Raenu: Authentic Thai Food with a Cozy Vibe on Amsterdam Avenue

Raenu Introduce

In the vibrant and bustling neighborhood of the Upper West Side, finding a restaurant that combines authentic flavors, a cozy atmosphere, and great value can feel like a rare find. Raenu, a charming Thai restaurant nestled on Amsterdam Avenue, checks all these boxes and more. This delightful eatery has quickly become a local favorite, not just for its delicious food but for its intimate and welcoming ambiance. Unlike larger, more commercial establishments, Raenu offers a personal touch that makes every visit feel special. The space, though small, is thoughtfully decorated with lush plants, creating a serene and inviting escape from the city's fast pace. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a comforting meal, whether you're dining alone, with a friend, or on a casual date. The focus is on providing high-quality, flavorful food without the high price tag, which is a winning combination for any New Yorker. Raenu's commitment to delivering an authentic Thai culinary experience is evident in every dish, from classic curries to unique, house-made specials.

The menu at Raenu is a journey through the diverse and rich landscape of Thai cuisine. While it features all the beloved classics like Pad Thai and Green Curry, it also includes a variety of less common but equally delicious options. From a wide selection of appetizers like Thai-Style Chicken Wings and Chive Dumplings to an array of stir-fried entrees and noodle soups, there is something to satisfy every craving. The restaurant is particularly celebrated for its lunch specials, which are widely regarded as one of the best values in the city, offering a choice of appetizer and a main dish at a remarkably affordable price. This dedication to both quality and affordability is what truly sets Raenu apart and has made it a cherished gem for the local community. It is a place where every dish is prepared with care, ensuring a consistent and satisfying dining experience for both loyal regulars and new visitors.

Raenu is located at 844 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA, a strategic position in the heart of the Upper West Side. This location makes it a highly accessible destination for both residents of the neighborhood and visitors. The restaurant is situated in an area well-served by public transportation, with several subway and bus stops a short walk away. This makes it a convenient spot for a quick lunch or dinner after a day of work, class, or exploring the nearby attractions. For those who drive, paid street parking is available in the surrounding area, though, like with much of New York City, it is wise to be prepared for the typical urban parking challenges. The cozy, plant-filled atmosphere and inviting exterior make it a welcoming sight on the busy street, drawing in passersby with its charm. Its proximity to other neighborhood amenities and cultural spots adds to its appeal, making it a great stop to round out an afternoon or evening in the area.

Raenu offers a variety of service options designed to provide maximum convenience and flexibility for its customers. Here is a rundown of the services you can expect:

Dine-in: The restaurant provides a cozy and intimate space for customers to sit and enjoy their meal. While seating is limited, the casual and comfortable atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed dining experience.
Delivery: For the ultimate convenience, Raenu provides a reliable delivery service, bringing their authentic Thai food directly to your doorstep. This is a popular option for residents of the Upper West Side and surrounding areas.
Takeout: Customers on the go can easily place an order for takeout. The restaurant is efficient in preparing orders quickly, ensuring your food is ready for a fast and easy pickup.
No-contact delivery: Raenu also offers a no-contact delivery option, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind for those who prefer it.

These service options demonstrate Raenu's commitment to catering to its diverse clientele and their busy lifestyles, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their delicious food in the way that best suits them.

Raenu has several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Thai food in New York. These elements are what have earned it a reputation as a beloved local spot. Here are some of its key highlights:

Exceptional Value: The restaurant is widely praised for its affordability, particularly its lunch specials which offer a fantastic value by including an appetizer and a main course for a very reasonable price. This makes it a perfect option for budget-conscious diners and students.
Authentic Flavors: Raenu is known for delivering authentic Thai flavors that are not toned down for a Western audience. The food is flavorful, and customers can customize the spice level to their liking, with some noting that even a moderate spice level can pack a significant kick.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The menu features a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, from various curries and noodle dishes to a dedicated "Vegetarian Duck" protein option. This makes it an inclusive choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The atmosphere is noted for being cozy and casual, with an inviting interior adorned with plants. This welcoming vibe makes it a comfortable spot for a relaxed meal.
Popular Dishes: Raenu is celebrated for several popular dishes, including its Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Thai-Style Chicken Wings. The Mango Sticky Rice is also a highly-rated dessert that receives much praise from customers.
Friendly Service: The staff is often described as friendly and attentive, contributing to the overall positive dining experience. This personal touch enhances the feeling of a neighborhood gem.

For any inquiries or to place an order, you can contact Raenu directly. The restaurant is located at 844 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA. You can reach them by phone at (646) 998-5414. They also have a mobile phone number, +1 646-998-5414, which offers another convenient way to get in touch. The easy and direct access to the restaurant ensures that placing an order or making a reservation is a simple and hassle-free process. The staff is always ready to assist with your order and provide any information you need about their menu and specials.

