With its wealth of independent shops and excellent cafes, Phnom Penh’s Street 240, a.k.a. Oknha Chhun Street, has long been a popular daytime destination. Two new(ish) additions to the eateries on this leafy, cosmopolitan thoroughfare, not far from the Royal Palace and Independence Monument, means there’s good reason to head there for after-dark dining too.

The latest culinary newcomer to open its doors is Bacaro, a restaurant and wine bar specializing in tasty tapas plates and Italian dishes. Bacaro’s style is understated and refined, all muted tones in blue and brown, with dark wood, leather banquette seating, and striking chequerboard floor tiles. The wine list is equally refined, not to mention extensive, boasting some fifty wines by the bottle — all the better to complement the tempting tapas selection. Italian fried meatballs, crispy seafood mix, stuffed zucchini flowers, and parmigiana bites are just a few of the treats on the menu.

I recommend dropping by for the happy hour special from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., which features a glass of Italian wine or an Aperol, Campari or Limoncello Spritz with one of a number of selected tapas dishes for $7.50. Following which you may well be inclined to stay for dinner; the menu also boasts a fine selection of pasta and pizzas, risottos, cheese and cold cuts, and mains like pork tenderloin, seared tuna, and Australian beef striploin, at prices ranging from around $8 for chicken breast to $21 for slow-cooked beef cheek in red wine. Or perhaps return the next day for lunch — opening hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, and Bacaro is closed on Mondays.

A few doors down, The Bistro 240 has a more established heritage, not just because it opened a good few months back in summer 2025, but because it’s a sister establishment to the already popular Barista Cafe next door and shares its good food and friendly service standards. The entrance is discreetly tucked away behind a small wine store, but in the evening it takes on a welcoming, rosy glow courtesy of the subtly-lit terracotta tiles that frame it. Inside, the vibe is very different to Baraca but just as appealing. The Bistro 240 is bright, colorful and contemporary, its style carefully-curated by the owners of neighboring Paradise Home who clearly have an eye for striking interior design. The seating is comfortable and the décor bold; the walls adorned with statement mirrors and large, gilded prints of Cambodian music legends.

The Mediterranean fare at The Bistro includes favorites like steak frites, lamb tagine and grilled seabass, with mains priced from $7 to $12 ($17.50 for the steak). I’ve been known to judge a place by its nicoise salad and The Bistro’s version ticks the boxes, with perfectly-seared, herb-crusted tuna and just the right amount of flavorsome dressing. There’s a selection of pasta dishes; cheese, charcuterie, and mezze sharing boards; lighter dishes like quiche; vegetarian choices; and a small but perfectly formed dessert menu — save enough room for the wonderful warm fruit crumble! The Bistro opens Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 5 p.m. on Sundays so it’s also a great choice for brunch, lunch, or to enjoy the special high tea menu.

I can’t end a piece about St 240 restaurants without a nod to Baldwin’s Bistro which, while not a new destination, is highly-rated for its classic French cuisine and relaxed fine dining experience. One more reason to check out the ever-evolving delights of one of Phnom Penh’s most vibrant addresses.

With its wealth of independent shops and excellent cafes, Phnom Penh’s Street 240, a.k.a. Oknha Chhun Street, has long been a popular daytime destination. Two new(ish) additions to the eateries on this leafy, cosmopolitan thoroughfare, not far from the Royal Palace and Independence Monument, means there’s good reason to head there for after-dark dining too.

The latest culinary newcomer to open its doors is Bacaro, a restaurant and wine bar specializing in tasty tapas plates and Italian dishes. Bacaro’s style is understated and refined, all muted tones in blue and brown, with dark wood, leather banquette seating, and striking chequerboard floor tiles. The wine list is equally refined, not to mention extensive, boasting some fifty wines by the bottle — all the better to complement the tempting tapas selection. Italian fried meatballs, crispy seafood mix, stuffed zucchini flowers, and parmigiana bites are just a few of the treats on the menu.

I recommend dropping by for the happy hour special from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., which features a glass of Italian wine or an Aperol, Campari or Limoncello Spritz with one of a number of selected tapas dishes for $7.50. Following which you may well be inclined to stay for dinner; the menu also boasts a fine selection of pasta and pizzas, risottos, cheese and cold cuts, and mains like pork tenderloin, seared tuna, and Australian beef striploin, at prices ranging from around $8 for chicken breast to $21 for slow-cooked beef cheek in red wine. Or perhaps return the next day for lunch — opening hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, and Bacaro is closed on Mondays.

A few doors down, The Bistro 240 has a more established heritage, not just because it opened a good few months back in summer 2025, but because it’s a sister establishment to the already popular Barista Cafe next door and shares its good food and friendly service standards. The entrance is discreetly tucked away behind a small wine store, but in the evening it takes on a welcoming, rosy glow courtesy of the subtly-lit terracotta tiles that frame it. Inside, the vibe is very different to Baraca but just as appealing. The Bistro 240 is bright, colorful and contemporary, its style carefully-curated by the owners of neighboring Paradise Home who clearly have an eye for striking interior design. The seating is comfortable and the décor bold; the walls adorned with statement mirrors and large, gilded prints of Cambodian music legends.

The Mediterranean fare at The Bistro includes favorites like steak frites, lamb tagine and grilled seabass, with mains priced from $7 to $12 ($17.50 for the steak). I’ve been known to judge a place by its nicoise salad and The Bistro’s version ticks the boxes, with perfectly-seared, herb-crusted tuna and just the right amount of flavorsome dressing. There’s a selection of pasta dishes; cheese, charcuterie, and mezze sharing boards; lighter dishes like quiche; vegetarian choices; and a small but perfectly formed dessert menu — save enough room for the wonderful warm fruit crumble! The Bistro opens Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 5 p.m. on Sundays so it’s also a great choice for brunch, lunch, or to enjoy the special high tea menu.

I can’t end a piece about St 240 restaurants without a nod to Baldwin’s Bistro which, while not a new destination, is highly-rated for its classic French cuisine and relaxed fine dining experience. One more reason to check out the ever-evolving delights of one of Phnom Penh’s most vibrant addresses.