seating. The food is a good mix of European and Asian, with a reasonable value set menu for lunch. Service is prompt and friendly. There is also an attached store selling everything from organza curtains to jewellery, made by women trained by NYEMO, the NGO that also runs the restaurant. In wet season the outdoor area would get pretty sloshy.

Type of Food: International / Khmer /

Luna d'Autunno - Great food

#6c Street 29, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 220 895;
lunaphnompenh@yahoo.com

Taking over the space Belissimo formerly occupied but keeping the Italian theme, Luna d'Autunno promises -- and delivers -- a lot. The owners have spared no expense in the garden area, building a huge outdoor kitchen and renovating the house interior. The staff are friendly and attentive. The food is top-notch, and they can easily accommodate large groups. If you're going to go to Luna, plan to sit outside for the most enjoyable experience.

Type of Food: Italian /

Opening Hours: Open daily 11:00-14:30 & 17:30-22:30

Malis - Great ambiance for a drink...skip the meal

#136 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 221 121;
luumemg@online.com.kh
http://www.malisrestaurant.com

This upper scale Khmer restaurant has a beautiful setting, complete with ponds and colored rocks. Upstairs has air-con and the most stylish bathrooms in Phnom Penh. If you sit outside, best to choose the couches near the bar. The Tiger draft is easily the best deal on the drink menu at just $1.50 for 16oz. The food is fine, but nothing to rave about. Try this place for a pre-night on the town drink – then head somewhere else for supper.

Type of Food: Khmer /

Monument Restaurant BBQ - Cheap and tasty

Pasteur Rd, opposite Wat Lanka - Phnom Penh
This open-air Khmer restaurant offers excellent value Khmer and Asian BBQ. Tables are sheltered under palm frond roofs and there are a few flasher kiosk-style sets near the road. Service tries very hard and some staff speak quite good English. Prices are very reasonable, with the surprisingly good BBQ steak going for a rock-bottom $1.50 and the pepper crab for $3. An English menu is available. Overall very good value in a handy central location.

Type of Food: Asian / Khmer /

Raani Curry Leaf - Indian and Sri Lankan standards

3B Street 278 - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 847 118;
raanicurryleaf@yahoo.com

A slice of South Asia in Phnom Penh, Raani does good Indian and Sri Lankan standards at reasonable prices, although they can be a little on the oily side. The servings are decently sized, with their biryanis in particular coming in hefty portions. The restaurant is small and open to the street but comfortable enough.

Type of Food: Indian /

Romdeng - Eating for a cause at its best

#21 Street 278, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (092) 219 565;
friends@everyday.com.kh
http://www.streetfriends.org

Romdeng is part of the Mith Samlanh Friends NGO, the second of three training facilities run for former street youth. Serving up traditional Khmer cuisine from the provinces, Romdeng offers almost 40 dishes, and the portions are large. Staff are pleasant and friendly. Seating is available inside and out, and there are plenty of fans, making eating outside comfortable even in the hot season.

Type of Food: Khmer /

Sary Rega Hotel and Restaurant - Budgeteers delight - don't miss it

33 Street 75, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 986 251;
regahome@caminter.com

This little hole-in-the-wall French and Khmer restaurant is simply outstanding. Rock bottom prices for top French food that you'll pay ten times the amount for in the fancier digs in town. Excellent staff, though not all speak English -- French speakers will feel right at home. The food is perfect, even more so when the price is taken into account. If you're struggling to satisfy a craving for French cusine, try here before any other.
Highly recommended.

Type of Food: French / Khmer /

Setsara Thai Restaurant - Tasty Thai

#3D Street 278, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Set just across the road from the Top Banana Guesthouse, Setsara is one of our fave Thai spots for a lunchtime Thai feast in Phnom Penh. With a comfortable outdoor area and a good (while short) Thai menu, Setsara will satisfy that Thai crave you've been trying to quench. Service is prompt and comes with a smile and the reasonable prices will leave you smiling as well. We've only tried it for lunch (many a time) but it is also open for dinner. Good tunes.

