As a tourist, it’s certainly not easy to find recommendation of where to eat online for Phnom Penh. I was looking for a place that’s not overly expensive, good value and has a nice ambience. I went the old school method, ‘traveling’ by google map by scrolling around and I chanced across Topaz. $$$$ and French fine dining and I thought this was definitely out of my budget, till I saw they had a lunch menu. I wasted no time and affirmed my decision.

I dropped by on a Friday noon pretty much when they opened for lunch service. I think there was some sort of lunch event/photo shoot going on and hence there was some crowd. I quickly sat and decided on going with the all in menu. Starters would be the fennel soup, mains the steak and dessert the coffee mousse cake.

Before everything started, they served like a pre starter. I’m not sure what exactly it was, some sort of soup in a shot cup, but it was delicious. The soup was served next, they present it by pouring the soup into the bowl, really like fine dining. Tasted great but fennel is a new ingredient I haven’t tried enough of, so I wasn’t sure whether it was good or great. I was also served bread (I believe it’s free flow) and you get to choose which bread you want. My first selection was great, warm and soft yet crispy on the exterior. I believe my second option was a sourdough hence much tougher. Mains was served shortly and I was extremely pleased with the presentation. Steak was a little thin but it was medium well still and well seasoned. Some parts were abit tough to cut but the sauce made up for it. Ended off with dessert. If anything, this was the letdown for me. The dessert was too simple. Just 4 layers, and 2 of the same layers (mousse/sponge). There was nothing additional in the presentation and seeing some of the other photos, I felt much more could be done to impress. Perhaps they had stinged on this to cut cost. Ended off the meal with a coffee latte. I’m just glad they didn’t pour me a coffee out of a coffee machine and this was done by a barista, although the froth layer was way too much.

Nonetheless, I very pleasing meal. Went around taking some photos and soaking in the chill Friday afternoon mood. Staff was also kind enough to show me the second level which was a private dining area with 4 rooms.