March 25th, 2006 | The lowdown by Gordon Candelin

Pop Cafe da Giorgio. Italian Food Like Momma Make.

Giorgio's Place isn't actually called Giorgio's Place. The real name is Pop Cafe, but the name doesn't fit, so let's be done with it.

Giorgio's Place is a little italian restaurant just underneath the FCC and facing the Tonle Sap river on Phnom Penh's waterfront. If the word 'Italian Restaurant' conjures up images of red-checked table cloths with candles in wine bottles, forget about it. Giorgio's is bright and modern, and nary a candle is to be seen, unless there is a power outage, in which case Girogio will graciously appear with one in hand for you to finish your meal.

As you may have guessed, Giorgio is the owner of Pop Cafe, and his restaurant feels a bit like the home of that one friend whose mom was always cooking and you knew you'd get something great to eat.

The menu is very simple - a few appetizers, a few pasta dishes (including homemade Gnocchi) - good wine and a great atmosphere. The dishes never look like enough, but I always feel satisfied after a deliciously simple spaghetti alio e olio. Dishes run between $5 and $6.

Giorgio has also started making some of the best Pizza in town. He may not have the woodfired oven - yet - but it's all in the cheese anyway, and Giorgio don't use the cheap stuff. Pizzas cost between $7 and $9 - very reasonable, and very delicious.