We always ask for the garlic nan extra crispy. Remember to arrive early. Be one of the first at 11:30 AM to serve yourself on a pleasantly organized buffet line. Mint chutney, chai tea, and fresh fruit, rice pudding for dessert in addition to all of the fabulous buffet items. Parking is a breeze. Enter from the back just off of the large parking lot. Easy alley access to the back entrance and parking lot will always be my suggestion.
(5)
Dave M.
We really like this place and went to go there for lunch today only to find out it's closed. It says it will be reopening under another name at a later point. Hopefully it's just as good!
(4)
Breann C.
Clay Oven needs a lot of improvement: -The service was absolutely horrible. You better pray you don't get the black-haired waitress. She'll make you wish you'd never come. If she forgets to bring you your drink, don't mention it- you can do without her passive aggressiveness. -The food was ok, not the best, not the worst. -The ambience was nice, but for the price and service, don't waste your time.
(2)
Vicki V.
Went here today with friends. Just wanted to update that the store has changed names to Tamarind! The food and menu is still the same, just under a different name. Clay oven is technically still opened, just under a new name.
(4)
Kristen C.
CONS: Well, we had 2 waiters, a man and a woman. The woman was great and on point; the man, however, forgot everything we ordered with him. We were the only ones in the restaurant. He asked my friend if she would like another beer, she said yes, and then he walked off. No beer. Waited 15 minutes then we paid the bill and left. Don't order a cocktail or anything they have to make, as it doesn't seem that a real bartender is on staff. PROS: The food is amazing and the only reason they got 4 stars. Otherwise I would have given 1 star. I don't know that I'll be back. Ls
(4)
Row Z.
I was a regular customer at Clay Oven and were disappointed when I saw them closing down a couple of weeks ago. But soon there was a sign that they will be opening under a new name and new ownership. Today my wife and I had lunch there. The new name is Tamarind. Some of the old employees still work there. They have changed the floor, put a fresh paint on the walls, and rearranged the buffet area. They have a larger variety of food now and the quality is even better than what it was before. I am happy once again. Or even happier. Love this place.
(5)
Heather G.
I liked this place the first time I came for the lunch buffet, enough to come back and try it again. This second time around the food was just ok, a little under-seasoned, but the service was just terrible this visit. There was no one to great you, so people either stood around, or went ahead with the buffet. Then, it took twice as long to get the bill than it did to eat the food. A $10.95 buffet is too much for ok food and poor service. I'll be looking for a new Indian place in the area. :(
(2)
Fred L.
They have closed down . Tamarindin is moving in Looks like an Indian restaurant.Hope it is as good as Clay Oven was
(4)
Barry S.
This place used to rock.. They must have changed management.. Lamb vindaloo was orders spicy.. Instead it was just really salty.. Cauliflower had too many onions.. Saffron rice was different ( main reason I loved this place).. Kinda greasy with too many green beans .. Mango lassi was good.. Ugh.. I'll know in 3 hours if the salt was for the foul lamb.. No Indians in the place who is weird for and Indian Resturant .. Just 2 Hispanics .. I was disappointed although my friend liked his..
(2)
Fei Z.
We've been to this place a handful number of times and it is still our favorite Indian restaurant in the area. We love their lamb chops. Buffets are ok but we like to order off the menu because the dishes just taste better.
(4)
Hana A.
Food is pretty good but it took soooo long to get our food. We waited around thirty minutes, which is why I'm docking a star. I'm not sure what was going on but I noticed all the customers were waiting quite a bit for their food. Ordered the aloo paratha- just ok. There was a floury aftertaste I didn't like. Spicy lamb vindaloo was great. Very flavorful and lamb was fork tender. Spicy yellow dal was pretty good although it was more watery than what I'm used to. Sweet lassi was really good although kind of thick. I'm used to it being more watery. Basmati rice was pretty good- it seems they added some parsley. The complimentary appetizer was great, not too heavy and came with chutney sauce.
(3)
Rafa C.
I really liked the food here. The customer service was good and the ambience was pleasant. I went for an early dinner at 5 pm so it was not very busy which made my experience even better. Not only was the food tasty but it was very light and easy on my stomach. Definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Faith C.
We were overcharged and it was rude. We were a party of six and only four ate. We were charged for six people plus gratuity- as if they did anything more than offer us water. It wasn't at all the kind of problem I want to have to fight in front of my friends but it wasn't right to charge us as much as they did for as little as we got. Love the food, but I won't be returning.
(1)
Sophack S.
Very solid lunch buffet place, but also a good place for dinner. Lunch Buffet: Chicken biryani served at this time is real good. When ordered a la cart it's even better. They also have the standard chicken tikka masala for curries which is somewhat sweeter than a person would normally like, but better than most places I have tried. When they have saag paneer, it's also a go to item. When ordering for dinner those same things from lunch are solid options, but verge out differently and get the chili chicken. Again, slightly sweet, but not overbearing and does have that bit of heat. The chicken tikka from the clay over is also a good item. Marinated and decent spices applied. Overall solid place with some tendencies for the typical tastes, but some standouts of those usual indian dishes.
(3)
Ramya R.
Okay so first off, the area is crowded. You need to find a parking spot and pay for it (metered). I went there to do a pick-up of my order. Not so welcoming staff and pretty lazy. Chicken Biriyani tasted good but I was surprised that there was no raitha or anything with it. Chicken Pakora looked and tasted good. Reduced 2 stars for the unfriendly staff!
(3)
Aiello Global Foods L.
This was my 2nd time @ the Clay Oven. Today I enjoyed their daily Lunch Buffet. Tandoori chicken was very tasty & juicy. Everything was delicious & the lunch special price point is Very reasonable I highly recommend if you 're craving Curry, check out Clay Oven!
(4)
Evan S.
Dear Clay Oven, I love you so much. I decided to try another place today and it was terrible. Please forgive me. I will never go to another Indian restaurant for as long as I live. You are the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Tonight I'm crying into this awful Chicken Tikka Masala wishing it was yours.
(5)
Sara E.
Gave it another shot. I don't know... It still isn't quite doing it for me anymore. We ordered the three-course mean for two of us. I guess it was all you can eat? It came with samosas, three pots (chicken tikka masala, saag paneer and dahl), naan, rice, chai, and rice pudding. Overall a decent deal. However, at no point did we ask for another round of anything. It was a lot of food! When we were done we asked for a box for the leftovers. The waiter said that he could not wrap it up since it is all-you-can-eat. I asked him if they were just going to throw it away? He said yes. I will never ever understand this logic. If I had said "there are children starving in India" would that have been inappropriate? ;) They should consider changing their policy. It's a horrible waste. Or maybe offer the dinner without the all-you-can-eat option because really, how much can you really eat?? The food is still just kind of meh lately. The samosas were rock hard on the outside and the chai was nothing to write home about.
(2)
Jonathan D.
I've come here for the buffet a number of times, but the review is for my most recent visit, today at lunch. To be honest, I remember this restaurant being better. It's definitely not bad, but it seems like there are not quite as many choices as before. There was the customary tandoori chicken (decent flavor but a bit dry), chicken tikka masala (a little bland), saag paneer (pretty tasty), a string beans and potato dish (all right but again a little bland), chicken biryani. I believe there was a lentil dish, some fish pakoras and a fried cauliflower dish. The cauliflower was ok, but sitting in a buffet for a while, isn't super crispy. The goat curry, on the other hand, was quite tasty and surprisingly meaty. Service wasn't bad, though when we came back from getting dessert, the dirty plates were still there. Dessert itself wasn't my favorite. There was a mango rice pudding that tasted like mango lassi with rice in it and was way too sweet, and a carrot halwa that was a tad dry. It's a comfortable place, though they need to rearrange the buffet, because as things stand, it's not set up particularly efficiently (plates and rice in the middle, so you have to push past people getting food to get at them). All in all, it's fine, but nothing too special. If it weren't convenient to meeting my friend, I wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)
marlena s.
What a disappointment. We're new to the area and love Indian food so couldn't wait for our meal to arrive. There wasn't one dish that was good. I feel bad writing a negative review but I always read reviews of places before I try them. Maybe this will help someone. People that think this is good Indian food have never had good Indian food.
(1)
Nahal K.
Nope! I will pass. Celebrated my sisters birthday here and the only thing that was good was their pickled carrots and chili and our family and friends. They are overpriced and the portions are extremely small. Not to mention we felt rushed even though we were the only party in the whole restaurant.
(2)
JB K.
My boyfriend and I came for Saturday champagne brunch. The champagne was drinkable and the food tasted ok, but I didn't feel it was worth the cost. The dish options were the least expensive menu items (all chicken dishes). The service was lacking. There was no attention and we had to stop a waiter every time we wanted a refill, more bread, etc. There was not enough rice for all the customers, there wasn't enough rice pudding, etc. And worse, both my boyfriend and I had "digestive issues" after eating our meal. We will not be coming here again.
(2)
Jay A.
Enjoyed a delicious lunch here today with 2 business associates. We decided to have the buffet which looked terrific. There were some exceptional items on today's buffet. The Fish Pakora was perfectly seasoned and fried. The flavor was lovely. The Saag Paneer was fresh and flavorful, precisely how this classic vegetarian dish is supposed to be prepared. The rice pudding (kheer) was surprisingly in it's own outstanding class. With my lunch I had a sweet lassi. It was okay, maybe too foamy for my taste. Would be nice if they added some dal or anything soupy/liquid to the buffet offering. However, everything I tasted today was quite good and clearly a solid 4 star experience. Place was comfortable, parking available in back and/or on the street and the staff were pleasant. This was my second time dining here. It was better today then I had remembered from last time. And yes - I will be back soon!
(4)
Tom M.
This place is damn good. We order it about once a week for delivery. The curries are all good, and the naan is really fresh. Make sure to order rice! The guy who delivers the food is also super nice, so be sure to tip well.
(5)
Lotem B.
Been here a few times since I moved to this area.... It is now time to write a review about this place.. Really wanted to mention quickly their buffett.... Which is 'happening' every day - Deffo check that out!! Anyways, their food always seems fresh, the meats are always well cooked and the seasoning is always spot on... Took my mum here last Friday and she is a Spicy Hot Freak and was disappointed with the level of spiciness... I guess they have to be careful with people like me, i guess, who are sensitive to Spice/ Hot? Portions are decently sized, but it was a bit of a 'bummer' that we had to order the rice and naan as an addition, which obviously has contributed at the bill (Which was at $65ish for 2 people) A place to come to, yes.. Definitely a strong one but don't think it's THE place to for the "ultimate" Indian...
(4)
Lance P.
The food is tasty, but i asked for spicy and it literally felt like instead of spicing it, they just dumped chili flakes. i've ordered here often, but unfortunately, i dont think i'll get anything from them for a while.
(2)
Jaimie L.
Great Indian restaurant that was recommended to me by a coworker. Excellent service and cute and trendy ambiance. The price is slightly higher than other Indian restaurants, but the quality of the food definitely makes up for it. The samosas and naan were hot and so freshly made. I also ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Curry...I was a bit hesitant on ordering two items with similar consistency but was definitely surprised by the distinction in the flavors. Flavors are so authentic. I've heard a lot about the lunch buffet here, and definitely will come give it a try to get more variety.
(5)
Ricky J.
I stopped in yesterday after several years, for an early lunch buffet. Food was good as I remembered it. The only set back was the food wasn't that hot. Wierd because the buffet had just opened!
(4)
Sandeep S.
Very Expensive and less quantity... Not better for groups and service is very slow ( only one server in whole restaurant ). So I think better visit before 3 because after 3 you need to order from menu which cost you near about $13 dish ( equal to whole buffet )
(2)
Manna D.
We ordered some Goat (Mutton), Vegetable Jalfrezi and the Naan Basket. The food was great. They said 45 minutes but delivered it in a little less than 30 minutes. Very happy with the experience.
(5)
Ellen C.
The flavors of India unite at Clay Oven to provide Tikka Masala and Vindaloo for extraordinary depths of spices and heat. The basmati rice is fluffy and mildy fragrant. The chicken, lamb, or whatever meat you choose is tender and rich with flavor. The garlic naan is abundant with garlic flavors, crispy, and chewy. Service can lack in quality, but their $10 buffets Monday through Friday makes up for it all.
(5)
Eric F.
Don't expect top flight Indian food anywhere in LA outside of Artesia, since Gaylord's closed. With this in mind, as far a decent places go... Clay Oven in Sherman Oaks is great. First off... I have eaten here for dinner twice, and both times is was merely okay. But I have also eaten here a dozen times for Indian Buffet lunch... and that has consistently been a much better experience. Once reason why is that most Indian food is slop... delicious slop. But slop cooks in a pot for hours and even days. Very little is cooked fresh to order. Thus, at dinner time, one is serve the very same "slopy stews and curries that have been simmering all day for the buffet's. I have no problem with this. The longer it cooks the better it tastes. What I do have a problem with is that the very same dish that is one of twenty during the brunch, for $9.99 all you can eat, is served at dinner for $17.99 for one portion. And every Indian restaurant does this. Do they think we don't notice? I love Indian food. That said... here are the dishes that send me soaring at the lunch buffet: Butter Chicken (essentially chicken chunks served in a curried tomato soup), Chicken Tiki Masala (similar to the first but with yogurt and more spices, plus the chicken is prepared Tondoori style), Mater Paneer (curried peas with chunks of Indian farmer's cheese), Saag Paneer (the same only with spinach), Papadam (fried paper thin lentil pancake), Samosa (a British style pasty crust stuffed with potatoes and peas,,, and sometimes lamb,,, and served with chutneys), aloo gobi (curried cauliflower), goat curry (in a dark brown spicy curry sauces... and goat is similar to lamb only tougher and stringer), Pakora (breaded fried califlower and other vegetables served with chutneys), Bastmati rice pilaf, Naan bread, and finally Chicken Tandoori (whole chicken covered in yogurt and spices and slowly baked at a low heat in a clay oven until the meant turns orange). There are other items on the buffet but these are my favorites... and most of them are served at any buffet you go to. Things that set Clay Oven above the rest are that you get free Masala tea (black tea with spices, burnt milk, and lots of sugar), a bottomless cup. Also, on weekends you get bottomless Champagne as well. Also there is at least one desert if not three. And the service is good. So... for buffet, I recommend India Clay Oven
(4)
Viola V.
We had an Indian food craving but didn't want to leave the house. Clay Oven hit the spot! Best indian food delivery I think I've ever had in the area. Food was delicious, fresh, and packed well so it was still piping hot when it arrived 45 minutes after ordered. The saag paneer and baingan bharta were standouts. But the tandoori chicken was juicy and flavorful too. Looking forward to the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
(4)
Shani F.
Great food fresh and at a reasonable price. I have only ordered for pick up but will definitely go in to eat.
(3)
Orsolya D.
I'm very superstitious when it comes to New Year's Eve. Perhaps it is because I am always so desperate for the new year to be better than the last (I've had a tough few years). I tend to think that my evening is a metaphor for the way my upcoming year will "play out". If this is true, then my zen dinner at Clay Oven on New Year's Eve is an indication of a calming (and satisfying) 2013. Clay Oven is one of the many (and I stress 'many') eateries located on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks. Seemingly casual and inconspicuous; Clay Oven reveals a classy establishment with beautiful dark wood carvings, Hindu statues, deep colors, spacious rooms, and spa-like calming music. Even the bathroom is beautiful. Long story short: Clay Oven is perfect for a casual meal or a romantic date without the up-tight vibe of some other Sherman Oaks restaurants. My boyfriend and I opted for an early (very early) dinner on New Year's Eve, having other plans in the evening. We made reservations for 4:45 (just in case other people were planning to eat early). Clay Oven instantly welcomed us on a first name basis and had a perfect booth waiting for us with a "RESERVED" sign. To say the least, we were off on a good note (although I must note that Clay Oven is a bit chilly for ladies dressed in skimpy attire). Priyansh, our waitress, was immediately an absolute doll and complimented our appearance for the evening. We began with a standard Mango Lassi ($3.95) to sip on while making our orders. Garnished with a cherry and an orange slice, the Lassi was terrific: not too thick or thin, with a great flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. It was guzzled down within seconds while nibbling on the complimentary papapdums with chutney. The Clay Oven offers "family-style" eating in beautiful hot pots. For our meal, we ordered Lamb Tikka Masala ($15.95), Saag Paneer ($12.95), Chicken Coconut Curry ($13.95) and Garlic Naan ($2.95). The only negative was the food prep time. However, I suppose the wait was worth it as the meal (when it finally arrived) was beautifully presented, consisted of huge portions (we shared everything and had a ton of leftovers), and was amazingly delicious. The Saag Paneer was the best Saag Paneer I've ever tasted with spiced spinach and tender cheese chunks (although it could have used more cheese). The Lamb Tikka Masala was a wonderful switch-up to standard chicken with a thick sauce, tender and moist lamb, and the perfect combination of spices. While the Chicken Coconut Curry warmed my stomach with its creamy, coconut base and chunks of soft chicken; I sopped up the sauce with the Garlic Naan which was flaky with crunchy edges and had just the right amount of garlic. The meal was extraordinary and some of the best Indian I've had. It should be noted that Clay Oven offers various levels of spiciness. Although I adore extreme spices, my boyfriend does not so we simply went with "spicy". Even this was enough to make his nose run and satisfy my spice cravings so be careful when choosing the spice level. Customer service was terrific the entire evening, as Priyansh took photos of us without complaint, gave us a New Year's Eve hat, and took back the Onion Kulcha ($3.95) which we didn't quite like without huffing and puffing. Clay Oven also offered all New Year's Eve diners small chutes of champagne on the house. If you are a big eater (or simply want to sample several plates); Clay Oven has a daily buffet M-F from 11:30am-3pm ($9.95) or a Sat-Sun Champagne Brunch (also 11:30-3) for $12.95. They also cater for your company events or parties. Overall, the Clay Oven doesn't disappoint with its beautiful interior, great ambiance, wonderful service, and delicious food/portions. Hopefully, these are metaphors for my upcoming year (but make sure to check them out no matter what time of year).
(5)
N K.
One of my favorite restaurants on the blvd. We moved into the area a year ago and it has become a staple for my husband and I. The best part of us becoming so acquainted with the restaurant, is we can call in advance for dine in when we're in a pinch for time and our food is ready once we get there (for dinner). The customer service is immaculate. The food is spot on and I always end up eating more than I can handle...because I can't stop myself. My favorite dish is matar paneer but substituting the sauce for shahi paneer sauce. You have to try it (with naan)!!! I know a little about Indian food (actually a lot) and this place is definitely at the top of the charts for me. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Nancy B.
Just the right spot for your Indian lunch buffet fix. A close friend and I wandered in here on a Saturday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised by the lunch buffet offering. For about $13 bucks each, we had garlic naan, delicious buffet (with all the mandatory fixin's), and bottomless champagne! The service was pretty good and my friend and I were allowed to gab on and on in our catch-up girl talk without being rushed in any way.
(4)
zach r.
Parked in the lot behind the building. We entered through the back and dined in. Each ordered the buffet and one side of garlic naan. The buffet included, chicken tikka masala, white rice, tandoori chicken, curry, vegetable & chicken pakora. It really hit the spot! We both will be returning.
(4)
Patti H.
Absolutely love this place. Food is awesome and you just can't beat the price for an amazing buffet. Make sure you try the rice pudding.
(5)
Arthur D.
Superb. Had the clay oven fish which was just wonderful. Unique taste with a slight bite - not your common fish dish - very well done. Our other selection was an eggplant selection. Topped off with the spinach filled naan, all in all a wonderful dinner. We are fans.
(5)
Amy L.
I had a very enjoyable experience at this restaurant! I'm sorry to hear some of the other people did not share that but as far as I'm concerned the atmosphere is great, the food was really good, and although the prices were a little on the high side the portions were so generous that I was able to have another whole meal the next day. I really enjoyed how they served the food in beautiful deep copper bowls sitting atop a burner to keep the food warm. I would very much recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Received Da P.
I had been at this location many times in the past 9 years. but today...The buffet was shit! I informed the woman that was the day manager/owner who was a (Rude inconsiderate bitch) of my experience,, ( I was not as direct as I am being now mind you) she just glared at me at said that they have had the same chef, the same menu and just walked away. In addition, the AC was at 80 degrees...
(1)
Shanel J.
My husband and I love Indian food and this place serves very tasty Indian food! Love the decor and very friendly staff! We love coming here!
(5)
Svetlana S.
My group and I placed an order over the phone. The guy helping us out had somewhat of a difficult time understanding us, but he still made our experience an easy and enjoyable one. Chicken tikka masala: Very good, but the chicken was a bit dry in the middle and we got very few pieces of chicken in our order. Shrimp curry: Also very good, but we only got like 4-5 pieces of shrimp in the entire order. For the amount they charge for this item, I would expect quite a few more helpings of the shrimp. Garlic naan: Very good especially with the green mint sauce they give you on the side. Vegetable samosa: 5 stars for sure. Huge portion and super filling so I suggest just getting one per person. Plain rice: A bit on the expensive side, but one helping serves roughly 2-4 people. I was super excited to try the sag paneer since our friends kept raving about it, but for some reason it was missing in our order. We only noticed when we were already home after having picked up our food. Luckily though we didn't get charged for it. Overall, the food was great. Absolutely no complaints about that, but it is overly priced and they skimp on the shrimp/chicken which was really disappointing. It is A-OK in my book and if I am ever in the area again, I will surely stop by, but I won't go out of my way for it.
(3)
Priyanka B.
Really good Indian food and great service. They are very busy but they really take care of their guests. We were a large group and tried a lot of things: 1) chicken tikka - very juicy chicken 2) sheekh kabob - grilled to perfection 3) saag chicken - chicken curry with spinach, nicely cooked, tender chicken, just the right amount of spices 4) mutter paneer - cottage cheese with peas, creamy and yummy I would recommend ordering the thali - you get a choice of an appetizer, a curry and a vegetarian curry with rice, naan and raita (yogurt sauce). Will definitely be coming back.
(4)
Susan C.
Their food is flavorful and yummy but none of the spicy foods are spicy here and it kinda ruins Indian Food for me.
(3)
Kevin K.
I've been to Clay Oven dozens of times over the years. This place might be the best Indian food restaurant in the San Fernando Valley. The customer service here is excellent, I've always been served in a timely fashion, drinks refilled, etc. The quality of the food here is great. The tandoori chicken is just the right level of spicy, the chicken tikka masala here tastes wonderful, the saag paneer here is delicious, and even the naan bread here is good. I'd recommend this restaurant to any of my friends and contacts that like Indian cuisine. To Clay Oven: Keep up the good work! You guys are awesome!
(5)
Lacey G.
I've dined in and have also ordered take out. The customer service is great. The Chicken Tikka Masala is addicting - it is delish!
(5)
Mark A.
I have been eating at the lunch buffet for some time, Lunch Buffet is always good They change up the dishes to so its not the same every day,
(5)
Saman S.
Just to cut it short and not waste your time reading this review, don't waste your time or money at the Clay Oven! If your craving Indian food, go to Shalimar in Woodland Hills instead!
(2)
Norma M.
Delicious! Great service. Only reason it's not a perfect 5 stars is bc we had to wait for the buffet to be restocked on many of the items. But the food was delicious. The lunch price is reasonable ($10.95/per). RECOMMENDED!
(4)
Terin C.
I follow my muse where it takes me these days, and at this particular moment it's whispering "I don't know..." So, I'm here to review Clay Oven. This restaurant has kind of illustrated a very important point for me that I hope people keep in mind while browsing yelp. The fact of the matter is that two people can go to the same place, and have completely different experiences. Case and point, is that a person on my friend's list (a person, by the way, whom I hold in high regard and whose opinion I respect) reviewed this place, and had a terrible time. I, on the other hand, had a mostly pleasant experience. This matters because there are so many factors that contribute to whether or not you're going to enjoy something, that sometimes you never know if you will or not until you go. That is my sage wisdom for the year. Do with it what you will, my Yelpy brethren. I'll start with what I didn't like here. The service was a bit spotty... Orders were slow to be taken, and food came out a snail's pace even though there weren't many other tables seated. There also seemed to be a bit of confusion amongst the staff about something or other, because everyone seemed just a tad bit on the flustered side. From what I gathered, someone had called out sick. Or perhaps, multiple someones. That can make for a bad day for anyone working in customer service, so I get it. Having said that, I've had some bad days working in customer service, and you wouldn't have been able to see it on my face. Mostly, I guess, that's because you can't see much on my face (I've been told I'm not very emotive, but I swear I'm always in a good mood)... But still. Being able to keep your cool is part of the job description in this industry. The staff was, however, relatively friendly. What I really liked here, though, was the food. I'm always quick to admit that I am not a culinary expert by any means, but I know when something tastes good to me. The food here was pretty delicious. Perhaps just a little on the "too expensive for what it was" side, but I enjoyed the hell out of it anyway. I might need to go back a time or two more to solidify my opinion, but I'd be happy to eat the food again. Take out might be a good option. The end. OR IS IT? Yes it is.
(4)
Jazmin A.
Fantastic food...check. Great service...check. Looks clean...check. That about covers it :) Keep on keeping on Clay Oven!
(5)
Queen S.
Clay Oven is one of the best Indian restaurants on the boulevard. Their champagne brunch is to die for. Eric is very accommodating and his customer service is great.
(5)
Jessica W.
I liked the Clay Oven. They had great customer service, a beautiful interior... nice place to come and eat with a calming environment. I had the lunch buffet. 12.99... not too bad. The food quality is great for a lunchtime buffet. Tandori Chicken was very tasty, tender and flavorful! I also enjoyed the Chicken Tikka Masala...it was creamy, the cuts of chicken were consistent in texture and flavor. The naan was not the best I ever had... It was good, but not phenomenal. If they stepped up their naan recipe to match the deliciousness of their Tandori Chicken, then we'd have a monster on our hands! Overall, the food was good, and a mellow environment to sit back and eat. They let you take your time here. :)
(4)
Miel G.
Their lamb korma is to die for but I HATE that because I called them I incurred a $12 fee just for the girl to write my order instead of going through eat.com (which they'd just joined ... she told me after I'd already ordered) its the manager she said. He wont listen although ppl complain she said. You should be more loyal to returning customers. I had moved but i've been ordering for 3 yrs and dont expect to foot the bill because you don't want to pick up your phone. You lost a customer because you got greedy. Ill get my korma elsewhere.
(2)
Kelly W.
I came here last Saturday night with my bf and it was surprisingly empty. We grabbed a table outside. And I should note that I dislike sitting outside but the way they have their tables set up is really nice and not out on the sidewalk or anything...it's more of an enclosed patio. We ordered an appetizer platter that came with an array of the typical Indian snacks and everything was really good. We also ordered some Chicken Naan and it was delicious as well. I loved the Mango Lassi too. This was my second time here and both times the service was really good. The waiters are very nice and friendly and always keep the water glasses filled. Overall it's a really cool place to sit back...relax...enjoy some good food and people watch while doing it. I'm sure that this place will be a regular spot for us as it already is for my bf.
(4)
Kate B.
Very good food. Ordered delivery, it was very delicious and fast.
(5)
Nikki L.
This is the best Indian restaurant in the Valley! Delicious food, fabulous service, wondrous servers (Cynthia was amazing!) and exquisite presentation! We came with my girlfriend's two children and they just love it. We got the chicken tikka masala - and it was the best. We also got saag, dal, samosas, rice, naan and tandoori chicken. All of it was scrumptious and seasoned perfectly. We will be here again!
(5)
Leisha P.
Excellent service, they certainly try to sell their foods here though. I think it's a bit pricey, but it is in a prime location I suppose. Got the lamb tikka masala++, garlic naan+, goat curry, sampler++, and veggie biryani(- too much flavors going on & I had to keep pulling out bones or whatever it was that was inedible).
(4)
Candace L.
My son and I recently grabbed a late dinner here and enjoyed it. I look forward to returning and trying their buffet. That's something you don't often hear me say but from the looks of these reviews that may be a clear win for Clay Oven. We enjoyed the vegetable somosas, Chicken Tikka Masala, basmati rice, and Garlic Naan. The naan so fresh and fabulous, I wanted more and more! I very well could have polished off about 3 orders of it, but stopped at one order (1 piece each). The somosas seemed a tad bit overcooked but still tasty, and the chicken was fresh tender and delicious. I look forward to ordering the coconut chicken curry next go around unless it's part of the buffet which may be the best of both worlds. It's a tad bit dark inside and the decor may be what holds me back from 5 stars, that and something about the food just didn't jump out and grab 5 stars immediately with me. Metered street parking on all surrounding blocks.
(4)
Brian C.
Periodically get delivery from here but have not eaten at the restaurant. The food is good. The quality of the food is pretty evident and (when delivered) arrives hot and tastes fresh. Delivery is typically on time or early. Have tried delivery from some other Indian restaurants in the area and this place tends to stand out.
(4)
Lauren K.
So, you decide that a certain significant person strokes your heart in all the right places, what better place to propose a relationship than at Clay Oven! Clay Oven will always have that special place in my heart as it is the restaurant that my D.B. asked me to be his significant other! Other than that, their food is wickedly delicious! The atmosphere is very senusal, just the right amount of dim lighting to create a romantic setting and the aroma of the restaurant is quite fragrant that is sets the right mood for a romantic evening. I have had my fair share of Indian food, I feel that Clay Oven has been the best I ever had in terms of taste and texture of the food. Their mango lassi has the right balance between sweet and tangy. My D.B. loves the chicken tikka masala which must be their most popular item! I prefer the chicken methi with fenugreek or the saag paneer depending on the mood that I am in. Chicken methi has a pleasant spiciness to it, a creamy and deep savory flavor while the saag paneer is more mild on the spice with a light Indian cheese that hits the spot! All in all, this is one of the best Indian restaurants in the Valley in my honest opinion! A great place to take your special someone for an exotic dining experience, with a special added bonus: it really sets the mood for that romantic evening! Blame it on the spice! ;)
(5)
Aaron A.
Clay Oven is hands down my favorite Indian anywhere in the Los Angeles area. I've been to India many times and I've been eating Indian food for at least 30 years and yes I've been to tons of Indian restaurants. Clay Oven is by far one of the best ever. I moved away from the Valley and now live near Marina del Rey, but we still make the trek up there because it's that good. I'm vegetarian and my favorites are dal makhani and mushroom mattar. My wife eats meat and loves the Tikka Masala and other dishes. Really pretty much everything we've tried here has been delicious. I also recommend the lunchtime buffet for variety and value. I would also like to mention our favorite server Erik who has been helping us for years now. He is a wonderful man, always of a pleasant demeanor, personable, kind, patient, friendly, and all around just a great guy. We are thankful to have gotten to know him over the years and we hope he never leaves Clay Oven!
(5)
Robert T.
We came in and waited 45 minutes and weren't even served our appetizer. Something's not right with the kitchen. Avoid at all costs!
(1)
Jon G.
Good quality food, nice atmosphere, moderate prices. I subtracted one star because some of the menu is misleading. For example, when you order naan, you just get the one piece, not a basket with at least a couple pieces cut in half. The other disappointment I experienced was getting the vegetable tandoori dish, which consisted mainly of tofu and onions. There were a couple pieced of cauliflower and a couple tomatoes, but I don't think I would really call this a vegetable dish so much as I would call it a tofu dish. I love vegetables (when they're not peppers and onions), but tofu I do not qualify as a vegetable, and I don't like it either. Will I go back? Yes. But I will ask more questions before placing my order.
(4)
D I.
Came for lunch, had party of 3 - lunch buffet food quality ok - service ok- nothing special or memorable, just ok
(3)
Dean G.
Absolute fell in love with this place! From start to finish, things were amazing. Service is spectacular and the food is amazing. This will definitely be on our short list of "Favorites" from now on.
(4)
R J.
What did I do to deserve this? Some of the best Indian in LA is less than a quarter of a mile from my house! Recently under new ownership (formerly Clay Oven), the new owners were wise to keep much of the old staff. Our server Veer, is the best...congenial and patient (my wife orders everything "no cilantro and mild 'plus'. I always imagine the Punjabi speaking cooks in the back trying to figure out what 'plus' means when they read the ticket. Maybe that's why they portions always seem so big.) Stand outs are: Tandoori Chicken Shahi Paneer Saag Paneer Chicken Tikka Masala Tandoori Shrimp Naan
(5)
Mary R.
[Before I get going, this review is for the lunch buffet, not the servers or ambiance of the restaurant, both of which were very nice.] I got a strange craving for Papadums today and Yelped for a new Indian restaurant to try. I rarely eat this cuisine as it's just too heavy for me. But some establishments offer vegetable dishes not smothered in cream curry sauces on their buffets and I was hopeful this place would be one. Nope. If you are vegetarian, do not order the lunch buffet (at $10.95, it's the best deal on the menu), unless you just want to eat rice, kidney beans in gravy, dried out lettuce (salad dressing could go a long way here), watery, flavorless Saag Paneer and potatoes smothered in cream curry sauce. None of this was any good, in my very humble opinion. Well, okay, the rice was somewhat decent, not that you can't boil and season your own at home. As for the rest of you omnivores, you're even more out of luck. How can one mess up Chicken Tandoori? Trust me, it's a whole lot of messed up here. It tasted gritty and not at all fresh or flavorful. The Lamb Curry was just dreadful and it didn't help that the lamb was all fat and sharp bones. The Shrimp were swimming in yet another orange creamy curry sauce and still had tails on some of them. Needless to say, I did not go back for seconds. The only things I truly finished were the papadums. But I wouldn't write home about those either as they were so thin with lots of holes. I honestly wanted to like this place as I know they've changed hands from the owners of the previous restaurant, but I honestly did NOT.
This place is formerly known as Clay Oven. I drove all around the back looking for Clay Oven, only to find out that it is now renamed. The food is great and the staff are welcoming and hospitable. This place can get a bit busy and the food may take some time to come out. They have a small-sized parking lot in the back. Come try the Chicken Tikka Masala. Our waiter gave us free chai tea. He was so sweet :)
(5)
Victoria O.
Formally known to locals as Clay Oven this Indian food joint has switched ownership and changed names. With past ownership leaving a bad taste in your mouth with the lack of service. This new and improved Indian cafe warrants a second chance. The service staff is vigilant with refilling beverages. They are calm and understanding when it comes to accepting previous ownership coupons. Most importantly the food is incredible! I enjoyed a romantic candle lit dinner here last night and enjoyed the food so much I'm back the next day for the lunch buffet. On average six tables are in use and while conversations are going on all around you don't hear them because there is pleasant music on in the background. Wait staff can get busy but over all you receive your check promptly. They take all forms of payment. Personally I enjoyed everything I tried including my more adventurous choices. When the lunch buffet was running low on the more popular options one mention of it to the wait staff and the next batch (hot and fresh) was right out in less than three minutes. They serve both tea and water included with the buffet (which ends @2:45 everyday) Enjoy.
(5)
judy l.
Went today for lunch with 10 co-workers. We did the lunch buffet and they charged us 18percent gratuity for a buffet, now that was bullshit. A $24 charge yo clear our plates. Im a long long time customer, i was embarrassed in front of my coworkers
(3)
Rashmi V.
Came here with my Family on a Saturday night it was a party of 7, we were seated promptly. The service was good, there were times they were busy but forgetful of us but it was okay we got what we needed and overall everyone was happy. We ordered a variety of dishes, we started off with the appetizer platter which consisted of shish kabob, chicken tikka, samoas, pakoras, everything was good but the chicken tikka was a little dry. I really liked their samosas, not too spicy and it was crunchy and good. For our entrees we got the chicken tikka masala, shrimp tikka masala, saag paneer, chicken tikka sizzling plate as well as a bread basket of naan and paneer naan. Chiken Tikka Masala: very good, I really loved the curry! Saag paneer-another great dish, paneer was yummy. The chicken tikka sizzling plate sucked, I won't order this again, the chicken tikka was very dry even with the lemon squeezed on top with the onions/bellpeppers, the onions/peppers could have been grilled a little more but I didn't enjoy the chicken tikka at all very dry chicken and not seasoned like other places I've had in the past. Naan-can't complain. They do charge for rice I believe $3.50 some places are free but all in all pretty good. I definitely would come back!
(4)
Robert M.
We love the dinner for two! Chicken Tikka Masala, mint chutney and saag paneer are the best in LA!
(5)
Mario M.
Came here for the lunch buffet. I recommend it! The waiters are nice and friendly. The food is very good quality. The place looks clean. The naan bread is delicious! I like the garlic naan. Just try it. You will be pleasantly surprised. I wish it was closer to my house.
(5)
Tyler M.
This is my absolute favorite Indian spot! I would never go anywhere else. The mango lassi is always very rich and creamy, saag paneer very flavorful rich and amazing, and chicken tikka masala so creamy and flavorful as well!! Since they changed their name I thought clay oven was done for. But it looks like all they did was change their name and still everything else is the same. Thank goodness.. I was craving Indian a few days ago and I thought this place wasn't clay oven anymore so I went to taste of India after finding it on yelp. The mango lassi was watery, same for the chicken tikka masala, and the saag paneer was a bit plain. Nothing beats clay oven!!! Although I don't eat Indian food often this is the only spot I love.
(5)
Shaheryar N.
Was told my pick up order was gonna take 35mins to be ready. Got there at the 30 min mark. Waited for another 30 mins. When the order came, it wasn't correct. So had to wait another 10 mins for the order to be completed. No apology let alone recognition that I waited over an hour for an order that should've been ready in half that time. Paid the bill, gave no tip (I usually do even on pick up orders). Could've argued with them, but if they didn't even have the decency to own up to the wait I endured, would they really have given a damn bout proper customer service or comp'd any part of my meal? Will NOT be going to this "new" Indian restaurant again. Lots of other options in this area.
(1)
B R.
The food was very good. Had some great flavors. I am an Indian snob and pretty critical. Lamb was moist and not dry. It was a little high in price but well worth it and would order again for sure!
(4)
Sean Y.
This place is my favorite place but recently delivery service gave me an unpleasant experience. I ordered for delivery. Ordered my usual menu to share with my friend: samosa, clay oven delight, chicken tikka, mango chicken masala, garlic naan, peshwari naan, saffron rice, rad malai and tandoori fish tikka. Food was good as usual. I don't have any complaints for food. But deliver guy made me upset in front of food. I paid $10tips when I paid online excluding delivery fee. It was slightly less than 15% of total bill. He asked extra tips when he delivered. It's been 3times ordering delivery from this place but never been happened. It was the first time that a delivery guy asked me extra tips and waited in front of door. Please educate your delivery guy more. You are in food/hospitality industry. If you do delivery service, check the quality of delivery. It's a part of your restaurant service and affects your business and restaurant value.
(1)
Carlo W.
Good Chai tea, and the male servers are really nice. Food is pretty good, and it's nice to eat at the front patio.
(1)
Shpider V.
Clay Oven was my favorite Indian restaurant and I was saddened to see them "close". Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Tamarind is basically "Clay Oven" in all ways except for a new owner and new name. The great staff, chef and food all remain the same !!
(5)
Ken P.
ClayOven was good, but this restaurant is Waay Better!!! The food got more delicious!!!!!!! Chicken Tiki Masala all day!
(5)
Laura D.
First Time trying this place. We ordered take-out. The food was amazing. We ordered plain and garlic naan. Fresh. The Saag Paneer was delicious. I loved the flavor. Its different than other places I have been to. The Chicken Tikka Marsala was very very good. They give you a lot of chicken. Chicken was not dry. The shrimp Vindaloo I heard was amazing from my family( I don't eat shrimp). Must try this place.
(5)
Sudip S.
I would say they are one of the best Indian restaurant in the blvd. between 101 and 405. They have a huge selection for their weekend buffet and everything tastes good, only negative is that it is a little pricier than most places. But I like their food so I will be back. Dining in is good as well. Never had any issues with the service. They have a private parking in the back of the restaurant so you dont have to frustate yourself looking for one in ventura.
(4)
Jeff M.
We may have just found our NEW favorite Indian restaurant! My wife and I had dinner here and pleasantly surprised. The Koram chicken was absolute perfection. We plan to be back even though it was a little high in the pricing.
(4)
Laura D.
I go here every time i need my Indian food fix. The portions are filling, the spices and food is delicious, and if you are lucky enough to go during their Brunch hours, not only do you get an All-You-Can-Eat opportunity for their hearty menu items, but you can even get a nice Mimosa included in the price.
(5)
Darren F.
NOPE! Not impressive at all. A friend and I eat Vegan most of the time. So we got 2 veggie entrees, yellow daal and a vegetable far-uza-ja-la-la-la. The food did not arrive for an hour and 5 minutes. Never once did anyone ask us if we wanted more water or more of the Indian "chips and salsa." It would have been fine if the food was excellent, however it was barely average. ****WARNING**** there are foreign pod/seed/stamens withIN the rice. Avoid at all costs. It tasted similar to something you would pluck off an unknown tree.
(2)
Sammy N.
Love this place! Found it through a random run of yelp and I fell in love. The chicken tikka masala is amazing. And if you come for the lunch buffet the food is great. It's a nice variety with drinks included. Whether you're new to the food or not it's still an a great place to try.
(5)
Joan D.
Went here for the buffet lunch on Sunday. Everything was delicious, & there was a nice variety - goat stew, shrimp, chicken, paneer, etc. For $13.95 all that & mimosas? Nice! (You could also get champagne, or non - alcoholic beverages.) Service was good - maybe it's faster on the weekends? We parked in a lot across the alley behind the restaurant. If you park there, be aware that there is only one way in & out: you'll probably have to back out into the alley, which could be difficult if you have a large vehicle & you've had some mimosas... :-)
(5)
Kathleen T.
I went here for the first time on Wednesday night. Surprisingly, there were a good amount of people here that night. Unfortunately, that may have been the aide for the extremely slow service. I believe they had issues with the heat. The lights in the restaurant were causing it to be too warm, but the lighting was so dim that they couldn't lower the lights any further. This caused a bunch of flickering of lights going on during dinner service. Not only that, but there was a guy constantly standing over our table with a thermometer trying to gauge the temperature of certain parts of the restaurant. Anyway, it took an extreme long time to get our order in. We got the Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobi (not sure about the name of this one), the Saffron Rice, & the Garlic Naan. After we put in our order, it took an EPIC long time to actually get the food. I wish I timed this! The food itself was pretty good. Not the best I've ever had, but also not the worst. The servers were actually VERY friendly, but it was just really slow. Perhaps we came on a pretty bad night? You can expect it took forever to get our bill, even after we requested it twice. Maybe would be back, but I'd like to explore different places in ShOaks before I return.
(3)
Maury B.
First of all, we were charged not only our bill, but the table next to us as well! Mix ups may happen, but they didn't rectify the error on my account until almost a week later....albeit, after a few calls-this, by the way, without any apology! Then, after eating there recently, my significant other got terribly sick! I called to let them know (for there own good, mind you...) and the girl summarily hung up on me! Up until this point, we had enjoyed the food and the nicely appointed decor.... Unfortunately, after all this, we won't be returning.
(1)
Diane L.
4 stars for food and ONE star for service.
(4)
Bunny B.
Oh my gorsh this place is so freakin good! Got veggie korma enlightenment, saffron rice, garlic naan. Lackluster service, waiter forgetting about us, and depressed waitress are all forgiven because food was da bomb. I want want to go back!!!
