Best Restaurants in Siem Reap: Where to Eat in 2024
Siem Reap is no longer just a pitstop for Angkor Wat. The city has evolved into Cambodia’s culinary capital. You will find a mix of ancient Khmer recipes, refined French techniques, and a burgeoning farm-to-table movement. The food scene is divided into distinct zones: the high-end resorts of the French Quarter, the frantic energy of Pub Street, and the creative hubs in Wat Bo. Whether you want a $2 bowl of nomadic noodles or a $90 tasting menu, the quality remains high. This guide cuts through the tourist traps to show you exactly where to eat in Siem Reap.
Must-Try Dishes in Siem Reap
Before booking a table, you need to know what to order. Khmer cuisine focuses on balance—sweet, salty, sour, and bitter—often anchored by prahok, a fermented fish paste.
- Fish Amok: A creamy, steamed curry made with coconut milk, kroeung (spice paste), and local white fish, served in a banana leaf.
- Beef Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef in a peppery brown sauce, served with a lime and black pepper dipping sauce and a side of rice.
- Nom Banh Chok: Often called Khmer noodles; these are thin rice noodles topped with a green fish gravy and heaps of fresh herbs and raw vegetables.
- Kuy Teav: The classic Cambodian breakfast soup; a pork-based broth with rice noodles, bean sprouts, and various cuts of meat.
- Prahok Ktis: A rich dip made from fermented fish, minced pork, and coconut milk, served with crisp raw vegetables for dipping.
- Somlar Kako: A traditional "stirring soup" containing dozens of ingredients including green papaya, pumpkin, eggplant, and toasted ground rice.
Best Restaurants for a Splurge
When you want a high-end experience, these establishments lead the pack in innovation and service.
Cuisine Wat Damnak (Wat Bo)
This was the first Cambodian restaurant to make the Asia’s 50 Best list. Chef Joannès Rivière combines French technique with indigenous ingredients you won't find at the market. The menu changes fortnightly to reflect the micro-seasons. Expect dishes like Mekong langoustine or slow-cooked beef cheek with wild lime. It is arguably the best restaurant in Siem Reap for fine dining.
Embassy King’s Road (Wat Bo Waterfront)
Led by the "Kimsan Twins," this female-led kitchen focuses on "lost" Khmer recipes. They offer a seasonal multi-course tasting menu that elevates rural ingredients to fine-art status. The dining room is elegant and quiet, making it ideal for a celebratory dinner. Each dish comes with a detailed explanation of its historical origin and provincial roots.
Lum Orng Farm to Table (Chreav Village)
Located a short tuk-tuk ride outside the city center, this is Cambodia’s first authentic farm-to-table restaurant. Chef Sopheak Thy uses produce grown in the surrounding garden. The New Mekong Cuisine focuses on clean flavors and high-quality proteins. Dining here feels like a retreat, surrounded by green fields and the very ingredients appearing on your plate.
Best Casual Restaurants and Local Favorites
These spots offer high-quality food without the formal dress code. They are the backbone of the local dining scene.
Marum (Wat Bo)
Part of the Tree Alliance, Marum is a training restaurant for marginalized youth. The menu features creative tapas-style dishes. You can try adventurous items like red tree ants with beef or stick to more traditional Khmer favorites. The seating is in a beautiful wooden house with a spacious garden. Your bill directly supports local vocational training.
Mahob Khmer Cuisine (French Quarter)
Mahob means "food" in Khmer, and they do the basics perfectly. They specialize in "Hot Stone" cooking where you sear your own meat on a volcanic rock. The setting is a traditional wooden house that manages to feel both upscale and cozy. It is a reliable spot for a high-quality lunch or dinner near the river.
Pou Restaurant and Bar (Wat Damnak)
Chef Mengly has gained a reputation for modernizing Khmer street food. The presentation is playful and Instagram-worthy, but the flavors are grounded in tradition. Try the grilled honeycomb or the creative takes on local sausages. It is a favorite for younger travelers and foodies looking for something beyond the standard curry.
