La Croisette, Phnom Penh

There are few places where time seems to soften, where even the air moves slower, as if out of respect for the river.Across from the shimmering expanse of the Mekong, under the heavy Cambodian sun, sits La Croisette — a long-standing Phnom Penh favourite that feels less like a restaurant and more like a gentle exhale.

On a hot afternoon, it becomes the perfect refuge. Ceiling fans hum softly, the clink of glasses punctuates the still air, and the slow rhythm of the city melts into the current of the river just beyond the terrace.

The Meal: A Symphony of Subtlety and Soul

Fresh Coconut — 10/10

There is no drink more perfect under the Phnom Penh sun. Served whole and perfectly chilled, the coconut water is naturally sweet, cold enough to cool the pulse.Each sip carries the taste of the tropics — crisp, hydrating, and honest. It’s the kind of refreshment that makes you forget the heat entirely, grounding you in the quiet luxury of simplicity done right.

Fish Amok with Rice — 20/10

This was not just lunch — it was a masterclass in balance and tradition.The fish amok, Cambodia’s national treasure, arrived steaming and fragrant, wrapped in banana leaf with a presentation that felt both rustic and regal. The first bite delivered everything one hopes for in Khmer cuisine — soft fish bathed in coconut cream, kissed by lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime.

The texture was lush — delicate, almost soufflé-like — while the flavour danced between sweet, citrusy, and savoury with remarkable precision. Every mouthful was silken, comforting, and quietly transcendent.

Paired with perfectly cooked jasmine rice, it was one of those rare dishes that silences conversation — the kind that reminds you how culinary heritage, when respected, can reach the divine.

The Ambience: Mekong Magic

La Croisette’s charm lies not only in its food but in its location and composure.The open terrace faces the Mekong, offering one of the best views in Phnom Penh. The scene shifts as you dine — the golden light softens, boats drift lazily by, and the world feels momentarily suspended.

Inside, the space is breezy, relaxed, and tasteful — French colonial elegance meeting Cambodian ease. There’s a sense of care in every detail, from the polished wood tables to the unhurried smiles of the staff.

The service is gracious and attentive without ever intruding — the kind of hospitality that anticipates without announcing itself. Your water glass never empties; your comfort is silently managed.

Verdict: Phnom Penh’s Riverside Perfection

La Croisette embodies what dining in Cambodia should feel like — unpretentious yet refined, steeped in tradition yet effortlessly contemporary.Every element, from the freshness of the coconut to the finesse of the fish amok, speaks of a kitchen that respects both flavour and atmosphere.

On that warm afternoon, with the river glittering just beyond the terrace and a soft breeze threading through the open-air dining room, everything felt in tune — the food, the setting, the pace.

It wasn’t just a meal; it was a moment of stillness, a reminder that perfection in dining often lies not in excess, but in ease.

Final Thoughts

20/10.

For the food, the service, the view, and the rare grace of it all.

La Croisette isn’t just worth visiting — it’s the kind of place you find yourself thinking about long after you’ve left Phnom Penh, the taste of coconut and lemongrass still lingering in memory, like the slow drift of the Mekong itself.