Quick answers — eating in Siem Reap
- Best restaurant overall
- Malis Siem Reap
- Best value
- Khmer Grill Restaurant (KHR 60,000 - 100,000 / USD 15-25)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, French, Steak & grill
- Dishes to try
- Amok Trey, Lok Lak, Nom Banh Chok, Khmer Curry
- Booking window
- For top fine-dining establishments, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some may require a credit card guarantee for larger parties.
Booking ahead, especially for dinner, is highly recommended at top establishments. Dress codes are generally smart casual; some high-end venues might appreciate slightly more formal attire. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, typically 10-15%. Dinner hours usually run from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Siem Reap
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Cuisine Wat Damnak
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Cambodian · Wat Damnak Village · KHR 200,000 - 300,000 / USD 50-75
Joannès Rivière
Chef Joannès Rivière masterfully elevates Cambodian cuisine by focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create innovative tasting menus. Located in a traditional wooden house, the restaurant offers a serene atmosphere. Its commitment to sustainable practices and refined flavors makes it a benchmark for contemporary Cambodian dining.
Order: Seasonal Tasting Menu (changes frequently)
Chanrey Tree
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Khmer · Riverside · KHR 80,000 - 180,000 / USD 20-45
Set in a charming wooden house by the river, Chanrey Tree offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience. It serves beautifully presented traditional Cambodian dishes, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients and authentic regional recipes. The ambiance is elegant, making it ideal for a memorable, sophisticated meal.
Order: Amok Tray, Beef Lok Lak
French
Best French restaurants in Siem Reap
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Abacus Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningFrench-Asian Fusion · Airport Road · KHR 120,000 - 250,000 / USD 30-60
Pascal Schmit
Abacus has long been a fixture for fine dining, blending classic French techniques with Asian influences. The garden setting provides a tranquil escape, offering a menu that prioritizes high-quality imported meats and fresh local produce. It stands out for its consistent excellence and diverse, sophisticated wine list.
Order: Pan-seared Foie Gras, Australian Beef Tenderloin
Steak & grill
Best steak and grill restaurants in Siem Reap
Grill rooms are about sourcing and fire: ask where the beef comes from, how long it was aged, and order one cut to share rather than two on separate plates.
Khmer Grill Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningTraditional Khmer BBQ · Pub Street Area · KHR 60,000 - 100,000 / USD 15-25
While less 'fine dining' in the conventional sense, Khmer Grill is celebrated for its authentic Cambodian barbecue experience. Guests cook various marinated meats and vegetables at their table, immersing themselves in local culinary traditions. It's a vibrant, essential stop for experiencing traditional flavors in a lively atmosphere.
Order: Khmer BBQ (various meats and seafood)
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Siem Reap
Genevieve's Restaurant
Enjoy comforting Australian-Cambodian fusion dishes with generous portions. Try the Beef Lok Lak or Fish Amok in a relaxed setting, with mains around KHR 40,000-60,000 (USD 10-15).
Mrs. Dy's Noodle Soup
A local institution for delicious and authentic Kuy Teav (Khmer noodle soup). Perfect for a quick, flavorful breakfast or lunch, with bowls typically costing KHR 8,000-12,000 (USD 2-3).
Street Food at Pub Street Night Market
Explore a vast array of local street food like grilled skewers, fresh fruit shakes, and various noodle dishes. Prices are very budget-friendly, often KHR 4,000-20,000 (USD 1-5) per item.
Sister Srey Cafe
Popular for healthy, Western-style breakfasts, fresh juices, and delicious coffee, all while supporting a good cause. Expect to pay KHR 20,000-40,000 (USD 5-10) for a meal.
Marum
Dine on creative tapas-style Cambodian dishes in a beautiful garden, supporting a training restaurant for disadvantaged youth. Small plates range from KHR 16,000-28,000 (USD 4-7).
Local dishes
What to eat in Siem Reap
Amok Trey
Amok Trey is Cambodia's national dish, a rich and creamy fish curry steamed in a banana leaf cup. It features freshwater fish, coconut milk, kroeung (a traditional Khmer curry paste made from lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and other spices), and noni leaves. The texture is custardy, and the flavor is subtly spiced and aromatic. Try it at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant in the Old Market area for an authentic experience.
Lok Lak
Lok Lak is a popular stir-fried beef dish, typically served with a bed of lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and sometimes a fried egg on top. The tender beef is marinated in a peppery, garlicky sauce and often comes with a lime and black pepper dipping sauce. It's a staple in many Cambodian restaurants. Try it at Genevieve's Restaurant, known for its quality ingredients.
