Having lived in the Wat Damnak area for eight years, Joannès and Carole wanted to open their restaurant not in the hustle and bustle of central Siem Reap, but in their own quiet local neighbourhood.

After a little hunting around, they soon found the ideal place – a traditional wooden Khmer house nestled in the heart of their village. Two and a half months of refurbishment work subsequently took place and, on April 23rd 2011, Cuisine Wat Damnak threw open its doors to welcome anyone wishing to sample the delights of modern Cambodian cuisine.

Three separate dining areas have been thoughtfully created, each providing its own distinct ambience in which customers can relax and make the most of their gastronomic experience:

· The dining room: An elegant and contemporary air-conditioned room perfect for sampling Joannès’ food in the comfort and cool of the indoors.

· The garden: Filled with herbs and plants used daily in our dishes, the softly lit tropical garden provides a beautiful natural setting in which to savour your meal in the balmy Cambodian evening.

· Traditional seating: Sitting upstairs in the fan-cooled traditional wooden part of the house is another eating environment altogether. Old wooden furniture and lamps create a cosy atmosphere a world away from the contemporary chic of downstairs. Sit on the floor mats and cushions around a low table for a more authentic Cambodian experience.