8 Best Restaurants in Kampot

Kampot is a town on the rise, and with each new wave of travelers to the area, more shops and restaurants are popping up on every street. The culinary scene of Kampot is one of its best features, and with a curious mix of French, Chinese, and Cambodian history, the cuisine on offer is unlike anywhere else in the country. Here’s our roundup of the 8 best restaurants in Kampot.

Khmer Root Café

1331 Road, Brateak Krola Lake
Mon-Sun 11am-5pm

You’ll have to venture away from the main area of Kampot’s downtown to find Khmer Root Cafe and enjoy its unique dining experience. This restaurant sits on the shores of the Brateak Krola Lake, providing peace and unrivalled views and serving fresh Khmer cuisine. The open kitchen offers diners full view of their food being prepared, with fresh, local ingredients, where you can also enroll in a cooking course. Get their popular massaman curry and enjoy the view from the bamboo hut restaurant.

Rikitikitavi

Riverside Road Corner Street 728
Mon-Sun 7am-10pm

Next to the post office on Riverside Road, dine on Kampot pepper chicken, beef lak lak, and Cambodian curries at this riverside terrace eatery. The location offers an unspoiled view of the Praek Chuk River, as well as prime people watching along the street. In-keeping with its surroundings, the aesthetic is natural and immersive, with floral displays and coconut trees. Grab a cocktail and tuck into an authentic Khmer meal at Rakitikitavi.

Epic Arts Café

67 Oosaupia Muoy Sovan Sakor, Kampong Kandal
Mon-Sun 7am-4pm

A couple of blocks from the Durian Roundabout is the Epic Arts Café, a well-loved breakfast and lunch spot with plenty of vegetarian options. The decor is bright and homey and, as the name suggests, doubles as an arts and crafts venue. The cafe was opened as a place for disabled and hard of hearing people to work, and has developed a local fondness as a result. Remove your shoes before entering, enjoy a quick bagel and hummus, and peruse the colorful decor.

Ecran Noodles

Street 735, Krong Kampot, Cambodia
Wed-Mon 11am-9pm

For pure, unabashed Asian food, head to Ecran Noodles on the riverfront. Deep bowls of soup and dumplings, thick tasty noodles, and crunchy fried veg abound at this local favorite. The menu favors quality over quantity, so pick your dish, take a seat, and enjoy in a no frills manner with tons of character and minimal fuss.

Simple Things

54 Old Market Street
Mon-Sun 8am-10pm

One for the veggies and vegans, Simple Things restaurant sits on the Old Market and is regularly frequented for those looking to eat, drink, work, or chill out in a relaxed atmosphere. The simple, clean decor, friendly staff, nutritious smoothies, and delicious food make this a constantly popular place in downtown Kampot. Not to miss for those on a plant-based diet.

Twenty Three Bistro

Street 726
Wed-Sun 12pm-9pm

Enjoy craft beer and pure Kampot cuisine at this unassuming bistro. Combining Kampot’s unique history of French and Khmer influence, Twenty Three Bistro has everything from braised pork belly and cheddar soufflé to bok choy with Kampot pepper. Don’t miss out on the cocktails at this trendy Cambodian-with-a-twist restaurant.

Arvi (Amber Kampot)

Ta Ang Village, Sangkat Traeuy Kaoh

LUNCH
Monday to Sunday
12pm – 2:00pm

Splash out on Kampot’s only fine dining restaurant at Amber Kampot’s on-site restaurant, Arvi. Top chef Toek Manghout honed his culinary talent working at prestigious eateries in Phnom Penh before returning to his hometown to help elevate the food scene in Kampot. Rivalling top tier restaurant Malis in Phnom Penh, Arvi’s dishes use fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Eat your heart out on awe-inspiring Khmer fusion dishes at a riverside location with unobstructed views.

Auberge du Soleil

23 Street 728
Mon-Sun 8am-11pm

Indulge in a dish of authentic Cambodian foodSplash out on some Cambodian fine dining at hotel restaurant Auberge du Soleil on Kipling Lane. Located in one of Kampot’s French colonial style buildings, the restaurant provides cuisine in-keeping with the town, mixing Cambodian and French dishes like beef tartar, chocolate fondant, and Khmer coffee, complemented by Swiss dishes like cheese fondue, perfect for sharing. Head here for an evening meal to enjoy the calmness of Kampot as it begins to wind down for the day.

A culinary tour of Kampot will surprise you with its array of local, foreign, and fusion dishes that cater to everyone from spice lovers and meat eaters to vegans and vegetarians. This list is by no means extensive, and you’ll find a wealth of food options strolling around Kampot’s many markets. Let your nose lead the way as you discover the hidden gems of Kampot’s food scene.