30 Best Restaurants in Phnom Penh (2026 Selection)
Looking for the best restaurants in Phnom Penh? The Cambodian capital has quietly become one of Southeast Asia's most exciting food cities. From traditional Khmer kitchens and Vietnamese family-run noodle shops to French bistros and creative modern tables, eating out in Phnom Penh means discovering a city with a remarkably diverse culinary scene — at prices that are hard to beat.
This is my personal selection of 30 restaurants in Phnom Penh, updated for 2026. Every place listed has been visited and chosen for its food quality, character, or value.
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Where to Eat in Phnom Penh: Best Neighborhoods
Phnom Penh's restaurant scene is spread across several distinct areas. BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) is the city's most food-dense neighborhood — international restaurants, coffee shops, and upscale dining are all within walking distance. The Sisowath Quay (Riverside) is the go-to for sunset dinners and casual drinks overlooking the Mekong. Toul Tom Poung, near the Russian Market, offers a more local experience with authentic Khmer eateries and affordable street food. Street 240 and the surrounding streets remain a reliable area for cafés and terraced restaurants, and boutique shopping.
Practical Tips for Eating Out in Phnom Penh
Most local Khmer restaurants close early — around 9pm to 10pm. Western-style restaurants and bars typically stay open until midnight or later. Budget-wise, a full meal at a Khmer restaurant costs between $3 and $8; a good table in a proper restaurant runs $15 to $35 per person. Reservations are recommended on weekends for popular spots. USD is widely accepted alongside the Cambodian riel, and most established restaurants take card payments.
Types of Cuisine in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh's food scene reflects both Cambodia's culinary heritage and its remarkable openness to the world. Expect to find Khmer traditional food (Phnom Penh noodle soup, amok, lort cha), Vietnamese and Thai restaurants operated by long-established families, a well-rooted French dining scene with origins in the colonial era, and a growing wave of fusion concepts and contemporary restaurants.
🍜 Khmer Cuisine
Phnom Penh noodle soup, nom banh chok, lort cha — traditional Khmer food is the best reason to sit down and eat in the capital. My picks prioritize authenticity and fresh local ingredients.
🥐 French & Western Restaurants
A legacy of French influence, Phnom Penh has a solid French dining scene ranging from classic brasseries to boutique bistros and upscale hotel restaurants.
🌶 Street Food & Local Spots
Market stalls, family-run canteens, late-night snack stands — street food in Phnom Penh is an experience in itself, and often a better window into real Cambodian cooking than any fine dining restaurant.
🍽 Fine Dining & Special Occasions
For a memorable dinner or a celebratory meal, Phnom Penh now offers restaurants that compete with the best in Southeast Asia — refined settings, attentive service, and creative cuisine.