(5)
Gigi S.
Wow. The images are drool worthy. Thankfully the various yelping photographers have inspired me to try this place. They showcased the food with loving intent and attractive lighting, angles that made you beg for a taste. Well done yelpies. The somewhat consistent 3-5 star rating also inspired my decision to give it 5 stars based on the likelihood of me eating here. I would suggest some shorter reviews for the more ADD inclined, but other than that I give an astounding, echoing round of applause. Thank you for all your passionate opinionated yelping. These reviews made me thankful to be a fellow millennial in a world of entitlement. I seriously need you. I need everyone of you. I need you as much as I need me. Look at my amazing writing skills. Humor and love for food spill out in a river of beauty and skill. We are the best generation that ever existed. Like longtime lovers we share everything. Oh, the transparency. Now that's respect. FYI: If I come here and hate the food, it will be your fault yelpers.
(5)
Shay P.
I came here on a first date for lunch. Parking is free in the back alley. Restaurant was empty. We got the buffet orders. The rice was clearly of the cheapest kind and overcooked. Some of food was mediocre but the rest was okay. Buffet was not presented in the most appetizing way. Naan was burnt. Not much ambiance. Food was overpriced for the limited selection and palatability. Honestly, I was embarrassed I brought my date here. I probably will not come back here.
(2)
Julie H.
I have been eating here for about 10 years, so maybe it's time for a review! About 5 years ago they did a remodel and the food got way better, not sure if it was an ownership change or what but that's when it became a regular in our dining out repertoire. We are boring though. We always get the same things. Peshwari Naan, saffron rice, Veggie Korma, Mango Chicken Masala. I like the Mango Chicken Masala so much I would rather just get that, but the Veggie Korma is very good, too! We usually only get two entrees if we have a restaurant.com deal and are trying to make the $35 minimum and then we take one full entree home. When my husband first ordered the Peshwari Naan I thought it sounded gross, but I'm glad he did because it is delicious! The menu says it is stuffed with cashews, raisins, cherries and coconut. Personally, I only taste the cashews and the cherries - which are marischino. Sweet but REALLY good. Their food tastes even better the next day, if that is even possible to taste better but it does, so it is okay if you over-order and need to take some home.
(5)
Dennis Y.
Chicken! and lots of it. Lunch was all you can eat buffet style. ... Chicken, chicken, chicken, and chicken. Did I mention chicken? No beef, no lamb, no goat for the buffet. Just chicken. Chicken chicken chicken chicken chicken. Friendly service with the finest tap water available. Not coming here. Again.
(2)
Cesar B.
I'm new to indian food and I love this place I think I have been here three times. The food is always on point, a little pricey but what do you expect for Sherman Oaks. I'm a creature of habit so when I go Indian I stick to my usual chicken tikka masala or chicken tandoori. Give this place a shot you won't regret it and you will thank me later.
(5)
Michaela A.
I went here with my boyfriend during weekdays, I believe it was on Thursday. We chose a buffet and we added the garlic bread, I don't remember the name but the bread was super good especially when you mix it with curry. The buffet was about S10-$11, it was a def good deal. We can choose either getting a buffet or from the menu. The food on the menu was pretty pricey. We went here for the buffet anyway. They do have a good amount of buffet selections. There's a chicken curry, vegetable curry, also some other food that I can't remember the names. I believe they had at least 12 food selections. They also had salad, I didnt have the salad, my boyfriend did. I chose their vegetables, might as well since I wanted to enjoy the taste of their food. The curry was so delicious, I kept coming back for their curry, it tasted so rich but it's enjoyable. The ambience, there were a lot of business and working people coming here for lunch, most of them wearing a nice suit, I felt a little awkward since me and my bf were wearing hoodie. The service was good. They also have their own parking lot, when we came here, it was only 2 spots left. The parking is on the back btw. The total we had to pay is about $23ish something for two of us, buffet for 2 people plus the garlic bread from their menu, I think it's a great deal. I am def gonna go here again.
(4)
Adam B.
Can't even begin to express how satisfied I am with this lunch. Still sitting at the table barely able to type from being so full lol. The food is absolutely incredible, ESPECIALLY considering the price - $10.95?!! Insane. Service was incredibly attentive and friendly, mango lassi was on point. Im about the happiest camper as a camper can be right now. This is def the go to ILB.
(5)
Evan L.
I've ordered delivery and patronized both lunch and dinner service. The food is beyond reproach. The paneer is always strong in texture and multi-layered, the naan is served warm & pliable, and the chicken tandoor is excellent; always moist and delicious. The lunch buffet, specifically, is quite a bargain as it enables you to tour the menu (try the carrot/milk 'pudding' - wow!) without breaking your budget. The food seems authentic to the region and is as fresh as can be for Indian food; the plethora of spices are evident in both the fragrance and taste, and the consistency holds up extremely well visit to visit. I do have to agree with previous reviewers, however, and note that the service is (almost) unbearably slow. A lunch buffet should provide quick in-and-out service, as most patrons are on a lunch break of some kind, but consistently takes more than one hour - and this is without a true 'service.' I mean, with a buffet you sit down and go get your food. Yet the servers are delayed in each aspect of the meals - silverware, drinks, clearing food, bringing the bill. Also, the decor is a bit dingy and dated; if they overhauled the aesthetics & the service, this would be an easy five star spot. Great food, though, and hoping I can edit this upon future visit to give it the five star rating that seems to be burgeoning under the Oven surface.
(4)
Priyank S.
I have been to many indian restaurants in and around LA and i must say this restaurant is top of my list. The interior is nice and spacious its quite inside thought the road is just outside. Now lets get to what really matters FOOD!!! Its really delicious and quantity is really sufficient, 1 veggie + rice + 2-3 naan is good for more than 2 people. I have just tried veggies but i bet non-veg will tast equally good. I know its bit expensive but the quality and quantity is worth it. I will insist that other people loving india food should try this place out for sure!!!
(5)
Joseph R.
I give them 3 stars because I'm not sure if it's them or EAT24 that makes my food 15+ minutes late. Other than that the foods great.
(3)
Kevin H.
Wellllll. I've been kinda holding this one in for a while. I don't like using Yelp to be negative. These guys have good Indian. I've said so before. But it's become painfully obvious that the service just...sucks. bad. Sorry guys. It's a Friday, you're barely at 40% capacity during rush hour and you can't handle it. 1/2 of the tables are complaining. I don't particularly care as I'm not on a schedule this evening (lucky me!). However, to sit here for 25 mins... cmon man. That's just ridiculous. I could wait all of these tables solo and keep everyone happy. Unfortunately, I think the kitchen is running the wait staff here. Nice people, but they're just too loose. Empty tables yet they're telling walk ins that there is a 15 min wait. Maybe you should have a sit down with your "chef" and take control of your business. Over hearing "we can't do this or that" in a restaurant is a big no no. We come to you. Make us feel special! Also, the "take out" patrons seem furious & are being comped things. Sadly, this is the 3rd time I've witnessed & been a part of this. 1st time on a Friday tho. Come to think of it, I'm STILL living it. Being ignored. No one seems to care! But they're still nice people. It's sooooo weird.
(2)
Brian N.
Amazing. What a great find! We have walked by numerous times. Tonight we made the plunge. Open bar. Great food. Fun happy hour. Will definitely be back!!
(5)
Jim T.
I ordered from Clay Oven through "GrubHub" for delivery. While it took longer than I'd hoped (a full hour), the time given through the website was very accurate. The food arrived hot, and well packaged. The delivery person was very nice and friendly as well. I purchased Garlic Naan, Creamy tomato soup, and Chicken Tikki Masala. All three items were excellent. The soup was not heavy on the "cream", the herbs in it were not overpowering and it was as good as any I've ever had. The Tikki Masala was also excellent. Just the right amount of spice, not too much "heat". I'd order it again. In short, if you want a terrific delivery service in the Sherman Oaks area and like Indian food, Clay Oven is great!
(5)
Nikki O.
Seriously delicious! We didn't make it in time to catch the lunch buffet. We ended up ordering the Chicken Vindaloo and Coconut Curry Chicken, along with some rice. The latter was my favorite. Very creamy. The "spicy" had a pleasant amount of spice without going overboard (coming from a person who usually gets 3 stars in a Thai restaurant). Best Indian food I've ever had; worth the extra $. Very nice inside, too; nice enough for date night. Plenty of food for two eaters; ended up taking a little doggie bag home for probably one person's lunch tomorrow. Go here!
(5)
Yasmine H.
If you expect to receive your food, don't bother ordering delivery from this place.
(1)
Karen W.
I've been going to this place for about 10 years. Been to MANY other Indian places in my life, including in NYC and London, and this is the best Indian food I've ever had. All my Indian friends claim this is the best you can get outside of India. I asked once and they ship their copper serving dishes in from India. I've always wonder if that's what makes the food here so good. Aside from that, the service is impeccable and the staff is attentive and friendly. My husband and I actually had our first date here. We both loved this place before we even knew each other, and now we go here regularly together. We just had a baby, and he'll probably know what their Saag Paneer tastes like long before he ever has a McDonalds french fry.
(5)
Joe W.
Chicken takkka is excellent
(5)
Robyn M.
Clay Oven serves my favorite lunch buffet in the Valley! For $13.95 on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons (11:30-3), enjoy unlimited mimosas or champagne and a greater array of dishes than most other Indian buffets in the area. This past Saturday's offerings included: -Tandoori Chicken -Goat Curry -Chicken Tikka Masala -Chili Chicken -Vegetable Pakora -Saag Paneer -Yellow Daal -Eggplant and Potatoes -Garlic & Regular Naan -Rice Pudding for dessert Clay Oven has nice decor, service is attentive, and they have their own parking lot in the back. Looking forward to coming back soon. :)
(5)
Helen T.
This review is for the lunch buffet because it is all I've tried so far. My husband and I have come here numerous times for the lunch buffet and it's delicious. Their chicken tikka masala is one of my faves in the valley. The service is great and the place is very clean. They have a decent selection of items including rice, vegetables, saag, and curries. The price is great too as well as the quality of food. Will definitely continue to come back.
(4)
K B.
Went for dinner as we had the beloved Groupon. The food was pretty good- naan a bit too toasted. 2 stars For the High prices and charge you $6 for some dang rice- c'mon. And my sons shirley temple was not a free refill- grenadine costs enough to charge for the refill? Disappointed as there are many other delicious Indian restaurants in Sherman oaks who aren't going to nickel and dime you to the nth degree. The parking is tough unless you drive a roller skate.
(2)
Mike P.
Excellent dinner for two, In fact, so generous that it was enough for a family of four. Very attentive service. The restaurant was nearly empty at the start of dinner service, but they filled the house by the time we left! A good find.
(5)
Arthur B.
My wife and I have been going to this restaurant for close to 10 years, if not longer. It's been our go to Indian restaurant for all that time. We usually love the food and we used to love the service. Unfortunately, since the last time management changed, this place has been getting worse and worse. Our last visit really convinced us that we no longer want to give our business to this restaurant. Let me explain. Parking The parking is in an alley in the back right next to a bunch of dumpsters. It's tight, hard to get in and out, smells and is a really dirty place. Foul smell all the time For as long as I can remember, when you walk in from the back, past the bathrooms, you get hit by this really foul smell. It's always there and they don't seem to be concerned about it enough to do anything about it. Food authenticity When I go to a certain ethnic restaurant, I like to see most of the people working at that place be of that ethnicity, most importantly the chefs. This is not the case here any more, it used to be, but the only Indians you'll see here are the servers. Most people working here are hispanic. Service Service is terrible here. Here's everything that happened to use during our last visit. We decided to sit outside. The manager (who may also be the owner, but I'm not sure) knows who we are. As I've said, we've been going here for a very long time. We were at the restaurant for about an hour, and never, not even once, did someone come to serve us outside. I had to call someone to order our drinks and food, to get a refill on my drink (twice) and to get the check. We were there during their Sunday buffet, when I went to get my food, there were two plates available and both were dirty. I had to wait for the clean plates to come out which took about 5 minutes. Then most of the dishes were completely empty. It took about 15 minutes for them to have the chicken tikka masala ready. When I asked for my check, I called the manager over to tell him about the horrible service we received. We have never ever complained at this restaurant. We go at least once a month for about 10 years like I've said. But since the service was so bad, I wanted the management to know they left at least one of their customers very unsatisfied. He told me not to worry he'll "take care of us on our final bill". When I got the check, he had deducted $2.50 from our bill. Any other restaurant you go to, if you get bad service like this they do a lot more to retain their customers. I was honestly insulted. We will never go back to this place again. The new team running this place has no clue when it comes to customer service or customer retention. Do yourself a favor and go to another Indian restaurant. We went to Anarbagh in Encino, right down the street, and everything was significantly better, including food and service.
(1)
Aegon T.
Excellent vegetarian fare and ambience. Lack of parking is an issue, though.
(4)
Meredith R.
NOT BAD When I heated leftovers for lunch the next day, I reconsidered my initial impression of Clay Oven. "Not bad." On Saturday evening the restaurant was packed. Lovely ambience, helpful and friendly staff.... but the food was merely typical. Our mixed grill was a bit dry, half the onions were raw. The basmati rice -- which surprisingly, one has to pay extra for -- was also dry, and not fragrantly delicious as in other Indian restaurants. The spinach paneer with cheese was tasty, as was the chicken coconut curry. We also thoroughly enjoyed the nan with fruit. With the number of Indian restaurants in the area, I was surprised at the popularity of Clay Oven -- but the owners are so nice, and again, our leftovers were surprisingly good. This is a restaurant that can hold its own, but should consider a few tweaks to make it a stand-out.
(3)
Julian H.
My favorite Indian lunch buffet in all of Los Angeles, for the following reasons: 1. Standard affordable AYCE lunch buffet at $10. 2. Open later than other local Studio City/Sherman Oaks buffets. 3. Better, more and higher quality selections than most other buffet. 4. Complimentary chai tea! (Get a glass of ice and make an iced chai.) 5. Comfortable dining room and attentive staff. I live walking distance from two great Indian restaurants and I STILL make the drive here for their lunch buffet. Don't miss it!
(5)
Danielle H.
I came here for lunch time and they had the lunch buffet special. It was good, I had the chicken tikki Marsala, rice and naan but there were a few other options as well. The owner was so nice, he brought us champagne and said it was part of the lunch special which was kinda cool. Over all I think it's a good lunch spot! The special is totally worth it!
(4)
Fiona V.
The food is delicious. We went for the lunch buffet. The service is great, their manager Veer Singh is wonderful. We had booked their banquet hall in Winnetka last year for our wedding reception and we had a blast. Veer helped us organize everything from food to setting us up with the event planner, decorator, cake and much more. We had a peace of mind as Veer took care of everything. Everyone had a blast and loved the food very much. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Geoff G.
Go family style and sample everything. My family has been coming back to Clay Oven for years. They are consistently good and they make the Lamb Korma how I like it. During that time the management has redecorated the entire restaurant and kept the food excellent. It really shows pride of quality at this establishment. P.S. Their location is great for a pre/post dinner stroll down to Buffalo Exchange.
(4)
Loic C.
****Clay Oven's MOP (Meal in One Pic)***** yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… ********************************************** 3.75 stars but showing 4 The food at Clay oven is good to great. The variety of the dishes is typical of any indian restaurant but the quality of the products and the presentation provide a enjoyable dinning experience. Portions are large. Rice has to be ordered a la carte (a little expensive for white plain rice but normal for more complex rice). The service is attentive, and the kitchen accommodates to any dietary restrictions. We tried: Vegetable samosa yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… A good samosa. It was missing cumin and stronger spice flavor to my taste but it was still pretty spicy. The inside was probably carrot and potatoes (orange color). Naan yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… The regular naan is good. The paratha is ok. Saag paneer yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… This classic cheese curd in spinach dish was delicious. Fresh spinach with chopped onions, and spices. It was packed with bold flavors and made the dish great. The best one I have ever tried. Chicken makhri yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… Vibrant red orange colors for this great dish with a creamy tomato based sauce. Ask for white meat and you will get delicious pieces of chicken simmering in this spicy sauce. A great dish. Cheese in almond dessert yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… More like a cheese course than a dessert. If you are not used to this dish of cheese in almond and milk sauce you will be disappointed. Mango Ice cream yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… Classic mango ice cream dessert. It comes from some kind of container ( you can see the mark). It is probably carrot and mango. But at the end of a spicy meal it does its job of palate cleanser. Clay Oven is a bit on the pricier side for Indian food but the quality of the dishes are above most Indian restaurants in LA.
(4)
Maria B.
I tried this past Sunday with my husband. We are trying new foods and restaurant is great!!! I had the shrimp curry and my husband had the mango chicken curry. Both our entrees were yummy! We also had the garlic naan...so delicious! The only thing that was okay was the momasas was a bit dry, the beef was. But cannot wait try their buffet this weekend. Another perk was that they offered rear parking for free.
(4)
Baskerville J.
I ate here a couple of days ago on the patio..it was nice!!!! Quick, attentive servers. And, they were helpful, making the appropriate suggestions from the menu. I'm not a big buffet person, so we ordered from the menu. Everything was fresh! Meat samosas and curries were all a delight to eat. I will be back!
(4)
David W.
This is hands down the best Indian place for the money in the valley.I've literally never got anything less than delicious here. Only hang up is if you go during the non buffet times (and really you shouldn't) then it takes a bit of time to get your food. This is only because they are cooking it to order. The buffet is where it's at though. It's like $13 and you get mimosas and all you can eat indian food. You can't go wrong. Check this place out this sunday.
(5)
Stacy R.
Im English and was raised on Indian food, which i LOVE, as most Brit's do. I decided to try a new Indian restaurant and the reviews for Clay Oven were great so this was my choice. Well, Im still in disgust and disbelief at the curry i was served. We sat outside on the patio which was nice. I chose Lamb Korma and my friend chose Lamb Vindaloo. The Korma was a watery cream base and tasted very strange. The lamb was overcooked. I tried the Vindaloo and the lamb was also overcooked and the curry tasted not much different to the Korma. I kept pushing thru and trying another spoonful but finally gave up and felt sick. The taste was horrible and for the first time in my life i could not eat the Indian curry in front of me which i usually gobble down i delight. The waiter asked if all was ok and i told him truthfully it was the worst curry i've ever had in my life. He was very kind and concerned and brought me a new bowl of plain Lamb Curry. Unfortunately it too tasted very strange and wrong, and i could only take two spoonfuls. All three of the curries i tried quite frankly had the taste of canned dog food cooked in a microwave. I also tried my favourite drink, Mango Lassi, and it too was not great. It did not have the correct consistency, texture or taste. I had a second glass just to get rid of the horrible taste of the curries. The bill was outrageous, just under $80.00 for really bad food that i could barely touch. The only normal food was the garlic naan. I do NOT recommend this restaurant. It is not authentic and i have never ever tasted bad curry before until now. Very disappointed and actually disgusted by the entire experience which left a bad taste in my mouth and my mind.
(1)
K S.
2 hours to deliver? Would never order from here again.
(1)
Shane B.
Best Indian food in LA. The buffet it's always good, love this place.....damn good thing its there too, because I can't cook, and this place is right across the street from me. Sweet.
(5)
Lea V.
Only had the lunch buffet - nothing special. Standard Indian dishes but bland basic seasoning, nothing that knocked your socks off or any special reason to come here unless it's for local takeout. Champagne brunch buffet on weekends for $14- champagne is pretty bad. Even the naan was bland. Old furnishings.
(2)
Anna K. S.
The OTHER one of two of my favorite Indian lunch buffets!! Service is excellent too!! Deliiiiiiishusss food!
(5)
Heidi P.
Just ordered delivery from this place and the food is delicious. I got the shrimp coconut curry and its amazing. The lamb samosas were fantastic too. I recommend this place if you love Indian food. :).
(5)
J S.
Come here on the weekends for the all you can eat champagne brunch! (13.00)Nothing but home made deliciousness! fresh naan, yummy rice pudding, daal etc. You wont be disappointed :)
(5)
Jason L.
Had the medium chicken tikka masala with garlic nan. It was delicious. I just wish they had labeled the dishes as he had ordered to go and all had ordered some kind of red curry. Other than that, it was delicious.
(4)
Chris C.
I've been here a couple of times and I love the food! The atmosphere is very intimate which is great if you're on a date or with close friends. I haven't tried the whole menu. I usually order the lamb tikka masala, some naan, and saffron rice. They serve good portions. I want to venture out and try more things. Now, I would give this restaurant five stars if it wasn't for the service. It's slow... From the kitchen staff to the waiters. The staff is nice, but they should work on giving faster, more accomadating service.
(4)
Yelena M.
I am not a fan of Indian food but this place is pretty yummy! Service was kind of slow but food was good. Looking forward to trying their lunch buffet.
(4)
L V.
This place is great! Fresh, healthy, delicious indian food. I recommend sharing an entree & rice, because it's a lot of food (especially if you choose to partake in some garlic naan. Which you better.)
(5)
Joy R.
Great food, super nice waiter/bartender. Can't wait to come back!!
(4)
Chris W.
My wife and I went here after a movie. It was a little after seven. We ordered Samosas, and the Tandoori Chicken and Lamb with spinach (I forget the name.) The Samosas were delivered quickly but we didn't get our diner until after eight. The Samosas were doughy and over cooked. The diner was good. The chicken was not overcooked and the lam was excellent. It is too bad that the service from the kitchen was so slow.
(3)
Stacey L.
We have literally been waiting 2 hours for our food to arrive and have called 5 times. They said 40-60 minutes and now it's 2 hours. And we literally live down the street 10 minutes away. We had the same problem 7 years ago and stayed away until tonight. And the same thing happened. We ordered at 6 pm. Totally insane. Never ordering again. I'm not even hungry anymore.
(1)
U S.
Really enjoyed their Saturday buffett. For around $15 (very reasonably priced), you get to choose from a full buffet and Naan bread with drink (w/refills) are included. Service and ambiance were excellent. Food was good too, although, I wish they offered lamb curry among its selections. Overall, however,this is a great place if you're looking for a quality Indian buffet in the Studio City/Sherman Oaks area.
(5)
Aaron M.
Hands down, BEST Chicken Tikka Massala I've ever had. Their food is wonderfully flavorful-- everything I've tried has been terrific. The Naan is great (though a little rubbery by the time delivery arrives... them's the breaks...) and their jasmine rice is almost good enough to just eat plain. The icing on the cake, though, is their service. I most frequently order delivery from here, and I can't express enough just how freakin' friendly they are. The delivery guy is incredibly jovial, and I always feel like I should tip MORE for his professionalism and genuine sense of warmth. If service matters to you, you'll appreciate this. If you don't... you clearly have no soul. GO HERE. EAT THE FOOD. One of my favorite places in all of LA.
(5)
Jenna B.
The chicken tikka masala is very good. Customer service is decent, they brought us out some complimentary appetizers while we waited for our food. Overall a good experience, I'll be back.
(4)
Samantha P.
I will no go back there again. The food is bland. Totally lacks flavor. A total disappointment. If you are looking for authentic Indian food, this is not it. I think that they dumb it DOWN to appeal to american taste buds, but you can get better "Indian food" in the frozen food section at Trader Joes'. I'm not kidding. We had the Sunday buffet and the food was barely warm. The sad thing is, I wasn't even expecting much. But DAMN.
(1)
Karen S.
We did enjoy the food quite a bit, definitely one of the better Indian restaurants that we've eaten at; although the only quibble I have is that we do wish they had more strictly vegan options, as opposed to just vegetarian, since my husband & I are both vegan (although for that, we can just go to Gangadin on Ventura Place in Studio City, which is closer to us anyway, and has a better vegan-options menu).
(4)
Lorena P.
I just discovered this place today! Big thanks to my friend that took me there! The food is delicious and the spices were right on point! Not too much and not too little! This had now became one of my fav. dining places to go to. The only reason for the four stars would be that they only had one waitress working there when I went but it might have been due to lunch being their slow time... who knows but the food was absolutely delicious! Nom.. nom.. nom!!! :D
(4)
Trinidad R.
Awesome food... had the chili chicken which. Is sweet and. Hot. Wife had the coconut curry shrimp awesome serving plates... the place is not perfect but its good. For the. Price!!! They have a large menu to select from. Only drawback was that the owner stares at you will you eat for about half of the meal!!! Making it kinda awkward besides that i would definitely go back!!! Anyday of the week!!!
(5)
Chris H.
Good food, good atmosphere, good service. We are regulars, and recommend it to friends. They agree with our assessment. The food at Clay Oven is some of the best in the area - a must try to be sure.
(4)
James P.
Yum! This review is based on eating in, on the patio. The lamb cocoanut curry was rich and flavorful, the naan was yum, and the garlic naan was super yum. But the Martini... outSTANDING! I've loved a good Martini ever since my Dad taught me how to drink properly. The waiter this late afternoon, I didn't catch his name, but he is a young guy, apparently of Indian descent but based on his speech probably born here, mentioned that he makes a good Martini. I ordered one. Now, I usually give a whole litany of specifics as to how I want it made, but I sensed that this gentleman took pride in his work - so I asked him to make it the way he makes it and I would drink it. Moments later, it arrives. Crystal clear, bracingly cold, and stunningly good. I tasted it and was surprised to find that he mixed was what is called a "Perfect Martini." Rather than just pouring gin into ice, shaking it, and dumping it in a glass, maybe with a whiff of dry vermouth, a Perfect Martini is made with several measures of gin along with small and equal amounts of both dry and sweet vermouth. And it is *stirred.* This one was garnished with a plump olive and a small cherry - the cherry a classy nod to the sweet vermouth contained within. There's all kinds of crap called Martinis being purveyed out there - chocolate, apple, moose dung - but this was a proper, classic cocktail expertly made, and it was really refreshing! Not many places bother mixing a Perfect Martini so I rarely bother to ask, and I was quite pleasantly surprised. I rarely order a second one, but in this case I made an exception and asked for another. And yes, the food was very good! And so was the service. I was just so happy about getting a well-made Martini that I had to go on about that. And I note that 5 stars is based on other places in a comparable price range - yes, a place like Nawab in Santa Monica is more upscale, but in this price range, Clay Oven deserves a solid 5 stars for eat-in. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Sophia C.
Came here last night without a reservation for Valentine's day. The place was packed...but we still got seated in less than 5 minutes, which made other couples grumble. Why? Because we opted for the mellow ambiance of sitting outside on a cool February night to enjoy with my Conn man. Even with the hustling and bustling to accommodate everyone (RSVP or not), we got good service and with smiles. Their flavors were a tad off tonight, perhaps because they probably prepped a lot for the night for many to eat out, but it was still good nonetheless. Had a great Valentine's dinner here.
(4)
Jane M.
I love this place!! Great food, great service, nice atmosphere, and good delivery to my house as well. Eric the manager is a nice guy who has been there for a long time and is always friendly. Great neighborhood place that I have been going to for a few years!
(5)
Corey L.
Food was really great. I had the non-vegetarian thala with tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, and saag paneer. It was all great. The meal was high quality, the sauces (especially the saag - which I'm SOOO often disappointed with) were great, and the extras (naan, crispy bread stuff) were all great. The only issue was the service. When we arrived, it was packed. They were not well prepared. I think 2 servers had the entire restaurant and they were overwhelmed. But, in the end, I made my flight home and enjoyed a great meal. Tippin the ole hat
(4)
Sheila M.
I enjoyed a fantastic dinner here with a close friend of mine, she loved it too! Let me just start off by saying the service was absolutely wonderful. Both our server and the other man who brought out our food were great. We started with the vegetable samosas. Each order comes with two... we thought it didn't sound like much, but when it came out, we saw that they're actually friggin huge. I loved these. We dipped them in the two sauces (one is green and the other is a brownish red) that come out with that crunchy bread/chips type thing. Sorry, I don't know what it's called. Anyway, dip the samosas in both of those sauces together... even better that way! For the entree, I ordered the Shahi Paneer. I was skeptical since I've never had it, but wow was this dish delicious. I want to go back just for this alone. It's so incredibly flavorful with the curry base and the dried fruit. My friend ordered Aloo Gobi, which I've also never had but apparently is a common one. It's a dish with potatoes, cauliflower, and some sort of light sauce and spices. It was pretty good, but I was really sold on my own dish. Unfortunately, these entrees don't come with rice. You have to order it separately. It annoys me that so many places do this now. But no biggie-- I'm coming back since I live so close! Great food, great ambiance, great service!
(4)
Mario - Sonia S.
A co-worker and I went to the Clay Oven for the first time and I have say I totally recommend this restaurant. We went on an early weekday (Tuesday b4 noon) and there were some people not a lot but got busier after 12:30pm. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this establishment, very relaxing and a treat to get away from a busy office. The buffet is not only affordable but so delicious, I recommend taking a spoonful of each item with the second helping (if you are able) eating the items you enjoyed most. Caution though, eating too much of this wonderful food will put you in a food coma and wanting to take a nap. I really appreciated their staff, everyone was so friendly and very attentive. Looking forward to my next visit (soon).
(5)
Sharon s.
If you want great Indian food DO NOT come here. I love lamb tikka masala and theirs was ok. Lamb was soft but the sauce was so salty that I had pour lemon juice all over to take the salt away. Veggies saffron rice had no veggies like few peas & few carrots. Their veggie samosa was ehh. Overall not good. If you want good no I mean AMAZING Indian food go to Shalimar in woodland hills.
(2)
Athenart H.
Clay Oven is our go-to Indian place, and I've referenced it in my other Indian-restaurant reviews, and yet I never reviewed it here on Yelp. Oversight! Everything I've ever had here is delicious, and when I bring others they say the same (dinner only--never been to the lunch buffet). So why only four stars? They are more expensive than other places in town, the service can be a bit slow (they often seem slightly understaffed), and the spicing level seems to vary from visit to visit (I don't know if "medium" will me "mild/medium" or "medium/spicy"). Each of these issues is minor, however. I can't stress enough how yummy their food is! Veggies, chicken, naan, sauces... it's all delicious! OH! This month (July 2013) you get $10 off when you spend $50. :)
(4)
Darissa L.
Lunch buffet every weekday has tikka masala and unlimited garlic or plain naan. I also like their Chai a lot which comes with it. The price is much better than dinner and they refill your naan as soon as its empty. The place smells like Indian food but not overwhelmingly like many place I have been to. It is a quaint place with nice seats and lunch is a good meal to stuff myself with food as I have all day to walk it off.
(5)
Sid A.
I love Indian food and the Clay Oven is one of my favorites to the point that I eat there almost every week and I'm never disappointed. The lunch buffet usually has something new along with their standard fare and the people who run it are very nice. Don't miss out on their chai and their rice pudding. And they don't have a TV running which is great.
(5)
Vivianne C.
Thanks to Groupon, my fiance and I ventured out onto Ventura Boulevard to try this homey little Indian Restaurant last night. I really enjoy Indian food; I always get that something-about-the-aromatic-flavors-that-keeps-Âyou-coming-back-for-more kind of feeling. We ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Curry, Saffron Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan. Can you say - YUM?! The Good: * The chicken and lamb were cooked well -- very tender, juicy and flavorful. * The Saffron Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan were both delicious alone, but was amazing with the Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Curry. * The atmosphere was very homey (except for the woman talking loudly on her cell phone -- thank goodness it was towards the end of dinner) * The restaurant was clean and tidy. * The portions were good. (It never comes out looking like very much till you're about half way through and realized you're stuff!) The Bad: * Nothing was really "bad" -- the service was on the slower side even though the restaurant didn't seem very busy. It just took a while for the check to come to the table. * The price for the food was on the higher side for Indian food, but I wasn't disappointed with the food, so I guess it would be a great alternative to driving in LA traffic to a 'cheaper' place -- it all works out to be about the same. * Parking might be an issue for this place. I believe there is a small lot in the back, good luck finding parking on Ventura Boulevard. (Luckily, its not too far of a walk for me!)
(3)
Secret G.
If you want a great Indian food this is the place to be. They have a variety of dishes to please every eye, eye of a vegan, vegetarian, meat eater.. I like the overall atmosphere, food is delicious and comes in authentic pots, service is very helpful and they serve more than enough food, you might wanna take more home than you actually will be able to eat at once. I'll definitely come back :)
(5)
Shannon F.
One server was great, the other kinda sucked. The one who sucked didn't acknowledge that he spilled water on me while refilling my glass and didn't appear to have any serving experience, not to mention any experience working with the public. Also, I don't really want to smell mop soap while I'm dining so perhaps they could clean their floors before they open or after they close - just a thought. The food was pretty good though, so it wasn't a total loss.
(3)
A H.
Chicked Makhani absolutely wonderful. Friendly staff even late at night when they probably are wrapping thing up. Warning. ...medium spicy was hot enough for me and I like it hot. . Excellent. Will be back.
(4)
Addy F.
Nice Sunday lunch buffet. The food was good as well as the service and it is not too expensive.
(4)
Kartheek B.
3 stars in yelp = A-OK. and this place exactly means that to me. Perfect place to get a date, nice decor, ambiance and good service and hence 3 stars. I removed the other 2 stars since my taste buds did not have a good time! I usually don't go to Indian places for dinner, except for once or twice in a year when i really crave for some good Indian food and hope to find that some day in LA. Being an Indian myself, i restrict going to sit down Indian restaurants unless I have to for some other friends, co-workers etc. I usually tend to go the informal cafe style Indian places since they have better tasting food (India Sweets and Spices in the valley, Bombay Spiceland etc) Alright, this is what i had at Clay Oven. I ordered the Chilli Chicken (Indian-Chinese dish) - $16, it was good though but not what i expected it, so a little disappointed as it did not resemble the taste that i anticipated (O.G Chilli Chicken, all you Indian folks know exactly what iam talking about) and yes 1 star off for that. Second dish that i ordered was Lamb Bhuna and that was also meh..! this was also $16 again.. overall i thought they were pricey for the location and taste. I guess their lunch buffet might be good, will try it out again since it is in my neighborhood and like $10. But definitely not going for dinner!
(3)
Kgb G.
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(1)
Emelye A.
I wish I could rate this zero stars. Ordered delivery two hours ago and still waiting. Initially they told me 1 hour, then when I called after 80 mins they told me it would arrive any second. Two hours on from order time it's still not here. I called and asked what was going on and was promptly hung up on. How long has my food been in the back of a car now if indeed it was out for delivery 40 minutes ago?? Ewww. And I pre paid for the order and a 20% tip on my credit card. Beware!
(1)
Aleisha G.
Excellent tasting food! We had papadums, chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, and saag paneer.with basmati rice and regular naan for dinner tonight. We drank chai. Every dish was perfectly made- although, they did mix up the order and the spiciness a little. It still turned out great. I didn't regret getting the wrong dish. I was perfectly happy with it. If you love spinach, you'll love the saag. If you like spiciness you'll want to order the dishes "medium" because medium is more spicy than you may think. The tea is perfect. Not sweet. Not too spicy. Just mixed right and creamy. Perfect for an authentic chai taste. The papadums were not too salty, which I like. Some places, they just make them too salty. High recommended!
(5)
Irina O.
I have been there for a few times and their food is GREAT. I love their mango curry and the chicken one. They also have buffet, and have or used to have 50% off deal every Tuesday. I also like how they serve the curry in a small metal pot with fire and their Indian bread is also good! I would like to give them more starts, but I'm only giving them just 3 starts because of their terrible service. The servers or who seems like to be a manager walks by a lot but never notices anything on the table. So you have to rise your hand to get a water or whatever you need... But over al their food is good enough that I'll be coming back.
(3)
Amy C.
This review is way overdue, as I have loved this place for years. I guess part of me wants to keep it a secret so that it's not too crowded when I go. LOL. But on the other hand, it's good for me if business is good for them, right? I was never a big fan of Indian food until I tried the Clay Oven. Their dishes are very tasty, fresh, and cooked to your liking. If you really like spicy dishes, you can request as you like, if you don't, then it's all the same. I have eaten at other Indian eateries and always compare to the Clay Oven. It has set the standards in tastiness high for other restaurants. The place itself is not very big, but if you go after the dinner rush, you really don't have to wait. I can't complain about the service, as they have always been very nice, timely, and attentive. Overall, the food is tasty, service is good, and you will crave their food time and time again. ;-)
(5)
Eric J.
Awesome food! No complaints what so ever. I do not eat indian often as I really am a noob when it comes to the Indian culture and feel like I never know what to order. But I tried the Non-Vegetarian combo plate (which was only $16 and comes with so much food!) and it was amazing! I recommend any one that is not familiar with Indian cuisine to try this plate. It gives you a taste of everything! I am so returning and next time I hope to make it to the lunch buffet. Luckily this gem is not far from home. ;)
(5)
Rebecca S.
This place is legit. Must try items: chicken korma, saffron rice, garlic naan and meat samosas.. Prob for 4th time here and it gets better everytime!
Chiken tikki masala was not tasty and garlic naan was old. 14.95 for a chicken tikki masala that is watery is too much.
(2)
Lucia D.
We ordered Clay Oven delivery on a Saturday night. They insisted on calling to confirm the address (after we had paid) and then had us on hold for 10 minutes while they searched for our order. The food came about an hour later. The 3 of us spent about $70 with delivery fee and tip. Rice was NOT included. The paneer pakoras were cold, but still tasty. Our main complaint about this place is that the prices don't match the quality/portion sizes. $3 for 2 half pieces of naan. $13-$14 per entree and $10 for those cold pakoras. And no rice anywhere. The actual food was decent, but not outstanding. Just...disappointing. Sorry Clay Oven. We won't be back.
(2)
Al T.
Very good food, absolutely no complaints...we had a coupon from Restaurant.com so $25 of the $38 was waived. We ordered combination plates and somosas. The wait staff didn't really have much of a personality and didn't come back to check on us - they asked if we wanted dessert at the very end but that was it. I'd go back there though, the food really was tasty and their buffet looked really good - and given the usually pricey Sherman Oaks area, it's very reasonably priced.
(4)
Mark V.
Always wanted to try this place, man were we disappointed. Ordered the chicken tiki masala, wasn't blown away by it. Naan/rice is not included with the entree order. Also ordered the appetizer spread, everything was dry. Serving size was tiny and prices were pricey. Service was non existent.
(2)
C. S.
Ordered for delivery lamb tikka masala and vegetable tikka masala. Delivery here is never as good as dine in or take out for whatever reason. After 50 min we called wondering if our order was in the cue. It came 15 min later but veg TM was missing the tofu we added. I called expecting little sympathy but they refunded the entire amount of that portion and sent a delivery guy back with a refund. Kudos to them for stepping up. Flavor is great and when they're firing on all cylinders its 5 stars.
(4)
Casey D.
Really good Indian buffet. I've only been here on the weekends so I don't know if the weekday food is different, but their champagne brunch is really good. They change up the dishes every day which is a huge plus for Indian buffets and not always expected. There's always: 2 or more chicken options 1 or more meat option 1 fish option 3 or more veggie options Cold lettuce salad, Indian pickles and sauces Plain and garlic naan bread brought hot to the table (amazing!) Great service. Good price. Easy parking in a lot right behind the alley behind the restaurant. Love this place!
(5)
Brian M.
Such a hidden gem! It's a shame this place isn't jam-packed every night. Definitely one of the best restaurants in the Valley, and so much incredible food.
(5)
Aleece B.
Amazing food but don't bother ordering delivery. IF they show up your order will be wrong or missing something. If you pick it up you MUST check it before you leave because they don't pay attention.
(3)
Nicole U.
Wow. I loved this place. We live very close to so many restaurants on Ventura blvd that sometimes it is hard to pick one to eat at. We have driven by this location a few times and finally decided to stop by on a Friday night. The location is cute, the servers were dressed very nicely. The very friendly server was helpful in picking out both beer and food. I had the vindaloo while my boyfriend had his tiki masala. Both were ordered medium and I enjoyed the non scorching flavor. The vindaloo sauce was loaded with flavor. All of the herbs and spices just made this dish really pop for me. I enjoyed the gigantic chunks of potatoes. It was a perfect medium for me. The saffron rice and garlic nan bread were very good. My boyfriend really enjoyed his dish and we both severely over ate, but it was so good we really could not stop Lots of veggie and vegan options here.
(5)
Katya K.
Really really loved the chicken samosas here. Arguably, the best I've ever had; which isn't saying much actually. Chicken Tikka (not to be confused with chicken tikka Masala) was not bad at all. It was served over veggies which were grilled perfectly. But the highlight of my meal were the chicken samosas. There's really not point of talking about anything else in this review. Go to Clay Oven. Order them. Fall in love.
(5)
Ali A.
this place is almost excellent!!! it used to be perfect then it changed a little i wish there was a 4.5 stars i can give, but since there is either 4 or 5 i had to give it 4. the naan bread is excellent, the tandori , the rice the bryani ..almost every thing is excellent..the chicken tikka masala and most masalas that uses cream... they tend to use too much cream or different kind of cream so basically the tomato based sauce is no longer red it is more like orangy and has this odd taste to it.. like i said i would give all the cream based sauce they make 4 out of 5 .. maybe even 3.5 ..i wish i knew what is it they made different in that cream so i can point it out to them.. every thing else is excellent..again i wish there was a 4.5 i can give them but for sure not 5 because of the cream that they use now in every cream based sauce. given that you will not be disappointed as an experience.. probably one of the best indian places in LA ,atleast for my taste
(4)
Michele A.
I don't particularly enjoy writing negative reviews, but I was so utterly disappointed by my fellow Yelpers on this one, that I couldn't let my experience go unvoiced... er - un-Yelped, if you will. ;-) It was a Sunny almost Summer afternoon and I simply HAD to have some Indian food! Sadly, I was nowhere near my fave spot (Agra in Silverlake) so I hit up Yelp to lead me in the right direction for some down & dirty take-out. I stumbled across Clay Oven at the top of my search: 170+ Reviews? and 4 Bright & shiny stars?? "Hell, yes, Clay Oven must be the spot!" I thought to myself. I brazenly ordered a Trifecta, expecting to have leftovers for days: Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and Bengan Bharta... accompanied by some Garlic Naan and Basmati Rice (of course). The first thing I tore into was the Chicken Tikka Masala. Why? I had NO CHOICE as the container was not sealed properly and was starting to leak all over the bottom of my bag. Boo! But I was hungry so I "went with it" and did a quick "eat & drive" just to remedy the impending sauce spilling situation. I tore into the Naan as utensils were not included (oddly enough-deduct more points) so I used the Naan as my utensil to scoop up the Chicken and sauce, and try to get it to a manageable state. Hey, I'm no stranger to throwing down ethnic style & eating with my hands, so no biggie here initially. However, the first thing I noticed about the naan was that it was "moist" and not dry and slightly crispy with the burnt edges proper naan should have. No matter, I was eating out of necessity at this point. I dunked my naan into the Masala and scooped out some chicken & sauce and took a big-ass bite... Uh-oh... Hmm...What was that strange "Sour" taste to the sauce? I've many an Indian meal in my lifetime - even IN India, no less - and I have never experienced this "Sour Aftertaste" that seemed to accompany all three of my dishes. Sadly, it was so off-putting that it left all of my meal inedible. So, all in all, I spent $50!! on three large containers of suspect, sour, tangy dishes purporting to be Indian food. Did I call & complain and ask for a refund/credit? No, because I will clearly not be going back. $50 Lesson Learned! But I felt it in the greater interest of Yelping humanity that I let those of us who TRULY KNOW good food, also know the overpriced, less than stellar situation that's happening over at Clay Oven. :-( Namaste...
