AURA
Street 29 & Street 308 (Bassac Lane), Phnom Penh
Thursday to Monday: 12:00 – 14:00, 17:00 – 00:00
Tuesday: 12:00 – 14:00
Wednesday: 17:00 – 00:00
(On FB it says that they are open from 18:00 – 00:00, not sure which opening hours are correct).
Tel: +855 098 663 389

Food: 5/5
Service: 3/5 (waitress), 5/5 restaurant manager
Value for money: 4/5
Ambience: 4.5/5

AURA (yes, it is all capitals) just opened in that new building on Bassac Lane holding a number of restaurants on the ground floor. It occupies the second and third floor and the first challenge is actually finding the staircase, it is well hidden and not signed out.


The staircase is well hidden behind here somewhere.

Find it we did eventually, and first impressions were quite different from what I expected. Whilst the restaurants downstairs appear to be more budget prized and primarily targeted at backpackers, English teachers, and others looking for a meal on a shoestring, AURA seems to be targeting a more affluent crowd. Now I am not saying it is super expensive; whilst they do have a Wagyu beef steak on the menu for a cool $103, a lot of dishes are very reasonably priced.


I like the terrace, not sure what they will do during the rainy season though.

As soon as we entered, I felt very underdressed in my shorts and flip-flops. The place was heaving with young Khmer that seemed to be there as much for the food as for the selfie opportunities. The terrace, it is outdoors, is actually quite amazing and a lot of money was obviously spent on it. It extends across two floors with a well-stocked bar and is decorated in a style that I personally liked. I saw that they are brewing their own beer, but as it is dry Janauary for me, I did not have an opportunity to sample it.


Well-stocked bar.

They have lots of staff and we were immediately swarmed and given a table. Here is where things got a little rocky: the two of us were just given one menu and it also became obvious that not all staff did speak English. I chose a dish, only to be told that it was not available. When I did ask what was available, we were given a tablet with an updated menu (cue CEO members getting their knickers in a knot ).


The kitchen.

We ordered our food and drinks. My friend, who ordered a water, was given a bottle of Acqua Panna, and my alarm bells started ringing immediately. Many restaurants have a habit of serving some foreign water at exorbitant prices. I should not have worried as the water was “only” $3.00 (all prices are including taxes), a bargain compared to my lime juice that cost a whopping $6.00. A little on the steep side for a drink that probably costs 30 Cents to make.


Caesar salad.

We ordered the “AURA Health Salad” with gravlax, avocado, pomegranate and quail eggs ($9.00), a Caesar salad with chicken, and a “sous vide” cod steak ($24.00). My salad arrived within 5 minutes, but the other salad would just not come. We inquired a couple of times, to be told it was on the way (it wasn’t). Eventually, a restaurant manager stepped in. He spoke good English, unlike the very friendly, very flustered waitress, and straight away told us that the salad had been forgotten. He said that he would personally see to it and that we would not have to pay for the salad; a great, and very professional gesture.


AURA Health salad.

With both salads finally on the table, it was time to tuck in. Both salads were excellent. The chicken in the Caesar salad was very tasty, they were generous on the shaved Parmesan, and the dressing was well balanced. The “Health Salad” also got very high marks, the salmon was good quality and marinated just right. Presentation for both salads was well done.


Sous vide Cod.

That left the cod, and I was not disappointed. The fish was cooked to perfection, with great texture and even better taste. I never managed to find out what the sauce it came with was, but it was darn good. No sides, except some vegetables under the fish, but a very generous portion of fish; I estimate there was about 220 grams of cod.

Overall, a very pleasant dinner and I am planning my next visit as I write this. The food is already very good, they now need to tweak the service a little. As far as I can make out, they have been open for just a month; I am confident that they will excel eventually.

I think it might be prudent to make a reservation, at least on a weekend. It was fairly packed when we got there. I understand they also have live music, but I am not sure about the schedule. The piped music they had when we were there was actually pretty good.

hanno wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:59 am. When I did ask what was available, we were given a tablet with an updated menu (cue Khmer440 members getting their knickers in a knot ).

K440 gets a lot of grief. Some warranted, some not.
I’m pretty sure the k440 members getting their knickers in a knot are here:
getting-your-fill/masala-dosa-street-ki ... 57265.html

Oddly enough, not on K440.

That aside, another good review.
Thanks

khmerhamster wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 12:31 pm

hanno wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:59 am. When I did ask what was available, we were given a tablet with an updated menu (cue Khmer440 members getting their knickers in a knot ).

K440 gets a lot of grief. Some warranted, some not.
I’m pretty sure the k440 members getting their knickers in a knot are here:
getting-your-fill/masala-dosa-street-ki ... 57265.html

Oddly enough, not on K440.

My bad...

Great review, well done.