Nice Day Chinese | Yale University, New Haven CT 好日子中餐厅 in New Haven, CT

4.5(149)New Haven, CT
Under the Radar
Highly rated

Highly rated at 4.5 stars with 149 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Large groups
  • Budget dining
  • Quick meals
  • Families

Not ideal for

  • Romantic dinners

At a glance

New Haven, CT • 4.5★
Nice Day Chinese offers a distinctive dining experience near Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. This establishment masterfully combines the convenience of a classic takeout spot with the refined ambiance of a more upscale Chinese restaurant. Customers consistently highlight the appealing modern interior and comfortable seating available for those choosing to dine in. Many consider Nice Day Chinese to be superior to other establishments, appreciating its unique blend of qualities and the authentic Chinese and Chinese American menu. The menu at Nice Day Chinese features an extensive selection, ranging from beloved American standards like orange chicken and dumplings to traditional offerings such as fish filet and braised pork. This ensures a diverse culinary journey with generous portions and exceptional food quality, providing excellent value for your meal. Convenient service options include lunch and dinner, dine-in, efficient takeout, and reliable delivery, making it a versatile choice for any meal in the New Haven area. With a strong 4.5-star rating from 149 reviews, it's a popular destination for excellent Chinese cuisine.

Good to know

  • Nice Day Chinese | Yale University, New Haven CT 好日子中餐厅 has a listed address in New Haven, CT, so visitors can confirm the exact location before going.
  • The page includes a 4.5-star rating from 149 reviews.
  • Hours are listed on the page; verify current hours before making a special trip.
  • Website and phone details are available for checking current menu, hours, or availability.
  • Photos are available on the page to help preview the restaurant before visiting.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages. This buffet provides good value for money.
Address
316 Elm St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA, Dwight, New Haven, Connecticut
Phone
(203) 535-0716
Today
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Rating
4.5 (149 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

👥Friendly service

Attentive and helpful staff

Quick service

No long waits

Fresh, quality food

Multiple reviewers mention the freshness

View reviews →

Before you go

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

🍽️Dine-in available

Eat in the restaurant

🚚Delivery available

Delivery service offered

Signature Dishes

10 popular dishes mentioned by diners

Top picks

Braised Pork×2Dumplings** To Traditional Offerings Such As Fish Filet×2

Also mentioned

**Dine-In**Orange ChickenCleanliness Of Nice Day ChineseDinnerEfficient TakeoutFood QualityLunchPrices

Extracted from diner reviews and FAQ answers.

Not the Fastest

Score 32/100 · 3 positive signals
Quick bite score32/100
Speed signals
5/30
Grab-and-go
0/25
Budget-friendly
7/20
Time commitment
15/15
Convenience
5/10

What works

  • Fast food turnaround noted in FAQ
  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Ideal for quick meals

Keep in mind

  • No takeout option

Scored from service speed, takeout options, pricing, meal format, and lunch availability.

Traditional Touches 🥢

Chinese regional cuisine · score 45/100
Authenticity score45/100
AuthenticChinese name

Detected from menu, FAQ answers, and restaurant name.

Early Evening Only 🌇

Score 28/100 · 2 positive signals
Full night out score28/100
Late-night hours
0/30
Drinks on premises
0/20
Nightlife nearby
25/25
Entertainment
3/15
Weekend potential
0/10

What works

  • 5+ bars and nightlife venues within walking distance
  • Cinema within walking distance

Keep in mind

  • No alcohol — you'll need to go elsewhere for drinks

Scored from closing hours, on-premises drinks, nearby nightlife, entertainment, and weekend hours.

Trusted Rating

⚖️ 4.3 weighted · 149 reviews
4.3weighted · raw 4.5 from 149 reviews( 0.20 from raw)
Needs More Reviews
Review volume vs. city median149 / 199 median
0995 (Rock Solid threshold)
Rating spread on Yelp
5
4
3
2
1

Relative share of Yelp ratings by star — bar length shows how ratings skew, not exact counts.

The trusted rating blends this place’s raw score (4.5) with the city average (4.15) using a Bayesian formula. Places with fewer reviews are pulled toward the city mean; places with 995+ reviews carry their rating at nearly full weight.

Photos

1 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Amenities

Available facilities and features
Limited vegetarian optionsValidated parkingFree Wi-FiDogs AllowedCurbside Pickup

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservationsOutdoor SeatingHeated Outdoor Seating

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Popular Dishes

4 dishes reviewers mention most
  • Classic Pork Egg Rolls$5.843 mentions
  • Mei Fun$14.292 mentions
  • Dan Dan Sesame Noodles$12.991 mention
  • Hot & Sour Soup$5.191 mention

Dishes most frequently mentioned in Yelp reviews.