(1)
Ed G.
Just ate here last night and overall it was a pleasant experience. The decor and setting is divine. Theres seating in doors and out. There was beautiful music playing inside however you could barely hear it so there were a few awkward silent moments in the room. I started off with an appetizers. I ordered the Assorted Appetizers Plate which features 2 samosas, 2 vegetable pakora, 2 chicken tikka, 2 shrimp pakora, 2 paneer pakora and 2 pieces of shish kabob. Though it was all pretty good, the shrimp pakora stood out the most. It was absolutely delicious! The bummer side was that some of the portions on this plate was really small! Smaller than bite size, really. For nearly $13 that part was a little dissapointing and the platter is perfect for only 1 or 2 people, not a group. As for our meal i got the plain aromatic rice and spicy chicken tikka masala with a side of garlic naan bread. At first i thought the portions was ridiculously small and wasnt going to be fulfilling however i was wrong. For 2 people that was plentifull. I was stuffed! And when they said spicy it was indeed spicy. The food was great!! Service was good. Nothing to rant nor complain about. Only major complain was how expensive their menu is. But in it's favor the food was good. So overall I'd most likely come back again.
(4)
gary p.
A local favorite. If u happen to catch the lunch buffet u r in luck. They put out a great spread not just the cheap stuff lol. In any case it's really tasty and I'm comparing it to what I grew up with on 6th st NYC where there is a restaurant row of all Indian places. Get your curry on :)
(4)
Denny G.
Came +1 with the intention of keeping it light and experimental. Got charged $40 (tip included) for a single entree we split, rice ($7 - yes, seven dollars for rice), and bread - which they were good enough to charge us for twice (without telling us we would be charged). The bill was twice what we expected. I'm calling it a small scale ripoff.
(1)
Kenneth S.
This place is solid and much better than I've had in LA. I was not blown away but friendly staff, lunch buffet was varied between meat and veg. I would come back possibly for dinner.
(4)
Dan T.
Let me start off by saying that the food here is very good. The sole reason for the 2 stars is the service here is unbearable. If you run out of water good luck getting your refill. The servers seem to just walk around and stare but never help anyone until you stand up and walk to them and ask. That is exactly what I had to do earlier this month to get my table a water refill. Once I'm done eating I have noticed it takes a while to get your check and even longer for them to run your card and give it back. It's very unfortunate since the food is really great.
(2)
Anastacia M.
Best Indian in the Valley OMG this place is awesome and I haven't even tried the ever popular buffet. The Vindaloo and curry sauces are excellent. The Naan and rice portions are large. The Chai tea is delicious, the lamb is tender, the seafood is well cooked, and the service is also excellent.
(5)
Natalie M.
Love this place. Food is great! service is good. Plenty of free parking in rear. I love Indian food and tried several Indian places before and I like this place in particular. They have special recipe for yogurt: I have never tried yogurt with carrot. It tasted good. Nun is just perfect. Curry is great. it is very nice to seat outside with a view of Ventura blvd. Their plates are huge (so there are plenty of food you can take home after dinner) My experience is totally positive.
(5)
Joseph R.
This place is a hidden gem. My friend and I were buzzed after going through several rounds at the Spitting Chicken and we got really hungry. We decided to walk down the street and spotted this place. I am no Indian cuisine expert but after going twice to this place, I became a huge fan. Definitely a good date spot or even taking family. I haven't tried their lunch buffet yet. Prices are a little high but the food is full of flavor and the sauces they provide are awesome. I think it's a bargain value if you go for the lunch buffet. I believe they serve unlimited Pudina Chutney and Tamarind Chutney which goes with the crunchy flat bread they serve. Pudina Chutney is a mint\cilantro sauce and the Tamarind chutney has some chili peppers in it. I like to mix them on that flat bread for a good sweet and spicy sublime taste. I recommend the Chicken Vindaloo, Tikka Masala, and any other curries they have. I still need to try out the vegan menu like the Sag Paneer. Parking is in the back but you will most likely need to park on the street since it get's packed during peak hours.
(4)
Lauren G.
The one star is for the food that we tried although we would have liked to have tried more. My husband and I ordered an appetizer to split and two beers. When we ordered our drinks the waiter tried to take the menus from us. That was weird. So the beers took forever to come out and then this same waiter just walks away and I had to ask to order. I ordered an appetizer for my husband and I to share and the waiter once again tried to take the menus. The appetizer came out and the waiter never made eye contact with us or ask us anything/make any conversation and disappeared with the menus. So odd! I tried to stop him and it was a very awkward situation. It felt like his ears and ability to read ANY body cues were turned off. The appetizer was very tasty and quite large so it was enough to satisfy both my husband and I. It crossed my mind that maybe the waiter assumed the appetizer was large and we wouldn't need anything additional, however; the waiter NEVER came back. I wanted another drink and we were going to order a main dish as well. They missed an opportunity to more than double what we ended up spending. We sat waiting for the bill and I could tell the guys next to us were having the same problem. So, after 45 mins of NO service the waiter walked by and I had to make non-stop eye contact and then still say something to get the bill. We then waited forever for the bill to come back for me to sign. I see my bright blue credit card sticking out the top of the bill holder at the table next to us. I had a funny feeling it wasn't someone using the same card. Then I hear one of the guys at the table huff and say, "This isn't even my credit card." When he stops a waiter to say something the waiter just simply sets it on our table and says NOTHING. This place gets great reviews on their food and it's too bad the service was probably the worst I've ever had so I will not be returning to try more of the menu.
(1)
Sara S.
Love this place! I come all the time because they do a really nice buffet where you get to try everything everyday (except Saturday) until 3pm. They usually have one veggie dish and a few meat or fish entrees with some rice, some sides and some desserts. The regular menu is good too and I would even say the quality is better. The chicken Marsala for instance, has all white meat on the regular menu. It is more expensive than most Indian places, but the food and atmosphere is quality. The buffet, however, is only about $10! I definitely recommend this place to anyone!
(4)
Jack J.
Great food, great atmosphere and great staff. I love this place and I've become a regular. The food is amazing, the waiters are amazing too specially Sho. You won't regret going there.
(5)
Bert H.
we went right after the buffet ended. aside from freshly cooked vegetables, all the meat was dried out, almost as if it was leftovers from the buffet. very little parking in the back, and was used by staff
(2)
Louie F.
Came here a few weeks ago with some friends, and enjoyed a warm summer evening on the patio people watching. The food here is on par with most Indian Restaurants, but like others have stated, being able to sit on The Boulevard and people watch while you eat makes it even better. The restaurant is also located walking distance to many bars, making it a great start to your pub crawl. My friend's girlfriend did the ordering for us, so I have no clue what we actually got. What I can say is that 4 of them were lamb dishes and the other just vegetables. The dishes are served in little pots that are then placed on a candle to keep them warm. My two qualms about this place: the rice is a la carte and the naan portions are small. The best part of Indian food is sopping everything up with bread. The four of us probably went through 4-5 orders of naan during the course of our meal. The service was pretty good and the prices reasonable. We were walking distance from the restaurant, though like many places on Ventura, I could see how parking can be a problem -- especially on a Friday or Saturday night. Somthing cool: they were experimenting with a new dish and brought us out a plate to sample it. One of the better Indian restaurants that I've dined at in LA. 4-stars: "Yay! I'm a fan"
(4)
Amy G.
We LOVE this place! The food is delicious, the service is very good and the prices are reasonable. Usually go for dinner, but have been once for their Sunday brunch, which was also a really good value. The only problem is that they do not seem to have air conditioning and during the summer and when they are busy, it's just too hot- even outside on the patio. Which really takes away from the dining experience. Oh and there's parking in the back, but it's shared with other businesses and can be kind of tight (and it's by the trash...yea---not pleasant).
(4)
Marc B.
Nice decor! Classy. Prices here can be a bit high. But the atmosphere and location of this restaurant is prime. The food is pretty good, but my friends still make the best Indian food out there. The menu is very accommodating to the American palette, so that's why this place is good to many. Great first date place and impress the one you're with that you've got lots to spend on food. Specialty: Indian Classy Dining Recommendations for first timers: Lunch Buffet (cheaper and more variety) Service: 7/10, Variety: 9/10, Parking: 5/10 marc out.
(3)
Pier H.
This place has the most amazing food!. My co workers and I come here at least once a week for the lunch buffet. The chicken tika masala is outstanding and the naan is fresh and delicious. I give this place only four stars because dinner is way overpriced. The basics that I would expect to be complimentary like rice and plain naan cost extra as well as the various dipping sauces. They have an all you can eat lunch buffet for $10. Having to pay 2-3 times that price for less food at dinner is a little excessive in my opinion.
(4)
Kellie F.
"Wanna go get Indian buffet for lunch instead of going to noon boot camp?" And that's all it takes... This place has a FAB lunch buffet. Great for meeting friends for a quick lunch. I had never had Indian food until I went to Clay Oven, and after one trip, I was sold. The tikka masala and sag paneer (?) are so so good. And the honey balls? Fuggetaboutit. Dang, now I'm having lunch remorse. I see a Clay Oven lunch in my near future... Oh, and I really wanted to knock it a star because parking can be tough, but then I thought about how good that dang food is and they still managed to get a 5-ver out of me.
(5)
Bonobo M.
Fairly average Indian food. The raita and naan were a notch above, but everything else was average. The tikka masala medium spicy somehow lacked much discernible flavor, other than butter... Serves me right for straying from my usual Indian restaurant.
(3)
Melissa J.
Decided to try this spot because of Groupon. I'm SO glad I did! I just placed a To-Go order for my first time there. Customer Svc: Excellent! My order was for pick up and ready when I arrived. Everyone was helpful and all smiles. And applied my Groupon with ease! Food: Flavor packed goodness! The lamb curry is so flavorful and tender. I will be craving this in the near future. I also tried the saffron rice which was fluffy and buttery, very yummy. The assorted appetizer plate is also a great treat. I was unfamiliar with most of the food items, but they all tasted delicious! Extras: You can order online and have your order delivered free if over $20. There's a small parking lot in back, so you have a good chance of getting a spot. My to go order was wrapped and sealed really great too, bonus!
(4)
Sue B.
We frequent this place when we get a hankering for some good ole Indian curry. Our go to is always the Spicy Lamb Vindaloo & Chicken tikka, with a side of garlic naan. Yummers! I did however just found out that Tuesday nights are 50% off. The service was extremely slow...it took a while to get seated, and it took about 40 minutes to receive the main course. The only reason we actually waited was because we quite like the food. But still, despite the wait, the food did not disappoint.
(4)
Mary H.
came here with my parents & a bunch of family. i think it was 10 of us. saturday afternoon.. semi busy. plenty of space. lunch buffet $12 per person (i think) the bill was $150, so def not bad at all. food was good compared to other indian restaurants in the valley. parking is a bit tight, they do have a lot in the back but fills up fast. u can always find plenty on the street but watch out for meter maids! $70 for a parking ticket! we ended up staying for almost 3 hours and they were very nice, not trying to get us out or anything. service was nice & they came by several times asking if we needed anything. def will come back here for indian food in the valley !!!
(5)
Cristal M.
I came here because I purchased a Groupon Instant Deal for dinner and my experience was mediocre. The food is decent and so is the locale. However their policy is a bit stiff: one Groupon per table (there were 7 of us), so we ended up having to split into two groups so as not to lose our groupons. We tried getting accomodated since there were so many empty tables but were told no. The reason I am giving this place 2 stars however is because a) their naan is not awesome and all indian restarants worth their salt should have awesome naan, and because b) the place is overpriced. Its not a big or nice or tasty enough restaurant to warrant $16.95 for a chicken curry plate in an obscenely small bowl. That is all
(2)
Alexis C.
Food is good. It's not the most amazing but definitely fair for the money. Sunday is the best deal. $14 for buffet and mimosas. It says unlimited but it really is only 3 per person. I learned about this rule yesterday when my friend and I got stares from the waiter because we kept asking for more. He then cut us off and said no more..haha! Oh well!
(4)
Simone L.
Lunch buffet for only $13! Close enough to my office that a group of us will be going back soon, I'm sure. Everything was delicious.
(4)
Jessikah H.
Yuck. Where do I begin. Can I give no stars?! Now let me preface by saying I am a General Manager in the customer service industry myself and am always VERY lenient and understanding when a business is having a hiccup of a day. I've cruised by Clay Oven a million times being a Sherman Oaks girl for some time now. But I have my Indian place that I rarely stray from. On this particular evening I figured I would check out Groupon to see the haps on Indian food deals (First mistake?) Decided to go for the $10 for $20 deal and order in since that boy and I were wanting to relax at home. I called to place my order and a woman answered the phone. She told me to hold. Came back on and started to take my order which was very simple. Throughout my order she told me to hold 4 more times and had me repeat myself a ton. Clearly, her attention was elsewhere. Once we finally squared it all away I told her I had the Groupon (which I had read the fine print prior to make sure it wasn't dine in only) She then told me it was dine in only. Go figure. I asked her where it said that and she said it was the Manager's decision. Fine. Canceled my order. We decided at this point since I already paid for it to just go in. This was the second mistake. We walked in and the joint wasn't too busy. 1 big party of maybe 10 and a couple scattered tables. A guy in pajamas was waiting in front of us at the counter. After a few minutes of waiting and some chaos with Pajama boy, we realized what was going on. The girl forgot to put in his phone order that he we there to pick up. The Manager apologized quickly, brushed it off and retook his order. By this time we had been waiting at least 8 minutes. A girl and the Manager (Eric)both behind the counter. Neither of them gave us even a glimpse of acknowledgment that they would be right with us. (Huge pet peeve of mine). A mere smile and head nod at that point from one of them would have gone a long way. FINALLY the girl came behind from the counter looked at us with a blank stare, asked us if we wanted a booth or table. Booth we said. She went and made up the booth, walked back to us and nodded her head in the direction of it. My boyfriend and I looked at eachother. Was she speaking code? Was that our table? Were we supposed to walk over there ourselves? How dare she is the look we gave eachother. We sat. Both boiling at this point and seconds away from walking out. "Is there a problem?" She says with a nasty attitude. I asked her to send the Manager over. When he came, we both calmly and professionally told him the experience we had that started over the phone. This guy couldn't have been any less accommodating. The best he could do for us was say that he would honor the Groupon if we wanted to Take Out. Really?!? After all that. Thanks buddy. We decided to stay and eat. We were starving. We ordered, he gave us a free beer, received our food in a timely manner which wasn't too bad as far as taste, but never got checked on ONCE. During this time we watched several groups come in and started timing to see how long people were waiting. Upwards of 10 minutes with plenty of open tables is completely unacceptable. We continued to watch people over and over again mouth "What the F*%K is going on here" We finally got our check and it was like the golden ticket to freedom. To pay you have to walk up to the counter which is very uninviting and weird when you are dining at restaurant. We had also watched several people wait for a while trying to pay. The Manager swiped my card and handing me my receipt to sign as he stood there looming over me. Nothing was more gratifying than writing "NOPE" on the tip line. (I have only done this once before at a bar and felt guilty) but this time it felt great. They did not deserve a tip. But they did deserve my first ever Yelp review.
(1)
Patrick M.
Definitely one of my favorite Indian restaurants, even though it is quite a drive for me to get here. Everything I have tried from their menu so far has been delicious. A few of my personal favorites are the chicken tikka masala (of course), and the chicken vindaloo. Both incredibly delicious. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that, as others have mentioned, it is a bit pricey, and the service is hit or miss. Sometimes it is great, other times it's almost impossible to get the server's attention. It is also a good date location due to the quiet atmosphere.
(4)
Krissy M.
Last night, we were deciding between Indian and bbq...I'm SO glad we chose Indian!! From the moment we walked in the door, I just knew it was going to be good. Everyone there is so polite, the service is great, and it has a wonderful ambiance. We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Saffron Rice, and Yellow Daal. Yum to everything!! The food is so flavorful. And I love the serving dishes! Then to top everything off, we found out that Monday's and Tuesday's are 50% off your bill! Totally unexpected, but a totally awesome deal. Regardless of that deal, we will definitely be going back!
(5)
Eric H.
They stopped serving papadums during their weekly buffet because of a problem with their supplier. I now bring in my own and they eat them up and serve them for me. How cool is that!
(4)
Prakash R.
Not a spicy food. Definitely not for Andhra people. Will not return again
(2)
Smart Shopper G.
SO sad. This is an update to an update. Our first experience was terrible. Our second experience, a year later, was great. Our third experience this year? Back to terrible. We couldn't do the buffet because we had bad timing so we had to order dishes from the menu. Again, too little food, underseasoned (what? isn't this INDIAN food?), and too expensive. Bottom line, go for the buffet, forget the regular menu. We learned our lesson the hard way.
(2)
Jon B.
This review is for the lunch buffet. It runs till about 3pm every day. I went here last monday and as soon as I walked through the patio and like an asshole, starred at everyone's plate, I could tell this place was gonna be good. Everything they have during the buffet tastes amazing, you can really taste the herbs and spices they use in their food and. All the food was top notch. My ONLY complaint is that they only have 2 sources of meat. One is a chicken curry and the other is some bbq red colored chicken (I forgot the name of this stuff if you couldn't tell). Both of those tasted great but I think some more meat would make that buffet worthy of a 5 star rating. Aside from that, I am now addicted to Indian food.
(4)
Sumit S.
Good Indian food in the SFV. They have updated the interior and the staff is very friendly. Shaai paneer with Naan worth a try.
(5)
Bianca L.
waited 2 and a half hours for an incomplete delivery order, which the manager actually had the audacity to accuse me of lying about.
(1)
Munch M.
Total rip off. If you order off the menu they'll ask "Do you want rice or bread with that?" which would imply it is included like any other Indian restaurant. I get the bill and they charge 3 dollars for two slices of naan, and 6 dollars for a tiny bowl of just rice, in addition to the 17 dollars for the paltry entree. Yes you read that right, they charged 6 dollars for a small bowl of rice they took out of the buffet. I should note that the reason I ordered off the menu was that the last time we got the buffet there it gave me horrid diarrhea, so I wanted to order something "fresh." and it was not, all frozen cheap quality meat. This place is garbage, and they are scam artists as well. The 10 dollar buffet sounds tempting, but it is really low quality. Stay away.
(1)
O K.
I have not tried their lunch buffet, but I just have to give a nod to Clay Oven as having some of the best Indian food (curries) I have found in the Valley thus far...maybe even in LA? This after having been disappointed by numerous bland curries at other restaurants... If you've ever lived in Britain/England, you should appreciate Clay Oven. Just talk to them ask them to make it authentically spicy for you. Enjoy!
(4)
Miguel D.
My wife and I like their lunch offerings on the weekends. The food is good and staff is friendly but they are always a bit awkward and getting you seated and offering the lunch buffet.
(4)
Lesley M.
Extremely average. Onion bhaji was a pile of battered onion pieces. Shrimp curry was okay but the shrimp seemed like they were cooked from frozen, not fresh. Chicken tikka masala was okay too. Pilau rice with peas was nice. Peshwari naan tasted like marzipan. Decent, cold beers. Nice waiters. Not particularly cheap.
(3)
Charlene C.
If you like Indian food, curry on over to the Clay Oven. The cuisine is traditional and delicious. The atmosphere is cozy and tranquil. The service is warm and friendly. And dietary restrictions are a naan issue--they have something for everyone!
(4)
Neeta M.
PRO: 1. Atmosphere is inviting, which many Indian restaurants lack. 2. The popadum & chutneys at the beginning of the meal were yummy. 3. Fairly decedent service. CONS: 1. The worst quality of Indian food ever! Bland and boring! The chicken tikka & reshmi kabob lacked flavor & spice (come on this is Indian food). 2. Overpriced!!! We used a coupon from restaurant com - $35 worth of food for $10 - You'd think what a deal, but we paid another $48 (dinner for two); thus, theoretically we paid $75 for our meal!!! That is outrageous for 3 naans, 3 entrees & 2 soft drinks - priced to make sure the restaurant doesn't loss profit due to the coupon marketing!! Lastly, there were no Indians dining there...bad sign!!!!
(2)
Eric R.
Great indian food. The panir non is awesome. I like the samokas also. Its very fresh and always goo!!
(4)
Dacia w.
Review based on delivery only. PROS: Food arrived piping hot and within the allotted time. All food was within its containers, not spilled out everywhere. Portions were huge! Aromatic rice was really yummy. Samosas were crunchy and spicy...perfect. Delivery man was kind and smiling (always nice). CONS: Chicken Korma was OK. Not as flavorful as others I've had The naan was terrible! Super thin and boring. Not fluffy and delightful like it should be. I ordered a Coke with my meal and it was $3.00, when the food arrived, it was a simple CAN of Coke. For $3, that's ridiculous!
(4)
Spoon M.
This review is solely for the buffet. Where do I even start? The tandoori chicken was so overcooked and dry it was inedible. The chicken tikka masala was lacking flavor. The fish pakora also overdone and rough. The saag paneer and mutton curry were the only decent tasting items in the buffet. I would describe the situation as uninspired. You can't serve your patrons bland dry food and expect them to come running back for more.
(2)
Marie S.
Yummy this place is pretty amazing. We've ordered online and been to the actual restaurant and every time I really enjoy the food. The curry and mango drink are excellent as well as many of their other dishes. Highly recommended if you want awesome Indian food!
(5)
Ashley T.
This is my staple Indian restaurant. They never let me down! When I lived in Santa Clarita I used to frequent their sister restaurant, Karma. Now I am just a minute away from the same food I've come to love. Their coconut curry and the tikka masala are my absolute favorite. The meat is always perfectly cooked and tender. The garlic naan is to die for! They also have a dinner for two special that serves you an appetizer, tandori chicken, a meat dish, a veggie dish, naan, and dessert with coffee/tea for a really great price. The service happens to be a little slow. Even when the restaurant is slow they tend to be understaffed. While it can get annoying, the food more than makes up for it. If you don't feel like dealing with the service, they do deliver! There have been many times where I have ordered my food in. The deliveries are usually at the door in 30-45 minutes during dinner time and the delivery guy is always really nice. I think everyone should at least try this place once. It's good enough to keep coming back.
(4)
Helen P.
Go here for lunch buffet for $9.95. The food is excellent and you get a selection of their most popular dishes in unlimited quantities! They vary their selection daily, but my favorite dishes are always served on Fridays. I don't know why ;) Before we knew about this lunch buffet, my husband and I would come here for dinner and order basically the same things that are served on the lunch buffet (i.e. chicken marsala, lamb vindaloo, saag paneer, etc.) for $70 or more. Now we know better. Service can be a bit slow here and parking is difficult at rush hour on Ventura, but if you're looking for best indian food in the valley, this is it!
(4)
Julie J.
Haven't been for years and went the other night to remind myself it's a good valley indian spot. The decor & atmosphere is comfortable/stylish, the staff friendly & professional and the food is as good as it gets for Indian. I had the bindi (okra) which I often don't order since it's hard to cook just right, but they nailed it. And with a little leftover rice it's been enough for lunch the next day too. On a busy stretch of Ventura with all kinds of food options, this is always a good choice.
(4)
Jamie R.
Ah Indian food, how I love thee. I was a sheltered vegetarian, burning myself out on grilled cheese sandwiches and salads when I met a cute fellow vegetarian on a chance camping trip. A week later, I was on a first date with him at a place called Clay Oven in Sherman Oaks. Wow! My veggie world was forever changed! Goodbye reconstituted soy products-- hello mattar paneer, malai kofta, and samosas~ I was hooked. Years later, I am married to that man and while our vegetarian days are behind us (for now), our love of Indian food has continued. I've since been to many Indian restaurants, but this one has remained one of my favorites when it comes to the quality of the food.
(4)
Sammi S.
Clay Oven has been dubbed "The Office" because it is our favorite place to have meetings over lunch. The lunch buffet is outstanding, especially for the price. The food is always fresh and hot, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. Unlimited naan and chai tea as well. We've been coming here for years and it has yet to disappoint.
(5)
Omid I.
Hit up Clay Oven regularly for their weekday lunch buffet for about $10 you get a feast of quality Indian grub but your stomach will fight u all day (as is with any Indian food)
(4)
Eddie O.
I tried this Indian restaurant during their lunch buffet. While I did find the dishes generally tasty the selection of dishes was rather poor. My other issue was the chicken tikka masala had very little chicken in it and was mostly sauce. I think they need to add more variety of dishes to their lunch buffet if they want five stars. At least add some beghan barta (eggplant) and some aloo gobi (cauliflower) since there was only 1 curry offered in addition to the chicken tikka masala.
(3)
Neil B.
If you are a lover of Indian and Pakistani food (not to mention culture) this is an amazing - and quite hidden - little gem on Ventura Blvd. It's better known among locals in the Sherman Oaks area, but well worth the trek for the lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 3pm for only $8.95 plus tax (I always tip any service staff, so for me, it's like 13$ or 14$) The dishes are authentic and delicious, it is all you can eat, the desserts are awesome (try the honey balls - scrumptious - and I never use that word, don't worry) ... The ambiance is sophisticated but the demeanor is casual - doesn't matter how you are dressed. The art is exotic and uniquely Indian, and the music playing makes the food taste even better. It's a small room, but every inch is well-used, and the experience is larger. Perfect for a quick lunch, a not-so-quick lunch, a date, a family outing, or just to stop by because you crave awesome Indian cuisine. One of my favorite places to eat in Sherman Oaks!
(5)
Byron V.
I am giving this establishment 2 stars ONLY because the food was excellent. The service was agreeable (although the man serving us our food apparently was taught how to mumble and that's about it). What really ticked me off was the way they charged us for our food. My wife and I brought in a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, assuming we would end up spending about $20 total for the meal. What they didn't tell us was the side of rice we ordered to go along with it was going to cost seven bucks. 7 BUCKS FOR A FREAKING BOWL OF RICE?! What they also failed to tell us was that the bread we ordered was an additional six dollars as well...and the waiter asked us what kind of bread we wanted instead of asking if we'd like to add on. The way he asked us was as if it came with the meal already...giving us two options, and then asking if we want one of both and then CHARGING US FOR BOTH was an outrage. If you're going to charge us for these "additional" items you casually tack onto our meal as if they come with the meal, please let us know. We were furious at the total cost of the bill. Very sneaky, these guys.
(2)
James C.
This is some of the best food in the world! Everything about it is great, especially the food and the maintenance. I would like it if the waiters would check on you more often, but the food is so good it cancels that out!
(5)
Jonathan F.
Boo! This place gets a solid, well-deserved, non-embellished one star review for abysmal customer service and mediocre food. I've been here three times. And I guess the third time was the charm. Never coming back. We ordered take-out a few nights ago and was given the standard, "food will be ready in 20-25 minutes." Fair enough. 55 minutes later, the food finally comes out. Some dishes were hot. Others were cold and bland and soggy. The owner/manager (my assumption; the guy was just chilling, half-awake, and occasionally bossing the workers around) stood there the whole time, hanging out by the register next to me. No attempt of an explanation or hint of an apology was offered, when I asked what the delay was. His mantra was, "It's late, and we're busy," versus, "Sorry for the delay. Let me check on your food." When the food finally came out, I asked, "Are you going to at least apologize for keeping me waiting 55 minutes for take out?" He just looked at me with a blank stare, "Like I said. It's late. And we were busy." There were about 10 people in the whole restaurant. If you can't get decent customer service from the manager/owner, then--thank you very much--I'll spend my money elsewhere. I don't have unreasonable demands when it comes to my take-out orders. Hot fresh tasty food, on time, with a dash of politeness thrown in for good measure. Clay Oven fails on all these counts. There are plenty of other Indian Restaurants up and down Ventura. I'm sure I'll find a solid replacement in no time at all.
(1)
Baby D.
This place is really nice inside. The waiters are very humble and polite, and they do everything with a smile. I usually just come for their lunch buffet. Everything is well labeled. They have a few different things here. Their buffet items are all cooked well, and everything is pretty good! I leave feeling satisfied. THEY HAVE THE BEST MILK BALLS IN HONEY SAUCE. YUMMMY DESSERT!, but diabetics BEWARE lol. ^_^
(5)
S. T. V.
I got a group of friends together on Sunday to try their champagne brunch because I read such positive reviews on Yelp. However, I think we were all a little disappointed. They seated us promptly because we were the first group to arrive on Sunday morning and had made reservation. But...,most of our waters had ants floating in them - that didn't give us confidence in the cleanliness. The waitress was very friendly and apologetic and changed out all of our glasses - they were clean 2nd time around! The food was good and I didn't get sick afterwards. But I must say I was disappointed in the lack of selection. They didn't even have chicken tikki masala (well they had shrimp ones... ). No samosas either, darn! Parking was easy on a Sunday morning, found street parking on Ventura pretty much right in front of the restaurant. I'm not sure that I would come back again given that there are so many other Indian places I can try in the valley.
(3)
J B.
Delicious!!,
(5)
Jason B.
Food is great and price is ok as well. I am giving them 4 stars b/c sometimes their service is too slow. But overall GREAT PLACE.
(4)
Jonathan J.
The restaurant had a nice ambience to it... it wasn't malodorous, and the music was not overpowering.. We came here on a groupon, which is always a role of the dice. It made for a delicious meal, and a great date night! I was impressed. The only thing that kept me from giving it a 5 was that the staff could have been a little more attentive and I could see them off in the corners texting, etc. It just lacked a LITTLE bit in the professionalism department. Other than that, lovely!
(4)
Aaron X.
Ate here for dinner once and really enjoyed it. The service was extremely prompt and friendly. Never once did my glass come even close to being empty. Also I love Indian food but I'm not very well versed in it. Our serve was more than happy to explain what was what on the menu and give us his recommendations. Portions are large and could easily be shared between two people. I ordered the Chicken Tikka and LOVED IT! I highly recommend. Was a little surprised at the price though. Not bad but a little pricier than other Indian restaurants. Overall great experience and will be back.
(4)
Melon A.
I don't know half of what I'm eating when I'm at an Indian restaurant, but at Clay Oven, whatever it is...it's good! The weekday lunch buffet is great. For about $9, you get an assortment of entrees, naan, dessert, and tea. I've dined there for dinner also and it adds up. The dinner entrees are definitely more expensive than the lunch buffet. All the things I've had at Clay Oven don't disappoint. I say "things" because i know nothing about Indian cuisine, but they're all delicous. Service is a bit weird...the servers kinda creep me out.
(4)
Lynne A.
I go there with all my girl friends for brunch once a month! They are always friendly, the curried goat and shrimp are delish. The tikka chicken and vegan dishes are also great. The price cannot be beat for all you can eat and drink champagne. 13.00 We always eat outside and people watch. The food is really pretty good.
(5)
T W.
Nice little Indian joint. 1st go around, I thought the place was good but not awesome. But it's really close to my house. Good food, good service, good location but didn't have that extra oomph to make it a great restaurant in my eyes. 2nd go around, we sit down and the host comes over. He's kind of pushy.. you know telling you all about the appetizers etc trying to get me to order more food than I need. So I was little annoyed until I caught him say something... As he was rattling off the great food he had on the menu, he slips in a name of a dish that I've only heard from a friend. This is a dish that's only made in a certain region of India and supposedly is amazing. My friend raved about it to me when he came back from India a few month prior. He loved it so much he even tried making it. This dish is not on the menu. I ordered it and I must say it was pretty tasty. Now it's the "thing" that I order at this restaurant. It's awesome and I love it. It's definitely worth giving it a chance.
(4)
Jessica Y.
Has a great buffet for lunch at a very good price, but you are still able to order from the menu for the more picky folks of your group.
(4)
James M.
Overpriced. Small (nay, tiny) Portions. Snarly Staff. If you can, go elsewhere. I've only ever ordered off the standard menu. I've never tried the buffet. From the other reviews, that sounds like the winner here, because the standard dining in experience, and especially the take out experience leaves a lot to be desired.
(2)
Tyler M.
Best Indian food I've tried. Love this place. The staff are a little awkward especially if there aren't many people there.. They just sort of sneak around from place to place always got one eye on you..lol. But the food is delicious! They have small portions it looks like but man are they filling I can't even explain why I get so full. Don't judge the size! The saag paneer and chicken tikka is Sooo amazing!!!!! Always perfect. The atmosphere is pretty and nice. I've never been for the buffet or half off deal but it sounds like such a great bargain. This place is the bomb!
(4)
Alex D.
Amazing!
(5)
Candice B.
Been here twice- first time for dinner and second time for the champagne lunch buffet. Dinner: We ordered samosas to start and lamb curry and chicken tikka masala for our meal. We were very disappointed that neither naan bread or rice were included. To make it even worse, an order of rice cost around $7! Rice is pretty much a necessity with Indian food so we had to get it. The food was very good (especially the samosas) but waaaay too expensive! I definitely won't be returning there unless it's for the lunch buffet. Buffet: Returned a few weeks later for the Sunday champagne lunch buffet with a few friends. While there was not a huge variety of food (no samosas, i was heartbroken), rice was included! AMEN! Once again, the food was good. I think the buffet cost around $13-14 which is still on the higher side for Indian lunch buffets. If/When I do return, it will only be for the lunch buffet--- and I will order a side of samosas.
(3)
J S.
My girlfriend and I ordered Clay Oven a few nights ago. Not. Impressive. Here's why: We called in the order and arrived to pick up the food. One of the items was missing from the check. We confirmed with the manager that we'd still receive the item and he said we would, and visually verified it with us. Very cool. When we got into the car I checked in the bag I was pretty shocked. Mostly because I was maybe looking at 1.5 pounds of food. Let me break down the order for you: 1 Yellow Daal (Yellow Lentils) 1 Aaloo Gobi (Potatoes and Cauliflower) 1 Basmati Rice 2 Orders Naan (4 Pieces) 1 order mixed pickles (a shot glass worth) Total cost? 43 BUCKS??? When we got home I made a BIG salad to go with our meal because there is not way that either of us were going to be satisfied with the small portions. My only out and out complaint about the food was the "mixed pickles". I've had pickles from a slew of countries, and usually enjoy them with rice. I never bat an eye at trying something new, and this was no exception. I thought the 2 dollar charge for such a small cup of pickles was ridiculous but we gave it a shot anyway. Oh. My. Goodness. They were inedible. First so salty i had to remove them from my mouth. On second go-round I found that they weren't even chewable. They were the woodiest parts of vegetables I have ever encountered. Determined to enjoy these pickles I mixed them with some rice, and tried them with some Daal. Instead of making the pickles more tolerable, it made my rice and Daal less enjoyable. DON'T GET THE PICKLES. Other than the pickles the food was ok. It was decently prepared and wasn't oily or over seasoned. The rice was well prepared and the Naan wasn't burned or crunchy. But that's a basic expectation. Not star worthy. As for the restaurant itself, it was well decorated. It had a modern-indian vibe with classy plate ware and a really cool giant statue of Buddha. Definitely felt intimate and relaxed. The patio was pretty chill which is a rarity on busy Ventura Blvd. We live in Los Angeles. Chances are you've had better than this. If you haven't been, save yourself the trouble and try another place.
(2)
Laura N.
The food is very good, but kinda pricey. If you want Indian food, the best time to go here is for the lunch buffet. All you can eat for a great price.
(4)
Hanna M.
My friends and I were there for Sunday Brunch. We made a reservation since there were 8 of us and when we arrived, our table was ready and waitress and waiters seated us right away. It took a while for all of us to show up but they never rushed us to order our drinks. The food was yummy for buffet. They had saag paneer, Shrimp tikka masala, goat curry, lentils, etc etc etc. Sunday Burnch came with chai tea and free drinks (and free refills!). They served fresh baked naan for no charge! We were there for my baby shower and they allowed us to bring a cake from outside. They gave us plates and dessert forks and kept the left over cake in their refrigerator for me to take home... They were so kind to us and we enjoyed our stay there. All my friends love the food and wanted to go back again.
(4)
Dolores G.
5 stars for quality of food and flavor. 3 stars for service. Also, it s a little overpriced for indian food but it is delicious. I guess it deserves 4 stars.
(4)
Gina B.
This place is well worthy of each star, although this review may be bias to the lunch buffet, as I havn't been there for their regular menu/hours. However, I don't see that experience being too far away... This review is based on the lunch I had on Thursday, May 19, 2011. First and formost...the food is worthy of the first two stars! Delicious and unique are I'd say the two most accurate descriptive words for their food. If you enjoy trying food from different cultures and like experiencing new spices and textures in your food, this is the place to try! The chicken masala for dinner and the shredded carrots with honey IN the rice puddling for dessert are the best options. Next, the overall atmosphere and surrounding is very pleasant! The inside is usually not too crowded, has comfortable seating, and plays cool music. Also, if you over eat (like I always do), you can always continue your positive experience outside by taking a nice walk down Ventura Blvd. and burning off your lunch LOL. The fourth star goes to their service. Some have marked down this place because they dislike how their waiters don't smile or don't ask how everything is. I, on the other hand, don't mind this at all because they come by nicely and refill your water or soda without disturbing you, which I really appreciate because it actually shows how respectful they are. Most waiters cut you off in the middle of your conversation with whoever you're with. Plus, I'm too busy enjoying my food. As long as my drink is refilled before I notice it getting too low, I'm a happy camper...well, yelper in this case. =) And finally, the last star goes to the overall positive experience I had. Besides...can't have a yelp review with 0 stars. ;)
(5)
Marleene G.
So I'm new in town and on a Friday night my friend and I decided to walk along Ventura Blvd. to scope out some restaurants. As we walked along the blvd we stumbled upon this Indian restaurant, we both LOVE Indian food and we figured we'd give it a shot after passing up an array of restaurants. I give it one star for "looking" inviting, cleanliness (certified with an A) above all service was HORRIBLE!!! it took them like 10mins from the time we sat down to get our drinks, food wasn't as authentic as I expected, and it was ridic! when it came to pricing. I ordered some naan and we were given a basket w/2 individual naan breads...totally not sufficient when you're eating curry (UNACCEPTABLE), not once did they come over to ask how everything was, it's like you had to really get their attention to get some service...horrible horrible!! I left pretty dissatisfied and hungry that I headed to Yogurtland right after. I know of some great Indian places and I'm sticking to Ashoka (little India) in Cerritos best Indian food in town, service is great and serving size is abundant for an unbelievably inexpensive price....ditch clay oven and head to little India. At least now I know not to go there AGAIN!
(1)
Fred M.
Really excellent food here. Generous portions, too.. we came on a Wednesday, ordered three entrees.. had leftovers through Friday. Each entree was rich and distinctive. Service and atmosphere were very nice. A good place to take somebody special. Close to a lot of neat shops there on Ventura Blvd. We'll come back!
(4)
Victor T.
Wonderful brunch at an amazing price! The almost champagne never stops flowing along with its great variety of foods. Many different types of chicken dishes, shrimp, beef, curry goat and more
(4)
Mary O.
Favorite Indian restaurant. I'll drive out of my way to get here if I'm craving it b/c no other restaurant compares. Their service could be off sometimes, especially if you're sitting outside - I could care less for that b/c their food is that good!. I've read other reviews about their pricing. It's quality you're paying for, not quantity! And Indian food is meant to be flavorful with spices, this isn't bland American food you're eating!
(5)
Emily M.
Went with a Groupon last night and I was very prepared to be in a good mood. We were seated promptly but when we got the food it was a mild disaster. Our Naan was pretty much burnt, the mushroom dish had canned, chewy mushrooms and the lamb was cooked to tastelessness. On top of that my friend and I were then chatting after our meal. The waiter had already come over and given us the check and one too few boxes. So the manager comes over, opens the check book and doesn't see a card in there. He rudely says, "Oh, didn't you know this is your check?" Well yes, yes I did. They were trying to kick us out and then back pedaled and acted like they hadn't just asked us to leave. I have never been kicked out of a restaurant before. I don't plan to be kicked out of that one again.
(1)
Rachel J.
I haven't been to a wide variety of Indian cuisine restaurants, although the Clay Oven is very very good, it's very well known in LA especially in the valley if you're a fan of Indian food. They have very nice buffets and a delicious menu selection.
(4)
Crystal O.
The buffe offers a good variety of food, especially for a picky eater like me. The price isn't bad either,
(4)
Owen H.
The service was good but the food was not. With the wealth of Indian restaurants in LA, why waste time with bad food? I had butter chicken, saag, and bhirani. I will not return. Try Indian places in Santa Monica or Glendale.
(1)
Linh H.
l haven't had Indian food for a long, long time. I decided to go to the closest restaurant to my place. I'm glad I did! I ordered the meat (lamb) samosa, garlic naan, and curry chicken. Everything was good. We asked for the curry chicken to be spicy and it was. I was happy with the extra kick in my curry. In addition to our order, we received a free appetizer which was like a potato ball. That was also good. If I ever crave some Indian food again, I'm pleased there is yummy Indian restaurant in the neighborhood.
(4)
Jay P.
Best Indian Food restaurant in the NoHo/Sherman Oaks area. There lunch buffet is unrivaled in taste and bang for your buck. The staff is well, compared to other Indian Restaurants, they are very nice. Still a bit awkward however, but it's the food you go for. And it really is delicious. I've even taken a liking to the Chai tea they have. Definitely worth your time.
(5)
Kim H.
This place used to be a 4 hands down. Not sure what happened but it has gone down a star. The curry dishes are still a four however the meats were a little dry. The service....OMG, what happened here. It used to be great service, attention to detail but either we had a new guy or it was a bad day all around. We had a party of 10 and the food came out in different shifts to the point where 4 people were completely done before the other 6 even got their food. The waiter didn't seem to understand what we were saying, we were asking for a nan to come up before our food and he was giving us an attitude over that. This is such a shame that this place is going in reverse. I really hope it gets better again....but the dry meat and the horrible, slow service of that one guy just couldn't let me keep this a four star anymore.
(3)
Jackie D.
My rule for Indian restaurants is: Go Where the Saag Is Good. Not because this is my fav dish, but because it's so hard to get right. Often this ignorable side dish will taste too salty, too bland, or previously frozen. I actually went back for Saag seconds, a first for me. I went to the $9.95 lunch buffet and was really surprised (being a non buffet type of girl) at how fresh and yummy the food was. The Tandoori Chicken was moist, which is difficult to do even minus the buffet chafing dishes. The curry was yummy and had a good consistency and the Naan was fresh and warm. My wish list for next time, Dear Clay Oven 1. Spice up the curry, PUH-LEASE, it was very mild. Or offer a super spicy version in your buffet line, along side the kids-club-mellow curry 2. Don't charge me $3 for an iced tea Thank you, Jackie
(4)
rachel m.
take out service was great. They recommended the chicken tikka masala, quite nice, good flavor. Garlic naan was okay, wish it was more garlic flavorful, loved the sauces they they provided with the naan, delicious! I will most likely come here again when I have a hankering for Indian food.
(3)
Natalie E.
OMG...This place is perfect...TOO PERFECT. I nearly ate myself to death...Food was the best Indian Food I have ever had...buffet or not...and the price was right...$10 for lunch...WHAAAAAAAAT????? Yes...$10 and that includes hot spiced chai AND GARLIC NAAN... TOO DAMN GOOD!!!!! (and the ambiance was just great too).
