Lovely Day: A Cozy and Authentic Thai Experience in Nolita

Lovely Day Introduce

Tucked away on a charming block in the trendy Nolita neighborhood, Lovely Day has carved out a unique space for itself in New York City's diverse dining landscape. More than just a Thai restaurant, it's a cozy and homey spot that feels like a well-kept secret among locals, especially college students and young professionals. With its "very cute," dim lighting and inviting atmosphere, Lovely Day provides a warm escape from the city’s fast-paced energy. The restaurant is praised for its "lovely" service and fast delivery of food, making it a reliable and delightful option for a variety of occasions, from a romantic dinner to a quick, solo bite.

While the menu may be more focused than some of the city's larger Thai eateries, every dish is crafted with care and delivers on flavor. It is a place that has maintained its authentic charm and quality over the years, earning a reputation for being a staple in the neighborhood. Whether you're craving a classic like Pad Thai or a unique entree, Lovely Day offers a high-quality experience that consistently satisfies. Its blend of classic Thai cuisine with some unexpected fusion touches (like the Irish-style breakfast) adds to its distinctive character and makes it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Location and Accessibility

Lovely Day is conveniently situated at 196 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Nolita, a neighborhood known for its unique boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant street life. The restaurant is easily reachable from several subway lines, including the B, D, F, M, and 6 trains, making it accessible from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. Its proximity to major subway stations makes it a great dining option for a wide range of visitors, from those exploring Soho and the Lower East Side to those commuting from other boroughs.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, giving diners the flexibility to enjoy their meal in different settings. The outdoor seating is particularly popular when the weather is nice, while the cozy, dim-lit interior is perfect for a more intimate dining experience. While the establishment may not have explicit accessibility features mentioned in the provided data, its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, with its casual and trendy vibe, makes it a comfortable space for a diverse crowd, including college students. Its popularity means that it can get very busy, so making reservations is highly recommended to avoid a long wait, especially on a packed night.

Services Offered

Lovely Day provides a comprehensive set of services to accommodate its diners, whether they prefer to eat in or take their food to go. This flexibility is a key part of its appeal in a busy city like New York.

Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the restaurant’s cozy and unique atmosphere, complete with table service.
Takeout: For those on the go, the takeout option is a quick and convenient way to enjoy the food from the comfort of your home or office.
Delivery: Lovely Day offers a direct delivery service by phone and is also available on popular third-party apps, making it easy to get your food delivered right to your door.
Outdoor seating: When weather permits, you can enjoy your meal on the street, which adds to the charming Nolita experience.
Accepts Reservations: To manage its popularity and ensure a seat, Lovely Day accepts reservations. It is highly advised to book ahead to avoid a wait, especially during peak dining hours.
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: The restaurant serves all three major meals, with a special emphasis on all-day classics and breakfast options that are popular with the local crowd.

Features and Highlights

Lovely Day is more than just its food; it’s an experience shaped by its unique characteristics and offerings.

Great Cocktails and Coffee: The restaurant is known for its excellent cocktails, which are a perfect complement to the flavorful food. It's also praised for its coffee, making it a great place to start your day or end your meal.
Cozy and Homey Atmosphere: The "very homey" and "super cute" interior with its cozy, dim lighting creates a romantic and intimate setting, perfect for dates or quiet dinners.
Fast Service: Despite its popularity and sometimes packed environment, the restaurant is known for its "fast service" and efficient delivery of food, which is a major plus in NYC.
Healthy and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a variety of healthy and vegetarian-friendly options, from organic soups and salads to plant-based classics like Fried Tofu and the Lovely Day Big Salad with Roasted Beets.
Solo Dining: The casual and comfortable setting makes it an ideal spot for solo dining, where you can feel at ease enjoying a meal by yourself.
Flexible Payment Options: While some reviews note a limited policy of accepting only American Express and cash, the restaurant's information also lists credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing a range of choices for customers.

What is Worth Choosing

The menu at Lovely Day offers a blend of authentic Thai classics and unique dishes that are worth exploring. For a starter, the Tom Ga Coconut Milk Soup is a favorite, praised for its delicious and creamy flavor. The Chicken Satay is also a popular choice, known for its well-marinated chicken and perfect peanut sauce. For a crunchy and savory appetizer, the Ginger Fried Chicken is a must-try, often described as a standout dish. A real gem is the Green Papaya Salad, which is fresh and flavorful. The Sweet Potato Fries with their Worcestershire sour cream dip are another delicious side that stands out from typical pub fare.

