Restaurants in Phnom Penh — where to eat for expats

In 3 bullets

• Exceptional culinary diversity: authentic Khmer cuisine, French, Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese restaurants — Phnom Penh offers one of the richest food scenes in Southeast Asia for its level of development.
• Very accessible budget: a full meal at a local restaurant for 2–4 USD; quality expat restaurant 10–25 USD/person with drinks.
• Gastronomic neighbourhoods: BKK1 concentrates most upmarket restaurants; Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) is ideal for Asian cuisines and trendy cafés.

Khmer cuisine

Street food and markets

Night markets (Phsar Kandal on the Riverside, Night Market near the Royal Palace) and street stalls serve authentic Khmer dishes for 1–3 USD:

• Amok: fish curry steamed in banana leaves, a must-try.
• Lok lak: beef sautéed with Cambodian pepper on a bed of salad and rice.
• Nom banh chok: rice noodles in green curry, the national breakfast.
• Bai sach chrouk: rice with marinated grilled pork, quick and filling.

Recommended Khmer restaurants

Malis Restaurant (Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang I) — a reference for contemporary and fine Khmer cuisine. Elegant setting, wine list, perfect for business dinners. Expect 20–40 USD/person.

Romdeng (Street 278, Daun Penh) — social enterprise restaurant run by Friends International NGO. Traditional Khmer cuisine and insect-based dishes for the adventurous. Profits go to disadvantaged youth.

Eleven One Kitchen (BKK1) — popular with expats for its Khmer and Asian dishes at reasonable prices (8–15 USD).

French and European cuisine

Phnom Penh has a long French gastronomic tradition (colonial heritage, French community ~5,000 people).

La Croisette (BKK1) — French brasserie, market dishes, wine by the glass. Parisian bistro atmosphere transplanted to Phnom Penh. Lunch 15–25 USD.

Le Bouchon (Riverside) — wine cellar and restaurant, southwestern French specialties, open sandwiches and charcuterie boards. Perfect for aperitif time.

Topaz Restaurant (Samdach Sothearos Blvd) — Franco-Cambodian fine dining, one of the most reputed tables in the city. Dinner 40–70 USD/person.

Comme à la maison (BKK1) — deli and bistro, open sandwiches, quiches, pastries. Ideal for a quick lunch.

Asian cuisines

Sushi Bar and Izakaya (multiple locations BKK1/TTP) — quality sushi, ramen, Japanese-style izakaya. Budget 15–30 USD/person.

Vietnamese pho restaurants — plentiful in every neighbourhood, excellent for a quick lunch (3–6 USD).

Indian Palace and other Indian restaurants (Monivong Blvd) — subcontinental cuisine, vegetarian-friendly, 8–15 USD/person.

Dim sum — several Chinese restaurants on Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, particularly lively on Sunday mornings.

Budget by meal type

Neighbourhoods and atmospheres

• BKK1 / Tonle Bassac: the greatest choice, from street food to fine dining. Wi-Fi cafés for remote workers.
• Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market): relaxed atmosphere, varied Asian cuisines, hipster cafés.
• Daun Penh / Riverside: view over the Tonlé Sap, tourist restaurants and some good local addresses.
• Toul Kork: more residential, cheaper neighbourhood restaurants, popular with families.

Practical tips

FAQ

Do restaurants accept credit cards?

Most expat restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard. Local restaurants and street food: cash only (USD or KHR). Keep a few small bills.

Are there good vegetarian or vegan restaurants?

Yes. ARTillery (BKK1) and Vibe (BKK1) are vegan references. Many cafés offer vegetarian options. Traditional Khmer cuisine uses little meat at lunchtime — vegetable soups and rice dishes are often vegetarian by default.

Can you trust hygiene in local restaurants?

For open, well-frequented restaurants with a mixed clientele (locals + expats), the risk is limited. Avoid meats left at room temperature in the heat. Tap water is not drinkable — always ask for bottled water.

Are French restaurants open on Sundays?

Yes, most French brasseries and bistros in BKK1 are open on Sundays. Sunday morning brunches are popular in the neighbourhood’s cafés.