(5)
M L.
This was the first time I've been here and I will DEFINITELY be returning!! The service was beyond amazing. Everyone was friendly and very accommodating. One gentleman recommended we try a certain dish and we did and it was perfect! Food was great! If you're a first timer I recommend the mixed grill, chicken masala, naan, and some rice and you're set. They also make their own lemonade which is very refreshing. LOVED THIS PLACE!! The lighting was perfect for romantic dinners, but it's casual enough to come with friends
(5)
suzie b.
Never been here, but have had their take-out twice. I could never understand the reason behind eating spicy foods if it meant your mouth was literally on fire.....and thennnnnn I tried the Vegetable Jalfrazzi. As tears were streaming down my face, I couldn't help not eating it because it was just so damn good! Garlic Naan is also amazing and it comes with a delicious dip. So I now take back everything I've said about those crazy people who eat ridiculously spicy food.... I've become one of them!
(4)
Brian P.
My favorite Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is NOT to be missed. Better than going to India. Classy decor, clean, great service, and the food....ahhh Don't forget the spinach and garlic nan bread fresh form the CLAY OVEN! This has to be the best Indian food in LA.
(5)
Jenny T.
I rarely ever give bad reviews but ... this one unfortunately deserves it. Let me explain why: The food is super pricey and the portions are extra small. The taste is mediocre, either waaay too much spice or very bland, and the spinach tastes like it was freezer burned and gross. The only good thing they have here is their special fried rice. They also have coupons in their advertisements... make sure you show it to them so that they can give you even less food and bad quality ingredients to make up for the discount they are giving you. If you don't, and you show them when the bill comes, they simply deny you of your coupon and you have to pay full price.
(1)
Alyssa A.
I went here during my lunch break. It's a nice change of pace to be in an actual restaurant enjoying a great little buffet for so cheap. It's especially great because buffet style will get you in and out as quickly as you want to. The staff was attentive and I'll be back soon.
(3)
Hilary L.
I love this place. It is super close to my house and they have a darling patio. The food is very tasty and the service is lovely. My favorite dish is the Mango Chicken Masala, I could literally drink the masala sauce it is so delicious. The naan is great. The chicken tandoori is great. All the entrees come out in these cool bronze pots that sit over a lit candle to stay warm. I haven't had anything bad here. Plus, they're on Restaurant.com so that totally drops the bill down in price. Love Clay Oven!
(4)
Sky L.
Yum! I love this place. Also they were super accommodating of me being vegan and were really helpful letting me know what on the menu I could eat. Delicious.
(4)
Robert C.
If I remember correctly, I paid something like $9.95 for the lunch buffet and it was absolutely delicious! The chicken tikka masala and palak paneer are delectable! The wait staff was very friendly and very attentive. Their Indian tea is the best thing to sip on after you've gorged. I'm not sure what they stick in it, but I'm a fan! One cup simply isn't enough. Go try it. I'm all about deals and this place is a deal.
(4)
Lindsay C.
Love the Shahi Paneer. We usually get delivery on Saturdays and have to wait 40 plus minutes. That said, the delivery person shows up in a suit, is very nice and our food is always perfect! It's pretty pricey so we usually get this with a Groupon to cut a bit of the cost. The restaurant is usually busy with up to what I've seen as a 3 hour wait. You know what they say about never eating at an empty restaurant. Love the food! Wish I could afford to eat here more often!
(4)
Eshita S.
the food was horrible and the manager was extremely obnoxious. waiters did not know English and the lunch buffet was poorly made/ not too many options and over priced. the spinach was lemony and sour and the Channa was watery and not cooked properly. the potatoes were tasteless. this restaurant should be converted to catering desserts and snacks because those were the only two good things there. if you want to serve Indian food at least cook it correctly. I bet the chef was not even Indian.
(1)
Fred G.
I had a groupon and for a half plate of chiken briyani and four pieces of tandoori cost me $18 , i could have all you can eat buffet for 12.99 !! The groupon deal is absolutely stupid thing from the owner. The food even was not what i was expecting to see. I will never go to this place again.
(1)
Dennis C.
I'm sorry, but Clay Oven you're going to be my first negative review. You may have changed since I first went there a few months ago but guess what, I'll never know. So, here's why question. Who offers coupons but doesn't accept them?!? It was dinner with my girlfriend. The food was mediocre at best and the portions were tiny. Already not off to a good start. Check comes and we present the coupon. They proceeded to argue with us about how the coupon didn't apply to the food we purchased even though there were no restrictions whatsoever on it. Well Clay Oven, you got yourself 10 extra bucks but you'll never see us again.
(1)
Courtney H.
I recently had this delivered. We ordered $100 worth of food and everything was great! They were also very friendly when I was ordering and delivered quick and super hot!
(4)
Kimi L.
Haven't been on sunday for a while and just happened to be in th area....service is still excellent, sunday buffet is terrific with all the delicious delicacies we come to expect in a very clean and comfortable setting. My food was hot, plentiful and cheap......$14.00 for everything!! I wish I lived closer....I love this place, and after over a year absence....it still rocks.
(4)
Derek T.
Most reviews here seem to be of the lunch buffet, so let's talk a la carte. We ordered the assorted appetizer platter (various fried vegetables, fish, and cheese), chicken tikka masala, bengan bharta (eggplant puree), matar paneer (peas & cheese), vegetable biryani (rice), and one order of naan. The bill? Keep in mind that, but for the chicken tikka masala, this is essentially a vegetarian meal. You would think we'd get out for under, say, $30. But no. This Indian extravaganza cost us $60.30 (see the pic of my receipt). The taste? Fine. It's hard to go wrong with Indian food. In fact, I believe I've never had a bad meal at any Indian restaurant. I've had plenty of poor Chinese food, Mexican food, Italian food, but never Indian food. Maybe Indian food just hasn't been fast-food-franchised-up enough yet. While we were waiting for our order, the hostess mentioned that Clay Oven is run by the same folks as Karma in Valencia. Yikes! That place was one of our biggest disappointments of 2007. For excellent Indian food, go to Chandni in Santa Monica. It's 100 percent vegetarian, and it's so tasty even a devoted meat eater isn't likely to notice.
(3)
Ken D.
Nice little champaign brunch and it's down the street from where i work. Not that i'll be heading down for champaign at lunch - good food selections.
(4)
Steve H.
I had a horrible experience with this place. I ordered food for pickup and they gave me a time to pick it up. I arrived at the designated time and they took my credit card and I paid for everything. 30 MINUTES LATER I was still waiting for my food to be ready. They kept telling me during this period, "just a few more minutes." Meanwhile, my wife and newborn daughter are sitting in the car waiting for me. 45 minutes go by and I demand a refund on my credit card and they give me the "It's almost ready" bullshit. I finally start raising my voice (getting the attention of everyone in the restaurant) and to shut me up, the finally gave me my money back. There are many fine alternatives to this place. Find them and avoid Clay Oven like the plague.
(1)
Becca H.
Come here quite often for their lunch buffet: Great customer service Small quality food selection Flavorful entrees Cool and clean environment. One of my Fav's in the valley!
(4)
Lora K.
AMAZING and reasonably priced lunch buffet. Some of the tastiest Indian food I've ever had - not the best, but very delicious. The tandoori chicken is yummy, and so is the Saag Paneer. I wasn't too keen on the tea or the rice pudding though - I've had better. Overall the quality is high and the buffet is worth it.
(4)
Sahar K.
Yes! I have been returning ever since I wandered in for the lunch buffet. Chaichen Marsala and Vindaloo for days. Not only was everything of the freshest quality but the servers were patient and speedy. Clay Oven deserves an A in book and will keep me returning! ****Oh and an added incentive to come by is their Sister restaurant, MOksha has a discount at Socialbuy.com until 04/04/10. Thank you Clay Oven for being the tastiest lunch buffet of Los Angeles!
(4)
Angie O.
I love the lunch buffet for $10 here. I know that dinner can be pricey if you order a la carte, but if you do it right, it won't be too bad. I bought a veggie meal for $15 here for dinner once, and had enough leftovers to eat lunch the next day too! Most Indian restaurants I've found make me sick (too much msg?) but I don't have a problem with the food here at all. Plus it's delicious! I haven't had a problem with the wait-staff like some others mentioned. It's certainly not the all-American overly friendly atmosphere in there, but all servers have been polite and helpful. I've never run out of water in there, which gets servers an A+ from me, because I probably drink 5 glasses of water with each meal. I should probably mention that I'm a vegetarian; this restaurant is veggie friendly!
(4)
Janet Bellydance B.
Everytime I crave Indian food I go the Clay Oven. I love their Chicken Masala. It's marinated chicken blended with a rich tomato butter sauce. If you're brave ask for it spicy. Your mouth will get so hott. I love to order the garlic naan and dip it into the sauce. I also recommend the spicy chilli chicken. it's chicken, cooked in a medley of yogurt, garlic, and ginger. This reminds me a little bit of the greek tzaziki yogurt sauce. Also I like to order the saffron rice. The saffron adds such a beautiful yellow color to the rice. And there are some nice veggies with this rice: peas and carrots. It's also really yummy to top the rice with the sauce. This place is slightly pricey for an indian restaurant but if you come for lunch they provide all you can eat buffets that come out to about $20 per person. Also for dessert you must try their ice cream. It's authentic Indian ice cream, it tastes nothing like ice cream that you get at the grocery store. You actually taste the flavor of the ice cream versus tasting the milk of it. Also try the cheese balls. They're not cheesy, they're more like doughnuts that are dipped in honey. Sooo discretely flavorful. If you enjoy spicey food, the clay oven would be great for you. the look of this restaurant is nice as well. I love being surrounded by Buddah :-)
(3)
William W.
I really enjoy Clay Oven and manage to go there every 3-4 weeks. Its reasonably priced, dinner for two for 50 bucks with a split of J.Lohr. Some of the tastiest Indian food in the valley. The Veggie Korma/Mango Chicken Marsalla are the only things I order because they are so good. Two Yums up!
(5)
Courtney B.
The clay oven is just a really classic spot for Indian food. Whether the dinner menu or the lunch buffet the food is really great and its not all that pricey. The venue is really nice until it gets Smokey and sitting outside at night can be a little chilly but its worth any minor inconveniences for the flavor and quality of the food.
(5)
Donna T.
love this place every time I go!
(4)
Jennifer B.
This was our favorite Indian food in the LA area - until last night. Since we were there last - the menu has changed. One of my husband's favorite dishes - the goat curry, gone from the menu. The prices for everything appear to have increased by $4-5 per dish and the portions were small. The shrimp vindaloo was $15.95 for about 6 small/med shrimp and half a potato with curry sauce.....The rice is extra and was $5.95 for a soup bowl of rice. The food is still good and the staff was attentive - but we will not be back. There is good Indian food out there for a fraction of their new prices.
(2)
Carla B.
***Great Indian, although service-wise, there's room for improvement...*** Indian cuisine is very tasty, but it can be an acquired taste for some, and in other cases, if it's too spicy or oily it can cause stomach irritation [a.k.a. Delhi-Belly :-) ] THE FOOD HERE IS PERFECT! I've been to India, and have had tons of Indian food, but tonight was my bf's 1st time, and hands down, "He made it through the wilderneeeess." The waiter brought a basket of thin crispy bread with 2 sauces - delicious. We had the Meat Samosas (2) for appetizer - delicious too. My bf had their Mixed Grill literally sizzling plate - a great meat sampler, and it's made in a traditional clay oven, so it has a very particular taste, kind of like BBQ meat (w/ no sauce), but different. I had the Lamb Korma (boneless lamb pieces in an orange-colored curry with spices). I ordered mild and it was perfect, and it came in a hot little pot with a candle underneath to keep it warm - very nice! We shared their Peas Pullao basmati rice (the perfect mix). And for dessert we had the Ras Malai, which is like a jasmine infused, ricotta textured kind of pudding - I wasn't crazy about dessert, but it was exotic and not bad. The service could be friendlier and faster. It wasn't bad, but the personalities weren't WOW and it took awhile to get us seated the 2nd time we went. Not warm, but not rude either, just not great. But I'm a sucker for good food, and they were nice, so this is a new favorite. Delicious food!
(4)
Laura G.
Not the least expensive place we've found since moving to the area but probably the most delicious. Nice ambiance for a date or night out with your partner, like the presentation and they deliver as well. WOOT!
(4)
Hormaz C.
We had a late lunch there on a weekday, 2 weeks ago. We didn't go for the buffet, ate ala carte instead. Ordered: Veg. biryani, shahi paneer, malai kofta and aloo parathas. The quality of the food was very good, felt home-cooked. Prices seemed very reasonable. Ambience was great. Service was prompt and with a smile. Thier catering prices seemed unbelievably low. Would definately eat thier next time we are down in southern california.
(5)
Jennifer V.
I love this place. We drive all the way from La Canada because it's so good. We get Rogan Josh with lamb, chicken tikka masala, and this other one that is sweeter and curry-like. We love to dip the naan in all the sauces and they delicious! you have to park on the street.
(5)
Ryan C.
I miss the Indian restaurants from back in Connecticut, but my girlfriend's co workers brought her here and now she passed on the joy to me. Pretty much everything I've gotten has been pretty solid. She loves the paneer. Excited to try the lunch buffet everyone talks about
(4)
Ess Oh O.
Their food was mediocre for my taste. I think they're trying to cater to the non-Indian crowd in Sherman Oaks. But by doing so, theyve taken a lot away from the food itself. Not very impressed. Will not return.
(2)
Jen P.
I come here quite often and love this place. Chicken Tikka Masala is always cooked perfectly. The Bindi Masala and the Garlic Naan are great too. Food is always so flavorful and is some of the best indian food I've had. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
(4)
Greg T.
This is the worst place I've been to. Hands down a disaster. I walked in with my wife, ordered about $45 worth of appetizers and entrees around 3:45pm. There was no one in the restaurant besides us. Sat around this asshole place for over half hour and still no food out. I got up and walked straight out. I'll never go back. Useless. How hard is it to grill some meats on the grille or bring rice out. It shouldn't take 30 minutes. By the way, while I was waiting for my food to arrive, two restaurant workers came in and sat across from us, and they had their order arrive within minutes.
(1)
Zach M.
This place is incredible. I tried a few items before discovering their Mushroom Matar, and I can't help but order it every time. Maybe one day I'll try new items again. The garlic naan and onion kulcha are soft, chewy, and delicious. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because the staff seem somewhat annoyed when you order pickup, however, the table service I've had was great. They don't have delivery until 5 PM, which kinda sucks, but it's worth going to pick it up.
(4)
Diana T.
Starving but had to order take out to make it to my destination. Service: They seem to give me dirty looks as I was looking through the menu. I'm not well versed with Indian food and they didn't seem too friendly to help when I asked questions. Food: Ordered the Chicken Tiki. It was amazing but didn't come with rice. The entree, naan with rice came up to be about $25. It was delicious but I've had more affordable Indian food and definitely better service.
(3)
Howard C.
My wife and I gave The Clay Oven a try last night based on a "Groupon" in yesterday's morning email. Frankly, we weren't expecting much and it's sad to see that part of Ventura Boulevard in such decline so we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. Others have remarked that side orders are very expensive, as they indeed are, especially the various rice dishes, but we both felt that our relatively simple meal was pretty good. As we get older we seem to eat more lightly in the evenings so I can't claim that our meal was typical - we shared a mixed grill from the tandoori oven and a chicken tikka masala. The grill was OK, exactly what you'd expect in fact, with slightly tough lamb and rather ordinary sausages. We shared a garlic nan because I felt that the rice (which would have been better with the chicken tikka masala) was so overpriced. On the other hand, the beautifully flavorful tikka masala was probably the best we'd ever had. The dining room is on the small side and pretty generic Indian restaurant in style, and although the service was prompt enough it was slightly offhand. This latter comment is a bit difficult to explain, perhaps it's best typified by the girl who refilled our water glasses and was devoid of expression the whole time. Curious that. Overall, not bad and if I lived nearby it would be worth another visit. There's no question that we would never have thought to go there without the "Groupon" and may, or may not revisit them. Incidentally, we didn't have anything to drink apart from water as the police were setting up a checkpoint down the road. You can avoid these checkpoints but if you do and they see you a motorcycle patrolman may well stop you whether you've had anything or not. It's a sad commentary on our Los Angeles police force that in the current economic climate they're out to extract as much money from the citizenry as possible whether they have a legitimate reason to do so or not.
(4)
tania p.
I am a big fan of clay oven because i know that when i go there for brunch (on saturday or sunday), im probably going to be having a great meal with a group of my friends. I have one group of friends that i only see once in a while and we always end up at clay oven because of the champagne brunch. im not sure how much it costs now...i think its something around 12 dollars or so but its well worth it. not only do you get unlimited champagne, but its a delicious indian food buffet. now, im no fan of buffets but this one is small enough where it almost feels like youre at a party serving yourself from array of dishes. i cant speak for the meaty stuff, but the veg stuff is always good. i also really like the naan bread that they bring out. they have garlic naan and plain naan. it is always fresh and warm. mmmmm! its a good place for groups or just to go with a friend. i also dont feel weird when we hang around for over an hour. this makes me like clay oven!
(4)
Tany M.
I was invited for lunch with some co-worker and they had decided to go out to their favorite spot, Clay Oven. All they were raving and talking about was how its all you can eat for around 9 bucks. I have had Indian food before and this place was very good. I was expecting mediocre because of the lunch buffet. If ever in the valley on Ventura and Van Nuys, this place is cheap eats compared to your $9 dishes elsewhere.
(4)
Frank K.
To my faithful readers who've noticed I've been AWOL and contacted me: you like me, you really like me! So, the new criterion of Yelping (for me, at least) is corkage fee---or BYOW. Recently made a trip to Santa Barbara and spent $82,374 on wine, so I have several bottles at my disposal. The fee here is standard, $10. My friend/new roomie and I made at least 6 calls to different places before giving up on the idea of eating at a restaurant with our Cuvee at 11:00 in the evening. We only stopped here because we wanted to do take-out and enjoy the Indian food and the wine in our apartment among the unpacked boxes and unassembled Ikea furniture. By luck, they had a corkage fee here, AND they said they stop serving around midnight. I think I might have been more excited by their corkage fee and late night service rather than the food itself. Plus, I was famished after a very long day of driving and walking and pushing and lifting. Still, the food did not disappoint. Chicken Saag - Those bits of ginger were heavenly. This sauteed spinach dish had a very smokey fragrance, and the garlic definitely added a level of nuttiness that I savor. They used thigh pieces, so the chicken was not only juicy but flavorful. Lamb Platter - Your Romanesque feast of lamb sausages and loins (they do have loins, don't they?). For what it is, lamb lovers can truly appreciate this platter. Appetizer Plates - I love Indian food, but I don't know the names of the appetizers that I always get, other than samosas (I almost want to say mimosas, but that's because it's 2 in the afternoon, it's breezy, and it feels like the weekend). What gets me most excited about Indian food is not the tandoori dishes or the curry; rather, it's the fried appetizers. Almost everything was deep fried, the way vegetables should be eaten. All right, I have 10 minutes left to get to my writing workshop, so I will leave it at this. It's been awhile, my creative juices are completely drained, so I'm all out of any witty one-liner endings. This review is not much of a comeback, but we can't all be Britney Spears (*gag*).
(4)
Eric S.
Fair food. Small portions for the price. A long time for delivery. It really was an overall sub-par experience. I think our order, totaled around $70 for four people and I remember my first thought being "that's it? Maybe they forgot a bag." Stay away from the shrimp curry.
(2)
Jenny P.
Best coconut curry ever! I also really like how the restaurant sets the individual bowls of food (giant bowls, by the way) on candle burners. It adds to the ambience. And the free veggie pakora didn't hurt either...that stuff is so good!
(4)
L N.
Tried a few Indian restaurants in the valley, and this place is the best in quantity, flavor, atmosphere and customer service! I've been a fan for the past 8 years and counting. I can't find a place that has better curry sauces. The naan bread is always warm and delicious! It has an intimate atmosphere but casually dressed families with their kids will dine here. Reasonable prices. You do get charged extra for rice which is a bit of a bummer. The waiters are rather soft spoken, but accommodating. Despite that, I give 'em 5 stars because the food is amazing. They have an incredible Lunch Buffet with the best selection. Great desserts, too.
(5)
Daniel K.
Food & ambiance are great, service needs some work though.
(4)
jose H.
Well I have mixed feelings about this restaurant. I have to admit I am not a professional when it comes to Indian food. I have only gone to one Indian and I tried the buffet. Now I went last week with my date and we were what the heck let's give it a try. Now as soon as we walk in the decor is very nice and we were seated immediately. That was a big plus, as soon as we sat down we noticed that they had "Check us out on YELP" sticker. So that gave it more of a heads up. Now I like a clean bathroom, so when I went to wash my hands it was nice and clean. So everything was going great......until the servers came by. First of all it took them over 15 minutes to ask us what we wanted to drink. After we ordered our drinks it took about 10 more minutes to bring us our drinks and take our order. Now this is the bad part of this restaurant. Myself and my date didn't know what to order so we asked for their suggestions. He offered his suggestions and we said great we will take it. Now after we placed our orders he kept looking at us and he was like: "THAT IT?" ( with a thick Indian accent) "YOU DON'T WANT RICE?" I was like, "No it's Ok" After I said that he looked at me like I had just insulted him. He responds with: "HOW CAN YOU NOT HAVE RICE? YOU SHOULD GET RICE!!!!" we were ok, bring the rice. Then he looks at us again and says: "YOU WANT BREAD?" Just to save time, I was like sure bring bread too. He takes our menu after that and we never seem him again until like 30 minutes later when our food was here. Now the food was good, I give it credit for that, but customer service was really bad. And what was funny is that when the bill came, I put my card down and before I can look away the swoop it up faster than a speeding bullet. I felt like all they wanted was my money....which might be the case. Now I would go back again, but I think I would only go back and get some take out, cause the food was good.
(3)
Elle S.
Ohhh, nom nom nom. If I ever feel like I am getting sick, which was very recent, last week, some sort of cold or whatever, I always like to get some spicy lamb tikka masala and then some chicken saag and some garlic naan. This food is so glorious. And the saffron rice is really great as a side to the masala and saag. I have done take-out a few times here and its always a little long, usually about 40-45 minutes. Eating here isn't too bad since they do have an outdoor seating area right on the Blvd. Eating in is kind of weird. There is some sort of weird vibe about the restaurant, somebody needs to change up the Feng Shui. I think there is something about the air filters or whatever those big tubes up in the ceiling are, maybe they give off Shar Chi,,,blah.. If you do eat there, eat outside!
(4)
Ryan D.
Amazing food. Loved the chicken coconut curry and found the black lentils to be surprisingly delicious. Garlic Naan was a no brainer, the cats meow. The attention to details, nuances of flavor and quality of service will be bringing me back here again and again.
(5)
M P.
Although delivery takes almost an hour on a good day, you have to practically threaten someone to get a refund on a wrong order, RICE IS NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR $13 ENTREE (yup, gotta pay another $5 to get some plain Basmati for your curry), and they don't seem to have their own website with an accurate, up to date menu, this is the best Indian food I have found in the Valley so far. Plan on spending a minimum of $40 for two on delivery, and do not expect much in the service department. But the food is really good.
(2)
Alysia A.
Lunch buffet is a great. Just need one more vegetarian option I think. The decor is wonderful and very cozy. I loved the Naan. Good job Clay Oven!
(4)
Wuhoo S.
I went here for dinner and the service was slow, because they were understaffed. The naan was delicious especially paired with the chicken tikka masala or the coconut curry. My boyfriend got the chicken tikka masala extra spicy and it was literally burning my tongue, but with deliciousness. The coconut curry with regular spicy was the perfect sweet-spicy, smooth, coconutty curry taste.
(3)
Daniel L.
I was suckered into buying a half off 20 dollar coupon from group on for Clay Oven. The yelp rating seems ok so I decided to try it. Well I cannot be more disappointed! Basically I spend $40 for a $50 meal that is really worth $20! You might want to try their all you can eat buffet for less than $10, but their dinner menu prices is way out of line for the quality of Indian food.
(1)
Amanda S.
Eh. it's okay. My favorite thing about this place is just being able to sit outside and people watch on Ventura. 8.99 all you can eat buffet? You can't really beat that, but then again, it's a buffet. that says enough right there. In regular dining, it's just okay. the selection is decent although i wish they had a few more vegetarian dishes. Oh well. i live right behind here so it's convenient when i'm lazy and don't want to walk too far/want something other than sushi or pasta. Worth checking out and judging for yourself. I'd definitely suggest skipping the buffet because the selection is minimal and a buffet isn't accurate of the place as a whole.
(3)
Lara W.
Got a Groupon the other night, really sweet deal, so we were able to get a good taste of the offerings, had a appetizer platter which was an assortment of varied tastes from potato onion to tempura like shrimp but with indian type batter and spices, yum. I had the mango lassi which is a deep orange color and delicious. We split a spinach lamb dish and had naam to dip, it was used as a sort of dip the next day when I had leftovers brought home, and tasted even better maybe b/c the spices settled in. Wonderful Indian fare.
(3)
Will C.
I'm only writing about their lunch buffet since that's all I've ever had here. For $10, you can partake of a buffet consisting of a usual lineup of rice, saag paneer, lentils, some kind of pakora, chicken tikka masala (yum!) and another curry, tandoori chicken, 2 kinds of dessert, fruit and salad, condiments and papadum. They also bring out freshly baked naan to your table. The chicken tikka masala is what keeps me coming back. It is that good! I'm also always delighted when they have goat curry. Everything is pretty mildly spiced and flavorful. I can eat very hot so none of the food even registers as hot for me. The staff is alright, not particularly friendly, but at least they give good service.
(4)
Armen A.
This review is ONLY for their lunch buffet as I have never been there for their regular menu. The lunch buffet is awesome, the food is incredibly delicious and there is a good veriety. My favorite has to be the chicken masala over rice. For dessert they have this rice pudding accompanied by either honey "cheese" balls or this really sweet grated carrot food. Either way I put them into the rice pudding... trust me it is amazing. The price is right at $10 and the service is quick on the water. I must have ate there 15 or 20 times and still go back. Waiters could smile more often but they are not rude or anything like that. I love this place.
(5)
Amber S.
Visited Clay Oven a few times now and everything I've tried has been awesome. My favorite is the Bengan Bharta, a perfectly spiced eggplant dish that avoids being mushy. I have also enjoyed the Lamb Curry, Matar Paneer, Chicken Tikka and Garlic Naan. They have a weekend champagne buffet and weekly lunch buffet that I have not had the pleasure of trying yet. On Fri & Sat they stay open til midnight which is awesome for late night grub that you won't regret in the morning (you'll probably have enough to regret come morning). The decor is simple and beautiful and the music is AWESOME. Also the staff is really friendly which is something I have not found at other indian restaurants. I am looking forward to eating here again and again
(5)
Greg S.
I've only been here once for take-out and ordered Chicken Makhni with na'an. It was delicious. I have to say, beware if you order your dishes spicy b/c holy mother of God is it hot. I'd definitely come here again. The only reason I gave it three stars is because I've only been here once and ordered one dish when I did. If I return and it's still just as good, I'll bump it up to 4 stars. Edit: I've been back multiple times and it's really great, every time.
(4)
Suzie Y.
Why is it that everytime I go there they always mess my order up? That's definitely the drawback about this restaurant, but I will add another star just because the food is good.
(3)
Diana G.
The food here is very good. Not the best Indian food I've had in LA, but really very good. I tend to order the buffet lunch, because they have a great selection, and you can decide exactly what your perfect ratio of saag paneer to lamb korma to onion baji is. Plus, I like their naan. A lot. They will also always win a place in my heart for letting me and my then boyfriend order a bottle of red wine with dinner, on Valentine's Day, when we were eighteen. We felt so cool and sophisticated!
(4)
Jessie M.
For delicious Indian food that's not cheap and so-so service, come to Clay Oven. The crackers and dipping sauces are superb. We ordered curried chicken with coconut milk and curried lamb. Both were wonderful, but the coconut milk adds a depth, creaminess, and sweetness that makes the chicken out of this world. Someone got our order wrong as far as the spice level in the dishes went, and we had to ask a waiter for a refill on the water. Any sides have to be ordered separately. And don't order the rice with veggies if you're trying to get your vegetable fix. Overall, though, I'd go back (with a coupon.)
(4)
Chance G.
The lunch buffet is well worth the price of admission. I'm not sure of the exact price, but I know it's usually around $10 when everything is said and done. The chicken tiki masala is delicious, which is usually what I focus on eating when I'm there. There really hasn't been anything that I've had that I don't like, but nothing I've had has completely blown me away either. Dinner is tasty too, but you end up spending about twice as much money or more than you would if you were there for lunch. I can understand a price increase, but the prices go from fairly affordable and cheap to somewhat expensive in the matter for a few hours of time change.
(4)
Abby F.
Classy decor and atmosphere. Decent service. I clumsily left my credit card behind and a server ran out to give it back to me. The curries are served Balti-style (in a metal bowl over a flame) which is lovely and reminded me of being back in Britain. So, why only 2 stars? Well, I'm writing this review in the throes of morning-after Clay Oven tummy troubles. I have a cast-iron stomach. I've eaten rich and spicy foods all over the globe. While my meal at Clay Oven was rich, it wasn't spicy at all but something in that meal did NOT agree with this experienced diner at all. This brings me to my first quibble: I requested that my chicken coconut curry be medium-to-hot in spice level. It came out with no detectable spice whatsoever. The curry itself was fine. Smooth with a noted, but not overwhelming coconut presence. The chicken was tender but I had to pony up an extra $2 for all-white meat chicken on top of an already $13 dish. Rice is not included at many Indian restaurants I've been to but a serving of plain basmati rice was almost $5. My dining companion and I declined in favor of ordering a variety of breads instead. The plain and garlic naan were very nice. I'd been looking forward to the bhatura which was nice and chewy but sooooooo greasy and heavy. 2 entrees with 4 orders of bread (no rice, no appetizers, no drinks) with tip cost us over $50.....and is costing me some lost productivity today because I'm nursing a very angry stomach. I'd probably just give this one star after my experience but I'm adding an extra for the decent service and the fact that they tracked me down outside the restaurant to give me my credit card after I left it behind. Bottom line: the prices here are high for just-average Indian fare. Seems like you're paying more for the atmosphere than anything else.
(2)
S H.
Went on a Sunday night. It wasn't terribly busy but the service was HORRIBLE! The guy acted like he was doing us a favor any time he came over, which was rare. He never even asked how the food was or if everything was okay. Also, at some point he started slamming silverware down into a tray in the back of the dining room which was really loud and annoying. The actual food was fine (not great), but overpriced for the small portions. We will not ever go back and suggest you don't bother with this place.
(2)
Crystal E.
Good food! Tad pricey! Lunch buffet seems like a good deal so best to come in during lunch hours. I recommend the chicken!
(4)
g g.
Missed lunch yesterday and was famished. Saw the Early Bird Dinner sign in front of Clay Oven ($8.95 for the Vegetarian Dinner Combo, a couple dollars more for the regular dinner combo, between 4:00 and 6:00 pm, I believe) and decided to give it a try. Good call, if I do say so myself - it was delicious! I had the Mushroom Matar and Vegetable Korma as my two veggie entree choices, and the combo included saffron rice, a small salad and yogurt, with a basket of naan on the side. Both entrees were perfect - lots of fresh veggies in nicely spiced sauces (I ordered mild-ish medium hot, and it was just right). Can't imagine a more delicious meal for the price! Service was polite and efficient. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Sam D.
It was a fine day for open air dining and the Clay oven has an attractive front patio. The staff here was courteous and helpful. Service was excellent. So we were off to a great start. Both of us had the $9.95 lunch buffet. which turned out to be a disappointment. It wasn't terrible but I've had much better food at other Indian restaurants that feature a lunch buffet. The exceptions were the chicken tikka masala which was very good as were the rice and the freshly made naan that they bring to your table. The tandoori chicken was rather dry and lacked flavor. Beyond that, the other items we sampled were just mediocre. So sorry, Clay Oven. I really wanted to like you much more.
(3)
Tracy V.
Had the lunch buffet and it was great! The food tasted excellent and there was plenty of it! The staff is very nice, quick and helpful. When my friend wanted more vegetables which weren't ready, they brought them to our table as soon as they had brought them out.
(4)
Beverly S.
Just had dinner at the Clay Oven for the first time and was extremely impressed. The beautiful Indian decor, complete with larger than life statues, combined with the calm, soothing music and soft lighting with lots of candles made for a relaxing,enjoyable evening. The cuisine was superb and artfully served. For anyone who likes Indian food, this place is a must. Voted "Best food in LA 2009" by the LA Times.
(5)
Eater K.
Bear with me - I'm not very well-versed in terms of Indian food, but I found this place to be pretty palatable. (I've had Indian food maybe once before in my life, a single Punjabi meal waaaay back in undergrad.) Went there for lunch one afternoon - they had a buffet for less than ten bucks (score for the struggling assistant), and I ended up liking the food. Apparently Indian food is all about the sauces - I'm not a fan of that yogurt-sauce business, but the other ones were flavorful. Each dish had a very distinct flavor - whether it be the chicken, side of vegetables, the naan, or the goat meat. Service was fine, the decor and ambience agreeable (albeit simple), and the buffet set-up which clearly designated each dish.
(3)
angelo b.
This is easily the best Indian I've had. It is a small menu, but everything is good. Excellent for vegetarians. They wait on you hand and foot, and the cost is pretty low. If you want to go cheap, get two dishes and the lassie drink. Totally authentic. Go check out some of the other reviews of some of the elite members who have ranked this restaurant. One chick down below actually ranked a donut shop higher! The thing that should make you elite is the degree to which your opinion agrees with real food critics, otherwise it is all subjective B.S.
(5)
Swati M.
Its quite over priced for the food it serves. I am a vegetarian & it has very limited options. The food is ok, as in it is not stale or oily, etc. But the taste factor is very low. Their sister concern 'Moksha' is far better. Will defi give this a pass next time.
(2)
Eliza W.
We went here last night and overall had a great experience. The staff were all friendly, and the atmosphere is classy. We had the samosas as an appetizer which were yummy. For main dishes my date had the Goat curry which was a little chewy but had great flavor and I had the vegetable korma enlightenment which was mix up a bunch of different veggies with a very different but equally as good flavor. (We ordered both dishes mild) We also got garlic naan and rice on the side. The Naan was on par with what I've had at other good Indian places. The rice was $5 though, and we probably wouldn't have gotten it if we didn't have a gift certificate. Overall the food was great, though a little pricey, about $50 with tip for 2 people.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
I don't know why this place received a "B" rating from the Health Department, because it kept us from trying it for almost a year. I love Indian food and although I've had much better, I've had much worse, too. The service was very friendly. The buffet reasonable and tasty. I'll be back.
(3)
Joanne R.
I don't mind that the parking situation isn't ideal, because the food here makes it all better. I've gone in small and big groups, and during their lunch buffet hours, and the food will never disappoint. I have a low tolerance for really spicy food so luckily they don't make the food extremely spicy to cater to the American palate. I'm not sure of the names of the dishes and will usually eat anything you put in front of me, so the buffet works perfectly for me. They also have a menu available for the more Indian-food saavy. TIP: The chairs inside are really cushion-y, but top heavy. Don't be surprised if you scoot your chair out and it happens to fall over on the table behind you.
(5)
michelle p.
I really like the food. I really like the decor. But what is up with the lurking staff? Really? 6 people just standing around and learing at the diners? I've eaten here several times over the last few months, and each time it seems there are more staff standing and staring. But the best part of my recent visit? The hostess that swooped into our table as we were leaving, to grab the check folder off the table and start counting the money while we were getting up. Tacky. And considering we paid cash and left a 50% tip on our $100 meal (no alcohol), really tacky. I won't be back, and neither will the rest of my party because of this weirdness. A shame really, beacause the food is good.
(2)
Andy S.
This is a great Indian restaurant. The food is flavorful and delicious. They have a good variety of choices and good service. The restaurant itself is decorated nicely with an Indian theme. Good price! Good Value! There was a couple of things I did not like...1. The temperature was 88 degrees inside the restaurant. 2. The parking lot located behind the restaurant is shared with other business, so parking can be difficult if busy. Thats the ONLY reason I gave it 4 stars, aside from those 2 issues I would have given the restaurant 5 stars.
(4)
Jason D.
Went here last weekend. Made a reservation and they actually had a reserved sign set up for my table when I got there. The place looked nice. I ordered the massala and it was pretty good. The waiter came up every few minutes to make sure everything was well. There was a french couple sitting at the table next to us and they were kind of loud, but I think that's a one time thing. The food was decently priced, but when adding the naan and rice, came out to $25 each.
(4)
Billy B.
I love Indian food. And this place is very reasonable for lunch, with all you can eat, and a good rotating variety of food.
(5)
Bill F.
We liked this place a lot. My girlfiend, her friend and I were walking down Ventura Blvd looking for a place to have dinner and found the Clay Oven. We opted to sit outside by the entrance and watched the cars and people pass by. Very relaxed, the food was good and the staff was very attentive. I'd go back there again!
(3)
Michael A.
In reading some of the reviews it seems that many people are commenting (negatively) on the size of the portions. I can't speak for this because I have never been to this restaurant for dinner, only for the lunch buffet. So, as far as lunch buffets go, I find the food to be of excellent quality and the variety of offerings more than satisfactory. Service is very attentive, too. Both my roommate and I are regulars, and I notice that there are many other loyal repeat customers.
(5)
Cristen W.
Love the lunch buffet. I haven't been for the champagne brunch, just the weekday lunch. But everything I've tried here has been excellent. The staff was very helpful the first time I came here, pointing out everything in the buffet that was vegetarian friendly, and being Indian food, that's mostly everything. They serve these vegetable fritters that taste just like french fries. Don't know how they do it. For dessert, try the Gulab Jamun, or what they call cheese balls. They aren't made of cheese exactly but milk powder and a few other ingredients, but they are soaked in honey and are so good. When they ask, order the Garlic Naan. Going for lunch? Go early. It's a small place and it gets busy.
(5)
Rene M.
So far, this is the best place for Indian food in Sherman Oaks that I've visited. The Samosa are great and the Tikka Masala is best ordered spicy. The service is straight forward and doesn't weird me out all. Cultural differences shouldn't let you miss out really good food. The people are nice and admittedly, the service is a bit slow. But overall, this place is worth a try.
(4)
Johnny N.
Good service, nice place. Good food, parking might be hard at times.
(5)
Melissa S.
If Your in the mood for Indian buffet this is the place to go. There are many choices and everything is great. I've been to other places in the area but clay oven is my fave plus there's a patio outside which is a plus.....
(5)
Kenghis K.
Best bang for your buck on their weekday buffet. Naan served with the meal and the coconut milk based Chicken curry is probably better than their tandoori dishes.
(5)
Erica C.
The lunch buffet is not very extensive but the food is really tasty. I just wish there were more dishes to choose from. And although the servers are nice, it takes them a while to pick up your plates. Just a note, the restaurant is a bit stuffy/warm so you're clothes will be a little stinky when you leave.
(3)
Albert H.
Delivery on time. Price was fair. The Sag Paneer and Chicken Tikka were wonderful. As good as any Indian delivery place I've had. This is the perfect place when you just don't want to think too hard about dinner!
(5)
Dana P.
This place has amazing Indian food, however I have to say that I feel very wierd each time I go there. There has never been too many people there-so all three waiters/staff stare at you. It is a very strange and uncomfortable situation. I am wondering if anyone can relate to this comment. Plus they never smile, so serious. I feel it is too stuffy for me in there and will try to find other places. Too bad.
(3)
Keelee W.
I love this place. I knew of this place for a while before I finally ate here. Before I came here I was a snob and thought it wasn't "hole-in-the-wall" enough to be a REAL good indian place...dumb, i know...anyways, finally gave in and went with coworkers who i planned on saying "I told you so, NOT real authentic good Indian food" at the end of the meal...but I was SOOOO wrong! Awesome Indian food! Turns out, my family had also been introduced to this place around the same time and it is one of our 2 favorite Indian places to go in the valley now! Besides, once I stumbled in on a Sunday and they had a $12.95 ALL YOU CAN EAT CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH!!! AWESOME DEAL!!! I don't know if that's still being offered, but I've been craving to check again on a Sunday! YUM!
(4)
Neda K.
It's a great place for lunch, the food is consistently good. However, if you go for dinner it could be a little pricey for what it is. The staff is nice and the location is easy to find.
(4)
Zoe K.
This restaurant has the worst customer service among all the Indian restaurants we have been too. We went there on a Friday night around 8ish, and it was packed. Not to mention there were only two waiters serving 15 tables. Both waiters was literately running to serve the customers, which is nearly a impossible task. The waiter with the tie (we are assuming he is the manager) had no patience with us, and refused to help us ordering our food. The curries we ordered is very tomato-y. I don't recall the curry dish tastes more like tomato sauce rather than the Indian spices. The average price for a curry dish is $12.95, which is pricey considering the quality of the food. If I could give this restaurant ZERO star rating, I would not hesitate.
(1)
James P.
First off you can't go wrong with the mango Lasis (sp?) and the Mango Chicken ( I like Mango okay) but I always order take out from this place and last time payed almost 19 bucks for a portion of Mango chicken that was not even big enough for one serving. Maybe the portions are larger if you dine in. The food is great, the portions are small and overpriced. Plus I am always not sure what to tip for takeout...
(2)
Chris B.
I've only gotten delivery from them but they offer some of the best damn Chicken Tika Masala I've ever had. Decent sized portions. My only complaint was that for just myself, the entree plus a side of Naan and tomato soup ran about $27 + delivery tip. It is, however, worth every penny.
(4)
Kristen L.
sooo freaking good! and so many vego options as well. i went for the Saturday/Sunday champagne brunch buffet and it was well worth it. the spinach with cheese looks a little questionable but sooo good, as well as the potato and carrots. there's tandoori chicken and these light and crispy sheets of something yummy. to top it all off there's bottomless champagne and warm pita bread. walk it off at Ahhhs gifts across the street and shopping at Buffalo Exchange ... because you're going to need it after eating here!
(5)
JP P.
Fantastic food, even if you don't know how to pronounce it! Dinner is too expensive and the atmosphere too posh for my taste, though. I'll be back to try the lunch buffet...
(4)
Rodolfo S V.
Clay Oven is a nice Indian restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere that is helpful when you want to escape the bustling atmosphere on Sherman Oaks' Ventura Blvd. Though I tend to say this about every Indian restaurant, I recommend going for the lunch buffet because it is cheaper than ordering dinner. The buffet has a great selection of dishes ranging from chicken tikka to seafood curry. I went for the Sunday Brunch special they have which is just as good, they brew fresh chai tea that smells great, and even include complimentary champagne! If you do happen to go in for dinner though, I recommend ordering a Thali plate (combination) which includes salad, rice, any choice of vegetable, and choice of meat. The Thali is a bit pricey but you will get your money's worth. They also offer great specials for couples and groups as well. The only particular issue I have with this restaurant is that the food needs to be a little spicier but they probably have to turn the heat down a notch on their food because gringos probably complain that they can't handle it, but at least it's not bland. Overall, Clay Oven is expensive but it's well worth it.