When it comes to the main courses, Lovely Day’s "Classics" section is where you’ll find some of their most celebrated dishes. The Pad Thai is a crowd-pleaser and has been praised by many as one of the best in the city. The Spicy Green Curry and Red Curry are also highly recommended for their rich flavors and satisfying portions. Another noteworthy option is the Flank Steak, which one customer found to be "juicy and flavorful." The Pineapple Fried Rice is also a hit for its delicious taste, even if the portion size can be debated. Don't forget to grab a classic Thai Iced Tea to complement your meal, or explore their unique cocktail list.

While some reviewers have mentioned that the portions can be on the smaller side and the music a bit too loud, these are minor points in the overall positive experience. The quality of the ingredients, the speed of service, and the cozy ambiance are what truly define a visit to Lovely Day. The food is consistently fresh and delicious, proving that you don't need a huge menu to deliver a great meal. For anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable, and delicious Thai food spot in Nolita, Lovely Day is the perfect choice.

Contact Information

Address: 196 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: (212) 925-3310

Lovely Day Menu

Soup
Organic Miso Soup $6.00
Gluten-free. With shiitake mushrooms and seasonal vegetables.
Tom Ga Coconut Milk Soup $9.00
Shiitake mushroom, onions, and red pepper with your choice of chicken or tofu.
Kabocha Pumpkin Soup $11.00
With ginger and carrots
Asian Herbal Soup $16.00
Herbs, carrots, daikon, lotus roots, red dates and goji berries.

Small Plates
Edamame $7.50
Gluten-free, vegan. With sea salt.
Lovely Day Salad $11.00
With coleslaw, and spicy mayonnaise.
Side Of Steamed Brown Rice $4.50
Julienne Vegetable Salad $11.00
With sweet chili, peanut, and lime.
Young Market Greens $11.00
Gluten-free, vegan. With cider vinaigrette.
Sautéed Chinese Broccoli $11.00
Garlic, and oyster sauce.
Green Papaya Salad $13.00
Avocado, green chili, tomatoes, long beans, fish sauce, and ground peanut.
French Fries $9.00
With Spicy Aioli
Pork And Shiitake Mushroom Spring Roll $11.00
Side Of Japanese Rice $4.50
Sweet Potato Fries $10.00
With worchester sour cream dip.
Chicken Satay $13.00
Marinated in curry sauce, with peanut sauce and vegetable dip with mini Japanese or brown rice.
Ginger Fried Chicken $12.75
Gluten-free. With spicy aioli and lime. We use potato starch, not flour.
Long Beans $12.00
With garlic chili sauce.
Fried Tofu $11.00
With sweet chili sauce.
Kimono Fried Shrimp $13.00
With sweet chili sauce.

Popular Drinks
Sapporo $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle.
Lagunitas IPA Beer $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle.

Condiments
Spicy Chili Garlic Sauce $1.00
Vietnamese chili garlic sauce.
House Made Spicy Aioli $1.50
Spicy mayo.
House Made Peanut Sauce $1.50
House Chili Sauce $1.00
Sweet Chili Sauce $1.00

Small Plates
French Fries With Spicy Mayonnaise $9.00
Edamame $7.50
Gluten-free, vegan. With sea salt.
Summer Roll With Fresh Herbs $12.00
Shrimp and tamarind dip and crushed peanut.
Green Papaya Salad $13.00
Avocado, green chili, tomatoes, long beans, fish sauce, and ground peanut.
Side Of Steamed Brown Rice $4.50
Chicken Satay $13.00
Marinated in curry sauce, with peanut sauce and vegetable dip with mini Japanese or brown rice.
Julienne Vegetable Salad $11.00
With sweet chili, peanut, and lime.
Sautéed Chinese Broccoli $11.00
Garlic, and oyster sauce.
Lovely Day Salad $11.00
With coleslaw, and spicy mayonnaise.
Fried Tofu $11.00
With sweet chili sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries With Worcestershire Sour Cream Dip $10.00
Side Of Japanese Rice $4.50
Ginger Fried Chicken $12.75
Gluten-free. With spicy aioli and lime. We use potato starch, not flour.
Young Market Greens $11.00
Gluten-free, vegan. With cider vinaigrette.
Long Beans $12.00
With garlic chili sauce.

Dessert
Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake Slice $11.00
Gluten-free, no sugar added, sweetened with dates.
Peanut Butter Cookie $4.00
Gluten-free, vegan.
Quinoa Choco Cookie $4.00
Gluten-free. No sugar added, sweetened with dates.
Assorted Cookies $14.00
A mix of our homemade cookies.
Walnut Shortbread Cookie $3.50
Pandon (Asian Leaves) Tres Leches With Crunch Buckwheat $10.00
A light Mexican cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Pandon, the Asian leaves makes the cake green and flavorful. No artificial color. No butter used.

