Food Guide: The Best Restaurants in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Many people come to Siem Reap in Cambodia because it’s the gateway to visiting Angkor Wat and the surrounding historic temples and ruins. But Siem Reap is a place worthy of exploration on its own. And for me, exploration of any town or city includes food! So in this post, I’m sharing with you 6 of the most unique restaurants and bars to try in Siem Reap.

Related: If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, read this post: 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit Angkor Wat

Fortunately, I was able to eat and drink a lot while visiting Siem Reap. There is no shortage of options in this charming city.

From bohemian coffee shops and cafes to open-air pubs, (Ideal in the age of COVID-19, since it’s always better to do things outside), and high-end restaurants, Siem Reap’s food scene is on point. Whether your budget is big or small, and your tastes are eclectic or simple, there’s something for everyone.

So let’s dive in!

6 of The Best Restaurants in Siem Reap

1. Sala Bai Hotel

Sala Bai is unique for a few reasons. First, there’s the outstanding food, local Cambodian dishes with a French twist. Second, there’s the beautiful setting. But equally important to the food and ambiance is the very important work this restaurant is doing for the local community. Sala Bai is actually a school where underprivileged local youths learn skills that enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. The students work at the restaurant while doing their studies, so we had a chance to meet some of them and hear their stories firsthand.

Sala Bai’s also has two sister restaurants, Friends and Romdeng in Phnom Penh. I ate at both places in Phnom Penh and highly recommend them as well. (They also run Khaiphaen in Luang Prabang, Laos.)

It’s incredible what this organization is doing to help local communities throughout Southeast Asia, and I am always happy to support an endeavor like this. If you make it to Sala Bai, make sure to order the Khmer Yellow Bean and Ginger Cake (below). It was the best dish I ate in all of Cambodia!

COVID-19 Travel Update: Please note that Sala Bai, Friends, and Romdeng in Cambodia and Khaiphaen in Laos are temporarily closed due to the pandemic. They plan to re-open when their respective governments allow them to do so.

Related: Check out some of my other Southeast Asia food guides including the best restaurants and the best coffee spots in Chang Mai, Thailand.

2. Malis Restaurant

One of the best restaurants in Siem Reap (and arguably all of Cambodia) is Malis Restaurant. I visited Cambodia on a group tour with Intrepid Travel and Malis is where we had our farewell dinner. Everything about our experience here was amazing.

From the moment you walk into this modern space with soaring ceilings, you feel like royalty. The dramatic design of the space (inspired by Angkor’s temples) translates to the service and food. Everything is impeccable.

The modern spin on Cambodian cuisine was a welcome change after much of the street food I had been devouring. Even though this is a high-end restaurant for Cambodia (There is also a Malis restaurant in Phnom Penh), it’s still reasonably priced compared to NYC restaurant prices.

Interestingly, we could not drink alcohol on the night we ate there out of respect for the death of the King’s Aunt, but the restaurant normally has an extensive wine and cocktail list as well.

3. Tribe Art Coffee and Cocktails

Tribe is a very special and unique place in Siem Reap that is both an art gallery and café. Opened by Londoners, Nat Di Maggio, and Terry McIlkenny, the duo decided to settle in Siem Reap in 2018, after coming to Cambodia regularly on holidays. The two have a strong connection to the art world back in London, and here in Siem Reap, they’ve given local artists the opportunity to show their work – art that transcends the typical tourist images you see peddled everywhere else in town.

Unfortunately, I just learned that Terry McIlkenny recently passed away, which saddened many in the local community. As of now, Tribe is still open to the public. 

4. Elia

Let’s face it. Sometimes when you’re traveling, you get tired of the local cuisine and want a change of pace. That’s why I’ve included Elia, a Greek restaurant serving Mediterranean food on my list of the best restaurants in Siem Reap.

If you find yourself needing a change of pace from all the great Khmer and Cambodian cuisine, head here for your fill of Greek salads, gyros, souvlaki, and more.

 5. Menaka Café and Lounge

In Siem Reap, you can get your fill of booze at one of the many establishments on loud and rowdy Pub Street, or you can opt for a more memorable cocktail experience. If you love the idea of having a drink in a tucked-away spot with a speakeasy feel, then Menaka Café and Lounge is the place for you.

Located down a small, dark alley, it’s easy to miss the entrance to Menaka if you don’t look carefully. But once you’re inside, it’s as if you’ve teleported to a chic cocktail bar in Paris or London. Have a seat at the art deco style bar on the ground floor or head upstairs to the cozy second floor. Sit back, get comfortable, and order one of the many speakeasy-inspired cocktails on the menu.

6. Fifty5

Sometimes you just want to sit yourself down and people watch. That’s exactly what you can do at Fifty5, located on a prime corner in the center of town. What’s great about this open-all-day café is the wide range of options they have. Fifty5 serves everything from great coffees and fruit smoothies, to gelato and cocktails. They also have free wifi which was ideal for me since I had a lot of work to get done (in between my people watching that is!).

7. The Hive

Finally, it would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the most popular places to eat in Siem Reap – The Hive. While it garnered quite a following for its healthy and delicious dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options, the cafe temporarily closed in July 2020. They are planning to re-open in a new space soon. Head to The Hive’s Facebook page for more immediate updates.

Are You Ready To Try the Most Unique Restaurants and Bars in Siem Reap?

So what do you think? Are you ready to add these unique Siem Reap restaurants and bars to your list? I hope so! I know I certainly had fun discovering them.

If you only have time to make it to one or two of these places, then my top recommendations are Malis and Sala Bai. These are two restaurants serving elevated Cambodian food in beautifully designed spaces. For me, that’s a winning combo every time.

If you have any questions about planning a trip to Cambodia, drop me an email! Also, check out the resources below for more travel and food guides in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

The Best of Cambodia

5 Things You Need To Know Before you Visit Angkor Wat

Things to Do in Siem Reap

Laos

Travel Guide: 6 Things To Do in Luang Prabang, Laos

Why You Should Stay at the Maison Dalabua in Luang Prabang, Laos

The 9 Best Restaurants in Luang Prabang, Laos