(4)
Danielle G.
The Champagne Brunch (ok, now i'm starting to look like I have a slight champagne problem) is really great! So are the lunch buffets! They have a variety of choices and they keep their food fresh and well stocked. The Vegetable Korma is delicious and the Garlic Naan is perfect! They offer a delivery service too, so if you live in the area have the smell of Curry in your house as dinner guests arrive, They'll think you are SKILLED! The price is not too bad for Ventura Blvd., and it's worth every bite:)
(5)
J G.
This place is a major rip-off! Some friends and I got charged $9.90 for 2 portions of rice!!
(1)
terra d.
you can get the best deal if you order the vegetarian combo (there is also a meat combo) for around 15 bucks. you can choose any two veggie dishes and it comes with a salad (albeit its a pathetic one but still...), naan, that yogurt sauce and all the rice you can eat (read: too much). i thought it was delicious... but the atmosphere was ehhh.
(4)
brett s.
great indian buffet for nine bucks. naan was cooked perfect and the chicken masala was awsome. If they dont have masala that day, there will be a dish that is almost identical that they call something else.......
(4)
Sean M.
Not my favorite Indian joint but the fact that it is open late and all makes it worth the trip the food is good but not great. The service is very good though.....
(3)
spiderman L.
this was the best indian food i've had since i was living in south africa, where the indian food is great and plentiful. it's one of those hole in the wall places that you wouldn't think too much about but believe me, you will be glad you went! i HIGHLY recommend the vegetable briyani. so yummy. and the service is great too :) and the prices are definitely reasonable
(5)
crystal c.
Clay Oven has great indian food. They remodeled the whole place it looks great! They have the best buffet in town. The yellow daal was great!
(5)
Vijay M.
this is a very good family place to eat. very friendly people. good food but can get better. same kind of curry for all the dishes. they can improve on that. other wise every thing is good.
(3)
Galen O.
This place gets 4 stars for great food. If you can overlook no frills service (putting it nicely) then you'll be perfectly happy with your meal here. We've only come here for dinners and every time the food has been great. It's very flavorful, you'll definitely notice the difference between this place and the others. We typically order the Tikka's (usually chicken) and the vegetarian dishes. Last time we had Bhindi Masala (Okra) which was fantastic. Oh we always get garlic naan which is made fresh and its tasty. The prices are reasonable, but the serving sizes are a bit on the small side. If it isn't lunch and you're used to gorging on Indian buffets you might want to order one more dish that you typically would :)
(4)
B Q.
Wowsers pretty much sums up the deliciousness of the Clay Oven! From the service, the bread to even the water it's an a+ all around!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
April A.
The food is good, same owner as Moksha, I like the sunday buffet
(4)
Rose Marlene J.
YUM! lskjdflksj! Hooray! Oh man. Okay so I just recently moved to the Sherman Oaks area. I despaired of finding an amazing Indian place (for no other reason than I am a pessimist.. or a realist if you're feeling generous). However, as good fortune would have it, I moved into a home just down the street from Clay Oven and decided to try dinner a la cart one night. Best decision I ever made! I won't waste time talking about decor because who cares when the food is amazing? The servers are attentive and one in particular seems to linger. Normally this is creepy but I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say it's because he wants to savor the joy present at our table. Paneer tikka masala. Amazing. Creamy, savory, salty, delicious. Get it with the paneer naan (no, that's not too much cheese). If you're lactose intolerant, it's worth the stomachache. Trust me. I've also tried some of the vegetarian dishes which are all delicious. I'm not too hot about the appetizers but that may be because I'm a pakora snob. (A pakora is India's response to American fried food). I've also tried their buffet quite a few times and have yet to be disappointed. It is such an amazing steal at $10!! Plus, I had the delight of being seated next to two PORN DIRECTORS during lunch one day (this is the valley after all) and not only enjoyed my delicious meal but a savory eavesdrop on their conversation. Needless to say, their buffet attracts all types of business people! I will leave you with a parting gift: Clay Oven participates in Restaurant.com's promotions. For $10, you get a gift certificate for $25!! Sign up with Restaurant.com and they'll send you promo codes like everyday and you'll end up only spending about $2 on the $25 gift certificate! I knooooow, right?!
(5)
S. S.
We love Indian food. We tried this place over Christmas holiday. We can recommend this restaurant with one caveat. The TIKA MASALA sauce tasted almost EXACTLY like the KORMA sauce. They should not taste anywhere near the same. Tika should be a smokey tangy tomatoey sauce with a little bite. Korma should be creamy and lighter (but not heavy). We ordered Chicken Tika Masala and Chicken Korma.... Yes, I could taste the tomoatoey flavor of the Tika (but barely, and the color was faintly pink). They did both taste great though. Really nice flavor (same flavor). So, it's not that we didn't enjoy them; they were well-prepared. We will try this restaurant again, in case they were just having an off day or a new cook. Samosa's... some of the best we've had!! Naan... better than average selection, really nice. Service.... good (tho they are not overly friendly) Atmosphere... nice. Prices... average for Indian food. We will definitely try it again.
(3)
Sara C.
I ordered take-out once and the dish was just so-so. Wouldn't run back.
(3)
M T.
This place is fantastic! The food is always great and the service is the same. They are reasonably priced for what is offered. They have 2 other resturaunts with different names. I have been to the one in Canoga Park, it is nothing short than this one. Always having a great selection of entrees to choose from keeps me coming back, something new. I have enjoyed their buffet countless times, as well as having ordered from the regular menu. The environment is nice and there is often plenty of people there when I go. You will not be disappointed, enjoy!
(5)
Tammy P.
Food here is amazing - yum, their coconut chicken curry with cheese and garlic naan. Also they take Restaurant.com certs, that is such an affordable way to go! Try this place, great ambiance and consistently great food!
(4)
Cynthia Q.
I really like the lunch buffet during the week. $8.99 all you can eat Indian food. Yummy! The selection is minimal but if your the type who can enjoy a good cup of dal, some tikka masala, and some basmati rice, this place would be sufficient. Not the best spot, but good for the price.
(3)
Taisiya S.
This place is horrible. I'm really very shocked that it has gotten any good reviews at all. I lived in Sherman Oaks about 6 years ago and had went there a few times, I remembered that there was some reason that I didn't like it, but II couldn't remember why and I figured it had been so long that it might have changed. WRONG! Before I even get into talking about the food let me mention that the chairs in this place are horrible. Perhaps they have fixed them by now, but I sat down and mine wobbled. I know I shouldn't laugh, but while eating dinner, someone at a nearby table actually sat down and fell!! Ok...I'm mean. It was funny, but outrageous too, if that was me I would have been fuming. The food wasn't that great at all, I thought it was overpriced for the quality. I eat at a lot of different Indian Restaurants and this one has been the worst by far. Now the staff... Although there were about 6 of them standing around it took forever to get things like refills on water, soda, etc and I didn't feel the service was good at all. So considering the food, the price, the service and the possibility of hurting yourself not to mention humiliating yourself by falling in their broken chairs, I would say...go somewhere else.
(1)
Chris C.
Place is ok. Pretty run-of-the-mill Indian joint along Ventura. No complaints, but no big compliments either.
(3)
SYD V.
Went with the English husband who said the Indian food was the best we've had in L.A. so far! Chicken tikka masala, vegetable korma and aloo gobi was delicious. Also, don't know why some people below said portions are small - the dishes come in deep big bowls (not the usual oval shallow ones) with votives underneath to keep your dish warm. Wasn't the cheapest meal, but you get what you pay for. PS - $2 for $25 of food on restaurant.com through June!
(5)
Erika C.
This is a great Indian restaurant, especially after their renovations, it's a great little spot to come hang out at. My boyfriend and I come here at least 2 times a month. Love the food! IF you live in the area or just visiting and looking for a lil spice, this is the restaurant you wanna go to. If you dare, try the "indian spice", it's completely separate from the normal mild medium hot.... i didnt even know it was possible for food to be that spicy.....
(5)
Jerry T.
Came here for Saturday lunch buffet based on my spouse's vague memory that it was pretty good. Sad to say, her memories didn't jive with our experience this time. The curries were dilute to the point of blandness; the veggie dishes soggy and tasteless. The best part of the meal was the sliced oranges for dessert. The generally benevolent reviews for this place are as deluded as those for Taj Mahal on the Westside. Yelp reviewers as a whole are NOT to be trusted when it comes to rating Indian food. The good news is that, instead of relying on some vague memories, we now have fresh, vivid ones that will remind us that the next time we're hankering for some Indian food in Sherman Oaks to avoid this place.
(1)
Andrew G.
I LOVE the food here! The coconut curry is amazing and the samosas are also really good. I gave a 4 out of 5 only because my first experience there was 5 stars because I got delivery and it came fast. The second time I went, I ate there. DO NOT GET THE SKINNY WAITER!!! It took over an hour after ordering to get my food. The people next to us ordered at the same time, and some how they got their food, finished, and left before we even got our appetizers! It wasn't a pleasant visit but again the food was AMAZING! I will still go back just because the food is that good. :)
(4)
Manoj N.
Surprisingly very good Indian food. Friend and I went for the lunch buffet today and choices were excellent. Not only the number of choices but the food tasted really good. The chicken curry and biryani rice was so good. The staff is friendly too. For $9.95 buffet this is a steal.
(4)
Cool H.
Good Food and Ambience, Would recommend if anyone wants to try Indian food for 1st time or loves Indian food in general, We tried vegetarian stuff- liked Shahi Paneer ..Peshawari Naan (Sweet)..
(4)
Akemi T.
OMG, it was sooooo delicious! I ordered Chicken Koma, and my husband ordered Lamb Tika Masala with garlic naan and some rice. I've been to a few Indian restaurants, but Clay Oven rocked the hardest! My friend is an Indian food snob. I've got to take him to Clay Oven and let him know what he's been missing. I can't wait to go back to dine there again.
(5)
Boj o.
We had a great dining experience at this place. The food was delightful! It was fresh and have lots of flavor. The chicken curry was the best! Creamy and the spiciness was just right. The chicken was cooked right and it was tender. The grilled meats (chicken, ground beef, and lamb) was tasty, juicy and tender. The food were all served in good-size (enough) portions. The people who served us were polite and attended to our needs very well and even when we do not need it (not to a point that is annoying). They also allowed us to sit wherever we wanted to sit, which really made us feel comfortable. Parking may be a dilemma. Another great dining experience for us. Highly recommended. A+++++++
(5)
Rick N.
Good sometimes really good but nothing great. And bit pricey
(3)
Cindy W.
I'm a huge fan of Indian food so when a friend was raving about this place, I had to try it. Generally when you dine at an Indian restaurant, the dishes are way overpriced for what you actually get. This place was no exception. Each dish was anywhere from 10-15 on average, and usually you would order that plus some sides so you're looking on over $20 a person for one meal. I ordered their combination plate which was decent considering you received quite an array of items which I liked. The food was very good. The service is very good too! I will definitely have to come back here to try their lunch buffet and their Sunday brunches.
(4)
Michael C.
big flavors, amazing masalas, and super good naan. the clay oven knows how to cook up some good indian food with wonderful aromas and even better flavors. portions are pretty small and its a bit pricey but overall it was a pleasant experience although it was a bit dark??? everything has to be ordered seperately but thats normal when it comes to indian restaurants. i think that there is a weekday buffet for lunch which would have been a great option but i went for dinner and it comes out to around 20 bucks a person and for indian food thats pretty pricey. the food is delicious, but i like my indian food quick and dirty and the clay oven is neither. i prefer the hole in the wall joints like india sweet and spice on venice. its quick its dirty and even more importantly its cheap. a couple of samosas, a simple vegetarian masala and i'm a happy camper.
(3)
Paula L.
I came here for their lunch buffet and was pleasantly surprised by the taste of the food. There wasn't a huge selection and the buffet was small, but I thought the food was pretty good. The service was also great. The waiter was very attentive and was there with everything that we needed. The only problem with this place is the location. It is always hard trying to find parking in this area unless you park a block away at one of the local parking structures.
(3)
Kitty B.
The mushroom matar at this place is heaven. I CRAVE it. Their garlic naan is pretty good, but ive had better. The staff has seemed a bit annoyed when I called in to pick up on occasion, but are very friendly when you sit down to eat. Oh, and btw, one order of the mushroom matar feeds two.
(4)
AJ R.
I have to admit, I haven't tried Indian Food very often, as a matter of fact it's been a couple of years because I didn't have a good experience at a different place. I came here based on a recommendation and I was pleased. The service was good and the food seemed fresh. I loved their cilantro chicken, the rice, and lentils. You cannot beat the buffet for $9.95. The garlic nom was awesome. I also liked the sweet rice desert. I tried almost everything. The tandori chicken had a good flavor, but was a little dry for my taste. I would come here again and try a few more things.
(4)
Samantha L.
Went for the Sunday Champagne buffet....so, so good!! Everything was fresh and delicious, and there were really a lot of options. The naan was crispy and hot, brought out fresh to the table, and the champage was a tasty touch...and all you can eat for only $9.95! I'll definitely be going back, I'm just mad I didn't try this place sooner!
(5)
Jaci H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Get the Mango Chicken Masala - It's so good I would lick the bowl if it were acceptable. :)
(5)
Richard D.
This place is great. I've eaten in and taken out. I try to have something different every time. I can't say I haven't been disappointed over the past 4 years.
(4)
Summer S.
$9.95 weekday lunch buffet, you are my friend!!!! I didn't even intend to go to the clay oven...I was walking around the neighborhood getting some shopping done when I realized that I was STARVING...and that Clay Oven was across the street with a giant lunch buffet banner flapping in the breeze, beckoning me towards it. With the knowledge that ANY Indian restaurant will have at least one vegan dish I headed in. Now, I would have rated this particular buffet as merely average if it weren't for ONE thing (which I will get to in a moment)- it had your standard fare, most of which I didn't pay much attention to given it's meatiness, but as for the veg items, there was some yellow dal, sag paneer, basmati rice, salad, fruit, naan, a whole vat of mint chutney (my favorite condiment of all time!) and...here is the clincher...VEGAN SPICY BEEF! WHAT?!" Seriously, this was the last thing I expected- it is SO rare to find faux meat products outside of strictly vegetarian restaurants that I found myself staring at the serving platter in complete denial that it was actually soy beef. I asked an employee and she reassured me that it was, 100% animal free. SCORE! I piled my plate full of rice, dal and soy-meat, filled up a little bowl with mint chutney and chowed until I couldn't chow any longer. The stuff was GOOD. I was HAPPY! I'm only pulling one star off the review because when I asked if they had the soy beef dish everyday she said 'No', it's rare and only when the chef decides to make it. Bummer. Without it the buffet is just a run of the mill Indian buffet. I suppose your best bet, if you are dead set on trying this stuff, is to call ahead of time to see if or when they will be serving it next. Maybe we can beg them to serve it all the time!
(4)
Rose T.
I have only been to the Clay Oven for dinner, so I cannot speak on behalf of anything lunch related. Food: First off, the pre-meal goodies are amazing. The sweet spread is something I want to buy a bottle of (I always forget to ask). Everything I've ever ordered here has been delicious. The chicken tandori is perfect. The lamb marsala is amazing. The samosas are crisp on the outside and perfectly seasoned on the inside. Sadly, all the items on the dessert menu contain dairy. The service is perhaps *too* good. My boyfriend could hardly take a drink of water without someone rushing over to fill it back to the bring. I am an avid iced tea fan, and the tea was good, the refills were frequent, and they have a good selection of sweetener options. We come here whenever we're in the mood for Indian, because it's reasonable in price, delicious, and we've never had to wait to be seated.
(4)
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Address :14611 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Whitey O.
We always ask for the garlic nan extra crispy. Remember to arrive early. Be one of the first at 11:30 AM to serve yourself on a pleasantly organized buffet line. Mint chutney, chai tea, and fresh fruit, rice pudding for dessert in addition to all of the fabulous buffet items. Parking is a breeze. Enter from the back just off of the large parking lot. Easy alley access to the back entrance and parking lot will always be my suggestion.
(5)Dave M.
We really like this place and went to go there for lunch today only to find out it's closed. It says it will be reopening under another name at a later point. Hopefully it's just as good!
(4)Breann C.
Clay Oven needs a lot of improvement: -The service was absolutely horrible. You better pray you don't get the black-haired waitress. She'll make you wish you'd never come. If she forgets to bring you your drink, don't mention it- you can do without her passive aggressiveness. -The food was ok, not the best, not the worst. -The ambience was nice, but for the price and service, don't waste your time.
(2)Vicki V.
Went here today with friends. Just wanted to update that the store has changed names to Tamarind! The food and menu is still the same, just under a different name. Clay oven is technically still opened, just under a new name.
(4)Kristen C.
CONS: Well, we had 2 waiters, a man and a woman. The woman was great and on point; the man, however, forgot everything we ordered with him. We were the only ones in the restaurant. He asked my friend if she would like another beer, she said yes, and then he walked off. No beer. Waited 15 minutes then we paid the bill and left. Don't order a cocktail or anything they have to make, as it doesn't seem that a real bartender is on staff. PROS: The food is amazing and the only reason they got 4 stars. Otherwise I would have given 1 star. I don't know that I'll be back. Ls
(4)Row Z.
I was a regular customer at Clay Oven and were disappointed when I saw them closing down a couple of weeks ago. But soon there was a sign that they will be opening under a new name and new ownership. Today my wife and I had lunch there. The new name is Tamarind. Some of the old employees still work there. They have changed the floor, put a fresh paint on the walls, and rearranged the buffet area. They have a larger variety of food now and the quality is even better than what it was before. I am happy once again. Or even happier. Love this place.
(5)Heather G.
I liked this place the first time I came for the lunch buffet, enough to come back and try it again. This second time around the food was just ok, a little under-seasoned, but the service was just terrible this visit. There was no one to great you, so people either stood around, or went ahead with the buffet. Then, it took twice as long to get the bill than it did to eat the food. A $10.95 buffet is too much for ok food and poor service. I'll be looking for a new Indian place in the area. :(
(2)Fred L.
They have closed down . Tamarindin is moving in Looks like an Indian restaurant.Hope it is as good as Clay Oven was
(4)Barry S.
This place used to rock.. They must have changed management.. Lamb vindaloo was orders spicy.. Instead it was just really salty.. Cauliflower had too many onions.. Saffron rice was different ( main reason I loved this place).. Kinda greasy with too many green beans .. Mango lassi was good.. Ugh.. I'll know in 3 hours if the salt was for the foul lamb.. No Indians in the place who is weird for and Indian Resturant .. Just 2 Hispanics .. I was disappointed although my friend liked his..
(2)Fei Z.
We've been to this place a handful number of times and it is still our favorite Indian restaurant in the area. We love their lamb chops. Buffets are ok but we like to order off the menu because the dishes just taste better.
(4)Hana A.
Food is pretty good but it took soooo long to get our food. We waited around thirty minutes, which is why I'm docking a star. I'm not sure what was going on but I noticed all the customers were waiting quite a bit for their food. Ordered the aloo paratha- just ok. There was a floury aftertaste I didn't like. Spicy lamb vindaloo was great. Very flavorful and lamb was fork tender. Spicy yellow dal was pretty good although it was more watery than what I'm used to. Sweet lassi was really good although kind of thick. I'm used to it being more watery. Basmati rice was pretty good- it seems they added some parsley. The complimentary appetizer was great, not too heavy and came with chutney sauce.
(3)Rafa C.
I really liked the food here. The customer service was good and the ambience was pleasant. I went for an early dinner at 5 pm so it was not very busy which made my experience even better. Not only was the food tasty but it was very light and easy on my stomach. Definitely recommend this place.
(4)Faith C.
We were overcharged and it was rude. We were a party of six and only four ate. We were charged for six people plus gratuity- as if they did anything more than offer us water. It wasn't at all the kind of problem I want to have to fight in front of my friends but it wasn't right to charge us as much as they did for as little as we got. Love the food, but I won't be returning.
(1)Sophack S.
Very solid lunch buffet place, but also a good place for dinner. Lunch Buffet: Chicken biryani served at this time is real good. When ordered a la cart it's even better. They also have the standard chicken tikka masala for curries which is somewhat sweeter than a person would normally like, but better than most places I have tried. When they have saag paneer, it's also a go to item. When ordering for dinner those same things from lunch are solid options, but verge out differently and get the chili chicken. Again, slightly sweet, but not overbearing and does have that bit of heat. The chicken tikka from the clay over is also a good item. Marinated and decent spices applied. Overall solid place with some tendencies for the typical tastes, but some standouts of those usual indian dishes.
(3)Ramya R.
Okay so first off, the area is crowded. You need to find a parking spot and pay for it (metered). I went there to do a pick-up of my order. Not so welcoming staff and pretty lazy. Chicken Biriyani tasted good but I was surprised that there was no raitha or anything with it. Chicken Pakora looked and tasted good. Reduced 2 stars for the unfriendly staff!
(3)Aiello Global Foods L.
This was my 2nd time @ the Clay Oven. Today I enjoyed their daily Lunch Buffet. Tandoori chicken was very tasty & juicy. Everything was delicious & the lunch special price point is Very reasonable I highly recommend if you 're craving Curry, check out Clay Oven!
(4)Evan S.
Dear Clay Oven, I love you so much. I decided to try another place today and it was terrible. Please forgive me. I will never go to another Indian restaurant for as long as I live. You are the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Tonight I'm crying into this awful Chicken Tikka Masala wishing it was yours.
(5)Sara E.
Gave it another shot. I don't know... It still isn't quite doing it for me anymore. We ordered the three-course mean for two of us. I guess it was all you can eat? It came with samosas, three pots (chicken tikka masala, saag paneer and dahl), naan, rice, chai, and rice pudding. Overall a decent deal. However, at no point did we ask for another round of anything. It was a lot of food! When we were done we asked for a box for the leftovers. The waiter said that he could not wrap it up since it is all-you-can-eat. I asked him if they were just going to throw it away? He said yes. I will never ever understand this logic. If I had said "there are children starving in India" would that have been inappropriate? ;) They should consider changing their policy. It's a horrible waste. Or maybe offer the dinner without the all-you-can-eat option because really, how much can you really eat?? The food is still just kind of meh lately. The samosas were rock hard on the outside and the chai was nothing to write home about.
(2)Jonathan D.
I've come here for the buffet a number of times, but the review is for my most recent visit, today at lunch. To be honest, I remember this restaurant being better. It's definitely not bad, but it seems like there are not quite as many choices as before. There was the customary tandoori chicken (decent flavor but a bit dry), chicken tikka masala (a little bland), saag paneer (pretty tasty), a string beans and potato dish (all right but again a little bland), chicken biryani. I believe there was a lentil dish, some fish pakoras and a fried cauliflower dish. The cauliflower was ok, but sitting in a buffet for a while, isn't super crispy. The goat curry, on the other hand, was quite tasty and surprisingly meaty. Service wasn't bad, though when we came back from getting dessert, the dirty plates were still there. Dessert itself wasn't my favorite. There was a mango rice pudding that tasted like mango lassi with rice in it and was way too sweet, and a carrot halwa that was a tad dry. It's a comfortable place, though they need to rearrange the buffet, because as things stand, it's not set up particularly efficiently (plates and rice in the middle, so you have to push past people getting food to get at them). All in all, it's fine, but nothing too special. If it weren't convenient to meeting my friend, I wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)marlena s.
What a disappointment. We're new to the area and love Indian food so couldn't wait for our meal to arrive. There wasn't one dish that was good. I feel bad writing a negative review but I always read reviews of places before I try them. Maybe this will help someone. People that think this is good Indian food have never had good Indian food.
(1)Nahal K.
Nope! I will pass. Celebrated my sisters birthday here and the only thing that was good was their pickled carrots and chili and our family and friends. They are overpriced and the portions are extremely small. Not to mention we felt rushed even though we were the only party in the whole restaurant.
(2)JB K.
My boyfriend and I came for Saturday champagne brunch. The champagne was drinkable and the food tasted ok, but I didn't feel it was worth the cost. The dish options were the least expensive menu items (all chicken dishes). The service was lacking. There was no attention and we had to stop a waiter every time we wanted a refill, more bread, etc. There was not enough rice for all the customers, there wasn't enough rice pudding, etc. And worse, both my boyfriend and I had "digestive issues" after eating our meal. We will not be coming here again.
(2)Jay A.
Enjoyed a delicious lunch here today with 2 business associates. We decided to have the buffet which looked terrific. There were some exceptional items on today's buffet. The Fish Pakora was perfectly seasoned and fried. The flavor was lovely. The Saag Paneer was fresh and flavorful, precisely how this classic vegetarian dish is supposed to be prepared. The rice pudding (kheer) was surprisingly in it's own outstanding class. With my lunch I had a sweet lassi. It was okay, maybe too foamy for my taste. Would be nice if they added some dal or anything soupy/liquid to the buffet offering. However, everything I tasted today was quite good and clearly a solid 4 star experience. Place was comfortable, parking available in back and/or on the street and the staff were pleasant. This was my second time dining here. It was better today then I had remembered from last time. And yes - I will be back soon!
(4)Tom M.
This place is damn good. We order it about once a week for delivery. The curries are all good, and the naan is really fresh. Make sure to order rice! The guy who delivers the food is also super nice, so be sure to tip well.
(5)Lotem B.
Been here a few times since I moved to this area.... It is now time to write a review about this place.. Really wanted to mention quickly their buffett.... Which is 'happening' every day - Deffo check that out!! Anyways, their food always seems fresh, the meats are always well cooked and the seasoning is always spot on... Took my mum here last Friday and she is a Spicy Hot Freak and was disappointed with the level of spiciness... I guess they have to be careful with people like me, i guess, who are sensitive to Spice/ Hot? Portions are decently sized, but it was a bit of a 'bummer' that we had to order the rice and naan as an addition, which obviously has contributed at the bill (Which was at $65ish for 2 people) A place to come to, yes.. Definitely a strong one but don't think it's THE place to for the "ultimate" Indian...
(4)Lance P.
The food is tasty, but i asked for spicy and it literally felt like instead of spicing it, they just dumped chili flakes. i've ordered here often, but unfortunately, i dont think i'll get anything from them for a while.
(2)Jaimie L.
Great Indian restaurant that was recommended to me by a coworker. Excellent service and cute and trendy ambiance. The price is slightly higher than other Indian restaurants, but the quality of the food definitely makes up for it. The samosas and naan were hot and so freshly made. I also ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Curry...I was a bit hesitant on ordering two items with similar consistency but was definitely surprised by the distinction in the flavors. Flavors are so authentic. I've heard a lot about the lunch buffet here, and definitely will come give it a try to get more variety.
(5)Ricky J.
I stopped in yesterday after several years, for an early lunch buffet. Food was good as I remembered it. The only set back was the food wasn't that hot. Wierd because the buffet had just opened!
(4)Sandeep S.
Very Expensive and less quantity... Not better for groups and service is very slow ( only one server in whole restaurant ). So I think better visit before 3 because after 3 you need to order from menu which cost you near about $13 dish ( equal to whole buffet )
(2)Manna D.
We ordered some Goat (Mutton), Vegetable Jalfrezi and the Naan Basket. The food was great. They said 45 minutes but delivered it in a little less than 30 minutes. Very happy with the experience.
(5)Ellen C.
The flavors of India unite at Clay Oven to provide Tikka Masala and Vindaloo for extraordinary depths of spices and heat. The basmati rice is fluffy and mildy fragrant. The chicken, lamb, or whatever meat you choose is tender and rich with flavor. The garlic naan is abundant with garlic flavors, crispy, and chewy. Service can lack in quality, but their $10 buffets Monday through Friday makes up for it all.
(5)Eric F.
Don't expect top flight Indian food anywhere in LA outside of Artesia, since Gaylord's closed. With this in mind, as far a decent places go... Clay Oven in Sherman Oaks is great. First off... I have eaten here for dinner twice, and both times is was merely okay. But I have also eaten here a dozen times for Indian Buffet lunch... and that has consistently been a much better experience. Once reason why is that most Indian food is slop... delicious slop. But slop cooks in a pot for hours and even days. Very little is cooked fresh to order. Thus, at dinner time, one is serve the very same "slopy stews and curries that have been simmering all day for the buffet's. I have no problem with this. The longer it cooks the better it tastes. What I do have a problem with is that the very same dish that is one of twenty during the brunch, for $9.99 all you can eat, is served at dinner for $17.99 for one portion. And every Indian restaurant does this. Do they think we don't notice? I love Indian food. That said... here are the dishes that send me soaring at the lunch buffet: Butter Chicken (essentially chicken chunks served in a curried tomato soup), Chicken Tiki Masala (similar to the first but with yogurt and more spices, plus the chicken is prepared Tondoori style), Mater Paneer (curried peas with chunks of Indian farmer's cheese), Saag Paneer (the same only with spinach), Papadam (fried paper thin lentil pancake), Samosa (a British style pasty crust stuffed with potatoes and peas,,, and sometimes lamb,,, and served with chutneys), aloo gobi (curried cauliflower), goat curry (in a dark brown spicy curry sauces... and goat is similar to lamb only tougher and stringer), Pakora (breaded fried califlower and other vegetables served with chutneys), Bastmati rice pilaf, Naan bread, and finally Chicken Tandoori (whole chicken covered in yogurt and spices and slowly baked at a low heat in a clay oven until the meant turns orange). There are other items on the buffet but these are my favorites... and most of them are served at any buffet you go to. Things that set Clay Oven above the rest are that you get free Masala tea (black tea with spices, burnt milk, and lots of sugar), a bottomless cup. Also, on weekends you get bottomless Champagne as well. Also there is at least one desert if not three. And the service is good. So... for buffet, I recommend India Clay Oven
(4)Viola V.
We had an Indian food craving but didn't want to leave the house. Clay Oven hit the spot! Best indian food delivery I think I've ever had in the area. Food was delicious, fresh, and packed well so it was still piping hot when it arrived 45 minutes after ordered. The saag paneer and baingan bharta were standouts. But the tandoori chicken was juicy and flavorful too. Looking forward to the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
(4)Shani F.
Great food fresh and at a reasonable price. I have only ordered for pick up but will definitely go in to eat.
(3)Orsolya D.
I'm very superstitious when it comes to New Year's Eve. Perhaps it is because I am always so desperate for the new year to be better than the last (I've had a tough few years). I tend to think that my evening is a metaphor for the way my upcoming year will "play out". If this is true, then my zen dinner at Clay Oven on New Year's Eve is an indication of a calming (and satisfying) 2013. Clay Oven is one of the many (and I stress 'many') eateries located on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks. Seemingly casual and inconspicuous; Clay Oven reveals a classy establishment with beautiful dark wood carvings, Hindu statues, deep colors, spacious rooms, and spa-like calming music. Even the bathroom is beautiful. Long story short: Clay Oven is perfect for a casual meal or a romantic date without the up-tight vibe of some other Sherman Oaks restaurants. My boyfriend and I opted for an early (very early) dinner on New Year's Eve, having other plans in the evening. We made reservations for 4:45 (just in case other people were planning to eat early). Clay Oven instantly welcomed us on a first name basis and had a perfect booth waiting for us with a "RESERVED" sign. To say the least, we were off on a good note (although I must note that Clay Oven is a bit chilly for ladies dressed in skimpy attire). Priyansh, our waitress, was immediately an absolute doll and complimented our appearance for the evening. We began with a standard Mango Lassi ($3.95) to sip on while making our orders. Garnished with a cherry and an orange slice, the Lassi was terrific: not too thick or thin, with a great flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. It was guzzled down within seconds while nibbling on the complimentary papapdums with chutney. The Clay Oven offers "family-style" eating in beautiful hot pots. For our meal, we ordered Lamb Tikka Masala ($15.95), Saag Paneer ($12.95), Chicken Coconut Curry ($13.95) and Garlic Naan ($2.95). The only negative was the food prep time. However, I suppose the wait was worth it as the meal (when it finally arrived) was beautifully presented, consisted of huge portions (we shared everything and had a ton of leftovers), and was amazingly delicious. The Saag Paneer was the best Saag Paneer I've ever tasted with spiced spinach and tender cheese chunks (although it could have used more cheese). The Lamb Tikka Masala was a wonderful switch-up to standard chicken with a thick sauce, tender and moist lamb, and the perfect combination of spices. While the Chicken Coconut Curry warmed my stomach with its creamy, coconut base and chunks of soft chicken; I sopped up the sauce with the Garlic Naan which was flaky with crunchy edges and had just the right amount of garlic. The meal was extraordinary and some of the best Indian I've had. It should be noted that Clay Oven offers various levels of spiciness. Although I adore extreme spices, my boyfriend does not so we simply went with "spicy". Even this was enough to make his nose run and satisfy my spice cravings so be careful when choosing the spice level. Customer service was terrific the entire evening, as Priyansh took photos of us without complaint, gave us a New Year's Eve hat, and took back the Onion Kulcha ($3.95) which we didn't quite like without huffing and puffing. Clay Oven also offered all New Year's Eve diners small chutes of champagne on the house. If you are a big eater (or simply want to sample several plates); Clay Oven has a daily buffet M-F from 11:30am-3pm ($9.95) or a Sat-Sun Champagne Brunch (also 11:30-3) for $12.95. They also cater for your company events or parties. Overall, the Clay Oven doesn't disappoint with its beautiful interior, great ambiance, wonderful service, and delicious food/portions. Hopefully, these are metaphors for my upcoming year (but make sure to check them out no matter what time of year).
(5)N K.
One of my favorite restaurants on the blvd. We moved into the area a year ago and it has become a staple for my husband and I. The best part of us becoming so acquainted with the restaurant, is we can call in advance for dine in when we're in a pinch for time and our food is ready once we get there (for dinner). The customer service is immaculate. The food is spot on and I always end up eating more than I can handle...because I can't stop myself. My favorite dish is matar paneer but substituting the sauce for shahi paneer sauce. You have to try it (with naan)!!! I know a little about Indian food (actually a lot) and this place is definitely at the top of the charts for me. Enjoy!!!
(5)Nancy B.
Just the right spot for your Indian lunch buffet fix. A close friend and I wandered in here on a Saturday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised by the lunch buffet offering. For about $13 bucks each, we had garlic naan, delicious buffet (with all the mandatory fixin's), and bottomless champagne! The service was pretty good and my friend and I were allowed to gab on and on in our catch-up girl talk without being rushed in any way.
(4)zach r.
Parked in the lot behind the building. We entered through the back and dined in. Each ordered the buffet and one side of garlic naan. The buffet included, chicken tikka masala, white rice, tandoori chicken, curry, vegetable & chicken pakora. It really hit the spot! We both will be returning.
(4)Patti H.
Absolutely love this place. Food is awesome and you just can't beat the price for an amazing buffet. Make sure you try the rice pudding.
(5)Arthur D.
Superb. Had the clay oven fish which was just wonderful. Unique taste with a slight bite - not your common fish dish - very well done. Our other selection was an eggplant selection. Topped off with the spinach filled naan, all in all a wonderful dinner. We are fans.
(5)Amy L.
I had a very enjoyable experience at this restaurant! I'm sorry to hear some of the other people did not share that but as far as I'm concerned the atmosphere is great, the food was really good, and although the prices were a little on the high side the portions were so generous that I was able to have another whole meal the next day. I really enjoyed how they served the food in beautiful deep copper bowls sitting atop a burner to keep the food warm. I would very much recommend this restaurant.
(5)Received Da P.
I had been at this location many times in the past 9 years. but today...The buffet was shit! I informed the woman that was the day manager/owner who was a (Rude inconsiderate bitch) of my experience,, ( I was not as direct as I am being now mind you) she just glared at me at said that they have had the same chef, the same menu and just walked away. In addition, the AC was at 80 degrees...
(1)Shanel J.
My husband and I love Indian food and this place serves very tasty Indian food! Love the decor and very friendly staff! We love coming here!
(5)Svetlana S.
My group and I placed an order over the phone. The guy helping us out had somewhat of a difficult time understanding us, but he still made our experience an easy and enjoyable one. Chicken tikka masala: Very good, but the chicken was a bit dry in the middle and we got very few pieces of chicken in our order. Shrimp curry: Also very good, but we only got like 4-5 pieces of shrimp in the entire order. For the amount they charge for this item, I would expect quite a few more helpings of the shrimp. Garlic naan: Very good especially with the green mint sauce they give you on the side. Vegetable samosa: 5 stars for sure. Huge portion and super filling so I suggest just getting one per person. Plain rice: A bit on the expensive side, but one helping serves roughly 2-4 people. I was super excited to try the sag paneer since our friends kept raving about it, but for some reason it was missing in our order. We only noticed when we were already home after having picked up our food. Luckily though we didn't get charged for it. Overall, the food was great. Absolutely no complaints about that, but it is overly priced and they skimp on the shrimp/chicken which was really disappointing. It is A-OK in my book and if I am ever in the area again, I will surely stop by, but I won't go out of my way for it.
(3)Priyanka B.
Really good Indian food and great service. They are very busy but they really take care of their guests. We were a large group and tried a lot of things: 1) chicken tikka - very juicy chicken 2) sheekh kabob - grilled to perfection 3) saag chicken - chicken curry with spinach, nicely cooked, tender chicken, just the right amount of spices 4) mutter paneer - cottage cheese with peas, creamy and yummy I would recommend ordering the thali - you get a choice of an appetizer, a curry and a vegetarian curry with rice, naan and raita (yogurt sauce). Will definitely be coming back.
(4)Susan C.
Their food is flavorful and yummy but none of the spicy foods are spicy here and it kinda ruins Indian Food for me.
(3)Kevin K.
I've been to Clay Oven dozens of times over the years. This place might be the best Indian food restaurant in the San Fernando Valley. The customer service here is excellent, I've always been served in a timely fashion, drinks refilled, etc. The quality of the food here is great. The tandoori chicken is just the right level of spicy, the chicken tikka masala here tastes wonderful, the saag paneer here is delicious, and even the naan bread here is good. I'd recommend this restaurant to any of my friends and contacts that like Indian cuisine. To Clay Oven: Keep up the good work! You guys are awesome!
(5)Lacey G.
I've dined in and have also ordered take out. The customer service is great. The Chicken Tikka Masala is addicting - it is delish!
(5)Mark A.
I have been eating at the lunch buffet for some time, Lunch Buffet is always good They change up the dishes to so its not the same every day,
(5)Saman S.
Just to cut it short and not waste your time reading this review, don't waste your time or money at the Clay Oven! If your craving Indian food, go to Shalimar in Woodland Hills instead!
(2)Norma M.
Delicious! Great service. Only reason it's not a perfect 5 stars is bc we had to wait for the buffet to be restocked on many of the items. But the food was delicious. The lunch price is reasonable ($10.95/per). RECOMMENDED!
(4)Terin C.
I follow my muse where it takes me these days, and at this particular moment it's whispering "I don't know..." So, I'm here to review Clay Oven. This restaurant has kind of illustrated a very important point for me that I hope people keep in mind while browsing yelp. The fact of the matter is that two people can go to the same place, and have completely different experiences. Case and point, is that a person on my friend's list (a person, by the way, whom I hold in high regard and whose opinion I respect) reviewed this place, and had a terrible time. I, on the other hand, had a mostly pleasant experience. This matters because there are so many factors that contribute to whether or not you're going to enjoy something, that sometimes you never know if you will or not until you go. That is my sage wisdom for the year. Do with it what you will, my Yelpy brethren. I'll start with what I didn't like here. The service was a bit spotty... Orders were slow to be taken, and food came out a snail's pace even though there weren't many other tables seated. There also seemed to be a bit of confusion amongst the staff about something or other, because everyone seemed just a tad bit on the flustered side. From what I gathered, someone had called out sick. Or perhaps, multiple someones. That can make for a bad day for anyone working in customer service, so I get it. Having said that, I've had some bad days working in customer service, and you wouldn't have been able to see it on my face. Mostly, I guess, that's because you can't see much on my face (I've been told I'm not very emotive, but I swear I'm always in a good mood)... But still. Being able to keep your cool is part of the job description in this industry. The staff was, however, relatively friendly. What I really liked here, though, was the food. I'm always quick to admit that I am not a culinary expert by any means, but I know when something tastes good to me. The food here was pretty delicious. Perhaps just a little on the "too expensive for what it was" side, but I enjoyed the hell out of it anyway. I might need to go back a time or two more to solidify my opinion, but I'd be happy to eat the food again. Take out might be a good option. The end. OR IS IT? Yes it is.
(4)Jazmin A.
Fantastic food...check. Great service...check. Looks clean...check. That about covers it :) Keep on keeping on Clay Oven!
(5)Queen S.
Clay Oven is one of the best Indian restaurants on the boulevard. Their champagne brunch is to die for. Eric is very accommodating and his customer service is great.
(5)Jessica W.
I liked the Clay Oven. They had great customer service, a beautiful interior... nice place to come and eat with a calming environment. I had the lunch buffet. 12.99... not too bad. The food quality is great for a lunchtime buffet. Tandori Chicken was very tasty, tender and flavorful! I also enjoyed the Chicken Tikka Masala...it was creamy, the cuts of chicken were consistent in texture and flavor. The naan was not the best I ever had... It was good, but not phenomenal. If they stepped up their naan recipe to match the deliciousness of their Tandori Chicken, then we'd have a monster on our hands! Overall, the food was good, and a mellow environment to sit back and eat. They let you take your time here. :)
(4)Miel G.
Their lamb korma is to die for but I HATE that because I called them I incurred a $12 fee just for the girl to write my order instead of going through eat.com (which they'd just joined ... she told me after I'd already ordered) its the manager she said. He wont listen although ppl complain she said. You should be more loyal to returning customers. I had moved but i've been ordering for 3 yrs and dont expect to foot the bill because you don't want to pick up your phone. You lost a customer because you got greedy. Ill get my korma elsewhere.
(2)Kelly W.
I came here last Saturday night with my bf and it was surprisingly empty. We grabbed a table outside. And I should note that I dislike sitting outside but the way they have their tables set up is really nice and not out on the sidewalk or anything...it's more of an enclosed patio. We ordered an appetizer platter that came with an array of the typical Indian snacks and everything was really good. We also ordered some Chicken Naan and it was delicious as well. I loved the Mango Lassi too. This was my second time here and both times the service was really good. The waiters are very nice and friendly and always keep the water glasses filled. Overall it's a really cool place to sit back...relax...enjoy some good food and people watch while doing it. I'm sure that this place will be a regular spot for us as it already is for my bf.
(4)Kate B.
Very good food. Ordered delivery, it was very delicious and fast.
(5)Nikki L.
This is the best Indian restaurant in the Valley! Delicious food, fabulous service, wondrous servers (Cynthia was amazing!) and exquisite presentation! We came with my girlfriend's two children and they just love it. We got the chicken tikka masala - and it was the best. We also got saag, dal, samosas, rice, naan and tandoori chicken. All of it was scrumptious and seasoned perfectly. We will be here again!
(5)Leisha P.
