Bekkan Ramen (24A Street 334)
Phnom penh's first and most delicious ramen restaurant, Bekkan Ramen, has now been operating in the city for four straight years. The owner, Francis, honed his craft in the bustling heart of Tokyo before bringing his encyclopedic knowledge of Japanese ramen here for the people of Cambodia to enjoy. With traditional wooden panelling and Japanese décor, Bekkan Ramen provides a touch of Tokyo in Phnom Penh. Whether you want to pull up a stool at the stylish bar and enjoy one of the 25 foreign and international beers on offer with your meal, or find a table sample a variety of Bekkan Ramen's culinary delights with friends, you can't go wrong. Francis' savory gyoza and authentic shoyu are stand-out dishes that are not to be missed.
Caravan's Brasseries (68 Sihanouk Blvd)
There's no shortage of European fine dining in Phnom Penh, and Caravan's Brasserie is the cream of the crop. When you're ready for a break from cheap street eats, stroll on down to this sumptuous dining spot for a truly memorable gastronomic experience. Caravan's French-trained chef will tantalize your tastebuds with a cornucopia of delectable dishes. From creamy pasta to succulently grilled cuts of the finest meats, your continental cravings will be well and truly satisfied at this elegantly appointed restaurant. Your meal will be perfectly complemented by the sophisticated selection of European wines on their tastefully curated drinks menu. With a wonderful view of the Independence Monument-gorgeously lit up in the evening-there's nowhere better to enjoy a leisurely meal with rich food, fine wine, and great company than Caravan's.
Dot Grill: Lounge (8 Street 144)
For a fiery dining experience in Cambodia's capital you can't go past Dot Grill. Each day their chief carefully selects the finest ingredients and artfully marinates them with just the right balance of traditional Khmer herbs and spices. Your selection is made to order and cooked over and open grill before your eyes. This is not your backyard barbecue-your meal comes to your table beautifully presented on a large skewer, with a variety of dipping sauces for your delectation. With a range of traditional Khmer dishes and international barbecue favorites, Dot Grill is here to satisfy the pickiest of barbecue lovers. The riverside location and fun contemporary feel make Dot Grill the perfect place to dine with friends before exploring the nightlife Phnom Penh has on offer.
The Restore One Cafe (23 Street 123)
A burger-lover's heaven, Restore One Cafe's hearty menu packs a sizable punch. Their generous portions and deliciously designed dishes will have your salivating before the food even gets to your table. If hand-cut fries with a variety of tasty dipping sauces sounds like you (how could it not?), Restore One will not disappoint. On top of their fantastic menu, The Restore One Cafe's al fresco dining offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh's hectic streets. Get off the dusty road, pull up a seat in their leafy dining area, and sink your teeth into something special. The handy proximity to the Russian Market gives you the perfect excuse to take a break from bargain hunting before diving back into the fray.
