Fine Dining in Siem Reap: Top Restaurants & Culinary Experiences (2025)
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✈️ BOOK YOUR LUXURY STAY AT PARK HYATT SIEM REAP – STEPS AWAY FROM TOP RESTAURANTS!
Introduction to Fine Dining in Siem Reap
Siem Reap isn’t just the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Wat—it’s also Cambodia’s most exciting fine dining destination. The city has undergone a culinary renaissance in recent years, with talented chefs creating magical fusion experiences that blend traditional Khmer flavors with sophisticated international techniques.
What I love most about fine dining in Siem Reap is how it reflects the soul of Cambodia. Chefs here use locally-sourced ingredients like Kampot pepper, lemongrass, and galangal to create elegant dishes that tell stories of the region’s rich heritage.
🌟 My Experience: During my three-month stay in Cambodia, I was consistently amazed by how the fine dining scene in Siem Reap combines deep respect for traditional recipes with innovative presentation. One evening, I watched a chef delicately plate a dish using tweezers to position wild herbs gathered that morning from the countryside. This attention to detail elevates the dining experience beyond mere sustenance—it’s truly an art form.
From intimate venues tucked away near Wat Damnak village to stunning riverside terraces where you can watch the sunset, Siem Reap’s fine dining scene offers experiences that will satisfy even the most discerning foodies.
Ready to discover where to enjoy the most unforgettable meals in this ancient city? Let’s dive in!
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Siem Reap
When it comes to best fine dining in Siem Reap, you’re spoiled for choice. I’ve spent countless evenings sampling the city’s most extraordinary restaurants, and these are the standouts that will truly elevate your Cambodian experience.
Cuisine Wat Damnak
Cambodian with French influences Tasting Menu Format
Nestled near the serene Wat Damnak village, this restaurant pioneered elevated Cambodian cuisine in Siem Reap. Chef Joannès Rivière, who has called Cambodia home for 17 years, creates a weekly changing menu that showcases the freshest local ingredients.
What makes this place special is how it honors traditional Khmer flavors while presenting them in innovative ways. The restaurant once graced Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and for good reason—every dish feels like a discovery.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Weekly changing menu based on market availability
- Intimate dining room with just 24 seats
- Detailed explanations of each dish’s cultural significance
- Perfect fusion of Cambodian flavors with French technique
🌟 My Experience: I still dream about their local river fish with wild herbs. The fish was caught that morning from the Tonlé Sap, and the herbs were foraged from around the temple ruins. The combination of delicate flesh with the aromatic herbs created a flavor profile I’d never experienced before. When I asked about one particular herb, the chef personally came to my table to explain its traditional medicinal uses!
Price Range: $35-45 per person for tasting menu
Embassy Restaurant
Modern Khmer All-Female Team
Embassy offers one of the most refined dining experiences in Siem Reap, led by the incredible Chef Kimsan Pol and her all-female team. Featured in The World’s 50 Best Discovery list, this restaurant serves monthly changing tasting menus that showcase seasonal Khmer dishes with contemporary flair.
The seven-course menu is priced at $54 per person—a steal for the quality and creativity on display.
Highlights:
- All-female kitchen team breaking barriers in fine dining
- Sophisticated plating techniques worthy of Instagram
- Monthly changing menu based on seasonal availability
- Modern interpretations of traditional Khmer recipes
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for the chef’s table experience when booking. For an additional $15, you’ll get to watch the all-female kitchen team in action and receive special off-menu treats throughout your meal. When I did this, they prepared a surprise amuse-bouche using a century-old recipe the chef learned from her grandmother!
Price Range: $54 per person for 7-course tasting menu
Malis Restaurant Siem Reap
Malis Restaurant Siem Reap deserves its own section because it’s simply extraordinary. Named after the white jasmine flower, Malis celebrates Cambodia’s culinary heritage dating back to the Angkor period.
