Amata Modern Thai – A New Comfort Food Favorite with Global Roots

While we’re still enjoying a few lingering winter days here in the valley, I found myself craving something deeply comforting — the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.

Around the same time, I kept hearing about a new Thai restaurant that had opened just a month ago. Social media was buzzing, influencers were lining up, and the hype machine was in full swing.

Instead of rushing in, we decided to wait for the initial fuss to settle.

So on a Saturday afternoon, I picked up David for what was meant to be a simple work-meeting lunch. What we discovered instead was far more memorable.

What started as “just another Thai spot” quickly revealed itself as a hole-in-one dining experience for anyone who truly loves Thai food.

The story behind Amata Modern Thai

According to their website, AMATA Modern Thai was born from the remarkable journey of Chef Pinyo — and that story is felt in every corner of the restaurant and every dish that leaves the kitchen.

Chef Pinyo’s culinary roots trace back to the bustling street stalls of Bangkok, where he first learned the essence of Thai cooking: bold flavors, balance, and heart. From those humble beginnings, his passion and relentless drive carried him into the kitchens of Bangkok’s most prestigious five-star hotels, where he mastered precision, technique, and discipline.

His path didn’t stop there. Chef Pinyo went on to cook across the globe — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and San Francisco — joining opening teams for some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants. Eventually, that journey brought him to Las Vegas, where he rose to become Executive Chef at the internationally renowned Hakkasan.

From nothing, he built himself into one of the most respected Thai chefs in the industry. At Amata, those 20 years of stories, experiences, and passion come together to celebrate Thai cuisine in a way that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

A location made for locals

Amata’s location is quietly one of its biggest strengths. Situated on the corner of Rainbow and Russell, it sits in that sweet spot — not on the Strip, not way up north, and not tucked into a hard-to-reach pocket of town. It’s genuinely central, making it an easy and fair meeting point for friends coming from different parts of the valley.

Whether you’re heading in from Summerlin, Henderson, or somewhere in between, the drive feels reasonable. For locals, that matters. It makes Amata the kind of place you can add to your regular rotation, not just save for special occasions.

Warm design with thoughtful details

Walking into the restaurant, it’s immediately clear that a lot of thought went into the design. The space feels warm, welcoming, and intentional — not trendy for the sake of being trendy, but comfortable and inviting.

The decor leans heavily into wood textures, mid-century style chairs, and carefully placed mirrors that help open up the room. Greenery surrounds the dining area, adding life and softness without overwhelming the space. Nothing feels overdone. Instead, the room feels airy, calm, and balanced — much like the food itself.

It’s the kind of environment where you can enjoy a relaxed lunch meeting just as easily as a longer dinner with friends, lingering over plates and conversation.

Service that elevates the experience

Great food only goes so far without great service, and Amata delivers on that front as well. Our waitress was incredibly kind and knowledgeable, patiently answering our questions and offering thoughtful recommendations.

We’re self-proclaimed foodies, so once she started suggesting dishes, we did what any curious diners would do — we ordered everything she recommended. It turned out to be the best decision we could’ve made.

Starting strong with bold appetizers

Appetizers

Larb Nuea – Spicy Beef Carpaccio

We started with the Larb Nuea, and as someone who genuinely loves the Italian version of beef carpaccio, I can confidently say this dish knocked it out of the park.

This AMATA signature features rare steak tenderloin dressed with northern Thai spices, lime, cilantro, and crispy shallots. The flavors are bright, bold, and layered in a way that feels surprising yet perfectly balanced. It’s one of those dishes where you pause after the first bite, trying to understand how so many contrasting elements come together so seamlessly.

The result was nothing short of fabulous.

Por Piea Ped – Crispy Duck Rolls

Our second appetizer was the Por Piea Ped, and it offered a clever and satisfying twist on the familiar spring roll. These two fried rolls are filled with crispy duck, delivering rich flavor and texture in every bite.

They’re crispy, savory, and incredibly well-constructed — comfort food with finesse. Simple in concept, but executed with care and confidence.

Main courses that redefine comfort

Main dishes

Bone Marrow Short Rib

By the time it came to ordering our mains, we knew we wanted to step away from the usual Pad Thai and noodle staples. The Bone Marrow Short Rib immediately stood out.

This dish features braised beef short ribs served with noodles in a rich curry broth, infused with traditional northern Thai spices. But the real showstopper is the flamed bone marrow.

If you’ve never tried bone marrow — or even if you have — this dish will completely flip the script. The meat is tender, the broth is deep and comforting, and the marrow adds a luxurious richness that turns the entire bowl into a true delicacy. This is a must-try dish and a perfect example of Amata’s ability to balance bold flavors with soulful comfort.

Penang Ped Grob – Crispy Duck Panang Curry

The second main dish was the Penang Ped Grob, and it’s hard to go wrong when Panang curry is involved. This version takes it even further with an 8-hour braised, twice-fried signature crispy duck.

The duck is rich, crispy, and deeply flavorful, while the Panang curry sauce delivers that familiar creamy warmth with just the right amount of spice. Together, they create a dish that feels indulgent without being overwhelming — comforting, satisfying, and undeniably crave-worthy.

A promising addition to the local dining scene

As new local businesses open their doors, it’s always exciting to see one arrive with this level of intention. From the thoughtful design and attentive service to the intense, well-balanced flavors coming out of the kitchen, Amata Modern Thai feels like a place built to last.

It’s more than just another Thai restaurant. It’s a reflection of a chef’s journey, a celebration of tradition, and a welcome addition to the Las Vegas local food scene. Places like this deserve to be supported, shared, and revisited.

If Amata Modern Thai is any indication of where our local dining community is headed, the future looks incredibly flavorful.