Katanashi

Set in BKK1, Phnom Penh, Katanashi has become one of the neighbourhood's dependable drinks stops. It is the kind of place you end up returning to rather than seeking out once, and it tends to stay busy without feeling rushed.

The food and the setting

The kitchen leans into japanese and asian. Prices are reasonable for the area. It gets going in the evening and holds a crowd late, with the food menu there to keep you going rather than to be the main event.

What people think

It holds a 4.6 rating across 88 reviews, which is a solid sign for somewhere that is not trying to be fancy. It is worth reading a handful of the recent reviews before you go, since they will tell you which dishes people order twice and which to skip.

The neighbourhood

BKK1 is one of the parts of Phnom Penh visitors actually walk around, and Katanashi fits the pace of it. Phnom Penh is compact enough that you can pair this with a museum, a market or the riverfront in the same afternoon.

Getting there

A tuk-tuk or a Grab / PassApp ride is the simplest way in. Save the map pin from the top of this page, since street numbering is loose and the name plus the neighbourhood usually gets you there faster. A short walk is fine in the cooler part of the day, but pavements are uneven and often blocked, so most people ride the last stretch even when it is close.

Good to know

It is open every day. If you are building a day around it, aim for slightly off-peak: the room is calmer and the kitchen has more time for your table. Worth pencilling in if you find yourself in BKK1.