Lotus of Siam - Flamingo Road

"Revered Lotus of Siam serves chef and owner Saipan Chutima’s northern Thai cuisine, including a menu of Thai-style stews and coconut-less curries, with spice levels ranging from 1 to 10. Diners should start with nam-prik-ong, a red chile dip, then try a roasted duck curry, garlic prawns, or thum ka noon with its mix of pork, jackfruit, tomato, and spices. The exceptional wine menu of sweet Gewürztraminers and Rieslings cut the heat." - Janna Karel

"Perhaps one of the more famous eateries in the Las Vegas valley, James Beard Award winner, chef and owner Saipin Chutima’s Lotus of Siam continues to garner attention. The garlic prawns, deep fried to a perfect crisp, seasoned with garlic sauce and topped with ground black pepper, and the panang, a fresh curry made with coconut milk, Thai basil and chilis, with a choice of meat or tofu, are among the most beloved menu items. Also located at Red Rock Casino in Summerlin." - Janna Karel

"For years, Lotus of Siam was the worst-kept secret in Las Vegas, and its first location drew long, and then longer, lines. Then it expanded, adding a sleek wine room. But in 2017, when major flood-related roof damage forced the original location to close, Lotus reopened a couple of miles away. But then some smart thinking transplanted the original restaurant to Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, where it got the big casino design treatment it deserved, with paper lanterns that bob from tree boughs overhead, red brick walls meant to evoke temple walls, and sexy rattan and teal banquettes. It’s a big move from the restaurant’s original location in a shady Commercial Center strip mall. But the food—which was always the important thing—didn’t make any shocking jumps from its origins (and that is a very good thing). Specialties like Chilean sea bass som thum (Thai green papaya salad) and deep friend lobster with garlic pepper sauce are here. And the food capabilities are so big that there's a whole separate menu dedicated to Northern Thailand, with dishes influenced by neighboring Myanmar, Laos, and South China." - Andrea Bennett

"Enjoy some of the best Thai food in the country (with a wine list that’s just as famous) at Lotus of Siam. Let the servers guide you if you’re not sure what you want, but don’t miss the Khao soi, a dish of crispy duck with curry sauce served on top of egg noodles." - Janna Karel

"Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived. For years, Lotus of Siam was the worst-kept secret in Las Vegas, and its first location—in the down-at-the-heels Commercial Center strip mall, surrounded by strip clubs—drew long, and then longer, lines. Then it expanded, and expanded some more, adding a sleek wine room for its carefully chosen Rieslings, Gewurztraminer, and other selections. But in 2017, when major flood-related roof damage forced the original location to close, Lotus reopened a couple of miles away. The new location has pretty purple banquettes, romantic lighting, and murals depicting various aspects of Thai life. It's lovely, sure, but some would argue that its former down-and-out feel was part of the charm. It's also much smaller than the original, so expect to wait—or book a couple of weeks in advance. What was the crowd like? The crowd has changed over the years, from mostly local, to hipster, to business diners and conventioneers who have read about the food and wine. What should we be drinking? The Thai-food-friendly wine list here has been recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the best wine lists in an Asian restaurant in the United States; it was also long-listed in 2018 by the James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Wine Program. Lotus does now have a liquor license, but if you're smart, you'll throw yourself at their sommelier's mercy and have your dishes perfectly paired with one of the many wonderful wines. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Lotus of Siam's capabilities are so big that there's a whole separate menu dedicated to Northern Thailand, with dishes influenced by neighboring Myanmar, Laos, and South China. There are a few things you should try: moo dad deaw (Thai style pork jerky) is a deep-fried marinated spicy pork that comes as an appetizer. Tom kha kai is spot-on and creamy, and don't miss khao soi, the crispy duck on a bed of egg noodles in curry, with lime and pickled vegetables. Servers will give you tons of direction, and they'll take you very seriously when you ask for "Thai hot" levels—so be warned. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? You'll wait, and maybe wait some more, but the experience is completely worth it. Staffers both love what they do and know the menus inside and out. Courses are generally well-timed. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Lotus of Siam used to be the place to bring people you wanted to impress with your deep insider knowledge of Las Vegas off-Strip dining. But considering how much national attention the restaurant has gotten in the last 20 years, that's no longer the case. It's impressive to be able to get a prime-time reservation here, though, so if you want to show a future boss or some foodie in-laws that you have some sway in Vegas, this is the spot." - Andrea Bennett