Review: Floating Rock

When this Revere-based Cambodian restaurant announced that it was moving closer to town last October, Boston-based enthusiasts were doing backflips of joy. Despite delays due to inspection snafus and other setbacks, Floating Rock is officially in the midst of its soft opening in Central Square, with an official “hard opening” date expected sometime this month.

The space is light and calming. Giant Asian-style statues survey the dining room, and soon carved wooden panels and contributions from Mass Art students will join the décor. We’ve heard rumblings that people may have been experiencing sub-par service, but ours was on-point—fast, attentive, informative, and friendly.

Dishes hit the table as they’re cooked, so Floating Rock is perfect for those who like to share. The menu appeases all palettes: there’s a nice mix of hot and not-so-spicy offerings, and the kitchen will happily customize dishes for vegetarians. One of our top hits, the Chicken Lemon Soup ($6), has very fresh and green flavor from the mint and Asian basil, with a rich broth that is downright drinkable. The little meaty spheres on the Beef Balls Kabob ($8) were okay by themselves, but came alive with the sweet chili dipping sauce and tangy carrot and papaya slaw.

Even if Cambodian food isn't your go-to, Floating Rock’s fresh flavors, authentic family recipes and great service make this an excellent experience. Fans will be glad to hear that it was definitely worth the wait.

Cheat sheet

Drink this: Floating Rock’s cocktail makes handy use of a litany of ingredients. The signature Floating Rock ($10) with lemon-infused Maker’s Mark, honey, soda water and muddled grapes is tasty (though the grapes aren’t exactly straw-friendly). The Cambodian Tea Party ($9) will be a hit for those with a sweet tooth, featuring green tea vodka, Canton ginger liqueur and vermouth.

Eat this: The Tiger Tear Salad ($16) is a house favorite: spicy flank steak sits atop crisp red and green pepper, lemongrass and basil, finished with crunchy toasted brown rice. But be warned—it’s spicy enough that it made some among us tear up—tiger-style.

Sit here: Floating Rock’s is a big, open space broken up by short walls and frosted glass to make smaller seating areas. On live entertainment nights, avoid the back left corner if you have noise issues.

Conversation piece: Floating Rock is currently in the midst of getting its entertainment license, meaning that karaoke nights and DJed dance parties may be coming your way very soon.