Clay Oven

Third time trying this after they reopen for lunch buffet, and they did not disappoint! Food is tasty and authentic as usual, very affordable, and they custom refill when you asked them- this way the food is always hot and fresh. Will definitely return!

We got so lucky finding this amazing lunch buffet. Found a ton of great veggie options. Super tasty and flavorful! Will be back!

Delicious and affortable indian lunch buffet! Only17$ hummy mango lassi!

Loved the tandoori chicken and lamb curry. Also the service was amazing! Great place to visit plus worth all the time and money. Would 100% visit again!!

Friendly atmosphere, good food and budget friendly price, $16.95 for lunch buffet.

There is new variety at the lunch buffet and is surprisingly good. The ingredients are fresh and very flavorful. We enjoyed it very much.

My husband and I returned to this restaurant post pandemic a couple of weeks ago. After dining there then, I knew we’d be back soon after. The atmosphere is great - especially with the music playing. The staff are courteous and genuinely want to know if the food is prepared well to your liking. The food is excellent. Over the last two visits, I tried some dishes that I hadn’t ordered there prior to pandemic, and found them to be very tasty. I was surprised as to how much food they served. We had leftovers for days after dining here, which was great. I’d give the food 5 stars if I had stuck with my tried and true curries (I ordered clay oven lamb chops this time and missed having curry) & it was my first time ordering plain rice pilaf; the score should really be 4.9 though for all the spices, sauces, heat - temperature wise, food comes out quickly, and is reminiscent of pre-pandemic consistency. Also, prices weren’t over the top. We tend to order something extra to take home with us, I thank them very much and will be back again soon.

Such good value. Delicious food and great price, esp for lunch. The naan is the best I've ever had!

Navi’s super nice, great food, great service ❤️

Great food. Great and considerate service! Didn’t even charge us for kid’s buffet.

We love this place! The food is delicious and the service is friendly. Sometimes when it gets busy the server might forget something, but just kindly remind them. Overall, we definitely recommend trying this place ☺️

I love coming to Clay Oven for their delicious lunch buffet. sometimes I just can't decide what I want to eat… so I get a little bit of everything! The food is great, with a wide selection, the servers very polite, and the restaurant is very clean and spacious. We also come here for regular meals, but the buffet is my favorite.

I live in the neighborhood and I’ve ordered takeout from here a few times and have always been pleased. They recently reopened their lunch buffet (even open on weekends!) so I went in to try it. The service was so attentive and kind. The buffet had quite a few different items and a range of dishes to try. All the food was so flavorful and I was so glad I stopped in for lunch. My favorites were the goat curry and butter chicken. I recommend Clay Oven overall but think their lunch buffet is an absolute great way to get in and try multiple different dishes for an affordable price.

Tried their Chai and Gulab jamoon and both were amazing! Mahavir was very kind and courteous.

Lowkey the best Indian food we’ve ever had.

Loan Geraci

We love this place! The food is delicious and the service is friendly. Sometimes when it gets busy the server might forget something, but just kindly remind them. Overall, we definitely recommend trying this place ☺️

Sherri Howe - Compass - San Francisco

I love coming to Clay Oven for their delicious lunch buffet. sometimes I just can't decide what I want to eat… so I get a little bit of everything! The food is great, with a wide selection, the servers very polite, and the restaurant is very clean and spacious. We also come here for regular meals, but the buffet is my favorite.

Shreyas Ramaswamy

Tried their Chai and Gulab jamoon and both were amazing! Mahavir was very kind and courteous.

Nicole Wojtowicz

I live in the neighborhood and I’ve ordered takeout from here a few times and have always been pleased. They recently reopened their lunch buffet (even open on weekends!) so I went in to try it. The service was so attentive and kind. The buffet had quite a few different items and a range of dishes to try. All the food was so flavorful and I was so glad I stopped in for lunch. My favorites were the goat curry and butter chicken. I recommend Clay Oven overall but think their lunch buffet is an absolute great way to get in and try multiple different dishes for an affordable price.

Alicia Johnson

Lowkey the best Indian food we’ve ever had.

Thomas

Me and my wife had the Chicken Coconut Curry and the Punjabi Chicken Curry and absolutely loved it! The garlic nam was great as well!

Carolyn CS

Very affordable buffet!

I love their Buffet, it's a great price and the food is good! Very vegetarian friendly too, and the kheer dessert was good. I've also had their non-buffet food. Generous portions and friendly waiters too.

Amazing food. Best Indian food I’ve had in a long time. Service is very friendly. Very nice lunch buffet. GOAT curry is very good

Today, my family and I went to this place for the first time to eat at the buffet. The food was very delicious, specially the Saag Paneer. Ambience was really nice and the servers were awesome. Mahavir (server) was very attentive and courteous. Definitely would go again and highly recommend this place.

What an amazing place!! Delicious food, excellent staff, and beautiful atmosphere. Sooooooooo sweet with kids! Made us feel right at home! ❤️

Went today to try their buffet and the food was delicious. Staff were super friendly too. Highly recommended!

