Twenty three bistro kampot

100/10!! Amazing restaurant! The staff is very friendly and welcoming. The place was a bit busy, but it was worth the wait. The beetroot salad and the seabass was delicious. Big selection of craft beer, and great selection of wine and cocktails. Highly recommended 👌

Fine-Dining Quality at Bistro Prices If you ask me for my favourite restaurant in Kampot — actually, my favourite bistro in Cambodia — the answer is very simple: 23 Bistro. It’s a rustic, unassuming spot, but every time you walk in, it’s at least half packed. And that’s always the first sign of a kitchen that takes its craft seriously. Tonight, I finally had the chance to speak with Owen, the South African chef-owner who is classically trained in French fine dining and spent years working in London before escaping the city grind to settle in Cambodia a decade ago. His business partner, Jeremy, who is Welsh, also comes from the London dining scene and brings the same level of discipline and pride. Together, they’ve built something truly special. This is fine-dining quality food at bistro prices. And that combination is almost impossible to find anywhere anymore. ⸻ ⭐ Stand-Out Dishes & Chef Insights 1. Garlic Prawn Linguine A deceptively simple dish done extremely well — the herb-butter base was so good I used the bread to wipe the plate clean. Speaking of bread… 2. The Bread This deserves its own paragraph. The bread is fluffy, moist, comforting — better than many bakery standards. Owen told me his secret: he sources spent grain from a local brewery, freezes it fresh, and later incorporates it into the dough. Because the grains have gone through fermentation, the bread develops a depth of flavour and texture you normally only get in serious artisanal bakeries. 3. Truffled Chicken Liver Pâté Easily the best chicken liver pâté I’ve had. Ever. Many pâtés end up bitter or dry, but Owen explained his method: • sauté the mushrooms, white wine, aromatics first • add the chicken liver only briefly • blend everything while still hot, allowing the residual heat to finish the cooking gently The result is a pâté that is light, silky, moist, and without any bitterness. And the recipe came from his mum — which makes it even more special. 4. Braised Chicken Leg This was fascinating. It’s braised… yet the skin is crispy. I asked Owen how that was possible. His method: • braise the chicken until nearly done • remove and blast it in a hot oven or pan with a bit of fat • serve over a bed of vegetables You get the tenderness of braising with the crispiness of roasting — the best of both worlds. 5. Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank A favourite of my girlfriend’s — rich, deep, comforting flavours. Classic technique, executed perfectly. ⸻ ⭐ The Philosophy: First Principles Done Right What impressed me most isn’t just the food — it’s Owen’s thinking. When he came to Kampot, many of the ingredients he used in the UK or France were not available. Instead of compromising, he went back to first principles: • understand the why behind each technique • source local and fresh • adapt flavours without sacrificing quality This is the mark of a real chef — someone who understands flavour, texture, fat, acidity, timing, and heat at a fundamental level. The result is world-class dishes made from Cambodian-accessible ingredients, allowing him to maintain high standards without inflating prices. ⸻ Final Verdict 23 Bistro is not a “hidden gem” anymore — too many people already know about it — but it is absolutely a must-visit for anyone coming to Kampot. Rustic setting. Warm service. Serious cooking. Fine-dining standard food at neighbourhood bistro prices. I’m already planning to come back again tomorrow. Highly, highly recommended.

Absolutely the best restaurant in Kampot. A unique menu that uses some local produce but is not Khmer nor Asian. Lovely casual dining space, great selection of craft beers. Friendly service. The food really is exceptional. Some of the best dishes are the double baked cheese soufflé and pork belly, the gnocchi is good too. All extremely reasonably priced, a must visit when in Kampot.

The food at Twenty Three Bistro in Kampot is absolutely fantastic! I couldn't stop eating, as every dish was more delicious than the last. Their focus on French cuisine really shines through, proving that it never goes wrong. From rich, savory dishes to delightful desserts, each bite was a taste of perfection. The atmosphere is lovely, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal. If you're in Kampot, you definitely need to stop by Twenty Three Bistro—you won't regret it!

The fish was very good 9.5/10. They changed their menu so these dishes look different. The crispy pork was good too. 8.5/10 Also got dessert. Chocolate and cramel pot. The chocolate is underneath the caramel. 8/10 sugar rush for sure. If you love sweets, you'll love it. If it came with a side of crepes it would be fab.