Excellent service, they certainly try to sell their foods here though. I think it's a bit pricey, but it is in a prime location I suppose. Got the lamb tikka masala++, garlic naan+, goat curry, sampler++, and veggie biryani(- too much flavors going on & I had to keep pulling out bones or whatever it was that was inedible).
(4)Candace L.
My son and I recently grabbed a late dinner here and enjoyed it. I look forward to returning and trying their buffet. That's something you don't often hear me say but from the looks of these reviews that may be a clear win for Clay Oven. We enjoyed the vegetable somosas, Chicken Tikka Masala, basmati rice, and Garlic Naan. The naan so fresh and fabulous, I wanted more and more! I very well could have polished off about 3 orders of it, but stopped at one order (1 piece each). The somosas seemed a tad bit overcooked but still tasty, and the chicken was fresh tender and delicious. I look forward to ordering the coconut chicken curry next go around unless it's part of the buffet which may be the best of both worlds. It's a tad bit dark inside and the decor may be what holds me back from 5 stars, that and something about the food just didn't jump out and grab 5 stars immediately with me. Metered street parking on all surrounding blocks.
(4)Brian C.
Periodically get delivery from here but have not eaten at the restaurant. The food is good. The quality of the food is pretty evident and (when delivered) arrives hot and tastes fresh. Delivery is typically on time or early. Have tried delivery from some other Indian restaurants in the area and this place tends to stand out.
(4)Lauren K.
So, you decide that a certain significant person strokes your heart in all the right places, what better place to propose a relationship than at Clay Oven! Clay Oven will always have that special place in my heart as it is the restaurant that my D.B. asked me to be his significant other! Other than that, their food is wickedly delicious! The atmosphere is very senusal, just the right amount of dim lighting to create a romantic setting and the aroma of the restaurant is quite fragrant that is sets the right mood for a romantic evening. I have had my fair share of Indian food, I feel that Clay Oven has been the best I ever had in terms of taste and texture of the food. Their mango lassi has the right balance between sweet and tangy. My D.B. loves the chicken tikka masala which must be their most popular item! I prefer the chicken methi with fenugreek or the saag paneer depending on the mood that I am in. Chicken methi has a pleasant spiciness to it, a creamy and deep savory flavor while the saag paneer is more mild on the spice with a light Indian cheese that hits the spot! All in all, this is one of the best Indian restaurants in the Valley in my honest opinion! A great place to take your special someone for an exotic dining experience, with a special added bonus: it really sets the mood for that romantic evening! Blame it on the spice! ;)
(5)Aaron A.
Clay Oven is hands down my favorite Indian anywhere in the Los Angeles area. I've been to India many times and I've been eating Indian food for at least 30 years and yes I've been to tons of Indian restaurants. Clay Oven is by far one of the best ever. I moved away from the Valley and now live near Marina del Rey, but we still make the trek up there because it's that good. I'm vegetarian and my favorites are dal makhani and mushroom mattar. My wife eats meat and loves the Tikka Masala and other dishes. Really pretty much everything we've tried here has been delicious. I also recommend the lunchtime buffet for variety and value. I would also like to mention our favorite server Erik who has been helping us for years now. He is a wonderful man, always of a pleasant demeanor, personable, kind, patient, friendly, and all around just a great guy. We are thankful to have gotten to know him over the years and we hope he never leaves Clay Oven!
(5)Robert T.
We came in and waited 45 minutes and weren't even served our appetizer. Something's not right with the kitchen. Avoid at all costs!
(1)Jon G.
Good quality food, nice atmosphere, moderate prices. I subtracted one star because some of the menu is misleading. For example, when you order naan, you just get the one piece, not a basket with at least a couple pieces cut in half. The other disappointment I experienced was getting the vegetable tandoori dish, which consisted mainly of tofu and onions. There were a couple pieced of cauliflower and a couple tomatoes, but I don't think I would really call this a vegetable dish so much as I would call it a tofu dish. I love vegetables (when they're not peppers and onions), but tofu I do not qualify as a vegetable, and I don't like it either. Will I go back? Yes. But I will ask more questions before placing my order.
(4)D I.
Came for lunch, had party of 3 - lunch buffet food quality ok - service ok- nothing special or memorable, just ok
(3)Dean G.
Absolute fell in love with this place! From start to finish, things were amazing. Service is spectacular and the food is amazing. This will definitely be on our short list of "Favorites" from now on.
(4)R J.
What did I do to deserve this? Some of the best Indian in LA is less than a quarter of a mile from my house! Recently under new ownership (formerly Clay Oven), the new owners were wise to keep much of the old staff. Our server Veer, is the best...congenial and patient (my wife orders everything "no cilantro and mild 'plus'. I always imagine the Punjabi speaking cooks in the back trying to figure out what 'plus' means when they read the ticket. Maybe that's why they portions always seem so big.) Stand outs are: Tandoori Chicken Shahi Paneer Saag Paneer Chicken Tikka Masala Tandoori Shrimp Naan
(5)Mary R.
[Before I get going, this review is for the lunch buffet, not the servers or ambiance of the restaurant, both of which were very nice.] I got a strange craving for Papadums today and Yelped for a new Indian restaurant to try. I rarely eat this cuisine as it's just too heavy for me. But some establishments offer vegetable dishes not smothered in cream curry sauces on their buffets and I was hopeful this place would be one. Nope. If you are vegetarian, do not order the lunch buffet (at $10.95, it's the best deal on the menu), unless you just want to eat rice, kidney beans in gravy, dried out lettuce (salad dressing could go a long way here), watery, flavorless Saag Paneer and potatoes smothered in cream curry sauce. None of this was any good, in my very humble opinion. Well, okay, the rice was somewhat decent, not that you can't boil and season your own at home. As for the rest of you omnivores, you're even more out of luck. How can one mess up Chicken Tandoori? Trust me, it's a whole lot of messed up here. It tasted gritty and not at all fresh or flavorful. The Lamb Curry was just dreadful and it didn't help that the lamb was all fat and sharp bones. The Shrimp were swimming in yet another orange creamy curry sauce and still had tails on some of them. Needless to say, I did not go back for seconds. The only things I truly finished were the papadums. But I wouldn't write home about those either as they were so thin with lots of holes. I honestly wanted to like this place as I know they've changed hands from the owners of the previous restaurant, but I honestly did NOT.
(2)Sundari K.
Simply said - the best, BEST Indian food on Ventura. I should know, I'm from the motherland. The curries are never greasy, the naans never heavy, and the rice never bland. I've been here so many times, I ought to get a club card for ordering my off-the-menu Paneer Korma. It's a modified version that they'll make if you ask. Veer is a stellar server who gets what service is about right from the start. I always ask for him and insist we get seated in his section as his service is truly second to none. The menu offers chicken, beef, lamb, and seafood stews with complex and fragrant spicing, as well as tandoori preparations, kebabs, and rice dishes. You'd be a fool not to order the Mango Chicken Masala, a non-traditional entrée that blends succulent cubes of chicken in a savory sweet sauce. I haven't seen anything like it elsewhere. Overall, I find the place offers skillfully cooked Indian food that accurately resembles preparations back home without the added heaviness I see all to often at other "Indian" restaurants. I've had work lunches here, evening dinners and one sordid date that should never have gone beyond the first drink. I'll spare you the sad tale of lies that were unearthed months later, but, the paneer managed to help me cut through the woeful web of lies. Friends (both Indian and non) have tried the chicken, lamb, and shrimp curries and have all left with glossy, rich leftovers. Wine list is decent, though we have occasionally brought in our own varietals without any fear of a snickering eye. Corkage fee is fine with us. We've ordered in and had the samosas catered for an at home event. Still, not a bad word to say about the place...we'll be back Veer bhai!
(5)Kathy V.
This place is formerly known as Clay Oven. I drove all around the back looking for Clay Oven, only to find out that it is now renamed. The food is great and the staff are welcoming and hospitable. This place can get a bit busy and the food may take some time to come out. They have a small-sized parking lot in the back. Come try the Chicken Tikka Masala. Our waiter gave us free chai tea. He was so sweet :)
(5)Victoria O.
Formally known to locals as Clay Oven this Indian food joint has switched ownership and changed names. With past ownership leaving a bad taste in your mouth with the lack of service. This new and improved Indian cafe warrants a second chance. The service staff is vigilant with refilling beverages. They are calm and understanding when it comes to accepting previous ownership coupons. Most importantly the food is incredible! I enjoyed a romantic candle lit dinner here last night and enjoyed the food so much I'm back the next day for the lunch buffet. On average six tables are in use and while conversations are going on all around you don't hear them because there is pleasant music on in the background. Wait staff can get busy but over all you receive your check promptly. They take all forms of payment. Personally I enjoyed everything I tried including my more adventurous choices. When the lunch buffet was running low on the more popular options one mention of it to the wait staff and the next batch (hot and fresh) was right out in less than three minutes. They serve both tea and water included with the buffet (which ends @2:45 everyday) Enjoy.
(5)judy l.
Went today for lunch with 10 co-workers. We did the lunch buffet and they charged us 18percent gratuity for a buffet, now that was bullshit. A $24 charge yo clear our plates. Im a long long time customer, i was embarrassed in front of my coworkers
(3)Rashmi V.
Came here with my Family on a Saturday night it was a party of 7, we were seated promptly. The service was good, there were times they were busy but forgetful of us but it was okay we got what we needed and overall everyone was happy. We ordered a variety of dishes, we started off with the appetizer platter which consisted of shish kabob, chicken tikka, samoas, pakoras, everything was good but the chicken tikka was a little dry. I really liked their samosas, not too spicy and it was crunchy and good. For our entrees we got the chicken tikka masala, shrimp tikka masala, saag paneer, chicken tikka sizzling plate as well as a bread basket of naan and paneer naan. Chiken Tikka Masala: very good, I really loved the curry! Saag paneer-another great dish, paneer was yummy. The chicken tikka sizzling plate sucked, I won't order this again, the chicken tikka was very dry even with the lemon squeezed on top with the onions/bellpeppers, the onions/peppers could have been grilled a little more but I didn't enjoy the chicken tikka at all very dry chicken and not seasoned like other places I've had in the past. Naan-can't complain. They do charge for rice I believe $3.50 some places are free but all in all pretty good. I definitely would come back!
(4)Robert M.
We love the dinner for two! Chicken Tikka Masala, mint chutney and saag paneer are the best in LA!
(5)Mario M.
Came here for the lunch buffet. I recommend it! The waiters are nice and friendly. The food is very good quality. The place looks clean. The naan bread is delicious! I like the garlic naan. Just try it. You will be pleasantly surprised. I wish it was closer to my house.
(5)Tyler M.
This is my absolute favorite Indian spot! I would never go anywhere else. The mango lassi is always very rich and creamy, saag paneer very flavorful rich and amazing, and chicken tikka masala so creamy and flavorful as well!! Since they changed their name I thought clay oven was done for. But it looks like all they did was change their name and still everything else is the same. Thank goodness.. I was craving Indian a few days ago and I thought this place wasn't clay oven anymore so I went to taste of India after finding it on yelp. The mango lassi was watery, same for the chicken tikka masala, and the saag paneer was a bit plain. Nothing beats clay oven!!! Although I don't eat Indian food often this is the only spot I love.
(5)Shaheryar N.
Was told my pick up order was gonna take 35mins to be ready. Got there at the 30 min mark. Waited for another 30 mins. When the order came, it wasn't correct. So had to wait another 10 mins for the order to be completed. No apology let alone recognition that I waited over an hour for an order that should've been ready in half that time. Paid the bill, gave no tip (I usually do even on pick up orders). Could've argued with them, but if they didn't even have the decency to own up to the wait I endured, would they really have given a damn bout proper customer service or comp'd any part of my meal? Will NOT be going to this "new" Indian restaurant again. Lots of other options in this area.
(1)B R.
The food was very good. Had some great flavors. I am an Indian snob and pretty critical. Lamb was moist and not dry. It was a little high in price but well worth it and would order again for sure!
(4)Sean Y.
This place is my favorite place but recently delivery service gave me an unpleasant experience. I ordered for delivery. Ordered my usual menu to share with my friend: samosa, clay oven delight, chicken tikka, mango chicken masala, garlic naan, peshwari naan, saffron rice, rad malai and tandoori fish tikka. Food was good as usual. I don't have any complaints for food. But deliver guy made me upset in front of food. I paid $10tips when I paid online excluding delivery fee. It was slightly less than 15% of total bill. He asked extra tips when he delivered. It's been 3times ordering delivery from this place but never been happened. It was the first time that a delivery guy asked me extra tips and waited in front of door. Please educate your delivery guy more. You are in food/hospitality industry. If you do delivery service, check the quality of delivery. It's a part of your restaurant service and affects your business and restaurant value.
(1)Carlo W.
Good Chai tea, and the male servers are really nice. Food is pretty good, and it's nice to eat at the front patio.
(1)Shpider V.
Clay Oven was my favorite Indian restaurant and I was saddened to see them "close". Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Tamarind is basically "Clay Oven" in all ways except for a new owner and new name. The great staff, chef and food all remain the same !!
(5)Ken P.
ClayOven was good, but this restaurant is Waay Better!!! The food got more delicious!!!!!!! Chicken Tiki Masala all day!
(5)Laura D.
First Time trying this place. We ordered take-out. The food was amazing. We ordered plain and garlic naan. Fresh. The Saag Paneer was delicious. I loved the flavor. Its different than other places I have been to. The Chicken Tikka Marsala was very very good. They give you a lot of chicken. Chicken was not dry. The shrimp Vindaloo I heard was amazing from my family( I don't eat shrimp). Must try this place.
(5)Sudip S.
I would say they are one of the best Indian restaurant in the blvd. between 101 and 405. They have a huge selection for their weekend buffet and everything tastes good, only negative is that it is a little pricier than most places. But I like their food so I will be back. Dining in is good as well. Never had any issues with the service. They have a private parking in the back of the restaurant so you dont have to frustate yourself looking for one in ventura.
(4)Jeff M.
We may have just found our NEW favorite Indian restaurant! My wife and I had dinner here and pleasantly surprised. The Koram chicken was absolute perfection. We plan to be back even though it was a little high in the pricing.
(4)Laura D.
I go here every time i need my Indian food fix. The portions are filling, the spices and food is delicious, and if you are lucky enough to go during their Brunch hours, not only do you get an All-You-Can-Eat opportunity for their hearty menu items, but you can even get a nice Mimosa included in the price.
(5)Darren F.
NOPE! Not impressive at all. A friend and I eat Vegan most of the time. So we got 2 veggie entrees, yellow daal and a vegetable far-uza-ja-la-la-la. The food did not arrive for an hour and 5 minutes. Never once did anyone ask us if we wanted more water or more of the Indian "chips and salsa." It would have been fine if the food was excellent, however it was barely average. ****WARNING**** there are foreign pod/seed/stamens withIN the rice. Avoid at all costs. It tasted similar to something you would pluck off an unknown tree.
(2)Sammy N.
Love this place! Found it through a random run of yelp and I fell in love. The chicken tikka masala is amazing. And if you come for the lunch buffet the food is great. It's a nice variety with drinks included. Whether you're new to the food or not it's still an a great place to try.
(5)Joan D.
Went here for the buffet lunch on Sunday. Everything was delicious, & there was a nice variety - goat stew, shrimp, chicken, paneer, etc. For $13.95 all that & mimosas? Nice! (You could also get champagne, or non - alcoholic beverages.) Service was good - maybe it's faster on the weekends? We parked in a lot across the alley behind the restaurant. If you park there, be aware that there is only one way in & out: you'll probably have to back out into the alley, which could be difficult if you have a large vehicle & you've had some mimosas... :-)
(5)Kathleen T.
I went here for the first time on Wednesday night. Surprisingly, there were a good amount of people here that night. Unfortunately, that may have been the aide for the extremely slow service. I believe they had issues with the heat. The lights in the restaurant were causing it to be too warm, but the lighting was so dim that they couldn't lower the lights any further. This caused a bunch of flickering of lights going on during dinner service. Not only that, but there was a guy constantly standing over our table with a thermometer trying to gauge the temperature of certain parts of the restaurant. Anyway, it took an extreme long time to get our order in. We got the Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobi (not sure about the name of this one), the Saffron Rice, & the Garlic Naan. After we put in our order, it took an EPIC long time to actually get the food. I wish I timed this! The food itself was pretty good. Not the best I've ever had, but also not the worst. The servers were actually VERY friendly, but it was just really slow. Perhaps we came on a pretty bad night? You can expect it took forever to get our bill, even after we requested it twice. Maybe would be back, but I'd like to explore different places in ShOaks before I return.
(3)Maury B.
First of all, we were charged not only our bill, but the table next to us as well! Mix ups may happen, but they didn't rectify the error on my account until almost a week later....albeit, after a few calls-this, by the way, without any apology! Then, after eating there recently, my significant other got terribly sick! I called to let them know (for there own good, mind you...) and the girl summarily hung up on me! Up until this point, we had enjoyed the food and the nicely appointed decor.... Unfortunately, after all this, we won't be returning.
(1)Diane L.
4 stars for food and ONE star for service.
(4)Bunny B.
Oh my gorsh this place is so freakin good! Got veggie korma enlightenment, saffron rice, garlic naan. Lackluster service, waiter forgetting about us, and depressed waitress are all forgiven because food was da bomb. I want want to go back!!!
(5)Gigi S.
Wow. The images are drool worthy. Thankfully the various yelping photographers have inspired me to try this place. They showcased the food with loving intent and attractive lighting, angles that made you beg for a taste. Well done yelpies. The somewhat consistent 3-5 star rating also inspired my decision to give it 5 stars based on the likelihood of me eating here. I would suggest some shorter reviews for the more ADD inclined, but other than that I give an astounding, echoing round of applause. Thank you for all your passionate opinionated yelping. These reviews made me thankful to be a fellow millennial in a world of entitlement. I seriously need you. I need everyone of you. I need you as much as I need me. Look at my amazing writing skills. Humor and love for food spill out in a river of beauty and skill. We are the best generation that ever existed. Like longtime lovers we share everything. Oh, the transparency. Now that's respect. FYI: If I come here and hate the food, it will be your fault yelpers.
(5)Shay P.
I came here on a first date for lunch. Parking is free in the back alley. Restaurant was empty. We got the buffet orders. The rice was clearly of the cheapest kind and overcooked. Some of food was mediocre but the rest was okay. Buffet was not presented in the most appetizing way. Naan was burnt. Not much ambiance. Food was overpriced for the limited selection and palatability. Honestly, I was embarrassed I brought my date here. I probably will not come back here.
(2)Julie H.
I have been eating here for about 10 years, so maybe it's time for a review! About 5 years ago they did a remodel and the food got way better, not sure if it was an ownership change or what but that's when it became a regular in our dining out repertoire. We are boring though. We always get the same things. Peshwari Naan, saffron rice, Veggie Korma, Mango Chicken Masala. I like the Mango Chicken Masala so much I would rather just get that, but the Veggie Korma is very good, too! We usually only get two entrees if we have a restaurant.com deal and are trying to make the $35 minimum and then we take one full entree home. When my husband first ordered the Peshwari Naan I thought it sounded gross, but I'm glad he did because it is delicious! The menu says it is stuffed with cashews, raisins, cherries and coconut. Personally, I only taste the cashews and the cherries - which are marischino. Sweet but REALLY good. Their food tastes even better the next day, if that is even possible to taste better but it does, so it is okay if you over-order and need to take some home.
(5)Dennis Y.
Chicken! and lots of it. Lunch was all you can eat buffet style. ... Chicken, chicken, chicken, and chicken. Did I mention chicken? No beef, no lamb, no goat for the buffet. Just chicken. Chicken chicken chicken chicken chicken. Friendly service with the finest tap water available. Not coming here. Again.
(2)Cesar B.
I'm new to indian food and I love this place I think I have been here three times. The food is always on point, a little pricey but what do you expect for Sherman Oaks. I'm a creature of habit so when I go Indian I stick to my usual chicken tikka masala or chicken tandoori. Give this place a shot you won't regret it and you will thank me later.
(5)Michaela A.
I went here with my boyfriend during weekdays, I believe it was on Thursday. We chose a buffet and we added the garlic bread, I don't remember the name but the bread was super good especially when you mix it with curry. The buffet was about S10-$11, it was a def good deal. We can choose either getting a buffet or from the menu. The food on the menu was pretty pricey. We went here for the buffet anyway. They do have a good amount of buffet selections. There's a chicken curry, vegetable curry, also some other food that I can't remember the names. I believe they had at least 12 food selections. They also had salad, I didnt have the salad, my boyfriend did. I chose their vegetables, might as well since I wanted to enjoy the taste of their food. The curry was so delicious, I kept coming back for their curry, it tasted so rich but it's enjoyable. The ambience, there were a lot of business and working people coming here for lunch, most of them wearing a nice suit, I felt a little awkward since me and my bf were wearing hoodie. The service was good. They also have their own parking lot, when we came here, it was only 2 spots left. The parking is on the back btw. The total we had to pay is about $23ish something for two of us, buffet for 2 people plus the garlic bread from their menu, I think it's a great deal. I am def gonna go here again.
(4)Adam B.
Can't even begin to express how satisfied I am with this lunch. Still sitting at the table barely able to type from being so full lol. The food is absolutely incredible, ESPECIALLY considering the price - $10.95?!! Insane. Service was incredibly attentive and friendly, mango lassi was on point. Im about the happiest camper as a camper can be right now. This is def the go to ILB.
(5)Evan L.
I've ordered delivery and patronized both lunch and dinner service. The food is beyond reproach. The paneer is always strong in texture and multi-layered, the naan is served warm & pliable, and the chicken tandoor is excellent; always moist and delicious. The lunch buffet, specifically, is quite a bargain as it enables you to tour the menu (try the carrot/milk 'pudding' - wow!) without breaking your budget. The food seems authentic to the region and is as fresh as can be for Indian food; the plethora of spices are evident in both the fragrance and taste, and the consistency holds up extremely well visit to visit. I do have to agree with previous reviewers, however, and note that the service is (almost) unbearably slow. A lunch buffet should provide quick in-and-out service, as most patrons are on a lunch break of some kind, but consistently takes more than one hour - and this is without a true 'service.' I mean, with a buffet you sit down and go get your food. Yet the servers are delayed in each aspect of the meals - silverware, drinks, clearing food, bringing the bill. Also, the decor is a bit dingy and dated; if they overhauled the aesthetics & the service, this would be an easy five star spot. Great food, though, and hoping I can edit this upon future visit to give it the five star rating that seems to be burgeoning under the Oven surface.
(4)Priyank S.
I have been to many indian restaurants in and around LA and i must say this restaurant is top of my list. The interior is nice and spacious its quite inside thought the road is just outside. Now lets get to what really matters FOOD!!! Its really delicious and quantity is really sufficient, 1 veggie + rice + 2-3 naan is good for more than 2 people. I have just tried veggies but i bet non-veg will tast equally good. I know its bit expensive but the quality and quantity is worth it. I will insist that other people loving india food should try this place out for sure!!!
(5)Joseph R.
I give them 3 stars because I'm not sure if it's them or EAT24 that makes my food 15+ minutes late. Other than that the foods great.
(3)Kevin H.
Wellllll. I've been kinda holding this one in for a while. I don't like using Yelp to be negative. These guys have good Indian. I've said so before. But it's become painfully obvious that the service just...sucks. bad. Sorry guys. It's a Friday, you're barely at 40% capacity during rush hour and you can't handle it. 1/2 of the tables are complaining. I don't particularly care as I'm not on a schedule this evening (lucky me!). However, to sit here for 25 mins... cmon man. That's just ridiculous. I could wait all of these tables solo and keep everyone happy. Unfortunately, I think the kitchen is running the wait staff here. Nice people, but they're just too loose. Empty tables yet they're telling walk ins that there is a 15 min wait. Maybe you should have a sit down with your "chef" and take control of your business. Over hearing "we can't do this or that" in a restaurant is a big no no. We come to you. Make us feel special! Also, the "take out" patrons seem furious & are being comped things. Sadly, this is the 3rd time I've witnessed & been a part of this. 1st time on a Friday tho. Come to think of it, I'm STILL living it. Being ignored. No one seems to care! But they're still nice people. It's sooooo weird.
(2)Brian N.
Amazing. What a great find! We have walked by numerous times. Tonight we made the plunge. Open bar. Great food. Fun happy hour. Will definitely be back!!
(5)Jim T.
I ordered from Clay Oven through "GrubHub" for delivery. While it took longer than I'd hoped (a full hour), the time given through the website was very accurate. The food arrived hot, and well packaged. The delivery person was very nice and friendly as well. I purchased Garlic Naan, Creamy tomato soup, and Chicken Tikki Masala. All three items were excellent. The soup was not heavy on the "cream", the herbs in it were not overpowering and it was as good as any I've ever had. The Tikki Masala was also excellent. Just the right amount of spice, not too much "heat". I'd order it again. In short, if you want a terrific delivery service in the Sherman Oaks area and like Indian food, Clay Oven is great!
(5)Nikki O.
Seriously delicious! We didn't make it in time to catch the lunch buffet. We ended up ordering the Chicken Vindaloo and Coconut Curry Chicken, along with some rice. The latter was my favorite. Very creamy. The "spicy" had a pleasant amount of spice without going overboard (coming from a person who usually gets 3 stars in a Thai restaurant). Best Indian food I've ever had; worth the extra $. Very nice inside, too; nice enough for date night. Plenty of food for two eaters; ended up taking a little doggie bag home for probably one person's lunch tomorrow. Go here!
(5)Yasmine H.
If you expect to receive your food, don't bother ordering delivery from this place.
(1)Karen W.
I've been going to this place for about 10 years. Been to MANY other Indian places in my life, including in NYC and London, and this is the best Indian food I've ever had. All my Indian friends claim this is the best you can get outside of India. I asked once and they ship their copper serving dishes in from India. I've always wonder if that's what makes the food here so good. Aside from that, the service is impeccable and the staff is attentive and friendly. My husband and I actually had our first date here. We both loved this place before we even knew each other, and now we go here regularly together. We just had a baby, and he'll probably know what their Saag Paneer tastes like long before he ever has a McDonalds french fry.
(5)Joe W.
Chicken takkka is excellent
(5)Robyn M.
Clay Oven serves my favorite lunch buffet in the Valley! For $13.95 on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons (11:30-3), enjoy unlimited mimosas or champagne and a greater array of dishes than most other Indian buffets in the area. This past Saturday's offerings included: -Tandoori Chicken -Goat Curry -Chicken Tikka Masala -Chili Chicken -Vegetable Pakora -Saag Paneer -Yellow Daal -Eggplant and Potatoes -Garlic & Regular Naan -Rice Pudding for dessert Clay Oven has nice decor, service is attentive, and they have their own parking lot in the back. Looking forward to coming back soon. :)
(5)Helen T.
This review is for the lunch buffet because it is all I've tried so far. My husband and I have come here numerous times for the lunch buffet and it's delicious. Their chicken tikka masala is one of my faves in the valley. The service is great and the place is very clean. They have a decent selection of items including rice, vegetables, saag, and curries. The price is great too as well as the quality of food. Will definitely continue to come back.
(4)K B.
Went for dinner as we had the beloved Groupon. The food was pretty good- naan a bit too toasted. 2 stars For the High prices and charge you $6 for some dang rice- c'mon. And my sons shirley temple was not a free refill- grenadine costs enough to charge for the refill? Disappointed as there are many other delicious Indian restaurants in Sherman oaks who aren't going to nickel and dime you to the nth degree. The parking is tough unless you drive a roller skate.
(2)Mike P.
Excellent dinner for two, In fact, so generous that it was enough for a family of four. Very attentive service. The restaurant was nearly empty at the start of dinner service, but they filled the house by the time we left! A good find.
(5)Arthur B.
My wife and I have been going to this restaurant for close to 10 years, if not longer. It's been our go to Indian restaurant for all that time. We usually love the food and we used to love the service. Unfortunately, since the last time management changed, this place has been getting worse and worse. Our last visit really convinced us that we no longer want to give our business to this restaurant. Let me explain. Parking The parking is in an alley in the back right next to a bunch of dumpsters. It's tight, hard to get in and out, smells and is a really dirty place. Foul smell all the time For as long as I can remember, when you walk in from the back, past the bathrooms, you get hit by this really foul smell. It's always there and they don't seem to be concerned about it enough to do anything about it. Food authenticity When I go to a certain ethnic restaurant, I like to see most of the people working at that place be of that ethnicity, most importantly the chefs. This is not the case here any more, it used to be, but the only Indians you'll see here are the servers. Most people working here are hispanic. Service Service is terrible here. Here's everything that happened to use during our last visit. We decided to sit outside. The manager (who may also be the owner, but I'm not sure) knows who we are. As I've said, we've been going here for a very long time. We were at the restaurant for about an hour, and never, not even once, did someone come to serve us outside. I had to call someone to order our drinks and food, to get a refill on my drink (twice) and to get the check. We were there during their Sunday buffet, when I went to get my food, there were two plates available and both were dirty. I had to wait for the clean plates to come out which took about 5 minutes. Then most of the dishes were completely empty. It took about 15 minutes for them to have the chicken tikka masala ready. When I asked for my check, I called the manager over to tell him about the horrible service we received. We have never ever complained at this restaurant. We go at least once a month for about 10 years like I've said. But since the service was so bad, I wanted the management to know they left at least one of their customers very unsatisfied. He told me not to worry he'll "take care of us on our final bill". When I got the check, he had deducted $2.50 from our bill. Any other restaurant you go to, if you get bad service like this they do a lot more to retain their customers. I was honestly insulted. We will never go back to this place again. The new team running this place has no clue when it comes to customer service or customer retention. Do yourself a favor and go to another Indian restaurant. We went to Anarbagh in Encino, right down the street, and everything was significantly better, including food and service.
(1)Aegon T.
Excellent vegetarian fare and ambience. Lack of parking is an issue, though.
(4)Meredith R.
NOT BAD When I heated leftovers for lunch the next day, I reconsidered my initial impression of Clay Oven. "Not bad." On Saturday evening the restaurant was packed. Lovely ambience, helpful and friendly staff.... but the food was merely typical. Our mixed grill was a bit dry, half the onions were raw. The basmati rice -- which surprisingly, one has to pay extra for -- was also dry, and not fragrantly delicious as in other Indian restaurants. The spinach paneer with cheese was tasty, as was the chicken coconut curry. We also thoroughly enjoyed the nan with fruit. With the number of Indian restaurants in the area, I was surprised at the popularity of Clay Oven -- but the owners are so nice, and again, our leftovers were surprisingly good. This is a restaurant that can hold its own, but should consider a few tweaks to make it a stand-out.
(3)Julian H.
My favorite Indian lunch buffet in all of Los Angeles, for the following reasons: 1. Standard affordable AYCE lunch buffet at $10. 2. Open later than other local Studio City/Sherman Oaks buffets. 3. Better, more and higher quality selections than most other buffet. 4. Complimentary chai tea! (Get a glass of ice and make an iced chai.) 5. Comfortable dining room and attentive staff. I live walking distance from two great Indian restaurants and I STILL make the drive here for their lunch buffet. Don't miss it!
(5)Danielle H.
I came here for lunch time and they had the lunch buffet special. It was good, I had the chicken tikki Marsala, rice and naan but there were a few other options as well. The owner was so nice, he brought us champagne and said it was part of the lunch special which was kinda cool. Over all I think it's a good lunch spot! The special is totally worth it!
(4)Fiona V.
The food is delicious. We went for the lunch buffet. The service is great, their manager Veer Singh is wonderful. We had booked their banquet hall in Winnetka last year for our wedding reception and we had a blast. Veer helped us organize everything from food to setting us up with the event planner, decorator, cake and much more. We had a peace of mind as Veer took care of everything. Everyone had a blast and loved the food very much. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Geoff G.
Go family style and sample everything. My family has been coming back to Clay Oven for years. They are consistently good and they make the Lamb Korma how I like it. During that time the management has redecorated the entire restaurant and kept the food excellent. It really shows pride of quality at this establishment. P.S. Their location is great for a pre/post dinner stroll down to Buffalo Exchange.
(4)Loic C.
****Clay Oven's MOP (Meal in One Pic)***** yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… ********************************************** 3.75 stars but showing 4 The food at Clay oven is good to great. The variety of the dishes is typical of any indian restaurant but the quality of the products and the presentation provide a enjoyable dinning experience. Portions are large. Rice has to be ordered a la carte (a little expensive for white plain rice but normal for more complex rice). The service is attentive, and the kitchen accommodates to any dietary restrictions. We tried: Vegetable samosa yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… A good samosa. It was missing cumin and stronger spice flavor to my taste but it was still pretty spicy. The inside was probably carrot and potatoes (orange color). Naan yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… The regular naan is good. The paratha is ok. Saag paneer yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… This classic cheese curd in spinach dish was delicious. Fresh spinach with chopped onions, and spices. It was packed with bold flavors and made the dish great. The best one I have ever tried. Chicken makhri yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… Vibrant red orange colors for this great dish with a creamy tomato based sauce. Ask for white meat and you will get delicious pieces of chicken simmering in this spicy sauce. A great dish. Cheese in almond dessert yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… More like a cheese course than a dessert. If you are not used to this dish of cheese in almond and milk sauce you will be disappointed. Mango Ice cream yelp.com/biz_photos/nbJJ… Classic mango ice cream dessert. It comes from some kind of container ( you can see the mark). It is probably carrot and mango. But at the end of a spicy meal it does its job of palate cleanser. Clay Oven is a bit on the pricier side for Indian food but the quality of the dishes are above most Indian restaurants in LA.
(4)Maria B.
I tried this past Sunday with my husband. We are trying new foods and restaurant is great!!! I had the shrimp curry and my husband had the mango chicken curry. Both our entrees were yummy! We also had the garlic naan...so delicious! The only thing that was okay was the momasas was a bit dry, the beef was. But cannot wait try their buffet this weekend. Another perk was that they offered rear parking for free.
(4)Baskerville J.
I ate here a couple of days ago on the patio..it was nice!!!! Quick, attentive servers. And, they were helpful, making the appropriate suggestions from the menu. I'm not a big buffet person, so we ordered from the menu. Everything was fresh! Meat samosas and curries were all a delight to eat. I will be back!
(4)David W.
This is hands down the best Indian place for the money in the valley.I've literally never got anything less than delicious here. Only hang up is if you go during the non buffet times (and really you shouldn't) then it takes a bit of time to get your food. This is only because they are cooking it to order. The buffet is where it's at though. It's like $13 and you get mimosas and all you can eat indian food. You can't go wrong. Check this place out this sunday.
(5)Stacy R.
Im English and was raised on Indian food, which i LOVE, as most Brit's do. I decided to try a new Indian restaurant and the reviews for Clay Oven were great so this was my choice. Well, Im still in disgust and disbelief at the curry i was served. We sat outside on the patio which was nice. I chose Lamb Korma and my friend chose Lamb Vindaloo. The Korma was a watery cream base and tasted very strange. The lamb was overcooked. I tried the Vindaloo and the lamb was also overcooked and the curry tasted not much different to the Korma. I kept pushing thru and trying another spoonful but finally gave up and felt sick. The taste was horrible and for the first time in my life i could not eat the Indian curry in front of me which i usually gobble down i delight. The waiter asked if all was ok and i told him truthfully it was the worst curry i've ever had in my life. He was very kind and concerned and brought me a new bowl of plain Lamb Curry. Unfortunately it too tasted very strange and wrong, and i could only take two spoonfuls. All three of the curries i tried quite frankly had the taste of canned dog food cooked in a microwave. I also tried my favourite drink, Mango Lassi, and it too was not great. It did not have the correct consistency, texture or taste. I had a second glass just to get rid of the horrible taste of the curries. The bill was outrageous, just under $80.00 for really bad food that i could barely touch. The only normal food was the garlic naan. I do NOT recommend this restaurant. It is not authentic and i have never ever tasted bad curry before until now. Very disappointed and actually disgusted by the entire experience which left a bad taste in my mouth and my mind.
(1)K S.
2 hours to deliver? Would never order from here again.
(1)Shane B.
Best Indian food in LA. The buffet it's always good, love this place.....damn good thing its there too, because I can't cook, and this place is right across the street from me. Sweet.
(5)Lea V.
Only had the lunch buffet - nothing special. Standard Indian dishes but bland basic seasoning, nothing that knocked your socks off or any special reason to come here unless it's for local takeout. Champagne brunch buffet on weekends for $14- champagne is pretty bad. Even the naan was bland. Old furnishings.
(2)Anna K. S.
The OTHER one of two of my favorite Indian lunch buffets!! Service is excellent too!! Deliiiiiiishusss food!
(5)Heidi P.
Just ordered delivery from this place and the food is delicious. I got the shrimp coconut curry and its amazing. The lamb samosas were fantastic too. I recommend this place if you love Indian food. :).
(5)J S.
Come here on the weekends for the all you can eat champagne brunch! (13.00)Nothing but home made deliciousness! fresh naan, yummy rice pudding, daal etc. You wont be disappointed :)
(5)Jason L.
Had the medium chicken tikka masala with garlic nan. It was delicious. I just wish they had labeled the dishes as he had ordered to go and all had ordered some kind of red curry. Other than that, it was delicious.
(4)Chris C.
I've been here a couple of times and I love the food! The atmosphere is very intimate which is great if you're on a date or with close friends. I haven't tried the whole menu. I usually order the lamb tikka masala, some naan, and saffron rice. They serve good portions. I want to venture out and try more things. Now, I would give this restaurant five stars if it wasn't for the service. It's slow... From the kitchen staff to the waiters. The staff is nice, but they should work on giving faster, more accomadating service.
(4)Yelena M.
I am not a fan of Indian food but this place is pretty yummy! Service was kind of slow but food was good. Looking forward to trying their lunch buffet.
(4)L V.
This place is great! Fresh, healthy, delicious indian food. I recommend sharing an entree & rice, because it's a lot of food (especially if you choose to partake in some garlic naan. Which you better.)
(5)Joy R.
Great food, super nice waiter/bartender. Can't wait to come back!!
(4)Chris W.
My wife and I went here after a movie. It was a little after seven. We ordered Samosas, and the Tandoori Chicken and Lamb with spinach (I forget the name.) The Samosas were delivered quickly but we didn't get our diner until after eight. The Samosas were doughy and over cooked. The diner was good. The chicken was not overcooked and the lam was excellent. It is too bad that the service from the kitchen was so slow.
(3)Stacey L.
We have literally been waiting 2 hours for our food to arrive and have called 5 times. They said 40-60 minutes and now it's 2 hours. And we literally live down the street 10 minutes away. We had the same problem 7 years ago and stayed away until tonight. And the same thing happened. We ordered at 6 pm. Totally insane. Never ordering again. I'm not even hungry anymore.
(1)U S.
Really enjoyed their Saturday buffett. For around $15 (very reasonably priced), you get to choose from a full buffet and Naan bread with drink (w/refills) are included. Service and ambiance were excellent. Food was good too, although, I wish they offered lamb curry among its selections. Overall, however,this is a great place if you're looking for a quality Indian buffet in the Studio City/Sherman Oaks area.
(5)Aaron M.
Hands down, BEST Chicken Tikka Massala I've ever had. Their food is wonderfully flavorful-- everything I've tried has been terrific. The Naan is great (though a little rubbery by the time delivery arrives... them's the breaks...) and their jasmine rice is almost good enough to just eat plain. The icing on the cake, though, is their service. I most frequently order delivery from here, and I can't express enough just how freakin' friendly they are. The delivery guy is incredibly jovial, and I always feel like I should tip MORE for his professionalism and genuine sense of warmth. If service matters to you, you'll appreciate this. If you don't... you clearly have no soul. GO HERE. EAT THE FOOD. One of my favorite places in all of LA.
(5)Jenna B.
The chicken tikka masala is very good. Customer service is decent, they brought us out some complimentary appetizers while we waited for our food. Overall a good experience, I'll be back.
(4)Samantha P.
I will no go back there again. The food is bland. Totally lacks flavor. A total disappointment. If you are looking for authentic Indian food, this is not it. I think that they dumb it DOWN to appeal to american taste buds, but you can get better "Indian food" in the frozen food section at Trader Joes'. I'm not kidding. We had the Sunday buffet and the food was barely warm. The sad thing is, I wasn't even expecting much. But DAMN.
(1)Karen S.
We did enjoy the food quite a bit, definitely one of the better Indian restaurants that we've eaten at; although the only quibble I have is that we do wish they had more strictly vegan options, as opposed to just vegetarian, since my husband & I are both vegan (although for that, we can just go to Gangadin on Ventura Place in Studio City, which is closer to us anyway, and has a better vegan-options menu).
(4)Lorena P.
I just discovered this place today! Big thanks to my friend that took me there! The food is delicious and the spices were right on point! Not too much and not too little! This had now became one of my fav. dining places to go to. The only reason for the four stars would be that they only had one waitress working there when I went but it might have been due to lunch being their slow time... who knows but the food was absolutely delicious! Nom.. nom.. nom!!! :D
(4)Trinidad R.
Awesome food... had the chili chicken which. Is sweet and. Hot. Wife had the coconut curry shrimp awesome serving plates... the place is not perfect but its good. For the. Price!!! They have a large menu to select from. Only drawback was that the owner stares at you will you eat for about half of the meal!!! Making it kinda awkward besides that i would definitely go back!!! Anyday of the week!!!
(5)Chris H.
Good food, good atmosphere, good service. We are regulars, and recommend it to friends. They agree with our assessment. The food at Clay Oven is some of the best in the area - a must try to be sure.
(4)James P.
Yum! This review is based on eating in, on the patio. The lamb cocoanut curry was rich and flavorful, the naan was yum, and the garlic naan was super yum. But the Martini... outSTANDING! I've loved a good Martini ever since my Dad taught me how to drink properly. The waiter this late afternoon, I didn't catch his name, but he is a young guy, apparently of Indian descent but based on his speech probably born here, mentioned that he makes a good Martini. I ordered one. Now, I usually give a whole litany of specifics as to how I want it made, but I sensed that this gentleman took pride in his work - so I asked him to make it the way he makes it and I would drink it. Moments later, it arrives. Crystal clear, bracingly cold, and stunningly good. I tasted it and was surprised to find that he mixed was what is called a "Perfect Martini." Rather than just pouring gin into ice, shaking it, and dumping it in a glass, maybe with a whiff of dry vermouth, a Perfect Martini is made with several measures of gin along with small and equal amounts of both dry and sweet vermouth. And it is *stirred.* This one was garnished with a plump olive and a small cherry - the cherry a classy nod to the sweet vermouth contained within. There's all kinds of crap called Martinis being purveyed out there - chocolate, apple, moose dung - but this was a proper, classic cocktail expertly made, and it was really refreshing! Not many places bother mixing a Perfect Martini so I rarely bother to ask, and I was quite pleasantly surprised. I rarely order a second one, but in this case I made an exception and asked for another. And yes, the food was very good! And so was the service. I was just so happy about getting a well-made Martini that I had to go on about that. And I note that 5 stars is based on other places in a comparable price range - yes, a place like Nawab in Santa Monica is more upscale, but in this price range, Clay Oven deserves a solid 5 stars for eat-in. I will definitely go back.
(5)Sophia C.