Full Menu

92 items with prices
  • Cheeseburger Egg Roll (1 pc)$6.49

    手工精选牛肉芝士蛋卷 daily fresh fried, house-made special roll, seasoned beef, caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar in a crispy wrapper, with relish and mustard on the side. Local Farm 75/25 ground beef: fine grind, USDA certified, grass feed & grain finished

  • Spicy Sichuan Crispy Chicken (All Natural White Meat)$18.19

    川味辣子鸡 (hot spicy, sesame) nice day special crispy battered all natural chicken with our signature SPICY Sichuan pepper powder, peppercorn oil, sesame seeds and whole dried chilis. Tingly, spicy, crispy, the Chinese hot chicken you've been waiting for!

  • Ginger Beef$19.49

    premium flank steak & wok-seared to a perfect crispy, sweet, gingery taste, it's an icon of the OG Canadian Chinese food, now revived by our Nice Day Chef Danny Wong, whose family first created Ginger Beef at Silver Inn, in Calgary, Alberta of Canada

  • Stir-Fried Dragon Pot$0.20

    自选炒香锅 inspired by family-style dry wok, a super popular dish in China right now: a wok-seared stir-fry or steamed with your choice of fresh ingredients & signature sauce, perfect for sharing, and saving for the next day!

  • Singapore Mei Fun (Jumbo Shrimp & Chicken)$19.49

    新加坡炒粉 (shellfish) jumbo shrimp! all natural white meat chicken! thin rice noodles! perfect balanced flavor bomb of Singapore-style, curry & oyster sauce stir-fried rice noodles, with scrambled eggs, onions, peppers, all natural white meat chicken, and jumbo shrimp, optional: gluten-free/vegetarian sauce are available upon request

  • Loaded General Tso's Chicken Fries$18.19

    (sesame, mild spicy) crispy french fries loaded up with a heap of fresh General Tso's Chicken, mayonnaise, extra General Tso's sauce, scallions, and sesame seeds

  • Housemade Crab Rangoon (6 pc)$9.90

    [NEW!!!] (allergens: fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, milk, egg, nut, sesame) nice day house hand-made with imitation crab meat, onion, garlic powder and cream cheese original from Philadelphia (no artificial, no rbST hormone)

  • Lemon Glazed Walnut Shrimp$25.99

    (shellfish, walnut) (shellfish, walnut) crispy shrimp lightly coated in a sweet lemon glaze with a subtle condensed milk and mayo finish, with candied walnuts. Light, citrusy and delicately creamy.

  • Pork Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) (5 pc)$12.99

    house hand-made, juicy soup dumplings filled with succulent pork and rich broth, offering an unforgettable explosion of umami-packed flavors. Don't miss this delectable experience! Be careful that the juice can be very hot!

  • Chicken Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) (5 pc)$12.99

    house hand-made, juicy soup dumplings filled with succulent chicken and rich broth, offering an unforgettable explosion of umami-packed flavors. Don't miss this delectable experience! Be careful that the juice can be very hot!

  • Nice Day Dim Sum Platter$12.99

    nice day house hand-made dim sum items, a combination of 2 Chicken & Shrimp Shumai, 2 Veggie dumplings, 2 Shrimp Dumplings. Limited time offered price!

  • Steamed Chicken Dumplings (8 pc)$11.69

    steamed chicken dumplings, with soy dipping sauce on the side.

  • Fried Chicken Dumplings (8 pc)$11.69

    fried chicken dumplings, with soy dipping sauce on the side.

  • Steamed Pork Dumplings (8 pc)$11.69

    pork & chive dumplings, with soy dipping sauce on the side.

  • Fried Pork Dumplings (8 pc)$11.69

    fried pork and chive dumplings, with soy dipping sauce on the side.

  • Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings (8 pc)$12.34

    Pan-fried chicken dumplings, with soy dipping sauce on the side.

  • Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings (8 pc)$12.34

    Pan-fried Pork dumplings, with soy dipping sauce on the side.

  • Steamed Pork Wontons (8 pc)$11.69

    [no soup] nice day house hand-made wontons filled with pork, bok choy, and shepherd's purse,

  • Fried Pork Wontons (8 pc)$11.69

    nice day house hand-made wontons filled with pork, bok choy, and shepherd's purse,

  • Crystal Shrimp Dumplings (6 pc)$11.69

    shrimp dumplings, with soy dipping sauce on the side. This dim sum item requires around 10 minutes of additional cooking time.

