Best Siem Reap Restaurants: Where to Eat & Drink in Siem Reap
We all know that Siem Reap is the most popular destination in Cambodia, and it’s not hard to see why. Home to the incredible temples of Angkor, tourists flock to Siem Reap to see the temples, often only staying for a day. Little do they know what they are missing out on. Siem Reap has so much to offer, and there’s so much to see and do. Plus, the food and drinks are amazing, with incredible places to eat and drink for amazing prices.
I adored my time in Siem Reap (so much that I’m going back during my travels this year!). It’s an easy place to love. The people are nice, the vibe is good and everything is just chill. Not to mention all the epic things you can do there! I was in Siem Reap for nearly a week, and came back for another couple of days after exploring the rest of Cambodia before heading home.
So, I guess you could say I tried out a lot of restaurants, bars and cafes. I’m going to try my best to sum up all my personal favourites and the best Siem Reap restaurants, cafes and bars in this blog, to ensure you don’t miss any of the best places when exploring Cambodia’s best city.
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The best restaurants, cafes and bars in Siem Reap
Note: All prices are in US Dollars, as commonly accepted in Cambodia.
Best Siem Reap restaurants in Pub Street
Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap, so it’s not surprise that it’s home to some of the best places to eat and drink in Siem Reap. It’s also the best place to grab a bargain. Prices for a beer start at 0.50c in Pub Street, and you’ll find cocktails going for as little as $1.50, with huge selections at some establishments.
It’s a bustling street which shuts off traffic at 5pm daily. Filled with restaurants, bars, shops and markets, it’s truly the place to be in Siem Reap, especially at night when it comes alive with bright lights and decorations. It’s also a great spot for lunch or some afternoon drinks.
Most establishments offered varied menus, often with a mix of varied cusines, with Khmer, Western and Asian dishes all readily available at most restaurants.
Café Latino
What originally drew me to Café Latino was the huge range of happy hour cocktails (generally speaking, happy hour runs from open till close in Siem Reap!). With prices ranging from $1-2.50, you’ll find classics and a huge range of unique cocktails, and they are all huge. Even better are the frozen margarita’s, which are great considering the extremely hot weather in Siem Reap.
The menu is also huge, with Khmer and Western favourites, and also a large range of Mexican dishes. Nachos anyone? With comfortable and cosy seating, you can relax in the lush lounge chairs and watch the street bustle around you.
Paper Tigere Eatery
Another one of my Pub Street favourites, Paper Tigere is known for its great pizza and delicious cocktails. The also offer cooking classes. It has a cosy vibe and is right in the middle of pub street so you won’t miss anything. Try to grab one of the tables at the front with comfy lounge chairs to enjoy the street life. It’s located right next to the Angkor Wat. Bar, who often have live music, which means you can enjoy the music drifting in.
The Kitchen 2002
Situated in the heart of Pub Street and incredibly cosy, settle in here for the perfect lunch or dinner. The cocktail and happy hour specials run all day here, meaning you can grab a 0.50c beer at any time of the day. The Kitchen prides itself on its high-quality meals and is considered to be a little bit more of a ‘fine dining’ option, compared to other neighbouring restaurants.
Must tries include the pasta, scallops and if you feel fancy, they even offer lobster among a huge range of Khmer dishes. Also open for breakfast, you can sit in the cool and comfy lounge chairs and watch the bustling Pub Street antics at any time of the day!
Khmer Family Restaurant
The staff here make you feel right at home at this gorgeous restaurant, and they serve up really good food right in the heart of Pub Street. They offer a huge range of Khmer set dishes, as well as a large range of Western dishes. The fresh spring rolls are a must try, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner (of course, with a couple of drinks!)
Banana Leaf
A large establishment on the corner of Pub Street, Banana Leaf is a fan favourite. The often have local artists performing live music, and the tables at the front are the perfect place to people watch. The menu is great, with Asian and Western dishes, and so is the cocktail menu. It is a little more expensive here than other places in Pub Street, particularly for drinks. However, it is worth it for the great food and great energy.
Tip: Make sure to try the fried ice cream rolls for dessert in Pub Street! Pick your flavours and watch the local vendors make them in front of you. They are DELICIOUS.
Best Restaurants in Siem Reap Outside of Pub Street
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Pub Street for a meal, there are plenty of amazing restaurants to be found elsewhere in Siem Reap.
