Ané Ptes Bay is the kind of place you end up recommending to every friend looking for a good lunch downtown. Honest Khmer cooking, a relaxed setting, and a location that couldn't be more central — right near Phnom Penh's Central Market (Phsar Thmei).

Perfect for a Midday Stop Downtown

If you're spending the morning in Daun Penh — visiting Wat Phnom, the Central Market, the Sosoro museum, or just navigating the city centre — Ané Ptes Bay is a genuinely convenient lunch option.

A Solid Menu

The menu is surprisingly extensive for a neighbourhood Khmer spot — rice dishes, stir-fries, soups and classics of cambodian cuisine. There's real variety, and everything on paper sounds appetising. That said, I arrived for a late lunch and found a lot of dishes listed as out of stock. Maybe aim to arrive between 11:30 and 13:00 to get the full selection.
I ordered three dishes, three very different experiences:

• Stir-fried rice with sausage: decent and filling, no-surprises option.
• Stir-fried beef with kale: genuinely good. The beef portion was generous, a well-seasoned sauce, and the slight bitterness of the kale balancing everything out.
• Pork laab: I hadn't had this dish in a long time, and I'd forgotten just how delicious it is. This minced pork salad, made with fresh mint, lime juice, and toasted rice powder, is incredibly fresh, tangy, and fragrant. My favourite of the three.

The Setting: A Leafy Balcony Above the Street

The dining room isn't air-conditioned, but it's well-ventilated — manageable at midday if you're not there at peak heat. What I really liked was the balcony: a shaded perch among the trees, removed from the noise below. It made for a genuinely pleasant lunch with no particular urge to rush out.
Dishes are around $5 — the kind of place where you eat well without thinking twice about the bill. Great for a daily lunch or a family meal on a budget.

Bottom Line

Ané Ptes Bay is the kind of neighbourhood Khmer restaurant that earns repeat visits. Authentic food, fair prices, and a location that makes it an easy add-on if you're already exploring central Phnom Penh.

Exploring more of Phnom Penh's food scene? Check out my full restaurant guide or my top 26 picks across the city.