  • Chicken & Shrimp Shumai (6 pc)$12.99

    (shellfish) house hand-made shumai filled with chicken breast, shrimp, and mushroom. This dim sum item requires around 10 minutes of additional cooking time.

  • Steamed Vegetable Dumplings (6 pc)$11.69

    (vegan) house hand-made vegetarian dumplings with bok choy, bamboo shoots, carrots, glass noodles, and mushrooms, with soy dipping sauce on the side. This dim sum item requires around 15 minutes of additional cooking time.

  • Steamed Walnut Bao (4 pc)$10.39

    (peanut) steamed brown sugar bun, enveloping sweet walnut and white chocolate filling, creating an irresistible dim sum delight

  • Crispy Spring Rolls$4.54

    (vegan) daily fresh fried vegetable spring rolls

Menu sourced from Yelp; items and prices may change.

Reviews

149 reviews

Customer highlights

  • Customers have left 149 reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 stars.
  • Positive review text points to value, takeout, fresh food, and cleanliness.
  • Recent positive review text gives this page enough customer detail to compare it with nearby buffet options.

Reviews

Customer reviews available

Loading full reviews...

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

How would you describe the atmosphere at Nice Day Chinese?

Reviewers have described the atmosphere as pleasant, enjoyable, and welcoming, with simple yet pleasant decor, although one reviewer noted that the interior is still being situated.

Would you recommend Nice Day Chinese?

Yes, according to multiple reviewers, Nice Day Chinese is highly recommended.

How is the food quality at Nice Day Chinese?

According to multiple reviewers, the food quality at Nice Day Chinese is really good and delicious, with one reviewer noting that the flavors were amazing.

Are the prices at Nice Day Chinese higher than usual takeout?

Yes, according to one reviewer, the prices at Nice Day Chinese are a bit higher than usual takeout, but the portions are big and the food is worth it.

Does Nice Day Chinese have vegetarian options?

Yes, Nice Day Chinese has vegetarian options, although one reviewer had an issue with a dish being prepared incorrectly as vegetarian.

How is the service at Nice Day Chinese?

Reviewers have described the staff at Nice Day Chinese as kind and attentive to their customers.

Is Nice Day Chinese a good option for a quick dinner?

Yes, according to one reviewer, Nice Day Chinese is a good option for a quick dinner, with fresh and delicious food.

How is the cleanliness of Nice Day Chinese?

According to one reviewer, Nice Day Chinese is super clean.

Show 4 more questions

Is the staff at Nice Day Chinese friendly?

Yes, according to one reviewer, the staff at Nice Day Chinese seemed friendly upon arrival.

Does Nice Day Chinese have a mix of authentic Chinese and Chinese American dishes?

Yes, according to one reviewer, Nice Day Chinese has a mix of authentic Chinese and Chinese American dishes.

How would you describe the portions at Nice Day Chinese?

According to one reviewer, the portions at Nice Day Chinese are big.

Does Nice Day Chinese have seating inside?

Yes, according to one reviewer, Nice Day Chinese has seating inside and looks nicer and more modern inside.

🍜Cultural Food Hub

A vibrant food district with diverse eateries, cafes, and cultural landmarks.

A vibrant food district with diverse eateries, cafes, and cultural landmarks.

Food & Dining
28
Retail & Shopping
12
Government & Public Services
12
Transportation & Automotive
11
Miscellaneous Services
10
Arts & Culture
9

99 nearby places across 12 categories

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

99 places nearby (arts & culture, finance, food, government, services)

Museums & galleries

Artwork

Artwork

~520 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~870 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~880 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~920 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~960 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~1030 ft

