Siem Reap’s food scene is one of Cambodia’s biggest surprises. While most visitors come for Angkor Wat, many leave talking just as much about the food. Based on first‑hand experience, here’s where to eat in Siem Reap for every budget.
While you’re here, see my other Cambodia guides:
The Ultimate Two-Day Phnom Penh Guide
Budget Eats
For affordable but memorable meals, Siem Reap delivers in spades. Many of the city’s most highly rated spots are casual, family‑run restaurants serving classic Khmer dishes at very low prices.
Golden Pumpkin
One of the most consistently praised budget Khmer restaurants. This is an especially good spot for vegetarian dishes.
Old Maison Eatery
A small, local, and widely praised for traditional Cambodian flavours.
Khmer Kitchen
This is a reliable go‑to near Pub Street for first‑timers.
Expect staples like fish amok, lok lak, green mango salad, fried rice, and noodle dishes, all packed with flavour and typically under a few pounds.
Mid‑Range Restaurants
Siem Reap really shines in the mid‑range category, where beautifully designed restaurants serve creative dishes without inflated prices. These are ideal for relaxed evenings after temple days.
Top‑rated mid‑range spots to know:
Sokkhak River Lounge
This is a riverside favourite known for refined Cambodian dishes, beautiful decor, and calm atmosphere.
WILD – Creative Bar & Spring Rolls
This casual, inventive, and hugely popular restaurant is great for sharing plates and cocktails
Sambo Khmer & Thai Restaurant
This is a must-visit. The food is absolutely incredible and the warm and friendly staff make the experience so memorable.
Many mid‑range restaurants blend Khmer and international cuisine, making them perfect if you want variety without compromising quality, for less than 15 -20 pounds.
High‑End Dining
For food lovers, Siem Reap has an impressive fine‑dining scene whilst still offering very low costs.
Embassy by Chef Kimsan
Often described as Michelin‑quality, Embassy offers a monthly changing tasting menu focused on modern Khmer cuisine. It’s intimate, story‑driven, and one of the most highly praised restaurants in the country.
Cuisine Wat Damnak
A benchmark for elevated Cambodian dining, Cuisine Wat Damnak blends Khmer ingredients with French technique in a tasting‑menu format. It regularly appears on “best restaurant” lists for Siem Reap.
Kroya by Chef Chanrith
Set within the Park Hyatt, Kroya focuses on refined Cambodian tradition in an elegant but understated setting. This spot is recommended for special occasions.
Malis Siem Reap
One of Cambodia’s most famous restaurant names, Malis delivers polished, contemporary Khmer cuisine in a beautiful riverside space.
Ethical & Social Enterprise Restaurants
Siem Reap is also well known for restaurants that support education and hospitality training, allowing you to eat well while giving back.
Haven
This restaurant is commended for both its mission and quality of food
Marum
Known for modern Cambodian cuisine and professional training programmes
These restaurants combine good food with meaningful impact.
From affordable local eats to globally recognised fine dining, Siem Reap offers something for every type of traveller. If you plan your food well here, it will become just as memorable as Angkor Wat itself.
