advertisement
21 April 2025
In a city where the culinary scene is growing rapidly, one restaurant stands out for its authentic, innovative, and flavorful take on Thai cuisine — and it’s earned national recognition. Lom Wong, a Thai restaurant in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row, has become a popular hotspot for locals and food critics alike. Chef Yotaka “Sunny” Martin, co-owner of Lom Wong, has made it to the finalist round for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards, among the highest honors in the culinary world.
advertisement
Opened in 2022, Lom Wong is more than just a place to grab a meal. It’s a celebration of the diverse regions of Thailand. The name “Lom Wong” translates to “to get together in a circle,” which speaks to the restaurant’s ethos. A place where family, friends, as well as community come together to share a meal, just like in traditional Thai villages. This isn’t your typical Thai restaurant — it’s a culinary journey through Thailand’s different flavors and stories. They serve dishes inspired by Sunny’s family recipes and rare specialties from lesser-known regions.
Esquire named Lom Wong one of the top new restaurants to try in the U.S. last year, and it’s no surprise why. The menu is divided into three distinct sections, each inspired by a different region of Thailand. A third of the menu is inspired by Northern Thailand, a third by Central Thailand, and the final third introduces the rare and unique flavors of the Moklen tribe from Southern Thailand.
When you walk into Lom Wong, you’re not just being served a meal. You will be experiencing an immersive and vibrant part of Thai culture. The food is as authentic as it gets, from the Ae Kan Khlak Ti (a sea bass curry inspired by the Moklen tribe) to the Boo Pad Pong Garee (a stir-fried crab dish), Gai Tawt Won Pen (crispy fried chicken wings), and Pad Kwang Toon (stir-fried bok choy and tofu). Every dish is designed to take you through flavors you won’t typically find on your average Thai menu.
Lom Wong’s dedication to quality ingredients is evident. For example, the restaurant prides itself on making its own curry paste and hand-squeezing coconut milk. This attention to detail and commitment to authenticity have garnered Lom Wong numerous accolades. This includes the Phoenix New Times “Best of Phoenix” titles in 2020 and 2021.
Aside from the extraordinary flavors, the atmosphere at Lom Wong is another reason to visit. Located in the trendy Roosevelt Row district, the restaurant has a welcoming vibe. Additionally they have a charming and modern interior that complements the rich flavors of the food. The space is designed to feel like a community gathering spot where patrons think part of the family. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring you have a top-notch experience.
One of the most memorable experiences at Lom Wong is the family-style dining. Guests are encouraged to order multiple dishes to share, creating a communal dining experience that reflects the restaurant’s cultural ethos. Each dish is meant to be enjoyed together, just like a family meal in Thailand.
advertisement
The attention Lom Wong is receiving nationally isn’t just about Chef Sunny’s talent. It’s about the restaurant’s ability to bring something unique to Phoenix. It’s rare to find such an immersive experience in the city, where every dish tells a story and the flavors are as authentic as they come.
Lom Wong is the place to go if you’re in the Phoenix area and want to experience Thai food like you’ve never had. Whether it’s the rich history behind each dish, the family-like atmosphere, or the impeccable flavors, you won’t regret making a reservation at this award-winning spot. After all, you’re not just eating; you’re part of the story.
So, the next time you’re in the area, stop by Lom Wong. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
advertisement
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
Across the deserts, grasslands, and pine forests of Arizona and New Mexico, native predators once prowled: jaguars, wolves, and even grizzly bears once claimed Arizona as their home. Today, most of these species are gone, victims of hunting, habitat loss, and human expansion. But what if human intervention could remedy this? advertisement Jaguars Conservationists have long debated reintroducing jaguars into their historic range. Unlike some extinct or extirpated species, jaguars have garnered public fascination and broad support, making their comeback more politically and socially viable. Reintroducing jaguars wouldn’t just be a symbolic victory; it could help restore complex ecological interactions
Buying your first home can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. For many buyers in Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding areas, one common concern is termites. If you’re house hunting, especially for older homes or condos built decades ago, termites are something you’ll likely encounter one day. advertisement Termites Are Common, Not Catastrophic In Phoenix and Tucson, termites are almost a given for older wood-constructed homes. Local homeowners joke that there are only two kinds of houses here: those that have had termites and those that will have termites. While the word “infestation” can sound alarming, a detected termite presence
The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is one of the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America and a symbol of both ecological resilience and conservation success. Once nearly extinct, this small gray wolf has become the focus of one of the most closely monitored wildlife recovery efforts in the United States. advertisement A Species on the Brink By the late 1970s, only seven Mexican gray wolves remained in captivity. Their disappearance from the wild was driven by habitat loss, hunting, and predator control programs. The survival of this subspecies depended entirely on careful intervention and breeding programs.
advertisement
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |