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Clay Oven Cuisine of India Reviews List
Clay Oven Cuisine of India
A meal at The Clay Oven is destined to change the way guests think of Indian dining. Taking inspiration from the regional cuisines of India, The Clay Oven offers a selection of seafood, poultry, meats and vegetables. This jewel-like restaurant has a welcoming glow reflected by the soft contours of the walls, eclectic artwork, and candlelit tables. The delicious aromas wafting through the interior prepare diners for a "traditional modern" Indian dining experience. Owners Geeta and Praveen Bansal have been serving loyal guests for over 25 years, tickling their palates with dishes like Pumpkin Tamarind soup, Pomegranate Glazed Quail and Nilgiri Scallops. The menu is always evolving, changing with the seasons and comparable to cuisine offered at fine dining restaurants in Delhi, Bombay and Bangalore. The Clay Oven is a local favorite and, at the same time, a trendsetter for fine Indian dining in Southern California.
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36 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 36 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(10)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(27)
- fit for foodies(25)
- special occasion(14)
- romantic(12)
- great for lunch(5)
- notable wine list(5)
Clay Oven Cuisine of India Reviews List
Review 1 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Neighborhood Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Having enjoyed Clay Oven for years, its a pleasure knowing the owners and experiencing the unique flavors of Indian food. Even when we bring friends unfamiliar with the cuisine, they end up becoming fans too.
Some of our favs include the Tandoori swordfish and Tandoori ribs, any of the lamb and eggplant dishes. What's also unique is some of the seasonal foods come from the owner's own garden - delightful!"
Dined on 6/16/2013
2012
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Review 2 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing Indian Food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This may be the best Indian food I have ever had. We ordered a variety of items from the list of specials that night and were pleased with every item. The soup (vegan corn/pepper chowder) was unbelievable. It was so rich and creamy. The chicken in a clay pot and pork chop were done perfectly. And, the paneer anardana tasted so good. We will definitely return."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great find!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Add this one to your list. The service is outstanding with great food! You can't go wrong!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always an excellent experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Clay Oven has been in this quiet strip mall of over 20 years. All that time the owner has been upgrading it to look like it belongs in Laguna Beach or Newport Beach. The menu is now more adventurous than it was a few years ago, with unusual meats. The Indian mainstays are still there and still wonderful. Service is impeccable. One of my favorites."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a pleasant dining experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service is top-notch and the food is delicious. Don't let the strip-mall appearance fool you - Clay Oven is worth the trip."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I don't even like Indian food - and this was fantastic!!!! The serivce was amazing, and I can't begin to tell you how great the food and environment was!"
Dined on 4/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Deserves 6 stars
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"From the menu to the service, we feel in love with this place. The owner greeted us and shared favorite dishes and made recommendations. They even went as far as making gluten-free naan bread for my husband. The food was extremely well seasoned."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 8 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
An amazing little find! Don't
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"An amazing little find! Don't be fooled by the unassuming location. The Clay Oven's food and service are first class!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was very good, and service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very good, and service was impeccable. The price tag was a little steep given the routine ingredients and size of the portions. The restaurant's location doesn't match the "special night out" feel that the menu's pricing suggests. I will return, but not for a few months."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
They were great about getting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"They were great about getting my 9 year old to try some new indian cuisine"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing organic cuisine.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best India food I have ever had!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 12 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food is quite good, and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is quite good, and is very authentic. However, the wait staff was a little too attentive, and the prices were just a little too high for what you get in my opinion."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
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Review 13 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Indian Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's amazing how excellent service is provided in such an understated manner. The food is superb, but be sure to save room for the triple creme brûlée."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The portion were about right
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The portion were about right although they first appeared small...3 of us left full. A bit pricy, and the menu is not your normal Indian fare. A bit salty as has been our previous experience with Indian food so not unexpected. Service was great."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2006
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Review 15 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always good food. One of the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always good food. One of the best Indian cuisine I have has aand I have been to London NYC and Paris."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A surprisingly delightful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A surprisingly delightful dining experience. The owner was wonderful and the food was definitely unexpectedly not your run of the mill indian food where everything is covered in the same orange sauce. Ask what the specials are. You won't regret it!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Clay Oven is a good restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Clay Oven is a good restaurant for a quiet dinner of excellent Indian food, although somewhat expensive for a location in a strip mall."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best Indian food around
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The best Indian food around - fresh, delicious and plentiful! Personal attention given to everyone."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious, fresh, innovative
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious, fresh, innovative Indian cuisine."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is more distinctive
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is more distinctive when compared to other Indian Resturants in Irvine. Always excellent. Always feel welcome. Have been going to this resturant for the past 25 years."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
some of th best contemporary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"some of th best contemporary indian cuisine ever; rivals manhatten! it's a must on our ext trip to visit family in the oc again!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Clay Oven Cuisine of India
Based on the average of (15) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate