Although Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines are fairly popular around the world, I personally haven’t come across many restaurants serving Cambodian or Khmer cuisines. So, while in Siem Reap I was eager to experience some local dishes and delicacies, such as Amok.

The restaurants that we visited came highly recommended by friends who had previously been to Siem Reap, or by locals. And I feel that it’s only right that I share their names with to you.

Best Restaurants In Siem Reap – Tried & Tested

1. Haven

Haven – Probably the best restaurant we visited in Siem Reap

Numerous friends who’d been to Cambodia previously highly recommended Haven. And for good reason.

Haven, like many other restaurants in Siem Reap, is a training restaurant. It was started by a Swiss couple with this mission:

“HAVEN is a non-religious social enterprise and a training restaurant for vulnerable young adults from orphanages and safe shelters, as well as underprivileged young adults from very rural poor areas. By teaching these young people quality work skills as well as important life skills, we support them in their transition from institution to real world as well as giving them a chance to step out of the poverty cycle.”

At Haven, not only does it feel like the money that you spend here goes to a noble cause, but also towards a great meal. The food was by far the best I ate in Siem Reap. The flavours were unique, and the presentation was immaculate. The ambiance of sitting under the trees in a garden also added to the experience.

I don’t think any other restaurant even came close to matching their flavours. The Fish Amok, and the Beef Lok Lak were truly divine!

Remember to make a reservation.

Address: Chocolate Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 78 342 404

2. Malis

Our hotel recommended Malis for some delicious Khmer cuisine.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we felt completely under-dressed. Malis is a classy lookingf fine dining restaurant that gives the impression of a strict dress code. Luckily, Malis didn’t care much for my shorts, and flip-flops, so we waltzed right in.

Malis was the grandest looking restaurant that we ate at. High ceilings, big white pillars, a live jazz band, dimly lit interiors. But like all of Siem Reap, it was economically priced. We ate our hearts out and I can honestly say that the bill was very reasonable.

The food was delicious, from the local sausages, to the crab curry. The presentation was top-notch.

I’d highly recommend Malis – it’s a high-end restaurant, with very reasonable pricing.

Address: Pokambor Ave, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 15 824 888 

3. Chanrey Tree

Chanrey Tree was the most expensive restaurant that we visited in Siem Reap, relatively speaking. But then again, for a similar fine dining restaurant anywhere else in the world, we felt that Chanrey Tree was a bargain. The service, and presentation of the food was absolutely spectacular (which we had now come to expect).

Chanrey Tree is located right next to Malis. It also has a massage parlour right above the dining area, in case you wanted to unwind before or after your meal.

Remember to make a reservation, Chanrey Tree is quite the popular destination with tourists.

Address: Pokambor Ave, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 17 799 587

Street Food In Siem Reap

Siem Reap is also equally famous for its street food. If you’re not in the mood for fine dining, why not get a taste of some delicious street food in Siem Reap! We almost cancelled our reservation at Chanrey Tree to grab a stool next to a noodle vendor at Pub Street.

There’s something inexplicably delicious, and fun about street food in Asian cities. We did it in Hanoi, Taiwan, and of course Hong Kong. And we wished we had done it in Siem Reap too. But fear not, you still have the chance. However, if you’re uncertain about where to go, and what to eat, I highly recommend booking yourself onto a Street Food by Night Tour.

Bonus: Amazing Italian Food In Siem Reap

Il Forno came highly recommended from our Italian friends who’d visited Siem Reap before us. Without exaggeration, we thought it was some of the best Italian food that we’ve eaten. If you’re in the mood for some pasta, or pizza I’d definitely recommend checking out Il Forno. It’s cozily located next to Pub Street, and the Old Market area.

Address: Pari’s Alley, 16 The-Lane, Krong Siem Reap 63000, Cambodia

The gentrified alleys of Siem Reap’s Old Market/Pub Street area

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