il forno (Phnom Penh)

il forno (Phnom Penh) sits in BKK1, Phnom Penh and draws a steady crowd of locals, expats and visitors. It is not chasing trends, and that is part of the appeal: you get a proper meal, a fair bill and staff who know the menu.

On the menu

You will find italian, pizza and tuscan here. Prices are reasonable for the area. The cooking is the draw rather than the setting, and the menu is broad enough that a mixed group will all find something.

The verdict so far

With over 348 reviews and a 4.4 score, the feedback is steady and mostly about the food and the welcome. The reviews that stand out tend to mention the same two or three dishes and the service, which is a better signal than the number alone.

Around here

BKK1 has its own character within Phnom Penh, and il forno (Phnom Penh) is part of what keeps people coming back to the area. Phnom Penh is compact enough that you can pair this with a museum, a market or the riverfront in the same afternoon.

How to get there

Getting here is straightforward by tuk-tuk or a ride-hailing app; give the driver the name and the area rather than a street number, which is how most people navigate in Cambodia. Fares for a ride like this are low by most standards, and agreeing the price or using the app rate up front avoids the usual haggle at tourist-heavy spots.

Before you go

It is open every day. Lunchtime and early evening are the safe windows; later in the night some places wind the kitchen down before the listed closing time. It is an easy stop if you are already around BKK1.