Lom Wong

- 218 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

For those in Arizona seeking an elevated and truly authentic Thai culinary experience beyond the familiar staples, a visit to Lom Wong in downtown Phoenix is essential. This acclaimed restaurant, led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Yotaka "Sunny" Martin and her husband Alex, offers a sincere and story-driven journey into the diverse regional cuisines of Thailand. Far from a typical Thai spot, Lom Wong focuses on the types of food found in the villages and small towns across the country, honoring the recipes and people who taught them.

Chef Martin's dedication to tradition is evident in the kitchen's practice of making core ingredients entirely by hand, including hand-pounding curry pastes and hand-squeezing fresh coconut milk. This commitment results in flavors that are described by patrons as vibrant, bracing, and mighty in flavor, providing a complex and nuanced taste that has earned Lom Wong national recognition and a passionate local following in the Arizona food scene.

Lom Wong is perfectly situated in the vibrant downtown Phoenix area, making it a central and accessible destination for Arizona food lovers. The restaurant is located in a distinctive black bungalow at 218 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA. This cozy and intimate setting, complete with exposed brick and charming decor, contributes to a warm, welcoming, and slightly romantic atmosphere.

Accessibility is a key priority for the establishment, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests:

• Wheelchair Accessible: The venue features a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, making it inclusive for people with mobility needs.
• Parking: Guests benefit from both free parking lot options and free street parking. There is also a paid parking lot available nearby, offering various convenient options for those driving in.
• Public Transit Proximity: The location is just a few blocks from the Roosevelt/Central light rail station, offering a great option for those utilizing Phoenix's public transportation system.

It is important to note that Lom Wong's popularity, especially for dinner, means that reservations are highly recommended, often secured via online platforms like OpenTable.

As a full-service Thai restaurant, Lom Wong provides a range of dining options and amenities designed to create a memorable experience. The restaurant’s philosophy is centered around communal dining, with dishes arriving as they are ready and meant to be shared, encouraging guests to sample a wider range of regional flavors. Their dedication to quality extends beyond the plate to the entire dining environment.

Key services and offerings include:

• Authentic Thai Regional Dining: The menu is curated by Thai region (Chiang Rai, Kanchanburi, Phang Nga) rather than traditional courses, offering an educational and authentic culinary journey.
• Dinner and Dessert: A full evening dining experience with table service.
• Brunch Service: A dedicated brunch menu featuring unique items like Chicken And Coconut Waffles, Crab Fried Rice, and the rich Boo Pad Pong Garee Benedict.
• Curated Dining Experience (Arai Kodai): Guests can opt for a special, chef-curated dinner tailored to their preferences and dietary restrictions, allowing for the exploration of new and seasonal dishes.
• Full Bar Offerings: A selection of Beer, Wine, Sake (including options like G Joy Junmai and Cowboy Yamahai), and Hard Liquor.
• Creative Cocktails: An inventive cocktail menu with unique pairings that complement the complex Thai flavors, such as a Piña Colada with a touch of fish sauce.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A creative Mocktail menu featuring options like Mocktail Madame Madame and Mocktail Ma-Khwaen Negroni.
• Outdoor Seating: A shaded patio is available for a pleasant open-air dining experience.
• Takeout Option: Available for those who prefer to enjoy the cuisine at home.
• Private Events/Buyout: Large party orders are accommodated, including a specific Patio Buyout option for events.
• Retail: The option to purchase Lom Wong branded shirts.

Lom Wong stands out among Arizona restaurants for several distinguishing features and achievements that highlight its quality and unique approach:

• Award-Winning Cuisine: The restaurant and its chef, Yotaka "Sunny" Martin, are recipients of a prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef – Southwest, marking it as a culinary standout. The restaurant has also been recognized by publications like Esquire and Food & Wine for being among the nation's best new restaurants.
• Handcrafted Ingredients: A rare and commendable dedication to authenticity, including making curry pastes and coconut milk from scratch daily.
• Exceptional Salads and Curries: Signature dishes frequently praised by diners include the Yam Mamuang Boran (Green Mango Salad), known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, savory, and spice, and complex curries like Ae Kan Khlak Ti and Kaeng Phet Charinda.
• Dietary Inclusivity: The menu consciously includes healthy options, small plates, and a variety of vegetarian options, such as the Kaeng Phet Fak Tawng (a vegan curry) and Tom Yum Haeng Tofu.
• Atmosphere and Crowd: The ambiance is described as Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale. The restaurant actively promotes an inclusive environment, welcoming families, groups, tourists, and is noted as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space.
• Fast and Attentive Service: Despite the upscale nature, the service is often highlighted as fast, attentive, and knowledgeable, with staff ready to offer spot-on menu recommendations.

For Arizona residents planning a visit to this highly-rated Thai gem, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 218 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

Phone: (602) 675-0522

It is strongly recommended to check their website or a reservation platform for the most current operating hours and to secure a reservation, especially for peak dining times.

For an Arizona local, choosing Lom Wong offers more than just a meal; it is an act of cultural and culinary exploration. What makes it truly worth choosing is the restaurant's sincere and uncompromising commitment to authenticity and quality. You are not simply getting 'Thai food'; you are experiencing the distinct, story-rich flavors of different regions of Thailand, as interpreted by a James Beard Award-winning chef.

The dedication to hand-made ingredients, from curry paste to coconut milk, is a mark of true craft that elevates every dish. Whether you're indulging in the perfect balance of the Yam Mamuang Boran, savoring the depth of a regional curry, or exploring a creative mocktail, you are guaranteed a high-quality, memorable, and educational dining experience. Lom Wong fills a niche in the Arizona dining scene for those craving an authentic and nuanced taste of Thai regional cuisine in a beautiful, welcoming, and critically acclaimed setting.

Lom Wong

218 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA