Where to Eat in Siem Reap: Restaurants That Give Back

Siem Reap is a foodie's paradise. People come for the temples. They come back for the food.

Over the past 18 years, we have watched our little town grow from a sleepy village with a handful of guesthouses into one of the most exciting places to eat in Southeast Asia. The variety is impressive — Khmer, French, Italian, Greek, Indian, Mexican, Japanese. You name it, Siem Reap probably has it.

Street 26, Siem Reap, 2026. From left: Footprint Café, Miss Wong cocktail bar, La Cabane French bistro, and Mr. Ciao Italian. One street. Four great reasons to come hungry.

But here is what makes our town truly special.

Some of the best restaurants here are not just serving great food. They are changing lives. Training young people who had almost nothing. Giving women a career and an income. Putting 100% of their profits back into the local community.

At Babel, we believe that where you spend your money matters. That is why we have put together a list of our personal favourite restaurants — places where a great meal also means a little bit of good in the world.

Haven — one of our absolute favourites, and one of Siem Reap's most inspiring places to eat.

But wait.. start with us!

Before we send you out into the city, we would love to have you at our own table first! Our garden restaurant at Babel Guesthouse is open every day from 7am to 9:30pm. Fresh food, made from scratch, MSG-free and refined sugar-free. Our kids' menu is a favourite with families. Come say hello!

This is what eating at Babel looks like. Fresh Khmer dishes, creative international plates, and everything made from scratch in our own kitchen.

Haven — Our Number One

If you only go to one restaurant on this list, make it Haven.

Haven is a beautiful garden restaurant that trains and employs disadvantaged young adults — people who have faced real hardship and are now building a future through hospitality. The food is outstanding. The service is warm and professional. And the garden setting is one of the most peaceful spots in Siem Reap.

Book ahead during peak season. It gets busy, and for very good reason.

Spoons — Part of the Babel Family

Spoons is one of those places that makes you feel good the moment you walk in. Built almost entirely from bamboo, it is beautiful, airy, and calm. All profits go directly to support students in hospitality training. The Khmer food here is some of the most authentic we have eaten in town.

But Spoons is more than just a restaurant we recommend. They are one of our partners.

Once a year, when a new group of Spoons students has completed their initial training, one to three of them come to Babel for a 10-week internship — working in our restaurant, our kitchen, and our front office. Over the years, these students have become a real part of the Babel family. Our staff always look forward to welcoming them back. Some of our team still keep in touch with former interns who went on to get jobs in Phnom Penh and on the islands. They visit each other. That is how close it gets.

Last year, Spoons told us something that made us very proud. Babel is always a first choice for their students — because of how much the previous ones have talked about their time with us. Apparently we were chosen over Raffles. We will take that.

If you eat at Spoons during your stay, know that the person serving you might be making your coffee at the guesthouse in a few months' time!

Meet Bonn La.

Spoons trainee, Babel intern, and one of the reasons we love what we do.

Sala Baï — A Lunch You Will Not Forget

This one is special. Sala Baï is a hospitality school that trains young people from difficult backgrounds. The lunch service is run entirely by students. The food is incredible — it is hard to believe it is made by students. Last booking 1:15pm.

Marum — It's Back!

We are so happy Marum is open again. Run by Friends International, this beautiful timber-house restaurant trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality. The menu is Cambodian and international dishes served tapas-style — small sharing plates that are full of flavour. Try the prahok k'tis with crispy rice — and for the adventurous, the red tree ant and beef stir-fry is not to be missed. And do not miss the Friends NGO shop situated right there.

Footprint Café — Good Coffee, Good Cause

Just a short walk from Babel Boutique on Street 26, Footprint is a modern café absolutely packed with books — walls of them, shelves of them, everywhere you look. The small green garden outside is lovely, but the real magic is upstairs. It is the perfect spot for book-loving families — grab a book, order some food, and just chill. Our own kids love it here.

100% of their net profits go back to the local community as education and entrepreneurial grants, decided by a local committee. The food is fresh and honest, the coffee is excellent, and the team is genuinely lovely.

Happy kids at Footprint!

When the owners' daughter picks her favourite restaurant — it's Footprint. Every time. That face says everything.

Heartprint Hub — The Snickers Bowl

Run by Heartprint, an Australian charity that has been working alongside Cambodian families for over a decade. Everything on the menu is fresh and generous. There is also a fair-trade shop selling handmade gifts by local women. Our personal recommendation? The Snickers Bowl. You will understand when you try it.

New Leaf Eatery — Since 2013

One of the longest-standing ethical restaurants in town. A big percentage of all profits goes to charity, and the menu covers Khmer, Western, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. It is one of the most reliable spots in the city — good food, good values, good price.

Leaf, Love, Laugh and Be Happy. That pretty much sums up New Leaf. We are proud to call them friends — and proud to send our guests through their door.

Tevy's Place — Local and Proud

Run by Tevy, a local Cambodian woman dedicated to empowering women in her community. The Khmer food here is outstanding and very good value. It is simple, honest, and delicious — the kind of meal you remember long after you leave.

Little Red Fox — Best Coffee in Town

Many people — including us — believe this is the best coffee in Siem Reap. Australian café culture, excellent food, and a team that genuinely cares about the community around them. Go early. It gets busy.

Sister Srey — Riverside and Relaxed

Founded by two Australian sisters and now proudly Cambodian-owned. Great coffee, lovely vegan options, and a relaxed riverside setting. A perfect spot for a slow breakfast or an afternoon break.

Banlle — Garden Vegetarian

A beautiful, fully plant-based restaurant on Street 26. They grow their own herbs. The food is fresh, creative, and very fairly priced. Indoor AC available for the hot months. One of our favourite quiet spots in the neighbourhood.

Bayon Coffee Shop — The French Pastry School

A charming garden café run by l'École du Bayon, which trains underprivileged women in pastry and hospitality. The pastries are baked fresh every morning by the students. The coffee is excellent. It is a very peaceful way to start your day.

Freshly baked, proudly made.

Bayon Pastry School trains underprivileged young women in baking and hospitality — and this is what talent looks like. Stop in for a coffee and a pastry. You will not regret it.

Wild — Spring Rolls and Cocktails

Creative spring rolls in a lush garden. This place has built a devoted local following and for good reason — the flavours are inventive, the prices are great, and the cocktails are excellent.

Cuisine Wat Damnak — For a Special Evening

One of the finest restaurants in Cambodia. Chef Joannès Rivière creates seasonal tasting menus built entirely around local Khmer ingredients and French technique. This is a special occasion restaurant — book ahead, dress up a little, and enjoy every bite. No children under 12.

That is our list — built over 18 years of living, eating, and growing up in this city together with our families, friends, staff, our drivers, and our community.

When you sit down at any of these tables, you are part of something bigger than a meal. You are choosing the kind of tourism that actually leaves something behind.

Thank you for that. We hope you eat well!

👉 See the full list with a map, opening hours and more on our Where to Eat page