What is truly worth choosing at Raenu is its perfect combination of delicious, authentic food and unbeatable value. For New Yorkers in the Upper West Side, it offers a refreshing alternative to more expensive Thai restaurants without sacrificing quality. The lunch special is a standout offering that provides a full, satisfying meal at a price that's hard to beat anywhere else in the city. The Pad Thai is a crowd favorite, praised for its fresh flavors and perfect balance, while the Green Curry is noted for its authentic taste and satisfying spice level. For those seeking something beyond the usual, the Chef's Specials, like the Pan-Seared Soft Shell Crab or Seared Lemongrass Sea Scallops, offer a taste of Raenu's culinary creativity. Whether you're a local craving a regular fix of flavorful Thai cuisine, a student on a budget, or just someone passing through the neighborhood looking for a cozy and delicious meal, Raenu is a destination that will leave you both satisfied and impressed. Its genuine flavors and friendly, inviting atmosphere make it a true neighborhood treasure.

Raenu Vibe

Beverages
Soda $1.50
Choice of Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Sprite, Seltzer Water
Spring Water $2.00
Sparkling Water (Pellegrino) $2.50
Juice $3.00
Choice of Orange, Pineapple, Coconut, Lychee, or Mango Juice
Thai Ice Tea $3.00
Thai Ice Coffee $3.00
Chrysanthemum Ice Tea $3.00
Iced Green Tea $3.00
Bubble Milk Tea $3.50
Choice of Thai Ice Tea, Thai Ice Coffee, Taro, Green Tea, or Milk Tea

Appetizers
Spring Rolls $6.00
Glass noodles and vegetables served with sweet yellow chili sauce.
Thai-Style Chicken Wings $7.50
Served with sweet chili sauce.
Chicken Curry Puffs $7.00
Served with cucumber sauce.
Tofu-Vegetable Curry Puffs $7.00
Served with cucumber sauce.
Chicken Satay $8.00
Served with peanut sauce and cucumber sauce.
Fried Calamari $8.00
Served with lemongrass, ginger, mayo sauce.
Crabmeat and Shrimp Rolls $8.00
Served with sweet chili sauce.
Fried Tofu $6.00
Served with ground peanuts and sweet chili sauce.
Panko Fried Shrimp $8.00
Served with Sriracha mayo sauce.
Chicken Meatballs $7.00
Served with BBQ sauce, pineapples, onions, and bell peppers
Chive or Taro Dumplings $7.00
Wrapped in rice flour and served with sweet, chili and garlic soy sauce.
Gyoza $7.00
Choice of Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Edamame or Vegetable. Consists of scallion, ginger, garlic served with sweet, chili and garlic soy sauce
Crab Rangoon $8.00
Crispy wonton skin, crabmeat and cream cheese served with sweet chili sauce.
Steamed Chicken Dumplings $7.00
With sweet, chili, garlic sauce.
Spicy Fish Cake $7.00
With crushed peanuts, cucumber and chili sauce. Hot and spicy.
Duck Roll $9.00
Roasted duck with scallions, cucumber, Sriracha and hoisin sauce wrapped in a tortilla.
Grilled Pork $8.00
Grilled, marinated with garlic, onion, chili and lime sauce.
Spare Ribs $8.00
Served with spicy tamarind sauce.
Thai Scotch Egg $7.00
Boiled egg wrapped in sausage.
Panko Fried Avocado $8.00
Served with Sriracha mayo.
Thai Lemon Chicken $9.00
Fried chicken tenders with lime mayo sauce.

Salads
Thai Salad $6.00
Mixed green, tomato, cucumber, bean sprouts and fried tofu served with peanut or sesame dressing.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad) $8.50
With string beans, carrots, tomatoes, garlic and chili lime juice. Hot and spicy.
Duck Salad $13.50
Roasted duck with cashew nuts, mango, green apple, mint, tomatoes, sweet and chili lime juice. Hot and spicy.
Larb Gai $10.00
Minced chicken with red onion, scallion, mint, roasted rice powder, dried chili and lime juice. Hot and spicy.
Beef Salad $11.00
Grilled sliced beef, cucumber, red onion, mint, tomatoes, sweet and chili lime juice. Hot and spicy.
Grilled Shrimp Salad $11.00
Avocado, mango, lettuce, cashew nuts, red onion, garlic and chili lime juice. Hot and spicy.
Soft Shell Crab Salad $12.50
Soft-shell crab with mango, avocado, red onion and cashew nuts with chili lime juice.
Avocado Salad $8.50
Mixed greens with avocado, tomatoes and cucumbers with sesame sauce.