Lovely and quiet space for a great conversation over some deliciously seasoned food! The buffet is something not to miss!! Plus service is laid back and pushes for a happy customer!

Food has been good consistently. I have been a regular visitor for many years now. Service is also good and has a lot vegetarian options. Served by Mahavir Singh today, Good service

Had lunch at Clay Oven with friends and it was such a good experience! The buffet had a great variety of dishes, each one full of flavor and well prepared. The price was very reasonable for the spread offered. The host was warm and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Definitely a spot worth visiting for anyone craving good Indian food.

My family and I were craving for Indian food and we drove by Clay Oven in West Portal. They serve lunch buffet which was timely until 2:30pm. We went in and was greeted by friendly staff. He asked if we wanted ala carte or buffet. We opted for buffet and their foods are fresh, hot, lots of variety from goat, beef, pork. I am not familiar with names but they were described beside the servings. It was not so spicy so it was delicious! It is a place where you would come back to!

Overall, I had a great experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious, with a good variety of flavors and well-prepared dishes. The only exception was the Hyderabadi chicken curry, while the taste was good, the gravy was a bit too thin for my liking and lacked the rich, thick consistency I was expecting. Service, however, was absolutely outstanding. The staff was attentive, welcoming, and even offered us a complimentary dessert, which was a lovely surprise. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and made for a very pleasant dining experience. I’d definitely come back, just hoping for a thicker curry next time!

Excellent food and service. We tried all dishes and all were good especially Okra and tandoori chicken. We completed our meal with some chai and Kheer. Definitely coming again.

Richard Huang

I love their Buffet, it's a great price and the food is good! Very vegetarian friendly too, and the kheer dessert was good. I've also had their non-buffet food. Generous portions and friendly waiters too.

Yashesh Damani

Food has been good consistently. I have been a regular visitor for many years now. Service is also good and has a lot vegetarian options. Served by Mahavir Singh today, Good service

Sha. V.

Today, my family and I went to this place for the first time to eat at the buffet. The food was very delicious, specially the Saag Paneer. Ambience was really nice and the servers were awesome. Mahavir (server) was very attentive and courteous. Definitely would go again and highly recommend this place.

Maryam Jahed

Excellent food and service. We tried all dishes and all were good especially Okra and tandoori chicken. We completed our meal with some chai and Kheer. Definitely coming again.

J C

My family and I were craving for Indian food and we drove by Clay Oven in West Portal. They serve lunch buffet which was timely until 2:30pm. We went in and was greeted by friendly staff. He asked if we wanted ala carte or buffet. We opted for buffet and their foods are fresh, hot, lots of variety from goat, beef, pork. I am not familiar with names but they were described beside the servings. It was not so spicy so it was delicious! It is a place where you would come back to!

David Casuto

We got so lucky finding this amazing lunch buffet. Found a ton of great veggie options. Super tasty and flavorful! Will be back!

Preethi Kamala

Had lunch at Clay Oven with friends and it was such a good experience! The buffet had a great variety of dishes, each one full of flavor and well prepared. The price was very reasonable for the spread offered. The host was warm and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Definitely a spot worth visiting for anyone craving good Indian food.

Dumont San Pedro

Overall, I had a great experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious, with a good variety of flavors and well-prepared dishes. The only exception was the Hyderabadi chicken curry, while the taste was good, the gravy was a bit too thin for my liking and lacked the rich, thick consistency I was expecting. Service, however, was absolutely outstanding. The staff was attentive, welcoming, and even offered us a complimentary dessert, which was a lovely surprise. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and made for a very pleasant dining experience. I’d definitely come back, just hoping for a thicker curry next time!

Five of us ordered 2 Prix Fixe menus and extra Naan and samosas which were to die for. The food was really delicious. The tandoori lamb and chicken were really tasty if a tad overdone so a little dry. But I think that is how these dishes are in most places, including in India. The sauces were also exquisite. Friendly and quick service, beautiful dining room. I hope to return as soon as possible.

Had dinner here with my sister! The garlic naan was so good, as was the chicken tikka masala. The rice was not my favorite, but the curry helped. The service was friendly and timely! Looking forward to coming back to try the lunch buffet.

This is the spot for cheap ayce. For $14.99 you get a 10 dishes plus 1 dessert dish. The goat curry alone covers the price. But they got fried fish, samosas, and a variety of curries. Can’t complain about the price for what you get. It’s good all around. Definitely will be coming back soon.

An absolute gem for authentic Indian flavors! From the moment you step in, the aroma of spices fills the air, setting the stage for a culinary journey. The curries here are a symphony of flavors, each dish bursting with its own unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, there's a curry to suit every palate. But what truly steals the show are the naans - perfectly baked to golden perfection, with just the right amount of chewiness. They're the ideal companion to the rich and flavorful curries, providing the perfect vessel for savoring every last bit of sauce. The service is warm and welcoming, with staff who are passionate about sharing their love for Indian cuisine. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a special celebration. Overall, if you're craving authentic Indian flavors, look no further. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates delicious curries and mouthwatering naans."