Chanrey Tree (Riverside)
Located on the edge of the river, this restaurant offers a polished take on traditional Khmer home cooking. The atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed, with plenty of greenery and outdoor seating. Their roasted chicken with Khmer spices is a signature dish. It is a great middle-ground option for those who want quality without the tasting-menu price tag.
Best Cheap Eats and Street Food
You don't need a large budget to find the best restaurants in Siem Reap. The most authentic flavors are often the most affordable.
Psar Chas (Old Market)
The center of the Old Market is a sensory overload, but the food stalls in the middle are top-tier. You can find bowls of Nom Banh Chok or hearty rice plates for under $3. Look for the stalls with the most locals sitting on plastic stools. The food is fast, fresh, and turnover is high, ensuring safety.
Street 60 (Near the Ticket Office)
This is where the locals eat. As the sun sets, vendors set up mats along the road. You can buy grilled meats, fried insects, and fresh fruits from various carts. It’s more of an evening picnic than a restaurant. Grab some grilled chicken, a bag of pickled fruit, and join the families on the mats.
Genevieve’s Restaurant (Wat Damnak Area)
Named after the late wife of the founder, this spot serves massive portions of Khmer and international favorites at very fair prices. It is frequently packed, so you may need to wait. A portion of the profits goes to local charities. The beef lok lak here is widely considered one of the best in the city.
The Noodle Guy (Wat Bo Area)
If you want handmade noodles, this is the place. It is a simple, no-frills setup where the focus is entirely on the dough. The bowls are cheap, filling, and packed with flavor. It is a favorite for a quick lunch between temple tours when you need something substantial but fast.
Best Breakfast and Brunch
Siem Reap’s cafe culture is heavily influenced by Australian and European standards.
Sister Srey Cafe (Riverside)
This Australian-run cafe is a central hub for the digital nomad and expat community. They offer excellent coffee, smashed avocado toast, and healthy grain bowls. They operate as a social enterprise, supporting landmine clearance and education. It’s the most consistent spot for a Western-style breakfast in the city.
New Leaf Eatery (Near Old Market)
Located just a block from the river, New Leaf offers a blend of Khmer and Western breakfast options. Their "Big Khmer Breakfast" is a great way to start the day. They also have an extensive library of books you can browse while you eat. A significant portion of their profits is donated to local education projects.
Brother Bong (Wat Bo)
A hidden gem with an industrial-cool aesthetic. Brother Bong serves excellent specialty coffee and a range of creative brunch plates. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, making it a good place to escape the heat. Their eggs benny and smoothie bowls are standout items for a slow morning.
Best Rooftop or View Dining
Siem Reap is flat, so a little elevation goes a long way for sunset views and breezes.
Heritage Suites Rooftop (French Quarter)
For a more exclusive vibe, the rooftop at Heritage Suites offers a sophisticated setting for drinks and light bites. It overlooks the lush canopy of the French Quarter. It is less about the party and more about the atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail before heading to one of the nearby fine-dining spots.
Paper Tiger Eatery (Pub Street)
While Pub Street can be loud, the upper balcony of Paper Tiger offers a great vantage point for people-watching. They have been around for two decades and offer a mix of pizza and Khmer staples. It’s a good choice if you want to be in the middle of the action without being crowded on the sidewalk.
Best Food Neighborhoods to Wander
- Wat Bo: Currently the trendiest area in the city. It is packed with boutique hotels, hidden cafes, and high-end restaurants like Cuisine Wat Damnak.
- Wat Damnak Area: Located just across the river from the Old Market, this area feels more residential but contains some of the city's most creative kitchens (Pou, Marum).
- Kandal Village: A small cluster of streets near the French Quarter. It is the best place for artisan coffee, specialty bakeries, and small pasta bars.
Please note: Opening hours and reservation requirements in Siem Reap change frequently; check the restaurant's social media before visiting.