Khmer Kitchen
Located just around the corner from Pub Street, this restaurant has been open since 1999, making it one of the longest running restaurants in the area. Khmer Kitchen is the place to try local foods, serving up delicious fish amok and other Khmer dishes.
The also offer a wide range of Western dishes. It may not look like the most glamourous place, but the food is great and it’s the perfect option for a casual meal.
Genevieve’s Restaurant
Genevieve’s Restaurant is one of the top-rated restaurants in Siem Reap, and it’s not hard to see why. Located away from the bustling Pub Street, the vibe here is quieter, and the restaurant is beautifully decorated. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and they cater to a wide range of dietary needs. The food is delicious, and don’t forget to splurge on a dessert, you won’t regret it here!
The Jungle Street Food Cafe
A restaurant, café and bar all in one, you can’t really go wrong with Jungle Street Food Café. With 0.50c beer and amazing, freshly prepared meals, you can also choose to do a local cooking class here. One of my top choices to stop for lunch during a day of exploring if you are looking for something a little quieter than Pub Street.
Best Cafes in Siem Reap
Finding cute cafes and coffee spots is one of my favourite things to do, and there’s no shortage of amazing places in Siem Reap. One of the best things is that many of the smaller establishments support local iniatives, and there’s some real gems to be found, so this is just a few of my favourites!
Sister Srey Café
A gorgeous little café with a good cause. Sister Srey Café opened in 2012, with the aim of serving up good coffee and creating a supportive and empowering environment to educate Cambodian’s, where they aim to support young students struggling to balance education and helping to support their family. Situated near the lake, this is gem that serves delicious coffee, nice cakes and even better, supports a good cause.
Common Grounds
Great coffee, delicious treats and light meals are all serves up at Common Grounds, a lovely café located not too far from the hustle and bustle of the central market and eating area in Siem Reap.
Common grounds also support projects in local villages, and the staff are as friendly as can be. You can opt for a snack and coffee, or a café style meal with Khmer and Western favourites on the menu.
Gelato Lab
Have a saved the best for last? Maybe. Gelato Lab is widely considered to be the best ice-cream and gelato in Siem Reap. Located in the much quieter Alley West just a few steps from Pub Street, the gelato and sorbet are homemade, and they also offer delicious blends of coffee. The perfect place for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Best Places to Drink in Pub Street & Nearby
Bars and clubs come alive at night in Siem Reap, and depending on the vibe you are looking for, you can find just about anything. Most of the action occurs in and around Pub Street, although there are many more spots in Siem Reap to grab a drink and dance.
Temple Club
A restaurant in the day turned bar and club late at night, Temple is based across 3 floors, with a rooftop bar the icing on the cake. A great place for some dinner and drinks, and the perfect place to kick on if you fancy a night of dancing and drinking. It’s always busy, being a favourite among tourists and locals alike.
Angkor Wat? Bar
The Angkor Wat? Bar is one of the longest standing establishments in Pub Street and claims to have been supporting irresponsible drinking since 1998. The vibe here is very chill compared to Temple Club, often with live music. You can also opt for a tasty meal here to go down with the beers.
Picasso Bar
Picasso Bar is an amazing find, located centrally just around the corner from the bustling Pub Street. The bar is horseshoe shaped, with the aim of encouraging easy flow conversation with others. It’s a friendly and stylish vibe, and the house named speciality is the fresh sangria. They also have tempting happy hour specials, with buy 1 get 1 free on selected drinks.
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There’s endless options of places to eat and drink in Siem Reap, and you won’t be disappointed in the good food and drink. In fact, you won’t be disappointed in anything about Siem Reap, from the temples, the culture and the atmosphere.
While you are there, I highly recommend visiting the paradise island Koh Rong Samloem, or stopping by in capital city of Phnom Penh. Even better, head to Vietnam and explore Ho Chi Minh City!
Planning a trip? Here’s some of my favourite travel planning resources!
- Skyscanner: The only place to book flights! Skyscanner searches the internet for all the best deals on flights.
- Booking.com: My go to for booking and searching for hotels!
- Get your Guide: The best places for booking day tours and tickets for any kind of activity!
- Tour Radar: If group tours are more your thing, Tour Radar is the place to search all kinds of tours.
- Trip Advisor: Search reviews on hotels, activities and restaurants all in one place on Tripadvisor!
- Travel Insurance: Never travel without travel insurance! I recommend Travelex travel insurance.
Happy travelling,
