11 Best Restaurants in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Built in 1903, Chinese House (home to Tepui) is among the few colonial houses in Phnom Penh that remains in its original state. An impressive painting of a Chinese girl with ruby-red lips is the centerpiece in this sophisticated restaurant serving South American and Asian-fusion dishes, with specialties such as corn empanadas filled with beef picadillo and goat cheese cream, or red tuna tartare with wasabi emulsion. There is a lively bar on the ground floor.

Formerly Vibe, now a branch of the Backyard Cafe chain of plant-driven eateries, this lovely cafe with bamboo furniture and hanging ferns specializes in breakfast bowls, baked goods, big salads, loaded sandwiches, and healthy sweets prepared with organic local produce. There are many options to cater for all sorts of dietary needs and allergies, as well as fantastic cold-pressed juices and smoothies made with Cambodian tropical fruits. It's also a great spot to meet young expats.

The focus here is on delicately spiced Khmer-inspired vegan dishes. Try the rich, creamy sweet potato, pumpkin, and coconut curry, or a clean, crisp green mango, carrot, and herb salad with smoked tofu. A limited number of Thai curry-style meat and fish dishes is also available.

If it's meat you're after, this restaurant, cafe, butcher shop, and deli—all rolled into one—is the place for you. The locally sourced animal products are all certified (a rarity in Cambodia) and the gourmet sausages and cold cuts are prepared, cured, and smoked on the premises.

Focusing on a mostly Western menu packed with organic, locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant does what the name says, featuring fresh, seasonal produce from farmers across Cambodia. There is indoor seating, but the best place to be is in the lovely leafy garden, which also hosts regular farmers' markets, live music, and workshops.

You don't have to be a foreign correspondent to join the lively international crowd that gathers every day at this atmospheric French-colonial building. The beer is always cold, the cocktails icy, and you can grab a reliable burger or wood-fired pizza and enjoy the open river views if you're in need of a change from Khmer fare (having said that, the beef Lok Lak is one of the best in town).

There are three branches of Khéma in the city, but this one, with its French colonial stylings, heritage building, and location in the heart of the old French quarter, is the one to go to. Expect classic French and European cuisine served at all times of the day, but weekend brunch is popular with Cambodians and expats.

The Phnom Penh elite, expat foodies, and culinary travelers frequent this upscale, traditional Cambodian restaurant set around a peaceful garden. Celebrity chef Luu Meng travels the country seeking out rare dishes and little-known ingredients, so a meal here is a chance to sample regional specialties you won't see at other Cambodian restaurants. The long menu features a variety of fresh fish and seafood, soups, and rich curries. The prices are a little high by Cambodian standards, but very affordable for the outstanding quality and service.

In the elegant dining rooms of this beautifully restored 1880s Indochina Bank Building, next to the historic main post office, you can dine on classical French cuisine. Service is endearingly old-fashioned, and there are courtyard tables which are very pleasant on a cool breezy evening.

The Mediterranean comes east at this popular three-story bar-restaurant in the heart of artsy Street 240. The menu extends from North African couscous and Spanish tapas, to Asian-fusion bites, served in a warm, jovial atmosphere. The comprehensive wine list includes labels from around the world and the cocktails are well made. Opt to sit on the rooftop for great city views.

This elegant French fine dining restaurant is a longtime Phnom Penh favorite with Cambodia's elite, affluent expats, diplomats, and gastronomes. The capital's best wine cellar, premium-quality ingredients such as French oysters and Tasmanian Cape Grim beef cooked to perfection, and faultless service has made Topaz one of the most feted spots to dine in the city. It's a great choice for a final vacation meal.