Ресторан · New York · ⭐ 9.7/10 · 8289 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:08:18
Address: 1411 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States
Up Thai: The Upper East Side’s Most Stylish Passport Stamp
Some dinners are meals; others are short trips. Up Thai compresses the flavors of Thailand into a lantern-lit corner of the Upper East Side, pairing genuinely elevated cooking with a room pretty enough to justify dressing up — which the neighborhood, gratefully, does.
The Concept
Elevated Thai street food is the promise: traditional recipes rebuilt with premium ingredients and a chef’s eye, so the menu swings from soulful comfort to plates with real occasion in them. The result reads authentic without ever feeling austere — bright, aromatic and generous.
What to Order
The signatures deserve the spotlight: Kang Kua soft shell crab curry, braised beef short rib that collapses at a fork’s suggestion, duck tamarind with its crackling skin, and the delicate Thai crepe dumplings. Gai yang and massaman curry cover the comfort flank; a fragrant pad thai keeps traditionalists content. Cocktails and a tidy wine list carry the evening.
The Space
One of the prettiest casual rooms uptown: rustic brickwork, hanging greenery, clusters of Persian-style lanterns and soft, flattering light that leans quietly romantic. It works equally as a two-person date and a birthday table of eight — lively without tipping into loud.
Who It’s For
Couples, girlfriends’ dinners, uptown residents celebrating without the trek downtown, and visiting food lovers who assumed great Thai meant a subway ride.
Good to Know
Is it a good date spot? One of the neighborhood’s best — soft light, plants overhead and a menu made for sharing.
Should I book ahead? For evenings, yes — the room fills nightly; early dinner is the easiest door in.
Can spice be tailored? Completely — every dish is calibrated to your tolerance, from gentle to genuinely Thai.
What about dietary needs? Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-aware adjustments are routine — just flag them when ordering.
Is there a standout dessert? The Thai-style sweets — think coconut, mango and sticky rice moods — end the trip properly.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:30–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:30–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:30–22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:30–22:00 |
| Friday | 11:30–23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00–23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00–22:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:08:18
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: manhattanka.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
THE BEST THAI FOOD I'VE HAD IN NEW YORK, PERIOD. The clay-pot rice was my favourite, so tasty with generous portions of meat. The pad see ew was also wonderful, super chewy noodles. The pork chop rice was so unique, with…
I really enjoyed the food at Up Thai! The Thai-style Poh Tak was hearty and tasty, with lots of fresh shrimp, mussels and squid. The broth was fragrant, and the garlic bread on top was the perfect addition. Everything wa…
UpThai is my favourite Thai restaurant in New York, one I absolutely have to visit whenever I'm in the city. The cool atmosphere, warm lighting and fun, friendly vibe make this place so pleasant for a meal. Everything on…
I read the reviews and saw the photos, but actually eating there was completely different — in the best sense. I love trying new Thai spots, and Up Thai didn't disappoint. The food was tasty, and the room has such a cosy…
We recently decided to have lunch here and check out the lunch specials. The place is in the middle of the block on Second Avenue, between 73rd and 74th Streets. It was very crowded, and while waiting for a table there w…