Lotus of Siam

Lotus of Siam has been one of the most respected restaurants in Las Vegas for more than two decades, and it is a strong choice for visitors who want to eat seriously well away from the casinos. Owner and chef Saipin Chutima took over the restaurant with her husband Bill in November 1999, and her cooking draws on Northern Thai recipes handed down in the Chutima family for more than a century. She won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest in 2011, and the restaurant has been praised in Saveur, Gourmet and on Food Network and the Travel Channel. The late critic Jonathan Gold wrote in Saveur that it was the best Thai meal he had ever eaten.

The menu is built around Northern Thai cooking. The Crispy Duck Panang, with crispy duck in a curry-based sauce with basil and red peppers, and the Garlic Prawns, tossed in a garlic and pepper sauce, are among the dishes the restaurant highlights. Ik Ong, made with ground pork, herbs and spices, is another speciality that has won praise from chef Ming Tsai. Ask the staff to guide you through the Northern dishes if you are unsure, and be clear about how much heat you want.

The wine list is a surprise for a neighbourhood Thai restaurant, with more than 300 selections, and there is a cocktail menu too. Aromatic white wines are a natural match for the spice and herbs, so it is worth exploring beyond beer.

Lotus of Siam suits food lovers, groups who want to share several dishes, and anyone on a mid-range budget looking for one of the city's best meals. Reservations are taken through OpenTable and are recommended, particularly in the evenings and at weekends, and larger parties and catering can be arranged. Online ordering is available if you prefer to eat in your room.

If you are visiting with a group, order several dishes to share, which is the easiest way to explore the menu and balance richer dishes with lighter ones.

The Flamingo Road restaurant is a short taxi or ride-share east of the Strip, close to the Center Strip resorts. The family also operates a second location on East Sahara Avenue. Check the website for current opening times at each location before you set off.