Splashes of warm hues race across the ceiling. A checkerboard of ceramic tiling offsets long mirrored walls. Metallic chairs, pink neon lights and lush orchids abound. Such decor brings some retro-sleek flair to Ninth Avenue, but there's nothing old school about Q2Thai. Restaurateurs M & P have created a new culinary formula for Thai cooking: Q2 (Quality x Quantity); every dish boasts large portions at agreeable prices and proves that the best Thai food doesn't have to come from middling mom-and-pop shops.

This casual midtown eatery is every bit avant-garde American in design as it is traditional Thai in taste. Under the supervision of co-owner and Executive Chef Koh (whose restaurant revolution includes popular Hell's Kitchen upstarts Aceluck and Aura), the kitchen puts out authentic entrees and memorable specials packed with herbs and spices like basil and kefir leaves, lemongrass and galangal. The clarity of four flavors is so sharp and so robust that you can taste sweet and sour, salty and spicy all at once. Undeniably, this indescribable palatable mingle is a cornerstone of Thai cuisine. Q2 Thai cuisine.

With an affordable wine list—all selections complimenting the food perfectly—and brisk, friendly though unobtrusive service, Q2 bears repeating.