Introduction
This independent and handpicked guide to Siem Reap's best eating and cafes was last updated in 2023. We've tried every place on this list - most of them several times. We have not yet completed a full post-COVID update. Check addresses!
No matter where you are in the world, when tourism dominates a small economy, good local cuisine options tend to suffer. And so it is in Siem Reap - a town that owes its contemporary existence to temple-bound travellers. The good thing is that most of Siem Reap's eateries are clustered around the old town. So it's easy to survey the scene and make your choices.
Siem Reap’s culinary options are surprisingly good for a town with almost no indigenous restaurant scene. And it's getting better each year.
The clusters of Khmer restaurants in Pub St and the alley are convenient but they're not the best places to eat.
Siem Reap’s best dining is on the fringe of the Old Market area and further afield.
Cuisine Wat Damnak is an especially memorable Siem Reap night out and serves an excellent contemporary take on Khmer cuisine with plenty of delicious improvisation. The Raffles Grand d’Angkor Hotel and the Park Hyatt are also doing some interesting things for those looking for an upscale Khmer culinary experience in a five star environment.
The better of the Khmer tourist restaurants - Chanrey Tree, Sugar Palm and Viroth’s -are worth a look for Khmer cuisine in comfortable, tourist-friendly spaces.
There's a good selection of French and other western options as well.
Coffee drinkers will be pleased to note a flourishing scene of cafes serving serious coffee. The Kandal Village area is well worth a look.
There are so many restaurants in Siem Reap that there are bound to be some worthy spots that haven’t made our listing. Let us know your recommendations.