Theaters & performance venues

University Theater

Theatre

~530 ft
Yale Cabaret

Theatre

~630 ft
Iseman Theater

Theatre

~990 ft

Banking

ATM

Atm

~590 ft
ATM

Atm

~970 ft

Restaurants

Tomatillo

Fast Food

320 Elm Street

~30 ft
The Place 2 Be

Restaurant

338 Elm Street

~110 ftMo-Su 07:00-20:00
Junzi Kitchen

Restaurant

~390 ftSu-We 11:00-22:00; Th-Sa 11:00-22:00,22:30-01:30
Sherkaan

Restaurant

65 Broadway

~430 ft
Sweetgreen

Fast Food

~470 ft
Yorkside Pizza & Restaurant

Restaurant

~520 ft
Alpha Delta Pizza

Restaurant

~520 ft
Alpha Delta Pizza

Fast Food

371 Elm Street

~520 ft
Main Garden

Restaurant

~530 ft
Kasbah Garden Cafe

Restaurant

~570 ft
Mory's

Restaurant

~660 ft
Pataka

Restaurant

~690 ft

Cafes & Coffee

Maison Mathis

Cafe

~100 ftMo-Fr 07:00-22:00; Sa-Su 08:00-22:00
Cafe

Cafe

~480 ft
Willoughby's

Cafe

~780 ft
G Cafe

Cafe

~900 ft
Book Trader Cafe

Cafe

~990 ft
La Costinta

Cafe

~1050 ft

Grocery & Markets

Good Nature Market

Convenience

~400 ft
Howe Minimarket

Convenience

~780 ft
Chapel Minimarket

Convenience

~1010 ft

Bakeries & Desserts

Ashley's Ice Cream

Ice Cream

~500 ft

Bars & Pubs

Three Sheets

Pub

~500 ft
Zachary's

Alcohol

~540 ft
The Gryphon

Bar

~670 ft
Old Heidelberg

Bar

1151 Chapel Street

~880 ftTh-Sa 16:00-01:00; Su-We 16:00-24:00
Gag Jr's

Alcohol

~940 ft

Specialty Food

J&B Deli

Deli

~880 ft

Waste management

Waste bin

Waste Basket

~130 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~150 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~200 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~200 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~270 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~290 ft

Postal services

United States Postal Service

Post Box

~290 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~410 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~830 ft
UPS

Post Box

~830 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~970 ft
Yale Post Office

Post Office

~980 ft

Other services

Tyco

Copyshop

296 Elm Street

~180 ftMo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-17:00
Blue Jay Cleaners

Dry Cleaning

~320 ftMo-Fr 07:00-15:00; Su 07:00-15:00
Vacant

Vacant

~320 ft
Vacant

Vacant

~330 ft
Vacant

Vacant

~370 ft
Vacant

Vacant

~450 ft
Howe St Laundromat

Dry Cleaning

~760 ftMo-Su 08:00-21:00
Alternate Universe

Newsagent

~940 ftMo-Sa 11:00-19:00; Su 12:00-17:00
Hull's

Craft

~970 ftMo-Fr 9:00-20:00; Sa 09:00-19:00; Su 10:00-18:00
Women's Table Fountain

Fountain

~990 ft

Hair services

Broadway Hair

Hairdresser

~360 ft
Miriam's

Hairdresser

~0.2 mi

Maintenance services

Lock & Safe

Locksmith

~0.2 mi

Parks & amenities

Bench

Bench

~130 ft
Bench

Bench

~150 ft
Picnic area

Picnic Table

~230 ft
Bench

Bench

~240 ft
Picnic area

Picnic Table

~240 ft
Picnic area

Picnic Table

~250 ft

Specialty stores

2nd STREET

Second Hand

272 Elm Street

~300 ft
bluemercury

Cosmetics

~320 ft
The Yale Bookstore

Books

~370 ft
Grey Matter Books

Books

264 York Street

~450 ftMo-Sa 10:00-21:00; Su 12:00-18:00
Group W Bench Gallery

Antiques

~900 ft

Clothing & fashion

Urban Outfitters

Clothes

~320 ftMo-Sa 11:00-19:00; Su 11:00-18:00
Campus Customs

Clothes

~330 ft
Fatface

Clothes

~340 ftMo-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 11:00-17:00
J.Crew

Clothes

~350 ftMo-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 11:00-18:00
Neville Wisdom

Clothes

~360 ft
Lou Lou

Clothes

~380 ftMo-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 11:00-18:00

Electronics & technology

Apple Store

Electronics

65 Broadway

~330 ftMo-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 11:00-18:00

Parking facilities

Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~10 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~310 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~470 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~540 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~540 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~550 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~550 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~590 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~590 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~620 ft

Vehicle rentals

Chapel & York

Bicycle Rental

~0.2 mi

Visitor information

Visitor information

Information

~660 ft

Other utilities

New Haven Register

Vending Machine

~760 ft
New Haven Register

Vending Machine

~940 ft

Fuel & charging stations

BP

Fuel

~820 ft
Charging station

Charging Station

~890 ft

Storage & lockers

UPS

Parcel Locker

~1040 ft