Soups
Small $5.50
Large $9.50
Wonton Soup
Clear broth with Thai wonton ground chicken, shrimp and bok choy.
Tom Kha
With a choice of shrimp, chicken, or vegetables and coconut milk, lemongrass, mushrooms, galanga, chili and lime juice. Hot and spicy.
Tom Yum
Lemongrass, mushrooms, onions, kaffir lime leaves, chili and lime juice. Hot and spicy.
Tom Jerd
Steamed tofu and vegetables, clear broth, glass noodles and mushrooms.

Choice of Protein For Curries, Entrees, Fried Rice, and Noodles
Chicken $13.00
Vegetables $13.00
Tofu $13.00
Pork $13.00
Vegetarian Duck $14.00
Shrimp $16.00
Squid $16.00
Beef $16.00
Duck $16.00
Jumbo Shrimp $17.00
Mixed Seafood $17.00
Tilapia $17.00
Served only in Curries
Salmon $17.00
Served only in Fried Rice or Curries

Curries
Red Curry
With a choice of protein, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, eggplant, bell peppers and basil. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Green Curry
With a choice of protein, coconut milk, pineapple, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and basil. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Panang Curry
With a choice of protein, coconut milk, string beans, bell peppers and long hot chili. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Massaman Curry
With a choice of protein, coconut milk, potatoes, carrot, and onions. Served with jasmine rice.

Entrees
Pad Gra Prow (Basil)
With a choice of protein, bamboo shoots, onion, long hot chili, Thai basil-chili sauce. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Pad Khing (Ginger)
With a choice of protein, ginger, mixed vegetables with ginger soy sauce. Served with jasmine rice.
Pad Medmamuang (Cashew)
With a choice of protein, cashew nuts, assorted vegetables with cashew sauce. Served with jasmine rice.
Pad Prik Khing (Curry)
With a choice of protein, string beans, bell peppers, long hot chili, and chili paste. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Garlic
With a choice of protein, mixed vegetables and garlic sauce. Served with jasmine rice.
Eggplant Basil
With a choice of protein, onion and long hot chili in basil sauce. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Rama
With a choice of protein, steamed broccoli with peanut sauce. Served with jasmine rice.

Fried Rice
Thai Fried Rice
With a choice of protein, egg, tomatoes, scallions, onions, Chinese broccoli.
Pineapple Fried Rice
With a choice of protein, pineapple, egg, tomatoes, scallion, onion, raisins and cashew nuts.
Thai Sausage Fried Rice
With a choice of protein, sweet Thai Sausage, egg, red onion, scallion, ginger and fresh chili.
Spicy Fried Rice
With a choice of protein, chili, onion, string beans, bell peppers, and basil. Hot and spicy.
Crab Fried Rice $16.00
Lump crab, egg, scallion and onion.

Noodles
Pad Thai
With a choice of protein, stir fried rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, chives and peanuts.
Pad See Ew
With a choice of protein, sautéed flat rice noodles with egg, Chinese broccoli and sweet dark soy sauce.
Drunken Noodles
With a choice of protein and flat or udon noodles with tomatoes, onions, chili and basil. Hot and spicy.
Tom Yum Noodle Soup $14.00
With rice noodles, ground and pork balls in clear broth, peanut and boiled egg.
Duck Noodle Soup $16.00
Rice noodles with braised duck, smooth broth, Chinese broccoli, bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro and garlic.

Thai Specials
Gra Prow with Minced Pork or Chicken $14.95
Thai chili basil sauce with fried egg. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Crispy Pork Gra Prow $14.95
Crispy pork belly in basil sauce and bird's eye chili. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Crispy Pork with Chinese Broccoli $14.95
Crispy pork belly in garlic sauce. Served with jasmine rice.
Tilapia Pad Ped $15.95
Sauteed fillet tilapia, Thai eggplant, string bean and baby corn in spicy curry sauce. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Thai Pork Chop $15.95
Grilled marinated tender pork chop with sticky rice. Served with sticky rice.
Duck Tamarind $16.95
Roast duck with tamarind sauce and stir fried mixed vegetables. Served with jasmine rice.
Duck Gra Prow $16.95
Roast duck with basil sauce, onion, carrot and string bean with bird's eye chili. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Duck Curry $16.95
Roasted duck in coconut milk, tomatoes, pineapple, bell peppers and basil. Served with jasmine rice.
Gai Yang $17.00
Roasted half BBQ chicken. Marinated in Thai herbs, served with sticky rice, papaya salad and sweet chili sauce.
Pla Rad Prik $17.00
3 flavor sauce served with sauteed vegetables and jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Karee Shrimp $17.00
Jumbo shrimp, Chinese celery, onion, egg, long hot chili and sautéed with yellow curry. Served with jasmine rice. Hot and spicy.
Salmon Teriyaki $17.95
Grilled salmon fillet, teriyaki sauce and stir fried mixed vegetables. Served with jasmine rice.
Soft Shell Crab in Basil Sauce $19.00
Crispy soft shell crab with basil sauce on the sauce, served with sautéed vegetables and jasmine rice on the side.

