Where to eat on Koh Rong: island kitchens and beach barbecues

Koh Rong and its quieter sister Koh Rong Sanloem are the islands off Sihanoukville: white sand, clear water, bungalows over the shore. Eating here is island casual by nature. Almost everything arrives by boat, so menus are simpler and prices a little higher than the mainland, but the setting does a lot of the work. This guide covers the places worth knowing and the practical points that catch people out. Everything is on the Koh Rong directory.

The main village and pier

The busiest cluster of places is around the main village pier. Enocafe is the standout, an Italian kitchen with the most reviews on the island and consistently high ratings for its pizza and pasta. The Moon Restaurant does seafood right by the water. The Secret Garden and BeachWalk are the spots for a drink and a casual plate with your feet near the sand.

Pizza, seafood and the rest

Italian does well on the island: alongside Enocafe, Amor Resort, Totò Pizza and Anaya all rate highly. For seafood, Baracuda is small and very well reviewed. Sandbank and Natura cover a broader Asian and Western menu. Lily's Riverhouse and Natural Kitchen are quieter picks away from the main strip. Browse the wider list on Italian on Koh Rong and seafood on Koh Rong.

Practical points that catch people out

Bring cash. Card payment and ATMs are limited on the island and connectivity can drop, so budget for the whole stay before you get on the boat. Prices run roughly US$5 to US$12 a meal, more for a proper seafood platter or a sunset cocktail. Most kitchens close early, so do not plan a late dinner. December to April is the dry, calm, busy window; the wet season brings rougher crossings and thinner menus, but real quiet. Check the last boat time before you settle in somewhere for the afternoon. The directory has the full list.