destination is a training restaurant and social enterprise on Chocolate Road, Sangkat Sala Kamreuk, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia. Founded in 2011, it combines Asian and international cooking with vocational training for vulnerable young adults, including people leaving shelters and young people from rural communities. Travelers come for meals in a tropical garden and traditional Khmer house, with the added purpose that restaurant income directly supports hospitality training and essential life skills.
What to Expect at destination
The setting is a welcome change from the concentrated bars and restaurants around Pub Street. A traditional Khmer house anchors the property, while the tropical garden gives meals an outdoor, residential atmosphere. Come for lunch between sightseeing stops or make dinner the evening’s main event. This is a working restaurant rather than a visitor attraction with scheduled demonstrations: trainees develop their skills through the everyday rhythm of preparing food, welcoming guests, and serving tables.
The kitchen spans Asian and international dishes, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices rather than a single token alternative. Check the current menu for individual dishes, ingredients, and prices before booking; explain allergies separately from dietary preferences. Behind the dining experience is a programme adapted from Switzerland’s dual apprenticeship system, combining practical work with theoretical classes. That structure makes the restaurant particularly interesting for travelers who want their dining budget to support long-term employment opportunities.
- Tropical garden: Outdoor dining surrounded by planting, away from the busiest nightlife streets.
- Traditional Khmer house: A domestic architectural setting that gives the restaurant a distinct local character.
- Plant-based choices: Vegetarian and vegan dishes feature within the broader Asian and international menu.
- Hospitality apprenticeships: Practical restaurant work is paired with classroom learning and life-skills development.
- Direct social impact: Meals help fund training for young adults moving toward employment and independence.
destination at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Chocolate Road, Sangkat Sala Kamreuk, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Sala Kamreuk, east of the Siem Reap River |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–10pm; kitchen closes 9:30pm. Monday closed. Holiday closures may apply. |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission ticket; paid dining, $$ midrange. See the current official menu for dish prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Use a tuk-tuk to Chocolate Road; no metro service. Ask the restaurant about vehicle parking before driving. |
| Official Website & Phone | destination official website; +855 78 342 404 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve dinner through the official website or telephone, especially if you need a particular table arrangement or have dietary requirements. An early lunch or early dinner gives you more flexibility around temple excursions; leave enough time to order before the 9:30pm kitchen cutoff. Check holiday announcements before traveling, particularly around Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben. Casual sightseeing clothes are appropriate for the relaxed setting. Carry Cambodian riel or US dollars and ask about card acceptance when reserving.
A tuk-tuk is the simplest approach from central hotels or after an Angkor outing; give the driver both Chocolate Road and Sala Kamreuk. For wheelchair users and families with strollers, the house-and-garden setting makes table location important: ask staff to confirm a step-free route, doorway clearance, and toilet access before arrival. Nearby walks include Wat Damnak, roughly 5–10 minutes away, and the Made in Cambodia Market, around 10 minutes away; the Old Market and riverside are approximately 10–15 minutes on foot. Allow extra time at road crossings and after rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are destination’s hours, and when should I visit?
destination opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 10pm, with the kitchen closing at 9:30pm; Monday is the regular closing day. Choose an early meal for an easier fit with sightseeing, and check festival closures before setting out.
How expensive is destination, and should I reserve?
Expect midrange, $$ dining rather than street-food pricing, with no separate admission charge. Consult the official menu and reservation information for current prices, and reserve ahead for dinner or larger parties.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for a relaxed meal. Add time if ordering several courses or combining dinner with a walk through the nearby market area.
Is destination suitable for vegetarian diners and families?
Yes: vegetarian and vegan options are an explicit part of the menu, and the relaxed garden setting suits a family meal. Discuss allergies, stroller placement, or mobility needs when booking so staff can advise on suitable dishes and seating.
When planning your Angkor Wat travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and cambodian restaurant in Angkor Wat, pair this stop with standout local spots including National Museum of Cambodia, Banteay Kdei, War Museum Cambodia, and JOMNO – Modern Khmer Cuisine (nearby).