Nom Banh Chok
Nom Banh Chok is a traditional Cambodian breakfast of fermented rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy made with lemongrass, turmeric root, and fingerroot. Fresh herbs, banana blossom, and green beans are added as garnish. It's a refreshing and savory dish, best found at local morning markets or street food stalls in Siem Reap for an authentic taste.
Khmer Curry
Distinct from Thai curries, Cambodian curries often use less chili and more herbs like lemongrass and galangal, yielding milder, more aromatic flavors. Chicken, beef, or vegetables are simmered in coconut milk with kroeung paste. It's typically served with rice. Haven restaurant offers excellent versions, often with a slight sweetness and rich, comforting broth.
Prahok Ktiss
Prahok Ktiss is a savory dip made with prahok (fermented fish paste), minced pork, coconut milk, and various herbs and spices. It has a pungent, salty, and slightly sweet flavor, served with a platter of fresh raw vegetables like cucumber, eggplant, and cabbage for dipping. Malis Restaurant offers a refined version of this traditional Cambodian delicacy.
Bai Sach Chrouk
Bai Sach Chrouk is a popular Cambodian breakfast dish consisting of thinly sliced pork marinated in garlic and coconut milk, grilled over charcoal, and served over broken rice. It often comes with a side of pickled cucumbers and daikon radish, and a small bowl of clear broth. Look for street vendors near the Old Market in the mornings for a delicious and affordable start to your day.
Lort Cha
Lort Cha is a popular Cambodian stir-fried short rice noodle dish. These thick, chewy noodles are stir-fried with beef, broccoli, bean sprouts, and scallions, often topped with a fried egg and a sweet chili sauce. It's a flavorful and hearty street food favorite. You can find excellent Lort Cha at numerous stalls in the Pub Street night market.
Fresh Spring Rolls (Nem Chien)
Unlike fried spring rolls, Cambodian fresh spring rolls are made with rice paper wrappers filled with fresh herbs, rice vermicelli, shrimp or pork, and sometimes lettuce. They are served cold and usually accompanied by a peanut dipping sauce or a sweet chili fish sauce. They offer a light, refreshing, and healthy option. Many local restaurants and street vendors offer them.
How to book a table in Siem Reap
- · For top fine-dining establishments, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some may require a credit card guarantee for larger parties.
- · Many fine-dining restaurants offer more accessible lunch menus that can be a great way to experience their cuisine at a lower price point. Check their websites for availability and pricing.
- · While less common in Siem Reap, a few high-end places might request a non-refundable deposit for peak times or special events. Clarify cancellation policies when booking.
- · Be mindful of no-show policies; some restaurants may charge a fee if you don't cancel within a specified timeframe, typically 24-48 hours before your reservation.
FAQ
Siem Reap restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Siem Reap?
Malis Siem Reap in Sivutha Blvd is the benchmark table — Khmer Fine Dining, led by Lu Meng, acclaimed local fine dining, around KHR 120,000 - 250,000 / USD 30-60 per person. Order the Fish Amok, Malis Royal Mak Mee
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Siem Reap?
Cuisine Wat Damnak in Wat Damnak Village is the modern European table to book in Siem Reap (KHR 200,000 - 300,000 / USD 50-75 per person). Other strong options: Chanrey Tree.
Where is the best French restaurant in Siem Reap?
Abacus Restaurant in Airport Road is the French table to book in Siem Reap (KHR 120,000 - 250,000 / USD 30-60 per person).
Where is the best steak and grill restaurant in Siem Reap?
Khmer Grill Restaurant in Pub Street Area is the steak and grill table to book in Siem Reap (KHR 60,000 - 100,000 / USD 15-25 per person).
Where can I eat well in Siem Reap without spending a fortune?
Khmer Grill Restaurant is the best-value table on this list at roughly KHR 60,000 - 100,000 / USD 15-25 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Genevieve's Restaurant, Mrs. Dy's Noodle Soup, Street Food at Pub Street Night Market.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Siem Reap?
For top fine-dining establishments, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some may require a credit card guarantee for larger parties. Many fine-dining restaurants offer more accessible lunch menus that can be a great way to experience their cuisine at a lower price point. Check their websites for availability and pricing.
What food is Siem Reap famous for?
Amok Trey, Lok Lak, Nom Banh Chok, Khmer Curry, Prahok Ktiss — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Amok Trey is Cambodia's national dish, a rich and creamy fish curry steamed in a banana leaf cup. It features freshwater fish, coconut milk, kroeung (a traditional Khmer curry paste made from lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and other spices), and noni leaves. The texture is custardy, and the flavor is subtly spiced and aromatic. Try it at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant in the Old Market area for an authentic experience.
Planning the rest of Siem Reap?
The full Siem Reap guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Siem Reap travel guide