French colonization (from 1863 – 1953) was one of the most important eras in Cambodian history that left us a permanent mark on the landscape of Cambodia from sandy shore to mountain range with structures. FoodBuzz is here to present to you, 7 of the most famous restaurants operating business in those historical building so everyone can enjoy a piece of history.

#1 Brown Coffee and Bakery: Riverside

Brown coffee is the most popular local coffee shop in Cambodia due to their original menu, suitable for Cambodian taste and the extra effort that goes into brewing every single drop of coffee with finesse. But one other important factor you can’t deny is that Brown coffee offers an extensive spacing with enticing interior design inside a marvelous architectural masterpiece.

The most spectacular and fascinating Brown outlet have to go to Brown Riverside due the fact that it’s a historical building that was constructed since 1889 and has stood strong and proud ever since. Even though parts of the building were renovated, the basic structure of the building remains intact to the present day.

Price: $2.70+ for both coffee and food

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Contact Number: 010 917 907

Address: House 1Eo, Preah Sisowath Quay, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh | Googlemap 

#2 Restaurant Le Royal

Restaurant Le Royal is part of Raffles Hotel Le Royal that was completed and opened its grand door since 1929. The official opening ceremony was even attended by King Sisowath Monivong himself!

The hotel was constructed in a French Colonial manner while also infusing the essence of Cambodian culture. It was refurbished and reopened in 1997, continuing to be an important part of Cambodia’s heritage and culture as it has for 92 years since the initial establishment. Plus, the menu features royal Khmer cuisine that has been handed down by the decree of the Royal Palace. It’s one of the few restaurants where you can truly “eat like a king”.

Price:

• $24++ for a 2-course lunch menu
• $102++ for weekend brunch with free flow G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut Champagne, signature wines and cocktails

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Lunch
• Monday – Sunday: 3 PM – 10:30 PM – Dinner
• Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Raffles Weekend Brunch

Contact Number: 023 981 888

Location: 92 Rukhak Vithei, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh | Googlemap

#3 Palais de la Poste

The building was constructed over 120 years ago in a French colonial style for the purpose of housing the Indochina bank. Now the 120 years old bank had been renovated into an exquisite and elegant restaurant.

Palais de la Poste, also known as Palais La Poste Restaurant, is a top-notch French culinary restaurant that utilizes the best ingredients to produce the most premium dishes that’ll show you the different between eating and dining! The menu includes an exquisite array of unique and interesting dishes such as Pasta du Jour, Soup du Jour, Entrecote Black Angus (Black Angus Rib Eye Steak), and deserts including sorbet, Soufflé au Grand Marnier and more.

Price: $6.00+

Opening Hours:

• Lunch Hour – 11:30 AM – 2 PM
• Dinner Hour – 6:30 PM – 10 PM

Contact Number: 061 722 282

Location: Next to Post office, House No.5, Street 102, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Duan Penh, Phnom Penh | Googlemap

#4 Romdeng

Located in a stylish colonial villa with soothing garden view and swimming pool, Romdeng is a vegan friendly restaurant that serves fresh dishes with gluten free option. It’s good for your health and for the environment! It’s easily considered a food jewel of Phnom Penh for the wide range menu to the satisfying food presentation with outdoor garden dining.

Take a tour in the city and experience the true taste of elevated Khmer cuisine with menu including Baked Fish Amok, Tiger Prawn Curry and even Deep-Fried Tarantulas.

Price: $5.00+

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Contact Number: 092 219 565

Location: #71, Oknha Ket (174), Sangkat Pshar 3, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh | Googlemap 

#5 FCC Bar & Restaurant

Being the iconic landmark that was a footprint of French Colonization, FCC has been a gathering spot for tourist, explorer, artists, and photographer since its initial launch in the early 1990s. Originally, it was the main gathering spot for foreign correspondent and war reporters.

With open bar and restaurants locating on the riverside, FCC is one of the best places to spectate the sunset over the horizon and witness the magnificent occasional fireworks. FCC is an expert in both Asian and Western cuisines. Foods around the world can on the menu of FCC, including and not limited to meaty sandwiches, Freshly Cooked Pasta, Spring Roll, Wood-fired Pizza and many Cambodian cuisines such as Beef Lok Lak, Fish Amok and more.

Guide Tip: If you visit FCC, don’t forget to check out The Mansion right behind it (Built in 1917)!

Price: $5.00+

Opening Hours:  7:00 AM - Midnight

Contact Number: 023 210 142

Location: Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh (Behind Veal Preahmein Square) | Googlemap

#6 Chinese House

Built by a wealthy Hokkein trader during the 1905, Chinese House incorporates French authentic architecture with China’s delicate and unique design resulting in a marvelous architectural masterpiece of its time. What’s even more fascinating is, the building is under UNESCO’s protection that prevents all the main structural changes!

Chinese House is decorated with a modern-classic vibe that lets the customer enjoy fine dining without having to feel all uptight about it. The menu is a fusion between the best Asian ingredient and the finest gastronomy of the western world, resulting in something delicate, graceful, elegant and timeless. You can find a wide range of dishes such as Lobster Wonton, Chocolate Fondue Fruit Platter and Amok.

Price:

• $6.00+ for Main Course
• $18.00+ for Free Flow Sunday Brunch

Opening Hours:

• Mon-Thurs: 11:00 AM – 01:00 AM
• Fri & Sat: 11:00 AM – 02:00 AM
• Sun: 11:00 AM – 00:00 AM

Contact Number: 092 553 330

Location: #45, Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh | Googlemap 

#7 The Exchange

120 years ago, a Chinese trader built a villa not far from Wat Phnom. And in 2012, that very villa became a new Western style restaurant called “The Exchange” which offers classic International cuisines with a twist, perfect for those who enjoy a good homely meal in a cosmopolitan setting.

Menu includes Braised Lamb Shack, Tamarind Duck, Mushroom Risotto, Cheesecake and more.

Price: $6.00+ for Main Course

Contact Number: 023 992 865

Open Hour: 10AM to midnight

Location: #28, Street 47, Sangkat Sras Chork, Phnom Penh (In front of Kara Hotel) | Googlemap 

The next time you dine at any of these restaurant, remember the history that comes with it. And don’t forget to mention us when checking in on social media.