Embassy

Embassy is one of Siem Reap's most polished restaurants and a showcase for a new generation of Cambodian chefs. Its executive chef, Kimsan Pol, oversees the whole menu. She trained at the Paul Dubrule and Sala Bai hospitality schools in Siem Reap and has worked under the Michelin-starred French chef Regis Marcon. The restaurant is also notable for its all-female team, from the kitchen to the dining room.

The cooking is described by the restaurant as Khmer gastronomy with a modern twist. The kitchen builds its menus around seasonal ingredients from across Cambodia's provinces, which gives diners a chance to taste produce and flavours they are unlikely to find in tourist restaurants. The main offer is a set chef's menu of several courses that changes with the seasons, with a vegetarian version available, though there is no fully vegan set menu. Wine pairings and recommendations are offered to match the courses.

The dining room is small, quiet and comfortable, with a refined feel that suits a special occasion, a celebration at the end of a temple trip or simply an evening devoted to food. Couples and food lovers will get the most from it, and the pace of a multi-course menu means it is best to allow a couple of hours for dinner. Smart casual clothing fits the setting.

Embassy is open every day for lunch from 11am to 2pm and for dinner from 6pm to 11pm. Seating is limited and the restaurant often fills, especially in the peak season, so reservations through the booking link on the official website are strongly recommended. Mention any dietary requirements when you book, and arrive shortly before your reservation time so the kitchen can pace the menu. Lunch can be a good way to try the cooking if your evenings are already planned.

The restaurant is on the corner of Street 5 in Mondul 1, in central Siem Reap, so it is an easy tuk-tuk ride from most hotels and from the Old Market area. Combine it with an early evening walk in town or a nightcap at one of Siem Reap's cocktail bars.