Phnom Penh’s most iconic restaurants

The best restaurants in Phnom Penh highlight how the rich South Asian Khmer food has evolved alongside various foreign cuisines from Europe, Asia, and America. The capital of Cambodia has seen a surge in the number of upscale restaurants and cafes that appeal to the tastes of modern, and contemporary tourists as a result of growing tourism and foreign investment.

Here are some of the famous restaurants in Phnom Penh, Cambodia that we suggest you try.

1. Topaz

Topaz is a French-themed restaurant in Phnom Penh's center, that is consistently billed as the top restaurant in Phnom Penh, hosting diplomats, ministers, businessmen and royalty.

Topaz restaurant menu delivers the most excellent French cuisines in Cambodia as well as French culture, being famous for its rich, exotic gastronomy. Not only are the foods delicious, but they are also visually appealing. Topaz restaurant in Phnom Penh is famous for one of the city’s biggest wine cellars.

The cost of this distinctive experience is high. It is worthwhile, though. The delicious food and fine wine will provide you with a memorable dining experience while visiting Phnom Penh.

• Address: No. 162, Norodom Street, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 12302
• Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Reservations: Phone: +855 15 821 888 Official Website

2. Chinese House

Worth a visit just for its gorgeous architecture and vintage-chic décor, Chinese House also offers reliably good food and a chic cocktail bar.

The landmark eatery occupies a restored historic building near the capital’s port that incorporates both French and Chinese elements and exudes a timeless charm. The dining room is an aesthetic feast of ornate floor tiles, grainy wooden beams and soft-hued walls.

The constantly-evolving menu is inventive and eclectic, with fusion fare that includes gastronomic samplings from Asia to Africa and South America. Dishes include char siu glazed duck and a Kampot pepper crusted wagyu beef tenderloin, as well as more exotic offerings such as South African springbok tenderloin.

This famous Chinese restaurant in Phnom Penh also has downstairs bar that pulses to life, with its master mixologist doling out craft cocktails to its smartly dressed clientele.

• Address: 45 Sisowath Quay (corner Street 84)
• Reservations: Phone 092 553 330

3. Malis Restaurant in Phnom Penh

Malis Restaurant quite possibly Cambodia’s most famous restaurant, serves Khmer cuisine with a modern twist.

Luu Meng, a great chef in Cambodia, has made it his mission to find and replicate Cambodia's distinct flavors, which he is doing successfully at Malis restaurant.

“Living Cambodian cuisine” is Malis restaurant menu, draws inspiration from classic Khmer home cooking, reinventing traditional dishes with bold and flavourful ingredients that elevate them to another level.

Malis Restaurant combines traditional food with new ingredients and textures to create an exciting selection of Cambodian delicacies that you have never seen before. 

Anotherside, Malis Restaurant not only serves rare vintage wines, but also unusual cuisine.

• Address: Norodom Boulevard, 136, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Hours of operation: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Official Website for Reservations
• Phone: +855 (0)15 814 888

4. Romdeng

Romdeng restaurant, located in a beautifully renovated French structure, is one of the Phnom Penh restaurants noted for delivering some of the most fantastic traditional Khmer meals as well as current Cambodian cuisines.

The no-holds-barred menu covers the full spectrum of traditional Khmer and regional cuisine, from hearty dishes such as a Muslim beef cheek curry and a spicy basil chicken stirfry to deep-fried tarantulas for the more adventurous palate. Deep-fried tarantula and stir-fried red ants are also available here.

Not only is the restaurant famed for its food, but it is also famous for its drinks. Cocktails are not to be missed, with a unique blend of beverages.

Romdeng is also a member of the Mith Samlanh "Friends" group, which assists homeless children in getting an education and working in the hospitality sector. So, do not hesitate to eat there and tip as much as you can to support them.

• Address: 74 Oknha Ket St. (174), Phnom Penh 12210, Cambodia 
• Hours of Operation: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Phone: +855 70 519 565

5. Van’s

Set in one of the city’s grandest colonial buildings, Van’s restaurant exudes an air of opulence with a spacious and sumptuously appointed dining room that hearkens back to a bygone era. It also has two private salons for intimate dining and a garden café for more casual affairs.

For nearly a decade, French chef Nicolas Malherbe has been tantalizing palates with his creative blending of Asian flavors and French haute cuisine. His influence is evident in everything from the meticulous sourcing of the highest-quality ingredients to the artistic plating and impressively executed dishes.

• Ardress: 5 Street 102
• Phone: 023 722 067

Of course, you’ll want to try the local food while you’re here, but don’t miss the chance to let Phnom Penh’s foodies delight you with something different, or something you never expect to find here.

Like most things in Cambodia, dining is an inexpensive bill in even the priciest of the best restaurants in Phnom Penh will probably leave a smile on your face.