Chef Luu Meng has created a menu that honors traditional recipes while incorporating modern techniques. The stunning riverside terrace overlooking the Siem Reap River provides a magical setting for dinner, especially when they feature traditional Apsara dance performances.
🌟 My Experience: I visited Malis three times during my stay in Siem Reap, and each time the food and service were flawless. Watching the sunset over the river while dining on their terrace is an experience I’ll never forget. One evening, they surprised me with a sampling of rare palm wines paired with each course—a thoughtful touch when they learned about my interest in local beverages!
What Makes Malis Special
The restaurant focuses on what they call “living Cambodian cuisine”—preserving traditional flavors while adapting them for contemporary palates. Their dedication to using premium local ingredients shines through in every dish.
Signature Dishes at Malis
Must-Try Dishes:
- Fish Amok — Cambodia’s national dish served in a coconut with fragrant lemongrass and galangal
- Kampot Crab Fried Rice — Sweet crab meat from the Gulf of Thailand tossed with aromatic Kampot pepper
- Prahok Ktiss — A complex dipping sauce with minced pork, fermented fish paste, coconut milk, and kroeung spice blend
- Char Kroeung Sach Ko — Stir-fried beef with Cambodian kroeung paste and fresh herbs
💡 Pro Tip: Request a table on the riverside terrace about 30 minutes before sunset. The golden hour light reflecting off the Siem Reap River creates the perfect backdrop for both your photos and your meal. I captured some of my most-liked Instagram photos here without even trying!
Price Range: $17-35 per person
BOOK YOUR TABLE AT MALIS & ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY WELCOME DRINK
Marum Restaurant Siem Reap
Marum Restaurant Siem Reap offers fine dining with a purpose. This social enterprise restaurant trains disadvantaged youth in culinary and hospitality skills, providing them with life-changing opportunities.
But don’t think the noble mission means they compromise on quality—quite the opposite! Marum serves some of the most creative and adventurous dishes in Siem Reap, presented as beautifully crafted small plates perfect for sharing.
⚠️ Warning: Some of Marum’s dishes feature unusual ingredients that might challenge Western palates, like red tree ants and silkworms. If you’re not feeling adventurous, don’t worry—they offer plenty of more familiar options too. Just let your server know your preferences!
The Marum Experience
Set in a peaceful garden illuminated by fairy lights near Wat Polanka, Marum offers a magical setting for dinner. The restaurant specializes in tapas-style Cambodian cuisine with unexpected flavor combinations.
| For Adventurous Eaters | For Less Adventurous Palates |
|---|---|
| Beef with red ants (trust me—it’s delicious!) | Wild mushroom and tofu spring rolls |
| Creamy silkworms with local herbs | Khmer vegetable curry |
| Stir-fried frog legs with Kampot pepper | Banana blossom salad |
| Crispy tarantula with lime and pepper dip | Mango sticky rice dessert |
💡 Pro Tip: Ask to be seated in the garden area for the most atmospheric experience. And don’t skip their creative cocktails—the lemongrass and ginger mojito perfectly complements the food. If you visit during the day, you can often see the trainees learning new skills in their open kitchen.
RESERVE YOUR TABLE AT MARUM & SUPPORT THEIR MISSION
Michelin-Quality Restaurants in Siem Reap
While there are no official Michelin star restaurants in Siem Reap (the Michelin Guide hasn’t yet expanded to Cambodia), several establishments offer dining experiences that would certainly merit recognition from the famed guide.
These Michelin-quality restaurants in Siem Reap deliver exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and unforgettable ambiance that rivals starred establishments around the world.
Amansara’s Dining Room
Khmer and International Ultra-Luxury
Part of the ultra-luxurious Aman resort, Amansara’s Dining Room offers an exclusive fine dining experience in an elegant circular room with terraces overlooking manicured lawns.
What sets Amansara apart is their ability to arrange extraordinary dining experiences, such as private dinners in the 10th-century Prasat Kravan temple lit by 1,000 candles. They also offer cheese and wine from their expertly curated cellar and freshly baked cakes daily.