Chef's Specials
Grilled Herb Salmon $17.95
With roasted red potatoes and mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Broiled Lemon Sole $17.00
With roasted red potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, sautéed vegetables and ginger soy sauce.
Pan-Seared Soft Shell Crab in Garlic Butter Sauce $18.00
Served with mixed vegetables and roasted red potatoes.
Seared Cashew Nut Lemon Sole $18.00
Avocado-cashew sauce served with sautéed asparagus and ginger brown rice.
Seared Lemongrass Sea Scallops and Jumbo Shrimp $19.00
Served with spicy mango-asparagus salad and chili-lime vinaigrette. Hot and spicy.
Sautéed Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops in Balsamic Cognac Sauce $19.00
Served with mixed vegetables and jasmine rice.

Side Orders
2 oz. Additional Sauce $1.00
Choice of Hot Chili Sauce, Cucumber Salad Sauce, Sweet Orange Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, Dumpling Sauce, Sweet Yellow Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Calamari Sauce, Spicy Mayo, or Sesame Dressing
Peanut Sauce $2.00
2 oz.
Jasmine Rice $2.00
Ginger Brown Rice $2.50
Sticky Rice $2.50
Sweet Sticky Rice $3.50
Covered in coconut cream
Steamed Noodles $3.00
Choice of Rice or Flat noodles
Prawn Flavored Chips $3.00
Served in Peanut sauce
Fried Egg $2.00
Steamed Chinese Broccoli, Bok Choy, American Broccoli, or Mixed Vegetables $5.00
Sautéed Chinese Broccoli, Bok Choy, American Broccoli, or Mixed Vegetables $7.00
Edamame $5.00
Served with Sea Salt
French Fries $5.00
Served with Spicy Mayo

Desserts
Coconut Fried Ice Cream $6.50
Served with raspberry sauce on the side
Mango Sticky Rice $7.00
Sprinkled sesame seeds on top
Banana Leaf Sticky Rice $6.50
Pumpkin or Taro Custard $6.50
Served on top of sweet coconut sticky rice
Deep Fried Oreos $6.00
Deep Fried Twinkies $6.00
Fried Banana $7.00
Served with honey on the side

Choice of Protein for Lunch Specials
Chicken $10.50
Tofu $10.50
Pork $10.50
Vegetables $10.50
Vegetarian Duck $12.50
Beef $13.50
Shrimp $13.50
Squid $13.50
Duck $13.50
Seafood $14.50
Tilapia $14.50
Only in Curries
Salmon $14.50
Only in Curries or Fried Rice

Lunch Specials
A Choice of an Appetizer
A choice of the following: Green Salad with Peanut or Sesame Dressing; Spring Rolls; Steamed Chicken Dumpling; Tom Yum with Shrimp, Chicken, or Vegetables; Tom Kha with Shrimp, Chicken, or Vegetables; Crab Rangoon; Chicken, Kung Pao, or Vegetable Gyoza
Curries
Red Curry, Green Curry, Panang Curry, or Massaman Curry
Noodles
Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, or Drunken Noodles
Fried Rice
Thai Fried Rice, Pineapple Fried Rice, Thai Sausage Fried Rice, or Spicy Fried Rice
Entrees
Pad Khing (Ginger), Pad Gra Prow (Basil), Pad Prik King (Curry), Pad Medmamuang (Cashew)

Raenu Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Locals

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking

Raenu Photos

Raenu Location

Raenu

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

844 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

Raenu Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 114 user reviews.

pricespad see ewdeliverytake outfried ricespicyappetizerscrabtarochicken dumplings

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Lovely little place with probably the best lunch value in the city for just $10 bucks you get an app and main. Food was great, well portioned and flavorful. Green curry had some kick to it and the Pad Thai had a fair amount of tofu. Place is tiny so only a few tables but attentive service nonetheless. Worth a visit if you’re in the neighborhood.
June 01 · Shreyas Shah
Pretty good for the price! Cozy interior - bonus points for the plant decor. The pad Thai with mixed vegetables and chicken dumplings was great. Also ordered the green salad but it had too much peanut sauce.
May 20 · Lina Lin
Food was pretty good for the price. I found the Massaman Curry too sweet and spicier than advertised. I could not finish it. The steamed chicken dumplings were pretty good.My friend had the minced pork dish and she enjoyed it.
August 25 · Zachary L.
cozy Thai spot with great food! Green curry with chicken was delicious!! So worth the value, would definitely recommend :)
November 11 · Helen Zhang
Joined a friend here for the lunch special and was glad I did! It's a small place with less than 20 seats, but it's cheery. The food was tasty and the service was attentive. I believe that they may not have a restroom - I didn't see where there was one. Definitely recommend this little Thai...
July 27 · Al Cohen