All-Day Breakfast
Free Range Egg Sandwich $9.75
With avocado, tomatoes, spicy mayonnaise, organic seven grains, mesclun salad.
Free Range Egg And Irish Pork Sausage Sandwich $10.75
With avocado, tomatoes, spicy mayonnaise, organic seven grains, mesclun salad.
Irish Style Breakfast $16.50
Two eggs any style, English baked beans, irish pork sausages, and organic seven-grain. All eggs are from pasture-raised free-range hens. Honey is from Tremblay Apiaries (upstate, New York).

Beverages
Diet Coke $4.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Fresh Limeade $5.00
Limeade made from freshly squeezed limes and agave nectar
Fiz Ginger Ale $4.00
From upstate, sweetened with 100 % cane sugar.
Ginger Beer, Jamaican Stone, Fizz (12 Fl Oz) $4.00
From upstate, sweetened with 100 % cane sugar.
Thai Iced Tea $5.00
Sweetened Thai Tea with Milk.
Iced Sencha Tea $4.00
Mexican Coke $5.00
12 ounce glass bottle of Mexican Coke made with cane sugar.

Lovely Day Classics
Fried Rice $13.00
Gluten-free. Brown rice or Japanese rice, market vegetables, scallion, and egg.
Red Curry $16.00
Eggplant, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushroom, chili pepper, bell pepper, and fresh Thai basil over brown or Japanese rice.
Thai Chow Fun $15.00
Oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, egg, and Chinese broccoli.
Pineapple Cashew Vegetables $15.00
Dried chili, onions, bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms over brown or Japanese rice with light oyster sauce base.
Pineapple Fried Rice $14.00
Brown rice or Japanese rice, market vegetables, scallion, and egg.
Lovely Day Big Salad With Roasted Beets $16.00
Gluten-free, vegan. Wild arugula, baby greens, crunchy sprout, crispin apples, cashew, avocado with miso honey ginger dressing.
Coconut Curry Noodle $16.00
Sanuki udon, and vegetables in curry soup.
Spicy Green Curry $16.00
Eggplant, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushroom, chili pepper, bell pepper, and fresh Thai basil over brown or Japanese rice.
Pad Thai $15.00
Bean sprout, black tofu, fish sauce, tamarind sauce, chili paste, crushed peanuts, scallion, egg, and lime. Gluten-free option: tamari gluten-free instead of tamarind sauce. Please specify if you like this option.
Hobo Noodle $15.00
Oyster sauce, spicy chili sauce, red chili, bell peppers, onions, and fresh Thai basil.

Wine, Beer, Sake & Original Cocktails!
Tanuki Sake Cup, Junmai $11.00
200ml.
Tsing Tao Beer $7.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle.
Kronenbourg Beer $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle.
Lagunitas IPA Beer $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle.
Nigori Sake Unfiltered, Ozeki $15.00
375ml. Bottle.
Sapporo $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle.
Red Stripe $7.00

Beer
Sapporo $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle.
Red Stripe $7.00
Lagunitas IPA Beer $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle.
Tanuki Sake Cup, Junmai $11.00
200ml
Nigori Sake Unfiltered, Ozeki $15.00
375 ml bottle.
Kronenbourg Beer $8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. 12oz bottle

Beverages
Ginger Beer, Jamaican Stone, Fizz (12 Fl Oz) $3.50
Sweetened with hundred percent cane sugar.
Mexican Coke $5.00
12 ounce glass bottle of Mexican Coke made with cane sugar.
Limeade $4.00
Limeade made with fresh squeezed lime juice and agave nectar.
Fiz Seltzer $3.00
Natural water from upstate NY
Fiz Ginger Ale $3.00
Natural, cane sugar, upstate NY
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice $5.00
Diet Coke $4.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Thai Iced Tea $5.00
Sweetened thai tea with milk.

Dessert
Chocolate Chip Cookie $4.00
Quinoa Choco Cookie $4.00
Gluten-free. No sugar added, sweetened with dates.
Pandon (Asian Leaves) Tres Laches $10.00
A light Mexican cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Pandon, the Asian leaves makes the cake green and flavorful. No artificial color. No butter used.
Assorted Cookies $13.00
A mix of our homemade cookies.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cookie $4.00
Gluten-free, vegan
Warm Homemade Flourless Chocolate Cake $11.00
Gluten-free.
Walnut Shortbread Cookie $3.50

Entrées
Flank Steak $26.75
Gluten-free. Scallion, mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus.
Seared Wild Tuna Roll $24.75
Lightly sautéed in rice crepe, market greens, wasabi, and peanut sauce.
Grilled Salmon Over Green Curry $26.75
Over spicy green curry, and vegetables with brown or Japanese rice.
Seared Salmon $24.75
Gluten-free. Mashed sweet potato, market greens and orange cream sauce.
Pork Chop $26.75
Gluten-free. With mashed potatoes and sautéed fuji apple.