🌟 My Experience: Their temple dinner experience was nothing short of magical. I had requested a special anniversary celebration, and they arranged a private dinner at Prasat Kravan temple. We arrived at sunset to find the ancient stone corridor illuminated by hundreds of candles, with a personal chef and server waiting for us. As we dined on foie gras and wagyu beef, a traditional Khmer musician played softly in the background. It was expensive, but as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it was worth every penny.
💡 Pro Tip: While staying at Amansara is a splurge, non-guests can often book dinner reservations. Their temple dinner experience is absolutely magical—worth every penny for a special occasion. Book at least 2 weeks in advance for these special experiences.
Price Range: $85-300+ per person
Abacus Restaurant
French Garden Setting
Operating since 2004, Abacus has established itself as Siem Reap’s premier destination for French cuisine. Set in a romantic tropical garden in the Old French Quarter, this restaurant combines the finest local and imported ingredients in their traditional and contemporary French dishes.
The consistency and attention to detail at Abacus would surely impress Michelin inspectors. Their wine list is also one of the best in the city.
Signature Dishes:
- Duck confit with orange sauce and truffle mashed potatoes
- Kampot pepper-crusted beef tenderloin
- Foie gras terrine with fig chutney
- Authentic crème brûlée with Madagascar vanilla
💡 Pro Tip: Request a table in the garden for the most romantic atmosphere. If you enjoy wine, ask the sommelier for local pairing recommendations—they stock some surprising Cambodian wines that pair beautifully with their French cuisine.
Price Range: $50-75 per person
Unique Culinary Experiences
The fine dining in Siem Reap extends beyond restaurant walls, offering extraordinary gastronomic adventures that will become the highlight of your trip:
Temple Dining
Imagine dining by candlelight within the ancient walls of a 10th-century temple. Amansara offers exclusive temple dinners at Prasat Kravan, illuminated by 1,000 candles. As you savor exquisite cuisine, you’ll be surrounded by history that dates back to the Angkor civilization.
🌟 My Experience: The temple dining experience was nothing short of magical. The combination of ancient architecture, flickering candlelight, and world-class cuisine created a truly unforgettable evening. We were the only diners in the entire temple complex, and watching the moon rise over the ancient stones while sipping champagne felt like being transported back to the height of the Khmer Empire. The chef prepared each course tableside, explaining the historical significance of each ingredient.
Price Range: $250-500 per person
Lake Lunches
For a more intimate experience, arrange a romantic picnic on Tonlé Sap lake. As you float past stilted village homes, your private chef will prepare gourmet dishes showcasing the freshest local ingredients.
💡 Pro Tip: The best time to book a lake dining experience is either early morning for birdwatching or late afternoon to catch the sunset over the water. The morning light provides the best photography opportunities of the floating villages, while sunset offers the most romantic ambience.
Price Range: $80-150 per person
Cooking Classes
Many of Siem Reap’s fine dining establishments, including Malis, offer cooking classes where you can learn the techniques behind Khmer cuisine. These hands-on sessions typically include a market tour, cooking demonstration, and of course, eating your creations.
🌟 My Experience: I took Malis’ cooking class and learned how to make authentic fish amok using traditional techniques. The class began with a fascinating market tour where the chef taught us how to select the perfect ingredients. The most surprising part was learning to make our own kroeung paste using a giant mortar and pestle—much harder than it looks! I still use the recipe they gave me to impress dinner guests back home.
Price Range: $30-65 per person
Practical Tips for Fine Dining in Siem Reap
To make the most of your culinary adventures in Siem Reap, here are some insider tips:
Reservations
The best fine dining in Siem Reap restaurants are popular and often fully booked, especially during high season (November to February). I recommend making reservations at least 3-5 days in advance, particularly for restaurants like Cuisine Wat Damnak and Embassy Restaurant.
💡 Pro Tip: Many restaurants offer online booking with potential exclusive offers or complimentary welcome drinks. When I booked Malis online, they offered a free traditional welcome cocktail that wasn’t mentioned to walk-in guests. Also, some hotel concierges have special relationships with restaurants and can secure hard-to-get reservations—it never hurts to ask!
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK TABLES AT TOP SIEM REAP RESTAURANTS
Dress Code
Most fine dining establishments in Siem Reap have a smart-casual dress code. Men should wear long pants and closed shoes, while women can wear dresses, skirts, or nice pants. For high-end venues like Amansara, more formal attire may be expected for special events.
⚠️ Warning: While Cambodia is generally relaxed, showing up in beach attire (shorts, flip-flops, tank tops) to fine dining establishments is considered disrespectful. I saw a couple turned away from Embassy Restaurant for wearing shorts and sandals. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Bring a light jacket or shawl as air-conditioning can be quite cold in some restaurants.
Budget Considerations
Fine dining in Siem Reap is surprisingly affordable compared to similar experiences in Western countries or even other Asian capitals:
How to Save Money:
- Lunch menus often offer similar quality at lower prices than dinner
- Many restaurants offer special promotions during the low season (April to September)
- Some restaurants offer early bird specials (typically before 6:30 PM)
- Book through your hotel concierge—they often have special rates or perks
- Skip the imported wine and try local Cambodian beverages instead
| Restaurant | Price Range | Best Value Option | Worth the Splurge? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malis Restaurant | $17-35 per person | Set lunch menu ($17) | Absolutely |
| Embassy Restaurant | $54 per person | 7-course tasting menu | Yes |
| Cuisine Wat Damnak | $35-45 per person | 5-course menu ($35) | Yes |
| Marum Restaurant | $25-40 per person | Sharing plates (4-5 dishes) | Yes |
| Amansara Temple Dinner | $250-500 per person | Basic package without alcohol | For special occasions |
Transportation
Getting to these restaurants is easy:
- For central locations, tuk-tuks are convenient and affordable (usually $2-3 within the city)
- For more remote venues, consider booking a private car with driver
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit multiple restaurants over your stay, find a reliable tuk-tuk driver on your first day and arrange for them to be your regular driver. I connected with a wonderful driver named Sothea who became my personal guide throughout my stay. He waited while I dined and offered valuable local insights between restaurants. Most drivers are happy to arrange a daily rate of $15-20.
BOOK A RELIABLE PRIVATE DRIVER FOR YOUR RESTAURANT HOPPING
Final Thoughts
Fine dining in Siem Reap offers so much more than just excellent food—it’s a window into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, a celebration of local ingredients, and an opportunity to support businesses that are making a positive impact.
From the refined Khmer cuisine at Embassy Restaurant to the social enterprise model of Marum Restaurant, each dining experience tells a different story of this fascinating country. Whether you’re seeking Michelin-quality restaurants in Siem Reap or authentic Malis Restaurant Siem Reap experiences, you’ll find that the city’s culinary scene rivals many more established food destinations.
🌟 My Experience: What struck me most during my three months in Siem Reap was how the fine dining scene perfectly balances tradition and innovation. Many chefs are actively researching pre-war recipes, interviewing elders, and reviving cooking techniques that were nearly lost during the Khmer Rouge era. This dedication to culinary heritage preservation while embracing modern presentation makes dining here not just delicious but deeply meaningful.
My advice? Come hungry, be adventurous with your palate, and take the time to learn about the stories behind each dish. The connections between food, culture, and history are what make dining in Siem Reap truly special.
Ready to Experience Siem Reap’s Culinary Excellence?
Don’t miss out on the extraordinary dining experiences that await in this ancient city. From riverside terraces to temple dinners by candlelight, Siem Reap offers food memories that will last a lifetime.
Have you experienced fine dining in Siem Reap? Which restaurant is on your must-visit list? Let me know in the comments below!
