Pomelo Bar, a design-lover’s dream, opened just a few weeks ago in Phnom Penh and is already garnering rave reviews. Tucked away on a laneway off of Street 184 across from Plantation, Pomelo is housed in a 1990s villa clearly inspired by Van Molyvann and the New Khmer Architecture movement, with its characteristic VVV-style roof and accents. The laneway location gives the place a secluded feel; it’s like a secret garden oasis in the middle of the city.

Inside, Pomelo bar is stylish and inviting, and it’s clear that someone put a lot of thought, and love, into the design. The bar’s aesthetic blends mid-century modern and Scandinavian design, and could just as easily be in Stockholm as Phnom Penh. One of the owners, Drew, formerly of popular Siem Reap wine bar Balthazar, is passionate about architecture and interiors, and it shows.

The drinks menu offers a range of classic cocktails from martinis to negronis, and margaritas, including both the classic style and some fruity options. I tried a pineapple and chili margarita, and thought it had the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Also on the menu are a range of spritzes (not just Aperol!), including an Italian Cynar spritz, which I haven’t seen in Cambodia before. As for cocktails, there are some interesting ones including the New York City classic, penicillin, made with lemon, honey ginger, and authentic Islay Scotch. There are also non-alcoholic coolers and watermelon spritz for those who are abstaining. One of my pet peeves are cocktails that are too creative, too sweet, or with seemingly random ingredients, but Pomelo made me feel like Goldilocks who had found a cocktail bar that was “just right.”

That’s probably down to Chey Sim, the bar’s manager, a refugee from Otres Beach in Sihanoukville, who flickered around the bar checking in on all of the tables and making sure that everything was being done to a high standard when I visited. In the kitchen is chef Phearon Ran, who manages what is a small menu now, but may expand in the future. At the moment there are ten varieties of bar snacks, including patatas bravas and chicken karaage, and ten types of pizza. I tried the arancini and was surprised by how much better they were than I was expecting to find in Cambodia. It turns out that it’s because the other owner, Nick, is Italian and his mother has been giving Phearon pointers over Facetime.

When you visit, be sure to schedule a visit to what Drew describes as the “statement loo.” The 1960s mid-century style bathroom is painted a bright lemon yellow with an inset arched wall and backlit mirror, and rattan drawer inserts that give a little hint of tiki. A Slim Aarons print that sends very strong Burt-Lancaster-in-The-Swimmer vibes hangs on the wall, and it’s all topped off by the soundtrack — recordings of audiobooks. When I visited, Myriam Margolyes’ memoir was playing ever so faintly.

Pomelo Bar

21AB Street 184, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
+855 61 766 655
pomelo.bar