Craft — Restaurant in Khan Daun Penh

I went to Craft on a Thursday night, choosing an evening without a special event (they usually have programming, but I wanted to stay away from the madness). For those who aren’t familiar, Craft is one of the bars/restaurants located on Palace Lane.

Initially, I planned to sit at Planta, which is attached to Craft, but it just didn’t feel as comfortable—plus, there was a bit of an unpleasant smell—so I returned to Craft instead.

With a little rain coming down, I ordered an Açai smoothie, expecting just a drink, but it turned out to be a full bowl, which was quite generous for $4.50. I also ordered ribs, described on the menu as “fall off the bone.”

The Açai smoothie bowl was great. The ribs, however, were a complete disappointment. They arrived lukewarm, and the only way the bones could’ve fallen off was probably if I lived in a parallel universe where they cooked their food properly. Easily the worst ribs I’ve ever had, but I pressed on since, well, it was food.

During my visit to Craft, the service was fairly attentive, though the staff seemed a bit shy. At one point, the owner came out and scolded the bar attendant for letting a delivery driver sit at the bar. While I understand the need to enforce rules, the way the owner handled it—in front of customers—was poor and uncomfortable to witness.

Overall, I’d rate Craft 3 stars and would recommend to avoid their rendition of BBQ. Would I come back for their musical programming? Maybe, but Phnom Penh has a lot to offer. The dive bar atmosphere doesn’t appeal to me, and since I no longer drink craft beer due to its inflammatory effects on my body, I doubt I’ll return unless I’m stuck choosing between vegan food at Planta next door or something...

This place is lovely. Be it for the cozy sofa's to sit indoors, for example when it rains, or for the nice outdoor seating in a little traffic free and airy alleyway . The staff is throughout nice, genuinely committed to the clients and always willing to go the extra mile. The food is an eclectic mix of Western and Asian comfort food and snacks + a wide variety, read: "a complete menu" of vegetarian and vegan options. Go for the pizza 2 for 1 Wednesdays, the weekend brunches or BBQ. All excellent value for money. Drink wise there's a lot to choose from on the micro brew side of the spectre, as the name 'Craft' would suggest. Besides a good variety of wines (the French upbringing of one of the owners is clearly visible on the wine shelves), cocktails, smoothies and fresh juices a gogo. Often they have drink specials adapted to the event of the day. Talking about events: think DJ's, jazz music, local performers and expat musicians engaging in jam sessions, even... to my personal delight: classical music on occasion.

Conclusion: a great, diverse venue in every aspect. Where other places go eclectic and lose some identity or character in the process, this alley restaurant / café makes different styles of food, drinks and events their forte. Keep up the good work boys and girls. You're doing great.

Tags: cozy #warm #informal #livingroom...

"I recently had the pleasure of visiting Craft, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. This place is a haven for live music enthusiasts, offering a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. The stage comes alive with talented artists who truly know how to set the mood.

Craft also boasts an impressive selection of craft beers that any beer aficionado would appreciate. Their extensive menu offers a wide range of flavors, pairing perfectly with their major food categories. Whether you're craving a mouthwatering pizza, a juicy burger, or some finger-licking BBQ, Craft has you covered. The attention to detail and quality of their food is truly remarkable.

What impressed me the most was the seamless fusion of great music, excellent beer, and delicious food. The lively ambiance coupled with the attentive and friendly staff made for an unforgettable experience. Craft has mastered the art of providing a delightful space for both music lovers and food enthusiasts.

Whether you're looking to enjoy some fantastic live music, indulge in flavorsome craft beers, or satisfy your cravings with a savory pizza, burger, or BBQ, Craft is the place to be. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a memorable and enjoyable evening. This venue truly shines in delivering an all-in-one experience that will leave you wanting more....