We went out on a Wednesday night for a casual dinner. We decided on the West Portal area since we live close by. And since we haven't had indian food in a while, we decided to try this place instead of Little Original Joe's next door. Interiors are a little outdated and only 2 other tables were occupied when we got there. We decided on the set menu for 2 which was about $45 and I got a mango lassi as well. The set menu had chicken tikka, saag paneer, samosas, grilled meat, rice, naan, and a dessert. Naan was too oily for me, and the chicken tikka a little too salty, but overall good value for money. We left full with food to take home.

Nagari Swamy

An absolute gem for authentic Indian flavors! From the moment you step in, the aroma of spices fills the air, setting the stage for a culinary journey. The curries here are a symphony of flavors, each dish bursting with its own unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, there's a curry to suit every palate. But what truly steals the show are the naans - perfectly baked to golden perfection, with just the right amount of chewiness. They're the ideal companion to the rich and flavorful curries, providing the perfect vessel for savoring every last bit of sauce. The service is warm and welcoming, with staff who are passionate about sharing their love for Indian cuisine. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a special celebration. Overall, if you're craving authentic Indian flavors, look no further. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates delicious curries and mouthwatering naans."

Elizabeth Cortez

We went out on a Wednesday night for a casual dinner. We decided on the West Portal area since we live close by. And since we haven't had indian food in a while, we decided to try this place instead of Little Original Joe's next door. Interiors are a little outdated and only 2 other tables were occupied when we got there. We decided on the set menu for 2 which was about $45 and I got a mango lassi as well. The set menu had chicken tikka, saag paneer, samosas, grilled meat, rice, naan, and a dessert. Naan was too oily for me, and the chicken tikka a little too salty, but overall good value for money. We left full with food to take home.

Courtney Ghan

Had dinner here with my sister! The garlic naan was so good, as was the chicken tikka masala. The rice was not my favorite, but the curry helped. The service was friendly and timely! Looking forward to coming back to try the lunch buffet.

I always try Biriyani in different restaurants but this dishes is not acceptable as Biriyani. The big problem is most of the restaurants mix rice & curry and called Biriyani. I feel this dish like that. Disappointed ☹️

I should have read the review before I ordered. Among all Indian food I ate in my life, this one taste the worst. I am speechless that the chicken Tikka masala has bland taste, not watery , just one tomato sauce taste. Butt also some other taste which should be in are missing. It doesn't taste good at all. The nan I got is very oily . The chai tea is the worst, it just taste hot water with milk and no sugar. In addition, they charge you $3 for each. And they delivered 1 hr late to me too. disappointed. I gave two stars they pack my drinks very well to avoid spilling. The delivery guy said thank you for waiting.

1st of all the front man is so rude! I was expecting good service but he's mad as hell. I would not recommend here! I didnt order because hes like mad as a cat. The chef is a good person understanding. But the frontman i dunno why hes mad.!

Excellent service, mahavir serving was excellent, and the chef narindar prepared the food as per request, and the food was very good

I hardly ever write reviews, but I have to say how absolutely horrible the food was from here. I ordered two veg dishes, naan and rice. The dishes hardly had any veggies and there was a thick layer of oil on the top. Even after trying to dump some out, there was still a considerable amount and what I did manage to dump stained my sink. The naan was also incredibly oily. The rice was supposed to have peas and did not. All in all a bad experience and waste of money. I will not be ordering again.

Bad experience, terrible service, they gave us a wine we didn't order, they didn't have a corkscrew, and we waited more than 40 minutes for our food.

god damn $18 for buffet with no veg appetizer only french fries in veg really? not worth it. save your money and spend somewhere else if u want k eat something good. dal looks like 3 days old. no chicken in butter chicken only gravy.not recommend

I ordered naan and malai kofta and lemonade from door dash. They sent the uncooked naan which are not good enough so that i can eat them. and sent diet coke insted of lemonade without informing me. Diet coke can costs $1 and i paid $4 for each lemonade.

Tejpal Singh

I ordered naan and malai kofta and lemonade from door dash. They sent the uncooked naan which are not good enough so that i can eat them. and sent diet coke insted of lemonade without informing me. Diet coke can costs $1 and i paid $4 for each lemonade.

We had ordered both chili naan and garlic naan because some of us are Jain and some are not. We clearly asked the staff to serve them separately, but they didn’t. When we reminded them, they started arguing that we had never requested that, and then “fixed” it by just splitting the same mixed batch onto separate plates. That obviously defeats the whole purpose for anyone who strictly follows Jain food rules. If you’re Jain and eating here, make sure you very clearly confirm your order and separation requirements with them so there’s no cross-contamination.

Archi Zadafiya

We had ordered both chili naan and garlic naan because some of us are Jain and some are not. We clearly asked the staff to serve them separately, but they didn’t. When we reminded them, they started arguing that we had never requested that, and then “fixed” it by just splitting the same mixed batch onto separate plates. That obviously defeats the whole purpose for anyone who strictly follows Jain food rules. If you’re Jain and eating here, make sure you very clearly confirm your order and separation requirements with them so there’s no cross-contamination.