Clay Oven Cuisine of India

See all 24 Reviews ›

Address:
15435 Jeffrey Road
Irvine, CA 92618

Neighborhood:
Irvine

Getting there ›
Cuisine:
Indian

Price: $30 and under

More Details ›

Clay Oven Cuisine of India Details

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Website: http://www.clayovenirvine.com/
Phone: (949) 552-2851
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Tues-Sun, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Dinner: Tues-Sun, 5:30pm - 10:00pm
CLOSED MONDAY
Payment Options: AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Indian, Global, International, Wild Game
Executive Chef: Geeta Bansal
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Beer, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: Full service catering - Premier caterer to all major hotels and event sites requiring Indian regional cuisines.
Special Events & Promotions: Summer Wine Event, Monday June 23rd
Calling all wine aficionados for our Summer Wine Event! Join us for a fun evening of summer wines and interesting small bites! We will be offering tastes of wines from France, Italy, and California along with small bites. The tapas style plates will range from $6-$10. Regular dinner service will not be available that evening. Entry for the evening will be $30 which gives you the opportunity to sample all 16+ wines. 4:30pm - 7:30pm, Monday June 23rd. For reservations for this special event, call us at (949)-552-2851!

Getting there

Cross Street: Irvine Center Dr.
Parking: Public Lot
Parking Details: Shopping center parking - easy access.