Soup
Kabocha Pumpkin Soup $11.00
With ginger and carrots
Tom Ga Coconut Milk Soup $9.00
Shiitake mushroom, onions, and red pepper with your choice of chicken or tofu.
Organic Miso Soup $6.00
Gluten-free. With shiitake mushrooms and seasonal vegetables.
Asian Herbal Soup $16.00
Asian medicinal herbs, carrots, daikon, lotus roots, red dates and goji berries in chicken broth

Lovely Day Classics
Pineapple Cashew Vegetables (Dinner) $18.00
Dried chili, onions, bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms over brown or Japanese rice with light oyster sauce base.
Coconut Curry Noodle (Dinner) $19.00
Sanuki udon, and vegetables in curry soup.
Red Curry (Dinner) $19.00
Eggplant, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushroom, chili pepper, bell pepper, and fresh Thai basil over brown or Japanese rice.
Pineapple Fried Rice (Dinner) $15.00
Brown rice or Japanese rice, market vegetables, scallion, and egg.
Pad Thai (Dinner) $18.00
Bean sprout, black tofu, fish sauce, tamarind sauce, chili paste, crushed peanuts, scallion, egg, and lime. Gluten-free option: tamari gluten-free instead of tamarind sauce. Please specify if you like this option.
Hobo Noodle (Dinner) $18.00
Oyster sauce, spicy chili sauce, red chili, bell peppers, onions, and fresh Thai basil.
Fried Rice (Dinner) $14.00
Gluten-free. Brown rice or Japanese rice, market vegetables, scallion, and egg.
Lovely Day Big Salad With Roasted Organic Beets $16.00
Gluten-free, vegan. Baby greens, crispin apples, cashew, roasted beets, avocado with miso honey ginger dressing.
Thai Chow Fun (Dinner) $18.00
Oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, egg, and Chinese broccoli. Gluten-free option: tamari gf instead of tamarind sauce. Please specify if you like this option. Vegan option: no fish sauce, tamarind sauce or egg. Please specify this option.
Spicy Green Curry (Dinner) $19.00
Eggplant, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushroom, chili pepper, bell pepper, and fresh Thai basil over brown or Japanese rice.

Entrées
Seared Wild Tuna Roll $23.00
Lightly sautéed in rice crepe, market greens, wasabi, and peanut sauce.
Flank Steak $25.00
Flank steak, tamarind sauce, vegetables. Brown rice or Japanese rice.
Seared Salmon $23.00
Gluten-free. Mashed sweet potato, market greens and orange cream sauce.
Grilled Salmon Over Green Curry $25.00
Over spicy green curry, and vegetables with brown or Japanese rice.

Lovely Day Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
College students

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Lovely Day Photos

Lovely Day Location

Lovely Day

New York New York County New York Elizabeth Street

196 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Lovely Day Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 475 user reviews.

pad thaiatmospheregreen currykitchensalmonATMmusicthe menudrinksfried chicken

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I had the steak with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and it was so juicy and flavorful. The Thai tea was great too. The inside is super cute very homey with cozy, dim lighting. Only downside was the music being a little too loud I had trouble hearing the person across from me. But honestly, I don’t get the bad reviews. Our server was lovely and the food came out in about 20 minutes. I’d definitely come back.P.S— They only accept American Express & cashMAKE RESERVATIONS!!
August 08 · Gia Belle
The night I visited this place it was really packed so we had to wait about 30 minutes to be seated especially because we didn't have reservations. The experience overall was okay, to me it was not like any other Thai restaurant that I dine at, the menu is very limited when it comes to Thai selections compared to other places and the portions are not large. I ordered a large pineapple fried rice but the portion looked like a small but it tasted very good. The miso soup was also delicious along with the Chicken Satay and shrimp tempuratempura. The service was okay it was a busy night so there was limited interaction with our waitress. But the staff was friendly and greeted us with kindness.
May 31 · Vonnie Woods
Always a lovely day at Lovely Day! Nice spot to come with friends or family. Must get the ginger fried chicken. Cozy and casual and one of the last spots in this area where anyone can fit in and a normal price point. Food always tastes fresh.
July 09 · Madison Durango
I enjoyed my meal here, the flavors were more herbaceous and umami than spicy. Very plant forward menu and I appreciated the portion sizes. Not the best ambience and service could have been better but I would go back!
July 01 · Nina K
I had a lovely day… until I came here. They don’t warn you that they only take amex or cash, they have a small ATM at the back. It sais it on the menu, but when you come in just for a drink, that’s not exactly something you might see.I must say the waiter was quite unkind, until it came time to pay and ask for a tip, then suddenly a smile erupted on his face.This is the first time I take time to give a review on google but I just had to!
August 08 · zohar varadi