8 Best Restaurants in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Operated by the Tree Alliance charity, this is a vocational training restaurant that demonstrates just how good the training is—the service is attentive and the food exceptional. New and inventive Cambodian dishes are constantly being added, the specials change regularly, and the cocktails are pretty decent, too.

You can fish your own dinner right out of the Gulf of Siam on a trip arranged by this restaurant, then take a class to learn how to prepare it—or just choose whether to have it grilled or made into a tartare, sushi, nigiri, or tempura. By far the most authentic Japanese food in Sihanoukville, the menu is heavily reliant on the Japanese owner's whim and the fish caught that day. Bento boxes, okonomiyaki, and other delights are also on offer.

Dine on the edge of Victory Beach, next to the crashing waves, at this lovely indoor-outdoor Cambodian restaurant. All manner of fresh fish and seafood, from stir-fries to clay pots to barbecues and curries, is available. Locals eat at this little offbeat gem—which is always a good sign. As it is usually only frequented by locals, English is not really spoken, so go with the flow.

This small restaurant serves big portions of Indian favorites at a great price, from paneer biryani rice to chicken masala and onion bhajis. You can accompany your meal with a mango lassi or a local beer, if you must.

Though it doesn't have the sea views, the simple and unpretentious Manoha serves excellent French-Khmer cuisine with a sophisticated air, prepared by a Cambodian chef who utilizes the best of fresh local ingredients and the fresh fish. Delicate dishes like fish carpaccio and tartare are recommended, as is the bai cha Manoha (prawns in a spicy sauce, with rice served in a pineapple).

This trendy downtown restaurant serves a blend of Khmer and Chinese dishes---which makes sense given Sihanoukville's demographics---so expect choices like roast pork and rice, chicken curry, whole salted fish, and even durian pizza. The large two-level space has plenty of seating choices.

Here you can try a shake, house-made yogurt, or a brownie, indulge in a massage, and learn about volunteering opportunities in Sihanoukville. The café has Wi-Fi and a handicrafts shop upstairs. It's not the easiest of places to find—hidden down a dirt road behind the Samudera Market in town—but it's well worth the trek, as it benefits the Starfish Project, which supports individuals in need.

In the Sokha Beach Resort, this outdoor beachfront restaurant is an idyllic dinner-and-drinks spot, from the dreamy sunset hour to late at night. The tapas menu is innovative and trendy and there's a nice selection of international wines to choose from.