A word from 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. Continued

Foodspotting photos

See all photos >

Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies

Clay Oven Cuisine of India - Best Restaurants in Irvine

Diner Reviews

"The service is attentive and the food authentic and some dishes have a twist. Like the Habanero Chicken Vindaloo. Great flavorful dish, but you have to like it hot, cause it is! They have a good assortment of vegetarian dishes. The chef even created one for my wife. It tasted great. This is a must try and we will be coming back."
Dined on 7/25/2014
"We've been dining at Clay Oven since 1990, and have never been disappointed. With the menu changes that have taken place the food is getting even better every time! Fantastic food, archive and atmosphere! A favorite of ours."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"Menu has been the same for the past five to six years. You get tired of the same menu of items. Its time for a change to this old menu. Its now boring. Will have to find a new place with more options."
Dined on 7/18/2014
"Always excellent. Some dishes with a gourmet twist, some traditional. Me and my family have been here 5 times and every time was consistently great."
Dined on 7/2/2014
"Brought my sister here for dinner. She is not adventurous when it comes to food, but I have raved about this restaurant for years to her. She was surprisingly very happy with everything we ordered and loved the complex flavors of all of the sauces! I personally love the food here, and think it is the best Indian food in O.C.! We will be back. The only 'issue' we had is that is got so extremely noisy in there because of a 'party' going on in the small space of the restaurant.... we were literally screaming our heads off to talk and hear each other... very disappointing. I ended up with a very hoarse throat and a true headache from screaming for 2 hours and we had to leave. But as far as service and food - EXCELLENT!"
Dined on 6/20/2014
"I'm old fashion when comes to "service" at a restaurant. You receive a wonderful service from the waiter as well as the manager. I love Indian food in a traditional home style but once in a while I want to taste it in a different level. Clay oven is perfect for it. Many varieties of choices of meat, great spice, very elegant. Who knew Indian food can be this way?"
Dined on 6/14/2014
"Had an exceptional experience. The staff, including the owner and his son, provided top-notch service and even created special dishes for us based on our preferences. The soups were amazing, especially the tomato soup with tomatoes from the owner's backyard. The eggplant was grilled; it is so hard to find grilled eggplant as most places fry it, and it was amazing. All the main courses, including dishes featuring lamb, chicken, and shrimp were just fantastic, as was the dessert. The owner picked out an exceptional bottle of wine. "
Dined on 6/6/2014
"Great dining experience , the owner was very attentive to your requests and recommended dishes and combinations accordingly. The wine list is ideal for the cuisine. We really enjoyed the experience..Noteworthy : the spices/sauces used are not over welhming and bring out the natural flavors of the main ingredients . The Feta naan was an amazing surprise ! loved it !"
Dined on 6/4/2014
"Once again, great meal. If you enjoy exotic meats they always have a special that will intrigue you. Food and Service is always the best. "
Dined on 5/23/2014
"Clay Oven is near our home and we visit it often. The owner, Previn, is very attentive and we rely on him for suggestions. We have yet to order from the menu; just leave it up to them to recommend. The swordfish melts in your mouth. "
Dined on 5/3/2014
"Exquisite food and friendly and impeccable service."
Dined on 4/11/2014
"Had a wonderful meal at Clay Oven. The food was spicy and fragrant but not overwhelming to an American palate. From the menu, we had the Lamb Panange, rice, and Naan as an appetizer with mint and tomato spreads. Both were excellent! We also had a beef shank tandoor and a wonderful chicken dish from the specials. This restaurant is pricy, so it befits a special occasion meal. But the atmosphere and service are both good for such an occasion."
Dined on 4/8/2014
"Yet another evening when we, at the last minute, decided to go back to the Clay Oven and were impressed by another wonderful meal. The staff is first rate and the beef kabobs, saag, and naan were perfect. If you are on a budget, go to the lunch buffet. Same great food, but much less expensive."
Dined on 4/4/2014
"Although you can get chicken tikka masala, there are a variety of really tasty and creative Indian dishes on the menu not seen on your run of the mill Northern Indian menu. Some healthy alternatives are also available such as quinoa and brown rice3"
Dined on 3/22/2014
"I think the food quality was overall good. But at the end of the day, it did seem pricey for general dining."
Dined on 3/21/2014
"My girlfriend and I have been trying to find a good Indian place in OC and haven't had much luck until Clay Oven, it was amazing! Food was incredible! The wait staff was excellent, the owner and his soon are extremely nice and do most of the serving personally. They a tremendous job reccomending wines and food, my girlfriend ordered the chicken tiki Marsala and I originall ordered a lamb dish. When I did the owner asked if I really liked lamb, when I said yes he said he would bring me something better. He brought out the most amazing lamb shank the we devoured! And it wasn't even on the menu! For my girlfriend he asked her preference on spicy she likes her dishes and brought sauces to fit her tastes exactly. We will definetly be returning!"
Dined on 3/14/2014
"A delicious spread of food, and some of the best service ever. Preveen, the proprietor, made us feel welcome from the moment we walked through the door, and his attention didn't waver throughout the entire meal. His wife is the chef, and each course was extraordinary. The mixed grill special included wild boar, frog legs, quail and venison, and the seafood curry converted my husband from a curry hater to a fan. Don't let the strip mall location fool you. THis place is a little piece of Indian heaven in Irvine. MUCH better than the overpriced Tamarind of London in Newport Beach."
Dined on 3/13/2014
"Who would have thought that tucked into this strip mall is the most outstanding Indian restaurant ever! Service is top-notch, flavors of all our dishes danced over our palates, and the ambiance is elegant and comfortable simultaneously. We have already made our next reservation. Can't wait!"
Dined on 3/11/2014
"The Clay Oven is my favorite dining spot in Irvine. Terrific Indian food and fabulous customer service. The owners are so nice and make you feel special every time you dine there. I enjoy the relaxing dining environment. You can't go wrong eating there. I dine there regularly for date night and family date night. I have also purchased multiple tandoori turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas and everyone enjoyed them including family members who don't love Indian food. I hope you enjoy this restaurant as much as I do."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"We have been on the hunt for good Indian food for quite some time. As it was, our favorite place was about 700 miles away, which was not especially convenient.... The service was impeccable. Our glasses were never empty, and before we even realized we needed anything, things showed up! Even the smallest of details were perfect! The food was even better. We ordered the pork vindaloo and the chicken daily special. I think I would go with chicken vindaloo next time. The pork was good, and something I had not tried before, but I prefer the taste of chicken. But this is on me, not the restaurant! The chicken special was delicious and spicy without being overpowering! The artichoke pakora app was amazing! Everything was perfect!!"