Type of Food: Thai /

Talkin' to a Stranger - A great, friendly spot

#21 Street 294, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
A great, friendly spot for a few delicious vodkas, Talkin' to a Stranger has a loyal following of expats. This great bar (super-tasty food is also available) has a large garden area and an upstairs terrace. The atmosphere is congenial and gets livelier as the night rolls on. Very popular with the local journalists.

Opening Hours: Wed-Sat 17:00-late, Sun 15:00-late, closed Mon,Tues

Teukei - Funky little hole in the wall

#23 Street 111 (Near the Narin guesthouse), Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
This funky little hole-in-the-wall is better known for its drinks than its food, though their pastas are pretty competent. Popular with French expats, Teukei takes off later in the evening but is equally serviceable as a joint to meet at early on, although it's a bit tricky to find.

Type of Food: International /

The Bodhi Tree - Lovely garden setting

50 Street 113 - Phnom Penh
Tel: (011) 854 430;
boddhitree_pp@hotmail.com
http://www.boddhitree.com

Opposite Tuol Sleng Museum, this excellent garden cafe and guesthouse has a superb healthy menu, featuring mostly western dishes with a smattering of Cambodian and Asian selections as well, plus imaginative specials. Service is prompt and friendly and the setting is very pleasant. It's worth a trip across town to get here, or at the very least, stop here for a meal before or after visiting the museum.

Type of Food: International / Khmer / some vegetarian /

The Lazy Gecko - Good food and advice on the lake

Street 93, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
This is one of the well-established lakeside restaurants, and offers a large selection of reasonably priced western dishes served in a comfortable environment. Offering general travel advice, as well as a bus to a local orphanage for those who want to give back to Phnom Penh's poor without being taken advantage of, the Gecko is worth a look if you're staying lakeside.

Type of Food: International /

Wagon Wheel - Great pizza

#46 Street 353, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 363 601;

This German owned restaurant located in Toul Kork delivers, so don't let the distance deter you from experiencing some of the best pizza Phnom Penh has to offer. They also have an extensive menu of Western and European meals. The owner is always grateful for an order, and often delivers the pizzas himself -- in hand made pizza boxes wrapped in newspaper.

Type of Food: Pizza /

Near the river
There are some excellent restaurants that sit within easy walking distance of the river - certainly the most popular part of town for a late afternoon drink if nothing else. For the purposes of this guide, Near the River covers anywhere to the east of Norodom Blvd.

An Nam - Excellent Vietnamese

#118 Sothearos, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 212 460;

This excellent aircon Vietnamese spot does great pho along with some super-tasty beef rolls that are enough to tempt even some of the most battle-hardened vegetarians. An Nam has a bright, welcoming atmosphere -- in fact it's rather kindergarten-like with its straight-backed chairs in pastel colours -- with a comprehensive menu and reasonable prices along with prompt service. Acoustics are a bit odd inside.

Type of Food: Vietnamese /

Bali Cafe restaurant - Pleasant balcony setting

379 Sisowath Quay - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 982 211;
royalalita@camintel.com

The laid back Balinese flavour of Bali Cafe permeates throughout creating a relaxing respite from the heat. Although it doesn't make quite as good a use of its location as the nearby FCC, this is still a reaonable spot and the food and drinks are good too!

Type of Food: Indonesian / International /

Cafe Fresco - Great drinks, food, and atmosphere on the river

361 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Check out this trendy coffee shop and deli, just below the FCC (and run by the same people) for a cool smoothie and sandwich in air-con comfort or an early morning java on the patio. Offering a large selection of hot and cold beverages, and great toasted submarine style sandwiches, Cafe Fresco is fast becoming an ex-pat favourite.

Type of Food: Coffee and/or Tea House /

Cantina - Top Mexican choice

Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Rumour has it airline pilots fly in from Bangkok just to eat Mexican at Cantina and it's easy to see why. This is one of the best kept restaurants on the river, and the quality of the food matches the decor. Cantina is a welcome distraction from the string of nearby happy pizza joints. A jovial atmosphere and a favourite amongst local hacks, Cantina has good prices and service with a smile. Look for the owner eating and drinking out front with his guests.

