Award-winning chef at Phoenix Thai restaurant gets more national recognition

PHOENIX — The award-winning chef of a Phoenix Thai restaurant received more national recognition this week.

Yotaka Martin, the chef at Lom Wong near Second and Portland streets, was recognized by the editors at Food & Wine as one of the “10 most dynamic and promising up-and-coming chefs in the country.”

She was among chefs from all over the country including Texas, Ohio, New York City, Maine, California, New Orleans, Nashville and Philadelphia.

Details on Phoenix Thai restaurant’s chef

Martin started cooking as a child with her family in northern Thailand. Her family has a farm and grew rice, herbs, fruit and raised livestock.

When Martin moved to the United States, she made it her goal to share he family and friend’s favorite flavors with others.

She opened Lom Wong with her husband, Alex, who lived in Thailand for 12 years where he made the strongest bonds while cooking and sharing meals.

The restaurant serves microregional dishes inspired by communities near the Adaman Sea.

In June, Martin won a 2025 James Beard Award and kept the title of best chef in the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Oklahoma) for the second year in a row.

“Lom Wong believes in community over self. This award is (a) reflection of the hard work of our whole team,” the restaurant owners said in a social media post after winning the award. “We are incredibly grateful to be able to showcase a small part of the cuisines of Thailand.”

Lom Wong opens at 5 p.m. for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

Related

Chef at downtown Phoenix Thai restaurant wins prestigious James Beard AwardJames Beard Award winner takes over former Sonic for new restaurantCelebrity Chic Chef launches dual restaurant, coffee shop in downtown PhoenixBygone mall favorite Hot Dog on a Stick plans return to ArizonaFilipino grocery chain Seafood City hosting grand opening with freebies in ChandlerIce cream shop moving into historic Tempe home after $500K city restoration