Before Lotus’ 1999 launch at Commercial Center, Las Vegas diners had no idea what they’d been missing. Once we got a taste of its northern style Thai cooking, there was no going back. The recipes have been handed down for 100 years in Chef Saipin Chutima’s family, and thankfully, we get to be a part of it, too. 953 E. Sahara Ave., 702-735-3033.

Runner-up: Pin Kaow