Type of Food: Mexican /

Chiang Mai Riverside - Tasty Thai

227 Sisowath Quay - Phnom Penh
Don't be put off by the menu alarmingly full of photos as the Thai food here is excellent. It's spiced down for the foreign tongue, however, so ask for spicy if that's the way you like it. Great tofu laab.

Type of Food: Thai /

Foreign Correspondents Club - Historic building, poor service

Sisowath Quay - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 214 014;
fcc_pp@bigpond.com.kh

You'll either love it or hate it. Housed in a magnificent building on Sisowath Quay, the FCC open-air terrace is the best place to watch the river in late afternoon (and burn through your budget -- prices are a bit high). Their veranda is excellent with sweeping views over the Tonle Sap river -- on a hot Sunday afternoon, this is a great place to wait for the heat to pass. Watch out though for tourists by the minibus-load showing up for happy hour. Service can be very hit and miss. This spot is worth a look – if just for the view.

Type of Food: International /

Fortune Pho - Cheap noodle soup hit

Street 178 - Phnom Penh
Directly opposite the Rising Sun, Number One Pho does indeed dish out good pho, and at $1.50 a bowl, this is one of Sisowath Quay's cheaper barang-oriented spots. It's a simple, brief menu -- in fact we've never got past the pho. Friendly, dog-loving owners.

Type of Food: Vietnamese /

Freebird Cafe and Grill - A taste of the first world

#69 Street 240, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 224 712;

Located on trendy street 240, this bar and grill transports you from Phnom Penh back to the first world. Delicious menu includes western main dishes, tex-mex selections, pizzas, asian dishes, an extensive drink menu, as well as arguably the best burgers in Phnom Penh (just order them well done to avoid eating raw beef.) A great place to eat or chill – check out their free chili on Saturday afternoons from 14:00 to 16:00.

Type of Food: American /

Frizz Cafe & Restaurant - Excellent Khmer food by the river

335 Sisowath Quay - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 220 953;
http://www.frizz-restaurant.com

A rather new and very welcome addition to the riverside eateries. Frizz offers a great selection of tasty Khmer food -- some of it really is top notch. Service is excellent and the English-speaking staff very friendly. Highly recommended.

Type of Food: Khmer /

Frog and Parrot - Pub grub

273 Sisowath Quay - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 291 332;

Set on the Quay, the Frog and Parrot is a good choice for standard uninspiring pub grub fare - if you can put up with the constant stream of beggars, shoe-shiners and other buskers that the management doesn't shoo away, go for a street-front table as it is a good people-watching spot.

Type of Food: English / International /

Hope and Anchor - Huge portions

#213 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Towards the Wat Phnom end of Sisowath Quay, Mikey's does huge portions of barang and Khmer staples. Their lok lak is enough to fill you up for a day. Food is delicious, staff friendly and the beers ice cold. The setting is good and includes a reasonably popular bar with a pool table. Accommodation is also available.

Type of Food: International / Khmer /

Java Cafe and Gallery - An excellent breakfast menu

56 Sihanouk Boulevard, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 833 512;

A funky cafe and gallery overlooking Sihanouk Boulevard, Java has an excellent breakfast menu with generous portions and reasonable prices. Service, particularly at lunch can be at a glacial pace – but you don't come to Java if you're in a hurry. The interior has air-con, and often displays local and foreign art shows.

Type of Food: International /

Jungle Bar - Friendly with good internet

273 Sisowath Quay - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 474 230;
jeff@jungle-bar.com
http://www.jungle-bar.com/

What in particular distinguishes this riverfront bar from the neighbours is the fast, laptop-friendly internet access which is priced at just $1 per hour -- if you spend more than $4 on food and drinks then the access is free. As you won't be sharing the connection with a dozen other netizens, the speed is fast and the relaxing tunes are a vast improvement on the moaning tourists that full many of internet cafes. As with most of the riverfront places, the staff are cheery and the mostly western menu is affordable. The Jungle Bar runs a massive nine hour happy hour (10:00-19:00).

Type of Food: International /

Opening Hours: 07:00-02:00 Daily

La Marmite - Tasty hole in the wall

80 Street 108, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 391 746;

This hole-in-the-wall has a massive mostly French menu, but it seems the daily special is usually a good idea to order. Though a little low on atmosphere, the low prices for some competent French cuisine make this a good choice. Easily caters towards larger groups of friends, too.

Type of Food: French / International /

Opening Hours: 08:00-22:00 closed Tuesdays

Lyon D'Or - French cuisine

#12 Street 110, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 224 298;

Attached to the same-named small hotel, Lyon D'Or does reasonable French food and has a good, not too expensive wine list. Service is prompt and friendly. The air-conditioned portion of the restaurant opens onto the hotel bar which can be very noisy and distracting -- particularly when combined with the funny acoustics in the restaurant. If you're after an intimate, romantic splash-out meal, this probably isn't the place for you, but if it's French food with a moderately priced bottle of wine, Lyon D'Or may fit the bill.

Type of Food: French /

Pacharan - Spanish tapas great atmosphere

Street 184 and Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Opened early March, 2006 this Spanish restaurant run by the folks from the FCC, has tasty tapas - though they can get pricey, so check out their special -- it is a particularly good deal and lets you sample a wide variety of menu items (and includes a glass of sangria to boot!) Be sure to finish the evening with a coffee or espresso -- their machine must be worth more than most Cambodians make in a year.

Type of Food: Spanish /

Phnom Penh's Peace Pub - Moved and upgraded

126 Street 136 - Phnom Penh
http://www.sonteipheap.com

Peace Cafe has upped and moved out of BKK1 and is now very centrally located in a perfect spot for a refreshing couple of drinks after a session at Phsar Thmei. The new premises are far larger then the old place with a spacious movie screening area and a long comfortable bar. Drinks remain very good value and a new and expanded menu is on the way. Screens popular and arthouse films, trivia on Monday nights (Phnom Penh's longest running quiz night) and a generous hapy hour. Well worth checking out. Recommended.

Type of Food: International /

Pop Cafe - Great Italian

371 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Don't be fooled by the tattered banner that marks this restaurant -- located just south of the FCC, Pop Cafe has some of the finest Italian food in Phnom Penh. The restaurant is small and narrow. The small space maintains an open feel with its clean white walls and minimalist decor. Because of its size, a server is never far away, though it can be hard to get a table during the supper rush. Expect to spend $7-$10 a person including a drink -- a bit steep, but worth the price. A bonus is that there is a generator to ensure your dining experience is well lit and thoroughly air-conditioned.

Type of Food: Italian /

Rising Sun - Standard pub-grub

Street 178, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Just down the road from the FCC, the Rising Sun does standard pub-grub -- if you're after comfort food, you could do a lot worse than here. Particularly friendly staff are a big asset along with good prices. Streetside seating is limited, but there is more inside. Breakfasts here make for a good morning after a long night.

Type of Food: International /

Riverside Restaurant - Relaxing choice on the quay

Corner of Sisowath Quay and 148 Street, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 213 898 ; (012) 277 882;

This pink colonial house with green shutters on the corner of Street 148 and Sisowath has a menu boasting 1,015 items covering Khmer, Asian, Italian and German food. The hotdogs nicely accessorise an afternoon drink on the river.

Type of Food: International /

Rubies - The wine bar

Street 240, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
rubies@online.com.kh
http://www.rubieswinebar.com

Rubies is a trendy little wine bar serving up a good selection of the nectar. Although they often won't actually have all of what's listed on their comprehensive menu, the staff are obliging and will track something down for you sooner or later. Wine is a little on the pricey side, but their pizzas are excellent and inexpensive. Rubies has become a popular expat hangout partially because you can guarantee not to run into any ladies of the night.

Type of Food: International / Pizza /

Shiva Shakti - Top Indian cuisine

70 Sihanouk Blvd, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 813 817;
gilles@shiva-shakti.com

This top Indian restaurant is a very popular spot, serving up exceptionally fine fare. The interior setting is atmospheric but the few outdoor tables best avoided as they're marred by traffic noise. A good splurge for afficionados of Indian cuisine.

Type of Food: Indian /

The Riverhouse Lounge - Stylish restaurant and bar

Corner of 110 St and Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 220 180;
the_lounge@bigpond.com.kh

You can do much worse on the river than this intimate setting towards the north end of Sisowath Quay. Downstairs is fine dining while upstairs is laid back including private balconies and live jazz. The food here is very good, but the drinks, while very good, are overpriced. Owner Steve has expanded to the spa nextdoor and the very well-regarded Monsoon Restaurant. Recommended.

Type of Food: French /

The Shop - Expat lunch favourite

39 Street 240 - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 986 964;
theSHOP@NorthbridgeCommunities.com

The Shop serves up the best western fare on Street 240, if not all of Phnom Penh, with an ever-changing menu of delicious salads, sandwiches and imaginative drinks. Only gripe here is that the lovely staff doesn't give table service, when in such a small place it would actually be easier for all if they did. Wonderful breads, pastries and authentic Belgian chocolates.

Type of Food: Bakery / International /

The Tamarind - Comfy and tasty

31 Street 240, Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 830 139;

This popular restaurant with friendly staff is one of the many great eateries lining Street 240. Specialising in Moroccan cuisine, their tagines are good value and their pastas delicious as well. Don't stop at the comfy street side seating, but head upstairs to their terrace. Prices are a tad high.

Type of Food: International / Italian / Moroccan /

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-24:00

Topaz - Meat lovers paradiso

100 Sothearos Blvd - Phnom Penh
Tel: (023) 211 054;

An outstanding French restaurant, this place disappoints only if you're vegetarian. They'll promise to whip you up something but in our case, it came in an obviously seafood stock. Meat eaters, however, could think they've died and gone to heaven with a huge range of dishes, including succulent steaks. Their creme brulee is wonderful as well. While expensive by Phnom Penh standards, it's outstanding value compared to overseas. Very professional service makes this a great place for a splurge.

Type of Food: French /

Veiyo Tonle Pizza - Best pizza in town

237 Sisowath Quay - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 847 419;

It's not much to look at, but the pizzas here are possibly the best in town, particularly their vegetarian spread. Their carbonara is great too, getting the egg-cream balance nicely done for a change. A huge menu, and a good position on Sisowath, plus nice staff make this a difficult place to beat if you have a pizza craving, although it is a little more expensive than the standard backpacker places.

Type of Food: Italian / Pizza /

Restaurant - A stylish addition

Royal Palace Esplanade, 389 Street 184 - Phnom Penh
Tel: (012) 901 822;

Sa is Khmer for white but it could equally be Khmer for stylish, friendly, tasty and just a touch expensive. This welcome addition to the Phnom Penh food scene in 2005 has a short yet comprehensive menu focussing mainly on French/European food with a dash of Asian. While the tapas servings were a little on the small side, the mains were plenty generous enough and the food was meticulously prepared. It was a quiet night when we visited so we had our own waiter who was very polite yet with a welcoming wit to him. It's not often you hear a Cambodian waiter complimenting you on your choice from the menu. Open-air dining is available on the rooftop but downstairs is air-con and more comfortable with rather special views over to the palace. A minor gripe was that our mains arrived as we finished our tapas -- a longer gap would have been appreciated.

Type of Food: French / International /

Asia Pacific Travel in Hanoi

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Add : No. 19-20E0, Street 371, Phnom Penh

Tel: (+84 9) 13224473 ( Mr. Nam )

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Add : No. 0167, Mondul 3, Sangkat Slorkram
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