Dined on 2/15/2014
"I made a reservation on-line for Valentines Day and disintegration know what to expect. I saw that the place had. Decent rating so I took a chance. I had the chicken Massala w Nananf rice and some samosas . The food was excellent and the service was even better. The man that greeted me at the door was friendly and cordial and even allowed us to dine earlier than our reservation time. I have nothing bad to say about this place. It was my first time eating there and I will be back"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Spent 70 including tip for two. Anod doggie bag. $8 for a 2-3 oz salad. $15 on veggie dishes, less than a whole potato and spinich!, and same with brusttle sprouts, $15, were they even organic? Served in a very "nice" but small cerial type bowl. And also 4 dollars for bread x2, second "bread was a tortia heated up for $4, most resteraunts give bread while you wait. ALSO THE SERVICE WAS OVERLY ATTENTIVE, BORDERLINE invasive, and a constant disturbance, mixed with untimly entree distribution did'nt make sense. I finally had to vibe em , that i was there to be with my gal, not constantly be interupted."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Especially recommend the samosa trio appetizer. Service is consistently exceptional."
Dined on 2/11/2014
"Even if you have not found Indian Cuisine that you really enjoy, Clay Oven will change your mind. The food is the best, off any kind. If you are looking to put Indian Cuisine in your rotation, this will be it. We were dinning with friends of Indian descent and their son said "you know it's a great restaurant when all the tables are filled by all different ethnic groups, not just Indians". He meant that in a great way. Everyone will love this restaurant!"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"Excellent fine Indian cuisine at its best. Every dish tonight was fantastic."
Dined on 2/6/2014
"It's no wonder this restaurant has been open for well over 2 decades. This is Indian cuisine that I've not experienced before. Great care is put into the food preparation with delious and interesting g combos."
Dined on 1/29/2014
"The food was excellent, the service was outstanding - no complaints!"
Dined on 1/25/2014
"I've eaten in many Indian restaurants, both in Southern California, and in London, and Clay Oven is unique, with creative flavors beyond usual curries and sauces. The owner is gracious and informative, the service impeccable, and, while not inexpensive, worthy of a fine dining experience."
Dined on 1/23/2014
"This is the best Indian food and service of any Indian restaurant in OC. The intimate setting, attention to detail and interesting, personalized and delicious food preparation is like no other. No wonder it has been around for 28 years!"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Everything was delicious! We went for the first time there for my birthday. The owner and son were delightful. We took all their recommendations. The appetizers were a sampler of 3 different things. I had to have the Nan with rosemary and the cucumber dip, my entree was Lamb with traditional seasoning and my boyfriend had Lamb in some kind of sauce. Both were excellent. Then dessert we had a mango creme brulee, Yummy!!!!"
Dined on 12/19/2013
"The Clay Oven menu has expanded beyond traditional Indian food and now could be described as Indian influenced. The specials at a recent diner included a selection of wild meats, double cut pork chop, and Cornish game hen. Of course the traditional Indian dishes were also on the menu. The food was excellent. The service was professional and efficient. The ambiance is lacking because of its location in a strip mall but the food more than compensates. Highly recommended for an outstanding and original dining experience."
Dined on 12/15/2013
"Service was beyond outstanding! Lamb was great! I am a picky eater and I usually don't eat fish but my friend ordered it and I ended up eating 1/3 of the fish. A+ !"
Dined on 12/12/2013
"One of the best dishes I've had in a very long time. Do not order fr Menu since the specials are delicious."
Dined on 12/5/2013
"First I should say that I don't usually eat Indian food but this was more out of my own "pickiness" over new experiences rather then a problem with Indian flavors. Clay Oven has made me fan, and a big fan at that. They have a tremendous local reputation and I decided that this would be a great place to trust the chef. The friendly service and welcoming environment foreshadowed a great meal. My wife and I went for lunch and the meal was exceptional. The flavors of the Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka Malsala outstanding, balanced, layered and memorable. The lunch menu does not show the full range of this kitchen. For those like myself, lose the "pickiness' and try the very inviting and exciting dinner menu. I already have plans to return!"
Dined on 12/3/2013
"For my birthday, I had the choice of ANY restaurant I wanted (thank you, hubby!). He suggested a few high end dining experiences, but I decided to treat myself to elegant service and the most FLAVORFUL food. When it comes down to it, the Clay Oven is simply my favorite culinary treat! The service is impeccable, and the melange of flavors is THE BEST. I highly recommend you try The Clay Oven. So delicious!"
Dined on 10/1/2013
"My wife and I went here for a quiet night out, and were quite pleased by the whole experience. The service was impeccable, and the food was delicious. The only downside is the price, as this place will run you considerably more than your typical sit down Indian restaurant, but I suppose you are paying for the service, which I cannot say enough about."
Dined on 9/27/2013
"The staff was welcoming and made our visit enjoyable. The food was well prepared,served hot, and very delicious and the menu was ample but not overly so. Everything was fresh tasting. We especially enjoyed the spicy dishes. Looking forward to our next visit in the near future."
Dined on 9/18/2013
"My husband and I both ordered the lamb shanks this time because he had them the last time and wish I had ordered the same after sampling his. Still the same wonderful flavor with a wonderful sauce that made for great dipping with the sourdough naan. However, this time the lamb shanks were not fall off the bone tender, they were rather stringy, so that was a disappointment, but the flavor of the spices pretty much made up for it. Just wish we had been there on a night like last time when the lamb shanks were tender and not stringy. The owner is very friendly and the service is great. It's very quiet which we enjoy."
Dined on 9/15/2013
"Service was outstanding and food was delicious. A little on the pricey side, but will definitely would return to try more dishes."
Dined on 9/11/2013
"The food was delicious with excellent service. Great place for a good meal and quiet enough to have a conversation."
Dined on 9/6/2013

More reviews ›

Reserve at Clay Oven Cuisine of India

Clay Oven Cuisine of India Details

Getting there