Came here last night without a reservation for Valentine's day. The place was packed...but we still got seated in less than 5 minutes, which made other couples grumble. Why? Because we opted for the mellow ambiance of sitting outside on a cool February night to enjoy with my Conn man. Even with the hustling and bustling to accommodate everyone (RSVP or not), we got good service and with smiles. Their flavors were a tad off tonight, perhaps because they probably prepped a lot for the night for many to eat out, but it was still good nonetheless. Had a great Valentine's dinner here.
(4)Jane M.
I love this place!! Great food, great service, nice atmosphere, and good delivery to my house as well. Eric the manager is a nice guy who has been there for a long time and is always friendly. Great neighborhood place that I have been going to for a few years!
(5)Corey L.
Food was really great. I had the non-vegetarian thala with tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, and saag paneer. It was all great. The meal was high quality, the sauces (especially the saag - which I'm SOOO often disappointed with) were great, and the extras (naan, crispy bread stuff) were all great. The only issue was the service. When we arrived, it was packed. They were not well prepared. I think 2 servers had the entire restaurant and they were overwhelmed. But, in the end, I made my flight home and enjoyed a great meal. Tippin the ole hat
(4)Sheila M.
I enjoyed a fantastic dinner here with a close friend of mine, she loved it too! Let me just start off by saying the service was absolutely wonderful. Both our server and the other man who brought out our food were great. We started with the vegetable samosas. Each order comes with two... we thought it didn't sound like much, but when it came out, we saw that they're actually friggin huge. I loved these. We dipped them in the two sauces (one is green and the other is a brownish red) that come out with that crunchy bread/chips type thing. Sorry, I don't know what it's called. Anyway, dip the samosas in both of those sauces together... even better that way! For the entree, I ordered the Shahi Paneer. I was skeptical since I've never had it, but wow was this dish delicious. I want to go back just for this alone. It's so incredibly flavorful with the curry base and the dried fruit. My friend ordered Aloo Gobi, which I've also never had but apparently is a common one. It's a dish with potatoes, cauliflower, and some sort of light sauce and spices. It was pretty good, but I was really sold on my own dish. Unfortunately, these entrees don't come with rice. You have to order it separately. It annoys me that so many places do this now. But no biggie-- I'm coming back since I live so close! Great food, great ambiance, great service!
(4)Mario - Sonia S.
A co-worker and I went to the Clay Oven for the first time and I have say I totally recommend this restaurant. We went on an early weekday (Tuesday b4 noon) and there were some people not a lot but got busier after 12:30pm. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this establishment, very relaxing and a treat to get away from a busy office. The buffet is not only affordable but so delicious, I recommend taking a spoonful of each item with the second helping (if you are able) eating the items you enjoyed most. Caution though, eating too much of this wonderful food will put you in a food coma and wanting to take a nap. I really appreciated their staff, everyone was so friendly and very attentive. Looking forward to my next visit (soon).
(5)Sharon s.
If you want great Indian food DO NOT come here. I love lamb tikka masala and theirs was ok. Lamb was soft but the sauce was so salty that I had pour lemon juice all over to take the salt away. Veggies saffron rice had no veggies like few peas & few carrots. Their veggie samosa was ehh. Overall not good. If you want good no I mean AMAZING Indian food go to Shalimar in woodland hills.
(2)Athenart H.
Clay Oven is our go-to Indian place, and I've referenced it in my other Indian-restaurant reviews, and yet I never reviewed it here on Yelp. Oversight! Everything I've ever had here is delicious, and when I bring others they say the same (dinner only--never been to the lunch buffet). So why only four stars? They are more expensive than other places in town, the service can be a bit slow (they often seem slightly understaffed), and the spicing level seems to vary from visit to visit (I don't know if "medium" will me "mild/medium" or "medium/spicy"). Each of these issues is minor, however. I can't stress enough how yummy their food is! Veggies, chicken, naan, sauces... it's all delicious! OH! This month (July 2013) you get $10 off when you spend $50. :)
(4)Darissa L.
Lunch buffet every weekday has tikka masala and unlimited garlic or plain naan. I also like their Chai a lot which comes with it. The price is much better than dinner and they refill your naan as soon as its empty. The place smells like Indian food but not overwhelmingly like many place I have been to. It is a quaint place with nice seats and lunch is a good meal to stuff myself with food as I have all day to walk it off.
(5)Sid A.
I love Indian food and the Clay Oven is one of my favorites to the point that I eat there almost every week and I'm never disappointed. The lunch buffet usually has something new along with their standard fare and the people who run it are very nice. Don't miss out on their chai and their rice pudding. And they don't have a TV running which is great.
(5)Vivianne C.
Thanks to Groupon, my fiance and I ventured out onto Ventura Boulevard to try this homey little Indian Restaurant last night. I really enjoy Indian food; I always get that something-about-the-aromatic-flavors-that-keeps-Âyou-coming-back-for-more kind of feeling. We ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Curry, Saffron Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan. Can you say - YUM?! The Good: * The chicken and lamb were cooked well -- very tender, juicy and flavorful. * The Saffron Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan were both delicious alone, but was amazing with the Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Curry. * The atmosphere was very homey (except for the woman talking loudly on her cell phone -- thank goodness it was towards the end of dinner) * The restaurant was clean and tidy. * The portions were good. (It never comes out looking like very much till you're about half way through and realized you're stuff!) The Bad: * Nothing was really "bad" -- the service was on the slower side even though the restaurant didn't seem very busy. It just took a while for the check to come to the table. * The price for the food was on the higher side for Indian food, but I wasn't disappointed with the food, so I guess it would be a great alternative to driving in LA traffic to a 'cheaper' place -- it all works out to be about the same. * Parking might be an issue for this place. I believe there is a small lot in the back, good luck finding parking on Ventura Boulevard. (Luckily, its not too far of a walk for me!)
(3)Secret G.
If you want a great Indian food this is the place to be. They have a variety of dishes to please every eye, eye of a vegan, vegetarian, meat eater.. I like the overall atmosphere, food is delicious and comes in authentic pots, service is very helpful and they serve more than enough food, you might wanna take more home than you actually will be able to eat at once. I'll definitely come back :)
(5)Shannon F.
One server was great, the other kinda sucked. The one who sucked didn't acknowledge that he spilled water on me while refilling my glass and didn't appear to have any serving experience, not to mention any experience working with the public. Also, I don't really want to smell mop soap while I'm dining so perhaps they could clean their floors before they open or after they close - just a thought. The food was pretty good though, so it wasn't a total loss.
(3)A H.
Chicked Makhani absolutely wonderful. Friendly staff even late at night when they probably are wrapping thing up. Warning. ...medium spicy was hot enough for me and I like it hot. . Excellent. Will be back.
(4)Addy F.
Nice Sunday lunch buffet. The food was good as well as the service and it is not too expensive.
(4)Kartheek B.
3 stars in yelp = A-OK. and this place exactly means that to me. Perfect place to get a date, nice decor, ambiance and good service and hence 3 stars. I removed the other 2 stars since my taste buds did not have a good time! I usually don't go to Indian places for dinner, except for once or twice in a year when i really crave for some good Indian food and hope to find that some day in LA. Being an Indian myself, i restrict going to sit down Indian restaurants unless I have to for some other friends, co-workers etc. I usually tend to go the informal cafe style Indian places since they have better tasting food (India Sweets and Spices in the valley, Bombay Spiceland etc) Alright, this is what i had at Clay Oven. I ordered the Chilli Chicken (Indian-Chinese dish) - $16, it was good though but not what i expected it, so a little disappointed as it did not resemble the taste that i anticipated (O.G Chilli Chicken, all you Indian folks know exactly what iam talking about) and yes 1 star off for that. Second dish that i ordered was Lamb Bhuna and that was also meh..! this was also $16 again.. overall i thought they were pricey for the location and taste. I guess their lunch buffet might be good, will try it out again since it is in my neighborhood and like $10. But definitely not going for dinner!
(3)Kgb G.
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(1)Emelye A.
I wish I could rate this zero stars. Ordered delivery two hours ago and still waiting. Initially they told me 1 hour, then when I called after 80 mins they told me it would arrive any second. Two hours on from order time it's still not here. I called and asked what was going on and was promptly hung up on. How long has my food been in the back of a car now if indeed it was out for delivery 40 minutes ago?? Ewww. And I pre paid for the order and a 20% tip on my credit card. Beware!
(1)Aleisha G.
Excellent tasting food! We had papadums, chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, and saag paneer.with basmati rice and regular naan for dinner tonight. We drank chai. Every dish was perfectly made- although, they did mix up the order and the spiciness a little. It still turned out great. I didn't regret getting the wrong dish. I was perfectly happy with it. If you love spinach, you'll love the saag. If you like spiciness you'll want to order the dishes "medium" because medium is more spicy than you may think. The tea is perfect. Not sweet. Not too spicy. Just mixed right and creamy. Perfect for an authentic chai taste. The papadums were not too salty, which I like. Some places, they just make them too salty. High recommended!
(5)Irina O.
I have been there for a few times and their food is GREAT. I love their mango curry and the chicken one. They also have buffet, and have or used to have 50% off deal every Tuesday. I also like how they serve the curry in a small metal pot with fire and their Indian bread is also good! I would like to give them more starts, but I'm only giving them just 3 starts because of their terrible service. The servers or who seems like to be a manager walks by a lot but never notices anything on the table. So you have to rise your hand to get a water or whatever you need... But over al their food is good enough that I'll be coming back.
(3)Amy C.
This review is way overdue, as I have loved this place for years. I guess part of me wants to keep it a secret so that it's not too crowded when I go. LOL. But on the other hand, it's good for me if business is good for them, right? I was never a big fan of Indian food until I tried the Clay Oven. Their dishes are very tasty, fresh, and cooked to your liking. If you really like spicy dishes, you can request as you like, if you don't, then it's all the same. I have eaten at other Indian eateries and always compare to the Clay Oven. It has set the standards in tastiness high for other restaurants. The place itself is not very big, but if you go after the dinner rush, you really don't have to wait. I can't complain about the service, as they have always been very nice, timely, and attentive. Overall, the food is tasty, service is good, and you will crave their food time and time again. ;-)
(5)Eric J.
Awesome food! No complaints what so ever. I do not eat indian often as I really am a noob when it comes to the Indian culture and feel like I never know what to order. But I tried the Non-Vegetarian combo plate (which was only $16 and comes with so much food!) and it was amazing! I recommend any one that is not familiar with Indian cuisine to try this plate. It gives you a taste of everything! I am so returning and next time I hope to make it to the lunch buffet. Luckily this gem is not far from home. ;)
(5)Rebecca S.
This place is legit. Must try items: chicken korma, saffron rice, garlic naan and meat samosas.. Prob for 4th time here and it gets better everytime!
(4)Nikki S.
Mango Lassi, garlic naan, lamb vindaloo = ALWAYS a winning choice.
(5)Ali Z.
Chiken tikki masala was not tasty and garlic naan was old. 14.95 for a chicken tikki masala that is watery is too much.
(2)Lucia D.
We ordered Clay Oven delivery on a Saturday night. They insisted on calling to confirm the address (after we had paid) and then had us on hold for 10 minutes while they searched for our order. The food came about an hour later. The 3 of us spent about $70 with delivery fee and tip. Rice was NOT included. The paneer pakoras were cold, but still tasty. Our main complaint about this place is that the prices don't match the quality/portion sizes. $3 for 2 half pieces of naan. $13-$14 per entree and $10 for those cold pakoras. And no rice anywhere. The actual food was decent, but not outstanding. Just...disappointing. Sorry Clay Oven. We won't be back.
(2)Al T.
Very good food, absolutely no complaints...we had a coupon from Restaurant.com so $25 of the $38 was waived. We ordered combination plates and somosas. The wait staff didn't really have much of a personality and didn't come back to check on us - they asked if we wanted dessert at the very end but that was it. I'd go back there though, the food really was tasty and their buffet looked really good - and given the usually pricey Sherman Oaks area, it's very reasonably priced.
(4)Mark V.
Always wanted to try this place, man were we disappointed. Ordered the chicken tiki masala, wasn't blown away by it. Naan/rice is not included with the entree order. Also ordered the appetizer spread, everything was dry. Serving size was tiny and prices were pricey. Service was non existent.
(2)C. S.
Ordered for delivery lamb tikka masala and vegetable tikka masala. Delivery here is never as good as dine in or take out for whatever reason. After 50 min we called wondering if our order was in the cue. It came 15 min later but veg TM was missing the tofu we added. I called expecting little sympathy but they refunded the entire amount of that portion and sent a delivery guy back with a refund. Kudos to them for stepping up. Flavor is great and when they're firing on all cylinders its 5 stars.
(4)Casey D.
Really good Indian buffet. I've only been here on the weekends so I don't know if the weekday food is different, but their champagne brunch is really good. They change up the dishes every day which is a huge plus for Indian buffets and not always expected. There's always: 2 or more chicken options 1 or more meat option 1 fish option 3 or more veggie options Cold lettuce salad, Indian pickles and sauces Plain and garlic naan bread brought hot to the table (amazing!) Great service. Good price. Easy parking in a lot right behind the alley behind the restaurant. Love this place!
(5)Brian M.
Such a hidden gem! It's a shame this place isn't jam-packed every night. Definitely one of the best restaurants in the Valley, and so much incredible food.
(5)Aleece B.
Amazing food but don't bother ordering delivery. IF they show up your order will be wrong or missing something. If you pick it up you MUST check it before you leave because they don't pay attention.
(3)Nicole U.
Wow. I loved this place. We live very close to so many restaurants on Ventura blvd that sometimes it is hard to pick one to eat at. We have driven by this location a few times and finally decided to stop by on a Friday night. The location is cute, the servers were dressed very nicely. The very friendly server was helpful in picking out both beer and food. I had the vindaloo while my boyfriend had his tiki masala. Both were ordered medium and I enjoyed the non scorching flavor. The vindaloo sauce was loaded with flavor. All of the herbs and spices just made this dish really pop for me. I enjoyed the gigantic chunks of potatoes. It was a perfect medium for me. The saffron rice and garlic nan bread were very good. My boyfriend really enjoyed his dish and we both severely over ate, but it was so good we really could not stop Lots of veggie and vegan options here.
(5)Katya K.
Really really loved the chicken samosas here. Arguably, the best I've ever had; which isn't saying much actually. Chicken Tikka (not to be confused with chicken tikka Masala) was not bad at all. It was served over veggies which were grilled perfectly. But the highlight of my meal were the chicken samosas. There's really not point of talking about anything else in this review. Go to Clay Oven. Order them. Fall in love.
(5)Ali A.
this place is almost excellent!!! it used to be perfect then it changed a little i wish there was a 4.5 stars i can give, but since there is either 4 or 5 i had to give it 4. the naan bread is excellent, the tandori , the rice the bryani ..almost every thing is excellent..the chicken tikka masala and most masalas that uses cream... they tend to use too much cream or different kind of cream so basically the tomato based sauce is no longer red it is more like orangy and has this odd taste to it.. like i said i would give all the cream based sauce they make 4 out of 5 .. maybe even 3.5 ..i wish i knew what is it they made different in that cream so i can point it out to them.. every thing else is excellent..again i wish there was a 4.5 i can give them but for sure not 5 because of the cream that they use now in every cream based sauce. given that you will not be disappointed as an experience.. probably one of the best indian places in LA ,atleast for my taste
(4)Michele A.
I don't particularly enjoy writing negative reviews, but I was so utterly disappointed by my fellow Yelpers on this one, that I couldn't let my experience go unvoiced... er - un-Yelped, if you will. ;-) It was a Sunny almost Summer afternoon and I simply HAD to have some Indian food! Sadly, I was nowhere near my fave spot (Agra in Silverlake) so I hit up Yelp to lead me in the right direction for some down & dirty take-out. I stumbled across Clay Oven at the top of my search: 170+ Reviews? and 4 Bright & shiny stars?? "Hell, yes, Clay Oven must be the spot!" I thought to myself. I brazenly ordered a Trifecta, expecting to have leftovers for days: Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and Bengan Bharta... accompanied by some Garlic Naan and Basmati Rice (of course). The first thing I tore into was the Chicken Tikka Masala. Why? I had NO CHOICE as the container was not sealed properly and was starting to leak all over the bottom of my bag. Boo! But I was hungry so I "went with it" and did a quick "eat & drive" just to remedy the impending sauce spilling situation. I tore into the Naan as utensils were not included (oddly enough-deduct more points) so I used the Naan as my utensil to scoop up the Chicken and sauce, and try to get it to a manageable state. Hey, I'm no stranger to throwing down ethnic style & eating with my hands, so no biggie here initially. However, the first thing I noticed about the naan was that it was "moist" and not dry and slightly crispy with the burnt edges proper naan should have. No matter, I was eating out of necessity at this point. I dunked my naan into the Masala and scooped out some chicken & sauce and took a big-ass bite... Uh-oh... Hmm...What was that strange "Sour" taste to the sauce? I've many an Indian meal in my lifetime - even IN India, no less - and I have never experienced this "Sour Aftertaste" that seemed to accompany all three of my dishes. Sadly, it was so off-putting that it left all of my meal inedible. So, all in all, I spent $50!! on three large containers of suspect, sour, tangy dishes purporting to be Indian food. Did I call & complain and ask for a refund/credit? No, because I will clearly not be going back. $50 Lesson Learned! But I felt it in the greater interest of Yelping humanity that I let those of us who TRULY KNOW good food, also know the overpriced, less than stellar situation that's happening over at Clay Oven. :-( Namaste...
(1)Ed G.
Just ate here last night and overall it was a pleasant experience. The decor and setting is divine. Theres seating in doors and out. There was beautiful music playing inside however you could barely hear it so there were a few awkward silent moments in the room. I started off with an appetizers. I ordered the Assorted Appetizers Plate which features 2 samosas, 2 vegetable pakora, 2 chicken tikka, 2 shrimp pakora, 2 paneer pakora and 2 pieces of shish kabob. Though it was all pretty good, the shrimp pakora stood out the most. It was absolutely delicious! The bummer side was that some of the portions on this plate was really small! Smaller than bite size, really. For nearly $13 that part was a little dissapointing and the platter is perfect for only 1 or 2 people, not a group. As for our meal i got the plain aromatic rice and spicy chicken tikka masala with a side of garlic naan bread. At first i thought the portions was ridiculously small and wasnt going to be fulfilling however i was wrong. For 2 people that was plentifull. I was stuffed! And when they said spicy it was indeed spicy. The food was great!! Service was good. Nothing to rant nor complain about. Only major complain was how expensive their menu is. But in it's favor the food was good. So overall I'd most likely come back again.
(4)gary p.
A local favorite. If u happen to catch the lunch buffet u r in luck. They put out a great spread not just the cheap stuff lol. In any case it's really tasty and I'm comparing it to what I grew up with on 6th st NYC where there is a restaurant row of all Indian places. Get your curry on :)
(4)Denny G.
Came +1 with the intention of keeping it light and experimental. Got charged $40 (tip included) for a single entree we split, rice ($7 - yes, seven dollars for rice), and bread - which they were good enough to charge us for twice (without telling us we would be charged). The bill was twice what we expected. I'm calling it a small scale ripoff.
(1)Kenneth S.
This place is solid and much better than I've had in LA. I was not blown away but friendly staff, lunch buffet was varied between meat and veg. I would come back possibly for dinner.
(4)Dan T.
Let me start off by saying that the food here is very good. The sole reason for the 2 stars is the service here is unbearable. If you run out of water good luck getting your refill. The servers seem to just walk around and stare but never help anyone until you stand up and walk to them and ask. That is exactly what I had to do earlier this month to get my table a water refill. Once I'm done eating I have noticed it takes a while to get your check and even longer for them to run your card and give it back. It's very unfortunate since the food is really great.
(2)Anastacia M.
Best Indian in the Valley OMG this place is awesome and I haven't even tried the ever popular buffet. The Vindaloo and curry sauces are excellent. The Naan and rice portions are large. The Chai tea is delicious, the lamb is tender, the seafood is well cooked, and the service is also excellent.
(5)Natalie M.
Love this place. Food is great! service is good. Plenty of free parking in rear. I love Indian food and tried several Indian places before and I like this place in particular. They have special recipe for yogurt: I have never tried yogurt with carrot. It tasted good. Nun is just perfect. Curry is great. it is very nice to seat outside with a view of Ventura blvd. Their plates are huge (so there are plenty of food you can take home after dinner) My experience is totally positive.
(5)Joseph R.
This place is a hidden gem. My friend and I were buzzed after going through several rounds at the Spitting Chicken and we got really hungry. We decided to walk down the street and spotted this place. I am no Indian cuisine expert but after going twice to this place, I became a huge fan. Definitely a good date spot or even taking family. I haven't tried their lunch buffet yet. Prices are a little high but the food is full of flavor and the sauces they provide are awesome. I think it's a bargain value if you go for the lunch buffet. I believe they serve unlimited Pudina Chutney and Tamarind Chutney which goes with the crunchy flat bread they serve. Pudina Chutney is a mint\cilantro sauce and the Tamarind chutney has some chili peppers in it. I like to mix them on that flat bread for a good sweet and spicy sublime taste. I recommend the Chicken Vindaloo, Tikka Masala, and any other curries they have. I still need to try out the vegan menu like the Sag Paneer. Parking is in the back but you will most likely need to park on the street since it get's packed during peak hours.
(4)Lauren G.
The one star is for the food that we tried although we would have liked to have tried more. My husband and I ordered an appetizer to split and two beers. When we ordered our drinks the waiter tried to take the menus from us. That was weird. So the beers took forever to come out and then this same waiter just walks away and I had to ask to order. I ordered an appetizer for my husband and I to share and the waiter once again tried to take the menus. The appetizer came out and the waiter never made eye contact with us or ask us anything/make any conversation and disappeared with the menus. So odd! I tried to stop him and it was a very awkward situation. It felt like his ears and ability to read ANY body cues were turned off. The appetizer was very tasty and quite large so it was enough to satisfy both my husband and I. It crossed my mind that maybe the waiter assumed the appetizer was large and we wouldn't need anything additional, however; the waiter NEVER came back. I wanted another drink and we were going to order a main dish as well. They missed an opportunity to more than double what we ended up spending. We sat waiting for the bill and I could tell the guys next to us were having the same problem. So, after 45 mins of NO service the waiter walked by and I had to make non-stop eye contact and then still say something to get the bill. We then waited forever for the bill to come back for me to sign. I see my bright blue credit card sticking out the top of the bill holder at the table next to us. I had a funny feeling it wasn't someone using the same card. Then I hear one of the guys at the table huff and say, "This isn't even my credit card." When he stops a waiter to say something the waiter just simply sets it on our table and says NOTHING. This place gets great reviews on their food and it's too bad the service was probably the worst I've ever had so I will not be returning to try more of the menu.
(1)Sara S.
Love this place! I come all the time because they do a really nice buffet where you get to try everything everyday (except Saturday) until 3pm. They usually have one veggie dish and a few meat or fish entrees with some rice, some sides and some desserts. The regular menu is good too and I would even say the quality is better. The chicken Marsala for instance, has all white meat on the regular menu. It is more expensive than most Indian places, but the food and atmosphere is quality. The buffet, however, is only about $10! I definitely recommend this place to anyone!
(4)Jack J.
Great food, great atmosphere and great staff. I love this place and I've become a regular. The food is amazing, the waiters are amazing too specially Sho. You won't regret going there.
(5)Bert H.
we went right after the buffet ended. aside from freshly cooked vegetables, all the meat was dried out, almost as if it was leftovers from the buffet. very little parking in the back, and was used by staff
(2)Louie F.
Came here a few weeks ago with some friends, and enjoyed a warm summer evening on the patio people watching. The food here is on par with most Indian Restaurants, but like others have stated, being able to sit on The Boulevard and people watch while you eat makes it even better. The restaurant is also located walking distance to many bars, making it a great start to your pub crawl. My friend's girlfriend did the ordering for us, so I have no clue what we actually got. What I can say is that 4 of them were lamb dishes and the other just vegetables. The dishes are served in little pots that are then placed on a candle to keep them warm. My two qualms about this place: the rice is a la carte and the naan portions are small. The best part of Indian food is sopping everything up with bread. The four of us probably went through 4-5 orders of naan during the course of our meal. The service was pretty good and the prices reasonable. We were walking distance from the restaurant, though like many places on Ventura, I could see how parking can be a problem -- especially on a Friday or Saturday night. Somthing cool: they were experimenting with a new dish and brought us out a plate to sample it. One of the better Indian restaurants that I've dined at in LA. 4-stars: "Yay! I'm a fan"
(4)Amy G.
We LOVE this place! The food is delicious, the service is very good and the prices are reasonable. Usually go for dinner, but have been once for their Sunday brunch, which was also a really good value. The only problem is that they do not seem to have air conditioning and during the summer and when they are busy, it's just too hot- even outside on the patio. Which really takes away from the dining experience. Oh and there's parking in the back, but it's shared with other businesses and can be kind of tight (and it's by the trash...yea---not pleasant).
(4)Marc B.
Nice decor! Classy. Prices here can be a bit high. But the atmosphere and location of this restaurant is prime. The food is pretty good, but my friends still make the best Indian food out there. The menu is very accommodating to the American palette, so that's why this place is good to many. Great first date place and impress the one you're with that you've got lots to spend on food. Specialty: Indian Classy Dining Recommendations for first timers: Lunch Buffet (cheaper and more variety) Service: 7/10, Variety: 9/10, Parking: 5/10 marc out.
(3)Pier H.
This place has the most amazing food!. My co workers and I come here at least once a week for the lunch buffet. The chicken tika masala is outstanding and the naan is fresh and delicious. I give this place only four stars because dinner is way overpriced. The basics that I would expect to be complimentary like rice and plain naan cost extra as well as the various dipping sauces. They have an all you can eat lunch buffet for $10. Having to pay 2-3 times that price for less food at dinner is a little excessive in my opinion.
(4)Kellie F.
"Wanna go get Indian buffet for lunch instead of going to noon boot camp?" And that's all it takes... This place has a FAB lunch buffet. Great for meeting friends for a quick lunch. I had never had Indian food until I went to Clay Oven, and after one trip, I was sold. The tikka masala and sag paneer (?) are so so good. And the honey balls? Fuggetaboutit. Dang, now I'm having lunch remorse. I see a Clay Oven lunch in my near future... Oh, and I really wanted to knock it a star because parking can be tough, but then I thought about how good that dang food is and they still managed to get a 5-ver out of me.
(5)Bonobo M.
Fairly average Indian food. The raita and naan were a notch above, but everything else was average. The tikka masala medium spicy somehow lacked much discernible flavor, other than butter... Serves me right for straying from my usual Indian restaurant.
(3)Melissa J.
Decided to try this spot because of Groupon. I'm SO glad I did! I just placed a To-Go order for my first time there. Customer Svc: Excellent! My order was for pick up and ready when I arrived. Everyone was helpful and all smiles. And applied my Groupon with ease! Food: Flavor packed goodness! The lamb curry is so flavorful and tender. I will be craving this in the near future. I also tried the saffron rice which was fluffy and buttery, very yummy. The assorted appetizer plate is also a great treat. I was unfamiliar with most of the food items, but they all tasted delicious! Extras: You can order online and have your order delivered free if over $20. There's a small parking lot in back, so you have a good chance of getting a spot. My to go order was wrapped and sealed really great too, bonus!
(4)Sue B.
We frequent this place when we get a hankering for some good ole Indian curry. Our go to is always the Spicy Lamb Vindaloo & Chicken tikka, with a side of garlic naan. Yummers! I did however just found out that Tuesday nights are 50% off. The service was extremely slow...it took a while to get seated, and it took about 40 minutes to receive the main course. The only reason we actually waited was because we quite like the food. But still, despite the wait, the food did not disappoint.
(4)Mary H.
came here with my parents & a bunch of family. i think it was 10 of us. saturday afternoon.. semi busy. plenty of space. lunch buffet $12 per person (i think) the bill was $150, so def not bad at all. food was good compared to other indian restaurants in the valley. parking is a bit tight, they do have a lot in the back but fills up fast. u can always find plenty on the street but watch out for meter maids! $70 for a parking ticket! we ended up staying for almost 3 hours and they were very nice, not trying to get us out or anything. service was nice & they came by several times asking if we needed anything. def will come back here for indian food in the valley !!!
(5)Cristal M.
I came here because I purchased a Groupon Instant Deal for dinner and my experience was mediocre. The food is decent and so is the locale. However their policy is a bit stiff: one Groupon per table (there were 7 of us), so we ended up having to split into two groups so as not to lose our groupons. We tried getting accomodated since there were so many empty tables but were told no. The reason I am giving this place 2 stars however is because a) their naan is not awesome and all indian restarants worth their salt should have awesome naan, and because b) the place is overpriced. Its not a big or nice or tasty enough restaurant to warrant $16.95 for a chicken curry plate in an obscenely small bowl. That is all
(2)Alexis C.
Food is good. It's not the most amazing but definitely fair for the money. Sunday is the best deal. $14 for buffet and mimosas. It says unlimited but it really is only 3 per person. I learned about this rule yesterday when my friend and I got stares from the waiter because we kept asking for more. He then cut us off and said no more..haha! Oh well!
(4)Simone L.
Lunch buffet for only $13! Close enough to my office that a group of us will be going back soon, I'm sure. Everything was delicious.
(4)Jessikah H.
Yuck. Where do I begin. Can I give no stars?! Now let me preface by saying I am a General Manager in the customer service industry myself and am always VERY lenient and understanding when a business is having a hiccup of a day. I've cruised by Clay Oven a million times being a Sherman Oaks girl for some time now. But I have my Indian place that I rarely stray from. On this particular evening I figured I would check out Groupon to see the haps on Indian food deals (First mistake?) Decided to go for the $10 for $20 deal and order in since that boy and I were wanting to relax at home. I called to place my order and a woman answered the phone. She told me to hold. Came back on and started to take my order which was very simple. Throughout my order she told me to hold 4 more times and had me repeat myself a ton. Clearly, her attention was elsewhere. Once we finally squared it all away I told her I had the Groupon (which I had read the fine print prior to make sure it wasn't dine in only) She then told me it was dine in only. Go figure. I asked her where it said that and she said it was the Manager's decision. Fine. Canceled my order. We decided at this point since I already paid for it to just go in. This was the second mistake. We walked in and the joint wasn't too busy. 1 big party of maybe 10 and a couple scattered tables. A guy in pajamas was waiting in front of us at the counter. After a few minutes of waiting and some chaos with Pajama boy, we realized what was going on. The girl forgot to put in his phone order that he we there to pick up. The Manager apologized quickly, brushed it off and retook his order. By this time we had been waiting at least 8 minutes. A girl and the Manager (Eric)both behind the counter. Neither of them gave us even a glimpse of acknowledgment that they would be right with us. (Huge pet peeve of mine). A mere smile and head nod at that point from one of them would have gone a long way. FINALLY the girl came behind from the counter looked at us with a blank stare, asked us if we wanted a booth or table. Booth we said. She went and made up the booth, walked back to us and nodded her head in the direction of it. My boyfriend and I looked at eachother. Was she speaking code? Was that our table? Were we supposed to walk over there ourselves? How dare she is the look we gave eachother. We sat. Both boiling at this point and seconds away from walking out. "Is there a problem?" She says with a nasty attitude. I asked her to send the Manager over. When he came, we both calmly and professionally told him the experience we had that started over the phone. This guy couldn't have been any less accommodating. The best he could do for us was say that he would honor the Groupon if we wanted to Take Out. Really?!? After all that. Thanks buddy. We decided to stay and eat. We were starving. We ordered, he gave us a free beer, received our food in a timely manner which wasn't too bad as far as taste, but never got checked on ONCE. During this time we watched several groups come in and started timing to see how long people were waiting. Upwards of 10 minutes with plenty of open tables is completely unacceptable. We continued to watch people over and over again mouth "What the F*%K is going on here" We finally got our check and it was like the golden ticket to freedom. To pay you have to walk up to the counter which is very uninviting and weird when you are dining at restaurant. We had also watched several people wait for a while trying to pay. The Manager swiped my card and handing me my receipt to sign as he stood there looming over me. Nothing was more gratifying than writing "NOPE" on the tip line. (I have only done this once before at a bar and felt guilty) but this time it felt great. They did not deserve a tip. But they did deserve my first ever Yelp review.
(1)Patrick M.
Definitely one of my favorite Indian restaurants, even though it is quite a drive for me to get here. Everything I have tried from their menu so far has been delicious. A few of my personal favorites are the chicken tikka masala (of course), and the chicken vindaloo. Both incredibly delicious. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that, as others have mentioned, it is a bit pricey, and the service is hit or miss. Sometimes it is great, other times it's almost impossible to get the server's attention. It is also a good date location due to the quiet atmosphere.
(4)Krissy M.
Last night, we were deciding between Indian and bbq...I'm SO glad we chose Indian!! From the moment we walked in the door, I just knew it was going to be good. Everyone there is so polite, the service is great, and it has a wonderful ambiance. We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Saffron Rice, and Yellow Daal. Yum to everything!! The food is so flavorful. And I love the serving dishes! Then to top everything off, we found out that Monday's and Tuesday's are 50% off your bill! Totally unexpected, but a totally awesome deal. Regardless of that deal, we will definitely be going back!
(5)Eric H.
They stopped serving papadums during their weekly buffet because of a problem with their supplier. I now bring in my own and they eat them up and serve them for me. How cool is that!
(4)Prakash R.
Not a spicy food. Definitely not for Andhra people. Will not return again
(2)Smart Shopper G.
SO sad. This is an update to an update. Our first experience was terrible. Our second experience, a year later, was great. Our third experience this year? Back to terrible. We couldn't do the buffet because we had bad timing so we had to order dishes from the menu. Again, too little food, underseasoned (what? isn't this INDIAN food?), and too expensive. Bottom line, go for the buffet, forget the regular menu. We learned our lesson the hard way.
(2)Jon B.
This review is for the lunch buffet. It runs till about 3pm every day. I went here last monday and as soon as I walked through the patio and like an asshole, starred at everyone's plate, I could tell this place was gonna be good. Everything they have during the buffet tastes amazing, you can really taste the herbs and spices they use in their food and. All the food was top notch. My ONLY complaint is that they only have 2 sources of meat. One is a chicken curry and the other is some bbq red colored chicken (I forgot the name of this stuff if you couldn't tell). Both of those tasted great but I think some more meat would make that buffet worthy of a 5 star rating. Aside from that, I am now addicted to Indian food.
(4)Sumit S.
Good Indian food in the SFV. They have updated the interior and the staff is very friendly. Shaai paneer with Naan worth a try.
(5)Bianca L.
waited 2 and a half hours for an incomplete delivery order, which the manager actually had the audacity to accuse me of lying about.
(1)Munch M.
Total rip off. If you order off the menu they'll ask "Do you want rice or bread with that?" which would imply it is included like any other Indian restaurant. I get the bill and they charge 3 dollars for two slices of naan, and 6 dollars for a tiny bowl of just rice, in addition to the 17 dollars for the paltry entree. Yes you read that right, they charged 6 dollars for a small bowl of rice they took out of the buffet. I should note that the reason I ordered off the menu was that the last time we got the buffet there it gave me horrid diarrhea, so I wanted to order something "fresh." and it was not, all frozen cheap quality meat. This place is garbage, and they are scam artists as well. The 10 dollar buffet sounds tempting, but it is really low quality. Stay away.
(1)O K.
I have not tried their lunch buffet, but I just have to give a nod to Clay Oven as having some of the best Indian food (curries) I have found in the Valley thus far...maybe even in LA? This after having been disappointed by numerous bland curries at other restaurants... If you've ever lived in Britain/England, you should appreciate Clay Oven. Just talk to them ask them to make it authentically spicy for you. Enjoy!
(4)Miguel D.
My wife and I like their lunch offerings on the weekends. The food is good and staff is friendly but they are always a bit awkward and getting you seated and offering the lunch buffet.
(4)Lesley M.
Extremely average. Onion bhaji was a pile of battered onion pieces. Shrimp curry was okay but the shrimp seemed like they were cooked from frozen, not fresh. Chicken tikka masala was okay too. Pilau rice with peas was nice. Peshwari naan tasted like marzipan. Decent, cold beers. Nice waiters. Not particularly cheap.
(3)Charlene C.
If you like Indian food, curry on over to the Clay Oven. The cuisine is traditional and delicious. The atmosphere is cozy and tranquil. The service is warm and friendly. And dietary restrictions are a naan issue--they have something for everyone!
(4)Neeta M.
PRO: 1. Atmosphere is inviting, which many Indian restaurants lack. 2. The popadum & chutneys at the beginning of the meal were yummy. 3. Fairly decedent service. CONS: 1. The worst quality of Indian food ever! Bland and boring! The chicken tikka & reshmi kabob lacked flavor & spice (come on this is Indian food). 2. Overpriced!!! We used a coupon from restaurant com - $35 worth of food for $10 - You'd think what a deal, but we paid another $48 (dinner for two); thus, theoretically we paid $75 for our meal!!! That is outrageous for 3 naans, 3 entrees & 2 soft drinks - priced to make sure the restaurant doesn't loss profit due to the coupon marketing!! Lastly, there were no Indians dining there...bad sign!!!!
(2)Eric R.
Great indian food. The panir non is awesome. I like the samokas also. Its very fresh and always goo!!
(4)Dacia w.
Review based on delivery only. PROS: Food arrived piping hot and within the allotted time. All food was within its containers, not spilled out everywhere. Portions were huge! Aromatic rice was really yummy. Samosas were crunchy and spicy...perfect. Delivery man was kind and smiling (always nice). CONS: Chicken Korma was OK. Not as flavorful as others I've had The naan was terrible! Super thin and boring. Not fluffy and delightful like it should be. I ordered a Coke with my meal and it was $3.00, when the food arrived, it was a simple CAN of Coke. For $3, that's ridiculous!
(4)Spoon M.
This review is solely for the buffet. Where do I even start? The tandoori chicken was so overcooked and dry it was inedible. The chicken tikka masala was lacking flavor. The fish pakora also overdone and rough. The saag paneer and mutton curry were the only decent tasting items in the buffet. I would describe the situation as uninspired. You can't serve your patrons bland dry food and expect them to come running back for more.
(2)Marie S.
Yummy this place is pretty amazing. We've ordered online and been to the actual restaurant and every time I really enjoy the food. The curry and mango drink are excellent as well as many of their other dishes. Highly recommended if you want awesome Indian food!
(5)Ashley T.
This is my staple Indian restaurant. They never let me down! When I lived in Santa Clarita I used to frequent their sister restaurant, Karma. Now I am just a minute away from the same food I've come to love. Their coconut curry and the tikka masala are my absolute favorite. The meat is always perfectly cooked and tender. The garlic naan is to die for! They also have a dinner for two special that serves you an appetizer, tandori chicken, a meat dish, a veggie dish, naan, and dessert with coffee/tea for a really great price. The service happens to be a little slow. Even when the restaurant is slow they tend to be understaffed. While it can get annoying, the food more than makes up for it. If you don't feel like dealing with the service, they do deliver! There have been many times where I have ordered my food in. The deliveries are usually at the door in 30-45 minutes during dinner time and the delivery guy is always really nice. I think everyone should at least try this place once. It's good enough to keep coming back.
(4)Helen P.
Go here for lunch buffet for $9.95. The food is excellent and you get a selection of their most popular dishes in unlimited quantities! They vary their selection daily, but my favorite dishes are always served on Fridays. I don't know why ;) Before we knew about this lunch buffet, my husband and I would come here for dinner and order basically the same things that are served on the lunch buffet (i.e. chicken marsala, lamb vindaloo, saag paneer, etc.) for $70 or more. Now we know better. Service can be a bit slow here and parking is difficult at rush hour on Ventura, but if you're looking for best indian food in the valley, this is it!
(4)Julie J.
Haven't been for years and went the other night to remind myself it's a good valley indian spot. The decor & atmosphere is comfortable/stylish, the staff friendly & professional and the food is as good as it gets for Indian. I had the bindi (okra) which I often don't order since it's hard to cook just right, but they nailed it. And with a little leftover rice it's been enough for lunch the next day too. On a busy stretch of Ventura with all kinds of food options, this is always a good choice.
(4)Jamie R.
Ah Indian food, how I love thee. I was a sheltered vegetarian, burning myself out on grilled cheese sandwiches and salads when I met a cute fellow vegetarian on a chance camping trip. A week later, I was on a first date with him at a place called Clay Oven in Sherman Oaks. Wow! My veggie world was forever changed! Goodbye reconstituted soy products-- hello mattar paneer, malai kofta, and samosas~ I was hooked. Years later, I am married to that man and while our vegetarian days are behind us (for now), our love of Indian food has continued. I've since been to many Indian restaurants, but this one has remained one of my favorites when it comes to the quality of the food.
(4)Sammi S.
Clay Oven has been dubbed "The Office" because it is our favorite place to have meetings over lunch. The lunch buffet is outstanding, especially for the price. The food is always fresh and hot, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. Unlimited naan and chai tea as well. We've been coming here for years and it has yet to disappoint.
(5)Omid I.
Hit up Clay Oven regularly for their weekday lunch buffet for about $10 you get a feast of quality Indian grub but your stomach will fight u all day (as is with any Indian food)
(4)Eddie O.
I tried this Indian restaurant during their lunch buffet. While I did find the dishes generally tasty the selection of dishes was rather poor. My other issue was the chicken tikka masala had very little chicken in it and was mostly sauce. I think they need to add more variety of dishes to their lunch buffet if they want five stars. At least add some beghan barta (eggplant) and some aloo gobi (cauliflower) since there was only 1 curry offered in addition to the chicken tikka masala.
(3)Neil B.
If you are a lover of Indian and Pakistani food (not to mention culture) this is an amazing - and quite hidden - little gem on Ventura Blvd. It's better known among locals in the Sherman Oaks area, but well worth the trek for the lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 3pm for only $8.95 plus tax (I always tip any service staff, so for me, it's like 13$ or 14$) The dishes are authentic and delicious, it is all you can eat, the desserts are awesome (try the honey balls - scrumptious - and I never use that word, don't worry) ... The ambiance is sophisticated but the demeanor is casual - doesn't matter how you are dressed. The art is exotic and uniquely Indian, and the music playing makes the food taste even better. It's a small room, but every inch is well-used, and the experience is larger. Perfect for a quick lunch, a not-so-quick lunch, a date, a family outing, or just to stop by because you crave awesome Indian cuisine. One of my favorite places to eat in Sherman Oaks!
(5)Byron V.
I am giving this establishment 2 stars ONLY because the food was excellent. The service was agreeable (although the man serving us our food apparently was taught how to mumble and that's about it). What really ticked me off was the way they charged us for our food. My wife and I brought in a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, assuming we would end up spending about $20 total for the meal. What they didn't tell us was the side of rice we ordered to go along with it was going to cost seven bucks. 7 BUCKS FOR A FREAKING BOWL OF RICE?! What they also failed to tell us was that the bread we ordered was an additional six dollars as well...and the waiter asked us what kind of bread we wanted instead of asking if we'd like to add on. The way he asked us was as if it came with the meal already...giving us two options, and then asking if we want one of both and then CHARGING US FOR BOTH was an outrage. If you're going to charge us for these "additional" items you casually tack onto our meal as if they come with the meal, please let us know. We were furious at the total cost of the bill. Very sneaky, these guys.
(2)James C.
This is some of the best food in the world! Everything about it is great, especially the food and the maintenance. I would like it if the waiters would check on you more often, but the food is so good it cancels that out!
(5)Jonathan F.
Boo! This place gets a solid, well-deserved, non-embellished one star review for abysmal customer service and mediocre food. I've been here three times. And I guess the third time was the charm. Never coming back. We ordered take-out a few nights ago and was given the standard, "food will be ready in 20-25 minutes." Fair enough. 55 minutes later, the food finally comes out. Some dishes were hot. Others were cold and bland and soggy. The owner/manager (my assumption; the guy was just chilling, half-awake, and occasionally bossing the workers around) stood there the whole time, hanging out by the register next to me. No attempt of an explanation or hint of an apology was offered, when I asked what the delay was. His mantra was, "It's late, and we're busy," versus, "Sorry for the delay. Let me check on your food." When the food finally came out, I asked, "Are you going to at least apologize for keeping me waiting 55 minutes for take out?" He just looked at me with a blank stare, "Like I said. It's late. And we were busy." There were about 10 people in the whole restaurant. If you can't get decent customer service from the manager/owner, then--thank you very much--I'll spend my money elsewhere. I don't have unreasonable demands when it comes to my take-out orders. Hot fresh tasty food, on time, with a dash of politeness thrown in for good measure. Clay Oven fails on all these counts. There are plenty of other Indian Restaurants up and down Ventura. I'm sure I'll find a solid replacement in no time at all.
(1)Baby D.
This place is really nice inside. The waiters are very humble and polite, and they do everything with a smile. I usually just come for their lunch buffet. Everything is well labeled. They have a few different things here. Their buffet items are all cooked well, and everything is pretty good! I leave feeling satisfied. THEY HAVE THE BEST MILK BALLS IN HONEY SAUCE. YUMMMY DESSERT!, but diabetics BEWARE lol. ^_^
(5)S. T. V.
I got a group of friends together on Sunday to try their champagne brunch because I read such positive reviews on Yelp. However, I think we were all a little disappointed. They seated us promptly because we were the first group to arrive on Sunday morning and had made reservation. But...,most of our waters had ants floating in them - that didn't give us confidence in the cleanliness. The waitress was very friendly and apologetic and changed out all of our glasses - they were clean 2nd time around! The food was good and I didn't get sick afterwards. But I must say I was disappointed in the lack of selection. They didn't even have chicken tikki masala (well they had shrimp ones... ). No samosas either, darn! Parking was easy on a Sunday morning, found street parking on Ventura pretty much right in front of the restaurant. I'm not sure that I would come back again given that there are so many other Indian places I can try in the valley.
(3)J B.
Delicious!!,
(5)Jason B.
Food is great and price is ok as well. I am giving them 4 stars b/c sometimes their service is too slow. But overall GREAT PLACE.
(4)Jonathan J.
The restaurant had a nice ambience to it... it wasn't malodorous, and the music was not overpowering.. We came here on a groupon, which is always a role of the dice. It made for a delicious meal, and a great date night! I was impressed. The only thing that kept me from giving it a 5 was that the staff could have been a little more attentive and I could see them off in the corners texting, etc. It just lacked a LITTLE bit in the professionalism department. Other than that, lovely!
(4)Aaron X.
Ate here for dinner once and really enjoyed it. The service was extremely prompt and friendly. Never once did my glass come even close to being empty. Also I love Indian food but I'm not very well versed in it. Our serve was more than happy to explain what was what on the menu and give us his recommendations. Portions are large and could easily be shared between two people. I ordered the Chicken Tikka and LOVED IT! I highly recommend. Was a little surprised at the price though. Not bad but a little pricier than other Indian restaurants. Overall great experience and will be back.
(4)Melon A.
I don't know half of what I'm eating when I'm at an Indian restaurant, but at Clay Oven, whatever it is...it's good! The weekday lunch buffet is great. For about $9, you get an assortment of entrees, naan, dessert, and tea. I've dined there for dinner also and it adds up. The dinner entrees are definitely more expensive than the lunch buffet. All the things I've had at Clay Oven don't disappoint. I say "things" because i know nothing about Indian cuisine, but they're all delicous. Service is a bit weird...the servers kinda creep me out.
(4)Lynne A.
I go there with all my girl friends for brunch once a month! They are always friendly, the curried goat and shrimp are delish. The tikka chicken and vegan dishes are also great. The price cannot be beat for all you can eat and drink champagne. 13.00 We always eat outside and people watch. The food is really pretty good.
(5)T W.
Nice little Indian joint. 1st go around, I thought the place was good but not awesome. But it's really close to my house. Good food, good service, good location but didn't have that extra oomph to make it a great restaurant in my eyes. 2nd go around, we sit down and the host comes over. He's kind of pushy.. you know telling you all about the appetizers etc trying to get me to order more food than I need. So I was little annoyed until I caught him say something... As he was rattling off the great food he had on the menu, he slips in a name of a dish that I've only heard from a friend. This is a dish that's only made in a certain region of India and supposedly is amazing. My friend raved about it to me when he came back from India a few month prior. He loved it so much he even tried making it. This dish is not on the menu. I ordered it and I must say it was pretty tasty. Now it's the "thing" that I order at this restaurant. It's awesome and I love it. It's definitely worth giving it a chance.
(4)Jessica Y.
Has a great buffet for lunch at a very good price, but you are still able to order from the menu for the more picky folks of your group.
(4)James M.
Overpriced. Small (nay, tiny) Portions. Snarly Staff. If you can, go elsewhere. I've only ever ordered off the standard menu. I've never tried the buffet. From the other reviews, that sounds like the winner here, because the standard dining in experience, and especially the take out experience leaves a lot to be desired.
(2)Tyler M.
Best Indian food I've tried. Love this place. The staff are a little awkward especially if there aren't many people there.. They just sort of sneak around from place to place always got one eye on you..lol. But the food is delicious! They have small portions it looks like but man are they filling I can't even explain why I get so full. Don't judge the size! The saag paneer and chicken tikka is Sooo amazing!!!!! Always perfect. The atmosphere is pretty and nice. I've never been for the buffet or half off deal but it sounds like such a great bargain. This place is the bomb!
(4)Alex D.
Amazing!
(5)Candice B.
Been here twice- first time for dinner and second time for the champagne lunch buffet. Dinner: We ordered samosas to start and lamb curry and chicken tikka masala for our meal. We were very disappointed that neither naan bread or rice were included. To make it even worse, an order of rice cost around $7! Rice is pretty much a necessity with Indian food so we had to get it. The food was very good (especially the samosas) but waaaay too expensive! I definitely won't be returning there unless it's for the lunch buffet. Buffet: Returned a few weeks later for the Sunday champagne lunch buffet with a few friends. While there was not a huge variety of food (no samosas, i was heartbroken), rice was included! AMEN! Once again, the food was good. I think the buffet cost around $13-14 which is still on the higher side for Indian lunch buffets. If/When I do return, it will only be for the lunch buffet--- and I will order a side of samosas.
(3)J S.
My girlfriend and I ordered Clay Oven a few nights ago. Not. Impressive. Here's why: We called in the order and arrived to pick up the food. One of the items was missing from the check. We confirmed with the manager that we'd still receive the item and he said we would, and visually verified it with us. Very cool. When we got into the car I checked in the bag I was pretty shocked. Mostly because I was maybe looking at 1.5 pounds of food. Let me break down the order for you: 1 Yellow Daal (Yellow Lentils) 1 Aaloo Gobi (Potatoes and Cauliflower) 1 Basmati Rice 2 Orders Naan (4 Pieces) 1 order mixed pickles (a shot glass worth) Total cost? 43 BUCKS??? When we got home I made a BIG salad to go with our meal because there is not way that either of us were going to be satisfied with the small portions. My only out and out complaint about the food was the "mixed pickles". I've had pickles from a slew of countries, and usually enjoy them with rice. I never bat an eye at trying something new, and this was no exception. I thought the 2 dollar charge for such a small cup of pickles was ridiculous but we gave it a shot anyway. Oh. My. Goodness. They were inedible. First so salty i had to remove them from my mouth. On second go-round I found that they weren't even chewable. They were the woodiest parts of vegetables I have ever encountered. Determined to enjoy these pickles I mixed them with some rice, and tried them with some Daal. Instead of making the pickles more tolerable, it made my rice and Daal less enjoyable. DON'T GET THE PICKLES. Other than the pickles the food was ok. It was decently prepared and wasn't oily or over seasoned. The rice was well prepared and the Naan wasn't burned or crunchy. But that's a basic expectation. Not star worthy. As for the restaurant itself, it was well decorated. It had a modern-indian vibe with classy plate ware and a really cool giant statue of Buddha. Definitely felt intimate and relaxed. The patio was pretty chill which is a rarity on busy Ventura Blvd. We live in Los Angeles. Chances are you've had better than this. If you haven't been, save yourself the trouble and try another place.
(2)Laura N.
The food is very good, but kinda pricey. If you want Indian food, the best time to go here is for the lunch buffet. All you can eat for a great price.
(4)Hanna M.
My friends and I were there for Sunday Brunch. We made a reservation since there were 8 of us and when we arrived, our table was ready and waitress and waiters seated us right away. It took a while for all of us to show up but they never rushed us to order our drinks. The food was yummy for buffet. They had saag paneer, Shrimp tikka masala, goat curry, lentils, etc etc etc. Sunday Burnch came with chai tea and free drinks (and free refills!). They served fresh baked naan for no charge! We were there for my baby shower and they allowed us to bring a cake from outside. They gave us plates and dessert forks and kept the left over cake in their refrigerator for me to take home... They were so kind to us and we enjoyed our stay there. All my friends love the food and wanted to go back again.
(4)Dolores G.
5 stars for quality of food and flavor. 3 stars for service. Also, it s a little overpriced for indian food but it is delicious. I guess it deserves 4 stars.
(4)Gina B.
This place is well worthy of each star, although this review may be bias to the lunch buffet, as I havn't been there for their regular menu/hours. However, I don't see that experience being too far away... This review is based on the lunch I had on Thursday, May 19, 2011. First and formost...the food is worthy of the first two stars! Delicious and unique are I'd say the two most accurate descriptive words for their food. If you enjoy trying food from different cultures and like experiencing new spices and textures in your food, this is the place to try! The chicken masala for dinner and the shredded carrots with honey IN the rice puddling for dessert are the best options. Next, the overall atmosphere and surrounding is very pleasant! The inside is usually not too crowded, has comfortable seating, and plays cool music. Also, if you over eat (like I always do), you can always continue your positive experience outside by taking a nice walk down Ventura Blvd. and burning off your lunch LOL. The fourth star goes to their service. Some have marked down this place because they dislike how their waiters don't smile or don't ask how everything is. I, on the other hand, don't mind this at all because they come by nicely and refill your water or soda without disturbing you, which I really appreciate because it actually shows how respectful they are. Most waiters cut you off in the middle of your conversation with whoever you're with. Plus, I'm too busy enjoying my food. As long as my drink is refilled before I notice it getting too low, I'm a happy camper...well, yelper in this case. =) And finally, the last star goes to the overall positive experience I had. Besides...can't have a yelp review with 0 stars. ;)
(5)Marleene G.
So I'm new in town and on a Friday night my friend and I decided to walk along Ventura Blvd. to scope out some restaurants. As we walked along the blvd we stumbled upon this Indian restaurant, we both LOVE Indian food and we figured we'd give it a shot after passing up an array of restaurants. I give it one star for "looking" inviting, cleanliness (certified with an A) above all service was HORRIBLE!!! it took them like 10mins from the time we sat down to get our drinks, food wasn't as authentic as I expected, and it was ridic! when it came to pricing. I ordered some naan and we were given a basket w/2 individual naan breads...totally not sufficient when you're eating curry (UNACCEPTABLE), not once did they come over to ask how everything was, it's like you had to really get their attention to get some service...horrible horrible!! I left pretty dissatisfied and hungry that I headed to Yogurtland right after. I know of some great Indian places and I'm sticking to Ashoka (little India) in Cerritos best Indian food in town, service is great and serving size is abundant for an unbelievably inexpensive price....ditch clay oven and head to little India. At least now I know not to go there AGAIN!
(1)Fred M.
Really excellent food here. Generous portions, too.. we came on a Wednesday, ordered three entrees.. had leftovers through Friday. Each entree was rich and distinctive. Service and atmosphere were very nice. A good place to take somebody special. Close to a lot of neat shops there on Ventura Blvd. We'll come back!
(4)Victor T.
Wonderful brunch at an amazing price! The almost champagne never stops flowing along with its great variety of foods. Many different types of chicken dishes, shrimp, beef, curry goat and more
(4)Mary O.
Favorite Indian restaurant. I'll drive out of my way to get here if I'm craving it b/c no other restaurant compares. Their service could be off sometimes, especially if you're sitting outside - I could care less for that b/c their food is that good!. I've read other reviews about their pricing. It's quality you're paying for, not quantity! And Indian food is meant to be flavorful with spices, this isn't bland American food you're eating!
(5)Emily M.
Went with a Groupon last night and I was very prepared to be in a good mood. We were seated promptly but when we got the food it was a mild disaster. Our Naan was pretty much burnt, the mushroom dish had canned, chewy mushrooms and the lamb was cooked to tastelessness. On top of that my friend and I were then chatting after our meal. The waiter had already come over and given us the check and one too few boxes. So the manager comes over, opens the check book and doesn't see a card in there. He rudely says, "Oh, didn't you know this is your check?" Well yes, yes I did. They were trying to kick us out and then back pedaled and acted like they hadn't just asked us to leave. I have never been kicked out of a restaurant before. I don't plan to be kicked out of that one again.
(1)Rachel J.
I haven't been to a wide variety of Indian cuisine restaurants, although the Clay Oven is very very good, it's very well known in LA especially in the valley if you're a fan of Indian food. They have very nice buffets and a delicious menu selection.
(4)Crystal O.
The buffe offers a good variety of food, especially for a picky eater like me. The price isn't bad either,
(4)Owen H.
The service was good but the food was not. With the wealth of Indian restaurants in LA, why waste time with bad food? I had butter chicken, saag, and bhirani. I will not return. Try Indian places in Santa Monica or Glendale.
(1)Linh H.
l haven't had Indian food for a long, long time. I decided to go to the closest restaurant to my place. I'm glad I did! I ordered the meat (lamb) samosa, garlic naan, and curry chicken. Everything was good. We asked for the curry chicken to be spicy and it was. I was happy with the extra kick in my curry. In addition to our order, we received a free appetizer which was like a potato ball. That was also good. If I ever crave some Indian food again, I'm pleased there is yummy Indian restaurant in the neighborhood.
(4)Jay P.
Best Indian Food restaurant in the NoHo/Sherman Oaks area. There lunch buffet is unrivaled in taste and bang for your buck. The staff is well, compared to other Indian Restaurants, they are very nice. Still a bit awkward however, but it's the food you go for. And it really is delicious. I've even taken a liking to the Chai tea they have. Definitely worth your time.
(5)Kim H.
This place used to be a 4 hands down. Not sure what happened but it has gone down a star. The curry dishes are still a four however the meats were a little dry. The service....OMG, what happened here. It used to be great service, attention to detail but either we had a new guy or it was a bad day all around. We had a party of 10 and the food came out in different shifts to the point where 4 people were completely done before the other 6 even got their food. The waiter didn't seem to understand what we were saying, we were asking for a nan to come up before our food and he was giving us an attitude over that. This is such a shame that this place is going in reverse. I really hope it gets better again....but the dry meat and the horrible, slow service of that one guy just couldn't let me keep this a four star anymore.
(3)Jackie D.
My rule for Indian restaurants is: Go Where the Saag Is Good. Not because this is my fav dish, but because it's so hard to get right. Often this ignorable side dish will taste too salty, too bland, or previously frozen. I actually went back for Saag seconds, a first for me. I went to the $9.95 lunch buffet and was really surprised (being a non buffet type of girl) at how fresh and yummy the food was. The Tandoori Chicken was moist, which is difficult to do even minus the buffet chafing dishes. The curry was yummy and had a good consistency and the Naan was fresh and warm. My wish list for next time, Dear Clay Oven 1. Spice up the curry, PUH-LEASE, it was very mild. Or offer a super spicy version in your buffet line, along side the kids-club-mellow curry 2. Don't charge me $3 for an iced tea Thank you, Jackie
(4)rachel m.
take out service was great. They recommended the chicken tikka masala, quite nice, good flavor. Garlic naan was okay, wish it was more garlic flavorful, loved the sauces they they provided with the naan, delicious! I will most likely come here again when I have a hankering for Indian food.
(3)Natalie E.
OMG...This place is perfect...TOO PERFECT. I nearly ate myself to death...Food was the best Indian Food I have ever had...buffet or not...and the price was right...$10 for lunch...WHAAAAAAAAT????? Yes...$10 and that includes hot spiced chai AND GARLIC NAAN... TOO DAMN GOOD!!!!! (and the ambiance was just great too).
(5)M L.
This was the first time I've been here and I will DEFINITELY be returning!! The service was beyond amazing. Everyone was friendly and very accommodating. One gentleman recommended we try a certain dish and we did and it was perfect! Food was great! If you're a first timer I recommend the mixed grill, chicken masala, naan, and some rice and you're set. They also make their own lemonade which is very refreshing. LOVED THIS PLACE!! The lighting was perfect for romantic dinners, but it's casual enough to come with friends
(5)suzie b.
Never been here, but have had their take-out twice. I could never understand the reason behind eating spicy foods if it meant your mouth was literally on fire.....and thennnnnn I tried the Vegetable Jalfrazzi. As tears were streaming down my face, I couldn't help not eating it because it was just so damn good! Garlic Naan is also amazing and it comes with a delicious dip. So I now take back everything I've said about those crazy people who eat ridiculously spicy food.... I've become one of them!
(4)Brian P.
My favorite Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is NOT to be missed. Better than going to India. Classy decor, clean, great service, and the food....ahhh Don't forget the spinach and garlic nan bread fresh form the CLAY OVEN! This has to be the best Indian food in LA.
(5)Jenny T.
I rarely ever give bad reviews but ... this one unfortunately deserves it. Let me explain why: The food is super pricey and the portions are extra small. The taste is mediocre, either waaay too much spice or very bland, and the spinach tastes like it was freezer burned and gross. The only good thing they have here is their special fried rice. They also have coupons in their advertisements... make sure you show it to them so that they can give you even less food and bad quality ingredients to make up for the discount they are giving you. If you don't, and you show them when the bill comes, they simply deny you of your coupon and you have to pay full price.
(1)Alyssa A.
I went here during my lunch break. It's a nice change of pace to be in an actual restaurant enjoying a great little buffet for so cheap. It's especially great because buffet style will get you in and out as quickly as you want to. The staff was attentive and I'll be back soon.
(3)Hilary L.
I love this place. It is super close to my house and they have a darling patio. The food is very tasty and the service is lovely. My favorite dish is the Mango Chicken Masala, I could literally drink the masala sauce it is so delicious. The naan is great. The chicken tandoori is great. All the entrees come out in these cool bronze pots that sit over a lit candle to stay warm. I haven't had anything bad here. Plus, they're on Restaurant.com so that totally drops the bill down in price. Love Clay Oven!
(4)Sky L.
Yum! I love this place. Also they were super accommodating of me being vegan and were really helpful letting me know what on the menu I could eat. Delicious.
(4)Robert C.
If I remember correctly, I paid something like $9.95 for the lunch buffet and it was absolutely delicious! The chicken tikka masala and palak paneer are delectable! The wait staff was very friendly and very attentive. Their Indian tea is the best thing to sip on after you've gorged. I'm not sure what they stick in it, but I'm a fan! One cup simply isn't enough. Go try it. I'm all about deals and this place is a deal.
(4)Lindsay C.
Love the Shahi Paneer. We usually get delivery on Saturdays and have to wait 40 plus minutes. That said, the delivery person shows up in a suit, is very nice and our food is always perfect! It's pretty pricey so we usually get this with a Groupon to cut a bit of the cost. The restaurant is usually busy with up to what I've seen as a 3 hour wait. You know what they say about never eating at an empty restaurant. Love the food! Wish I could afford to eat here more often!
(4)Eshita S.
the food was horrible and the manager was extremely obnoxious. waiters did not know English and the lunch buffet was poorly made/ not too many options and over priced. the spinach was lemony and sour and the Channa was watery and not cooked properly. the potatoes were tasteless. this restaurant should be converted to catering desserts and snacks because those were the only two good things there. if you want to serve Indian food at least cook it correctly. I bet the chef was not even Indian.
(1)Fred G.
I had a groupon and for a half plate of chiken briyani and four pieces of tandoori cost me $18 , i could have all you can eat buffet for 12.99 !! The groupon deal is absolutely stupid thing from the owner. The food even was not what i was expecting to see. I will never go to this place again.
(1)Dennis C.
I'm sorry, but Clay Oven you're going to be my first negative review. You may have changed since I first went there a few months ago but guess what, I'll never know. So, here's why question. Who offers coupons but doesn't accept them?!? It was dinner with my girlfriend. The food was mediocre at best and the portions were tiny. Already not off to a good start. Check comes and we present the coupon. They proceeded to argue with us about how the coupon didn't apply to the food we purchased even though there were no restrictions whatsoever on it. Well Clay Oven, you got yourself 10 extra bucks but you'll never see us again.
(1)Courtney H.
I recently had this delivered. We ordered $100 worth of food and everything was great! They were also very friendly when I was ordering and delivered quick and super hot!
(4)Kimi L.
Haven't been on sunday for a while and just happened to be in th area....service is still excellent, sunday buffet is terrific with all the delicious delicacies we come to expect in a very clean and comfortable setting. My food was hot, plentiful and cheap......$14.00 for everything!! I wish I lived closer....I love this place, and after over a year absence....it still rocks.
(4)Derek T.
Most reviews here seem to be of the lunch buffet, so let's talk a la carte. We ordered the assorted appetizer platter (various fried vegetables, fish, and cheese), chicken tikka masala, bengan bharta (eggplant puree), matar paneer (peas & cheese), vegetable biryani (rice), and one order of naan. The bill? Keep in mind that, but for the chicken tikka masala, this is essentially a vegetarian meal. You would think we'd get out for under, say, $30. But no. This Indian extravaganza cost us $60.30 (see the pic of my receipt). The taste? Fine. It's hard to go wrong with Indian food. In fact, I believe I've never had a bad meal at any Indian restaurant. I've had plenty of poor Chinese food, Mexican food, Italian food, but never Indian food. Maybe Indian food just hasn't been fast-food-franchised-up enough yet. While we were waiting for our order, the hostess mentioned that Clay Oven is run by the same folks as Karma in Valencia. Yikes! That place was one of our biggest disappointments of 2007. For excellent Indian food, go to Chandni in Santa Monica. It's 100 percent vegetarian, and it's so tasty even a devoted meat eater isn't likely to notice.
(3)Ken D.
Nice little champaign brunch and it's down the street from where i work. Not that i'll be heading down for champaign at lunch - good food selections.
(4)Steve H.
I had a horrible experience with this place. I ordered food for pickup and they gave me a time to pick it up. I arrived at the designated time and they took my credit card and I paid for everything. 30 MINUTES LATER I was still waiting for my food to be ready. They kept telling me during this period, "just a few more minutes." Meanwhile, my wife and newborn daughter are sitting in the car waiting for me. 45 minutes go by and I demand a refund on my credit card and they give me the "It's almost ready" bullshit. I finally start raising my voice (getting the attention of everyone in the restaurant) and to shut me up, the finally gave me my money back. There are many fine alternatives to this place. Find them and avoid Clay Oven like the plague.
(1)Becca H.
Come here quite often for their lunch buffet: Great customer service Small quality food selection Flavorful entrees Cool and clean environment. One of my Fav's in the valley!
(4)Lora K.
AMAZING and reasonably priced lunch buffet. Some of the tastiest Indian food I've ever had - not the best, but very delicious. The tandoori chicken is yummy, and so is the Saag Paneer. I wasn't too keen on the tea or the rice pudding though - I've had better. Overall the quality is high and the buffet is worth it.
(4)Sahar K.
Yes! I have been returning ever since I wandered in for the lunch buffet. Chaichen Marsala and Vindaloo for days. Not only was everything of the freshest quality but the servers were patient and speedy. Clay Oven deserves an A in book and will keep me returning! ****Oh and an added incentive to come by is their Sister restaurant, MOksha has a discount at Socialbuy.com until 04/04/10. Thank you Clay Oven for being the tastiest lunch buffet of Los Angeles!
(4)Angie O.
I love the lunch buffet for $10 here. I know that dinner can be pricey if you order a la carte, but if you do it right, it won't be too bad. I bought a veggie meal for $15 here for dinner once, and had enough leftovers to eat lunch the next day too! Most Indian restaurants I've found make me sick (too much msg?) but I don't have a problem with the food here at all. Plus it's delicious! I haven't had a problem with the wait-staff like some others mentioned. It's certainly not the all-American overly friendly atmosphere in there, but all servers have been polite and helpful. I've never run out of water in there, which gets servers an A+ from me, because I probably drink 5 glasses of water with each meal. I should probably mention that I'm a vegetarian; this restaurant is veggie friendly!
(4)Janet Bellydance B.
Everytime I crave Indian food I go the Clay Oven. I love their Chicken Masala. It's marinated chicken blended with a rich tomato butter sauce. If you're brave ask for it spicy. Your mouth will get so hott. I love to order the garlic naan and dip it into the sauce. I also recommend the spicy chilli chicken. it's chicken, cooked in a medley of yogurt, garlic, and ginger. This reminds me a little bit of the greek tzaziki yogurt sauce. Also I like to order the saffron rice. The saffron adds such a beautiful yellow color to the rice. And there are some nice veggies with this rice: peas and carrots. It's also really yummy to top the rice with the sauce. This place is slightly pricey for an indian restaurant but if you come for lunch they provide all you can eat buffets that come out to about $20 per person. Also for dessert you must try their ice cream. It's authentic Indian ice cream, it tastes nothing like ice cream that you get at the grocery store. You actually taste the flavor of the ice cream versus tasting the milk of it. Also try the cheese balls. They're not cheesy, they're more like doughnuts that are dipped in honey. Sooo discretely flavorful. If you enjoy spicey food, the clay oven would be great for you. the look of this restaurant is nice as well. I love being surrounded by Buddah :-)
(3)William W.
I really enjoy Clay Oven and manage to go there every 3-4 weeks. Its reasonably priced, dinner for two for 50 bucks with a split of J.Lohr. Some of the tastiest Indian food in the valley. The Veggie Korma/Mango Chicken Marsalla are the only things I order because they are so good. Two Yums up!
(5)Courtney B.
The clay oven is just a really classic spot for Indian food. Whether the dinner menu or the lunch buffet the food is really great and its not all that pricey. The venue is really nice until it gets Smokey and sitting outside at night can be a little chilly but its worth any minor inconveniences for the flavor and quality of the food.
(5)Donna T.
love this place every time I go!
(4)Jennifer B.
This was our favorite Indian food in the LA area - until last night. Since we were there last - the menu has changed. One of my husband's favorite dishes - the goat curry, gone from the menu. The prices for everything appear to have increased by $4-5 per dish and the portions were small. The shrimp vindaloo was $15.95 for about 6 small/med shrimp and half a potato with curry sauce.....The rice is extra and was $5.95 for a soup bowl of rice. The food is still good and the staff was attentive - but we will not be back. There is good Indian food out there for a fraction of their new prices.
(2)Carla B.
***Great Indian, although service-wise, there's room for improvement...*** Indian cuisine is very tasty, but it can be an acquired taste for some, and in other cases, if it's too spicy or oily it can cause stomach irritation [a.k.a. Delhi-Belly :-) ] THE FOOD HERE IS PERFECT! I've been to India, and have had tons of Indian food, but tonight was my bf's 1st time, and hands down, "He made it through the wilderneeeess." The waiter brought a basket of thin crispy bread with 2 sauces - delicious. We had the Meat Samosas (2) for appetizer - delicious too. My bf had their Mixed Grill literally sizzling plate - a great meat sampler, and it's made in a traditional clay oven, so it has a very particular taste, kind of like BBQ meat (w/ no sauce), but different. I had the Lamb Korma (boneless lamb pieces in an orange-colored curry with spices). I ordered mild and it was perfect, and it came in a hot little pot with a candle underneath to keep it warm - very nice! We shared their Peas Pullao basmati rice (the perfect mix). And for dessert we had the Ras Malai, which is like a jasmine infused, ricotta textured kind of pudding - I wasn't crazy about dessert, but it was exotic and not bad. The service could be friendlier and faster. It wasn't bad, but the personalities weren't WOW and it took awhile to get us seated the 2nd time we went. Not warm, but not rude either, just not great. But I'm a sucker for good food, and they were nice, so this is a new favorite. Delicious food!
(4)Laura G.
Not the least expensive place we've found since moving to the area but probably the most delicious. Nice ambiance for a date or night out with your partner, like the presentation and they deliver as well. WOOT!
(4)Hormaz C.
We had a late lunch there on a weekday, 2 weeks ago. We didn't go for the buffet, ate ala carte instead. Ordered: Veg. biryani, shahi paneer, malai kofta and aloo parathas. The quality of the food was very good, felt home-cooked. Prices seemed very reasonable. Ambience was great. Service was prompt and with a smile. Thier catering prices seemed unbelievably low. Would definately eat thier next time we are down in southern california.
(5)Jennifer V.
I love this place. We drive all the way from La Canada because it's so good. We get Rogan Josh with lamb, chicken tikka masala, and this other one that is sweeter and curry-like. We love to dip the naan in all the sauces and they delicious! you have to park on the street.
(5)Ryan C.
I miss the Indian restaurants from back in Connecticut, but my girlfriend's co workers brought her here and now she passed on the joy to me. Pretty much everything I've gotten has been pretty solid. She loves the paneer. Excited to try the lunch buffet everyone talks about
(4)Ess Oh O.
Their food was mediocre for my taste. I think they're trying to cater to the non-Indian crowd in Sherman Oaks. But by doing so, theyve taken a lot away from the food itself. Not very impressed. Will not return.
(2)Jen P.
I come here quite often and love this place. Chicken Tikka Masala is always cooked perfectly. The Bindi Masala and the Garlic Naan are great too. Food is always so flavorful and is some of the best indian food I've had. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
(4)Greg T.
This is the worst place I've been to. Hands down a disaster. I walked in with my wife, ordered about $45 worth of appetizers and entrees around 3:45pm. There was no one in the restaurant besides us. Sat around this asshole place for over half hour and still no food out. I got up and walked straight out. I'll never go back. Useless. How hard is it to grill some meats on the grille or bring rice out. It shouldn't take 30 minutes. By the way, while I was waiting for my food to arrive, two restaurant workers came in and sat across from us, and they had their order arrive within minutes.
(1)Zach M.
This place is incredible. I tried a few items before discovering their Mushroom Matar, and I can't help but order it every time. Maybe one day I'll try new items again. The garlic naan and onion kulcha are soft, chewy, and delicious. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because the staff seem somewhat annoyed when you order pickup, however, the table service I've had was great. They don't have delivery until 5 PM, which kinda sucks, but it's worth going to pick it up.
(4)Diana T.
Starving but had to order take out to make it to my destination. Service: They seem to give me dirty looks as I was looking through the menu. I'm not well versed with Indian food and they didn't seem too friendly to help when I asked questions. Food: Ordered the Chicken Tiki. It was amazing but didn't come with rice. The entree, naan with rice came up to be about $25. It was delicious but I've had more affordable Indian food and definitely better service.
(3)Howard C.
My wife and I gave The Clay Oven a try last night based on a "Groupon" in yesterday's morning email. Frankly, we weren't expecting much and it's sad to see that part of Ventura Boulevard in such decline so we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. Others have remarked that side orders are very expensive, as they indeed are, especially the various rice dishes, but we both felt that our relatively simple meal was pretty good. As we get older we seem to eat more lightly in the evenings so I can't claim that our meal was typical - we shared a mixed grill from the tandoori oven and a chicken tikka masala. The grill was OK, exactly what you'd expect in fact, with slightly tough lamb and rather ordinary sausages. We shared a garlic nan because I felt that the rice (which would have been better with the chicken tikka masala) was so overpriced. On the other hand, the beautifully flavorful tikka masala was probably the best we'd ever had. The dining room is on the small side and pretty generic Indian restaurant in style, and although the service was prompt enough it was slightly offhand. This latter comment is a bit difficult to explain, perhaps it's best typified by the girl who refilled our water glasses and was devoid of expression the whole time. Curious that. Overall, not bad and if I lived nearby it would be worth another visit. There's no question that we would never have thought to go there without the "Groupon" and may, or may not revisit them. Incidentally, we didn't have anything to drink apart from water as the police were setting up a checkpoint down the road. You can avoid these checkpoints but if you do and they see you a motorcycle patrolman may well stop you whether you've had anything or not. It's a sad commentary on our Los Angeles police force that in the current economic climate they're out to extract as much money from the citizenry as possible whether they have a legitimate reason to do so or not.
(4)tania p.
I am a big fan of clay oven because i know that when i go there for brunch (on saturday or sunday), im probably going to be having a great meal with a group of my friends. I have one group of friends that i only see once in a while and we always end up at clay oven because of the champagne brunch. im not sure how much it costs now...i think its something around 12 dollars or so but its well worth it. not only do you get unlimited champagne, but its a delicious indian food buffet. now, im no fan of buffets but this one is small enough where it almost feels like youre at a party serving yourself from array of dishes. i cant speak for the meaty stuff, but the veg stuff is always good. i also really like the naan bread that they bring out. they have garlic naan and plain naan. it is always fresh and warm. mmmmm! its a good place for groups or just to go with a friend. i also dont feel weird when we hang around for over an hour. this makes me like clay oven!
(4)Tany M.
I was invited for lunch with some co-worker and they had decided to go out to their favorite spot, Clay Oven. All they were raving and talking about was how its all you can eat for around 9 bucks. I have had Indian food before and this place was very good. I was expecting mediocre because of the lunch buffet. If ever in the valley on Ventura and Van Nuys, this place is cheap eats compared to your $9 dishes elsewhere.
(4)Frank K.
To my faithful readers who've noticed I've been AWOL and contacted me: you like me, you really like me! So, the new criterion of Yelping (for me, at least) is corkage fee---or BYOW. Recently made a trip to Santa Barbara and spent $82,374 on wine, so I have several bottles at my disposal. The fee here is standard, $10. My friend/new roomie and I made at least 6 calls to different places before giving up on the idea of eating at a restaurant with our Cuvee at 11:00 in the evening. We only stopped here because we wanted to do take-out and enjoy the Indian food and the wine in our apartment among the unpacked boxes and unassembled Ikea furniture. By luck, they had a corkage fee here, AND they said they stop serving around midnight. I think I might have been more excited by their corkage fee and late night service rather than the food itself. Plus, I was famished after a very long day of driving and walking and pushing and lifting. Still, the food did not disappoint. Chicken Saag - Those bits of ginger were heavenly. This sauteed spinach dish had a very smokey fragrance, and the garlic definitely added a level of nuttiness that I savor. They used thigh pieces, so the chicken was not only juicy but flavorful. Lamb Platter - Your Romanesque feast of lamb sausages and loins (they do have loins, don't they?). For what it is, lamb lovers can truly appreciate this platter. Appetizer Plates - I love Indian food, but I don't know the names of the appetizers that I always get, other than samosas (I almost want to say mimosas, but that's because it's 2 in the afternoon, it's breezy, and it feels like the weekend). What gets me most excited about Indian food is not the tandoori dishes or the curry; rather, it's the fried appetizers. Almost everything was deep fried, the way vegetables should be eaten. All right, I have 10 minutes left to get to my writing workshop, so I will leave it at this. It's been awhile, my creative juices are completely drained, so I'm all out of any witty one-liner endings. This review is not much of a comeback, but we can't all be Britney Spears (*gag*).
(4)Eric S.
Fair food. Small portions for the price. A long time for delivery. It really was an overall sub-par experience. I think our order, totaled around $70 for four people and I remember my first thought being "that's it? Maybe they forgot a bag." Stay away from the shrimp curry.
(2)Jenny P.
Best coconut curry ever! I also really like how the restaurant sets the individual bowls of food (giant bowls, by the way) on candle burners. It adds to the ambience. And the free veggie pakora didn't hurt either...that stuff is so good!
(4)L N.
Tried a few Indian restaurants in the valley, and this place is the best in quantity, flavor, atmosphere and customer service! I've been a fan for the past 8 years and counting. I can't find a place that has better curry sauces. The naan bread is always warm and delicious! It has an intimate atmosphere but casually dressed families with their kids will dine here. Reasonable prices. You do get charged extra for rice which is a bit of a bummer. The waiters are rather soft spoken, but accommodating. Despite that, I give 'em 5 stars because the food is amazing. They have an incredible Lunch Buffet with the best selection. Great desserts, too.
(5)Daniel K.
Food & ambiance are great, service needs some work though.
(4)jose H.
Well I have mixed feelings about this restaurant. I have to admit I am not a professional when it comes to Indian food. I have only gone to one Indian and I tried the buffet. Now I went last week with my date and we were what the heck let's give it a try. Now as soon as we walk in the decor is very nice and we were seated immediately. That was a big plus, as soon as we sat down we noticed that they had "Check us out on YELP" sticker. So that gave it more of a heads up. Now I like a clean bathroom, so when I went to wash my hands it was nice and clean. So everything was going great......until the servers came by. First of all it took them over 15 minutes to ask us what we wanted to drink. After we ordered our drinks it took about 10 more minutes to bring us our drinks and take our order. Now this is the bad part of this restaurant. Myself and my date didn't know what to order so we asked for their suggestions. He offered his suggestions and we said great we will take it. Now after we placed our orders he kept looking at us and he was like: "THAT IT?" ( with a thick Indian accent) "YOU DON'T WANT RICE?" I was like, "No it's Ok" After I said that he looked at me like I had just insulted him. He responds with: "HOW CAN YOU NOT HAVE RICE? YOU SHOULD GET RICE!!!!" we were ok, bring the rice. Then he looks at us again and says: "YOU WANT BREAD?" Just to save time, I was like sure bring bread too. He takes our menu after that and we never seem him again until like 30 minutes later when our food was here. Now the food was good, I give it credit for that, but customer service was really bad. And what was funny is that when the bill came, I put my card down and before I can look away the swoop it up faster than a speeding bullet. I felt like all they wanted was my money....which might be the case. Now I would go back again, but I think I would only go back and get some take out, cause the food was good.
(3)Elle S.
Ohhh, nom nom nom. If I ever feel like I am getting sick, which was very recent, last week, some sort of cold or whatever, I always like to get some spicy lamb tikka masala and then some chicken saag and some garlic naan. This food is so glorious. And the saffron rice is really great as a side to the masala and saag. I have done take-out a few times here and its always a little long, usually about 40-45 minutes. Eating here isn't too bad since they do have an outdoor seating area right on the Blvd. Eating in is kind of weird. There is some sort of weird vibe about the restaurant, somebody needs to change up the Feng Shui. I think there is something about the air filters or whatever those big tubes up in the ceiling are, maybe they give off Shar Chi,,,blah.. If you do eat there, eat outside!
(4)Ryan D.
Amazing food. Loved the chicken coconut curry and found the black lentils to be surprisingly delicious. Garlic Naan was a no brainer, the cats meow. The attention to details, nuances of flavor and quality of service will be bringing me back here again and again.
(5)M P.
Although delivery takes almost an hour on a good day, you have to practically threaten someone to get a refund on a wrong order, RICE IS NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR $13 ENTREE (yup, gotta pay another $5 to get some plain Basmati for your curry), and they don't seem to have their own website with an accurate, up to date menu, this is the best Indian food I have found in the Valley so far. Plan on spending a minimum of $40 for two on delivery, and do not expect much in the service department. But the food is really good.
(2)Alysia A.
Lunch buffet is a great. Just need one more vegetarian option I think. The decor is wonderful and very cozy. I loved the Naan. Good job Clay Oven!
(4)Wuhoo S.
I went here for dinner and the service was slow, because they were understaffed. The naan was delicious especially paired with the chicken tikka masala or the coconut curry. My boyfriend got the chicken tikka masala extra spicy and it was literally burning my tongue, but with deliciousness. The coconut curry with regular spicy was the perfect sweet-spicy, smooth, coconutty curry taste.
(3)Daniel L.
I was suckered into buying a half off 20 dollar coupon from group on for Clay Oven. The yelp rating seems ok so I decided to try it. Well I cannot be more disappointed! Basically I spend $40 for a $50 meal that is really worth $20! You might want to try their all you can eat buffet for less than $10, but their dinner menu prices is way out of line for the quality of Indian food.
(1)Amanda S.
Eh. it's okay. My favorite thing about this place is just being able to sit outside and people watch on Ventura. 8.99 all you can eat buffet? You can't really beat that, but then again, it's a buffet. that says enough right there. In regular dining, it's just okay. the selection is decent although i wish they had a few more vegetarian dishes. Oh well. i live right behind here so it's convenient when i'm lazy and don't want to walk too far/want something other than sushi or pasta. Worth checking out and judging for yourself. I'd definitely suggest skipping the buffet because the selection is minimal and a buffet isn't accurate of the place as a whole.
(3)Lara W.
Got a Groupon the other night, really sweet deal, so we were able to get a good taste of the offerings, had a appetizer platter which was an assortment of varied tastes from potato onion to tempura like shrimp but with indian type batter and spices, yum. I had the mango lassi which is a deep orange color and delicious. We split a spinach lamb dish and had naam to dip, it was used as a sort of dip the next day when I had leftovers brought home, and tasted even better maybe b/c the spices settled in. Wonderful Indian fare.
(3)Will C.
I'm only writing about their lunch buffet since that's all I've ever had here. For $10, you can partake of a buffet consisting of a usual lineup of rice, saag paneer, lentils, some kind of pakora, chicken tikka masala (yum!) and another curry, tandoori chicken, 2 kinds of dessert, fruit and salad, condiments and papadum. They also bring out freshly baked naan to your table. The chicken tikka masala is what keeps me coming back. It is that good! I'm also always delighted when they have goat curry. Everything is pretty mildly spiced and flavorful. I can eat very hot so none of the food even registers as hot for me. The staff is alright, not particularly friendly, but at least they give good service.
(4)Armen A.
This review is ONLY for their lunch buffet as I have never been there for their regular menu. The lunch buffet is awesome, the food is incredibly delicious and there is a good veriety. My favorite has to be the chicken masala over rice. For dessert they have this rice pudding accompanied by either honey "cheese" balls or this really sweet grated carrot food. Either way I put them into the rice pudding... trust me it is amazing. The price is right at $10 and the service is quick on the water. I must have ate there 15 or 20 times and still go back. Waiters could smile more often but they are not rude or anything like that. I love this place.
(5)Amber S.
Visited Clay Oven a few times now and everything I've tried has been awesome. My favorite is the Bengan Bharta, a perfectly spiced eggplant dish that avoids being mushy. I have also enjoyed the Lamb Curry, Matar Paneer, Chicken Tikka and Garlic Naan. They have a weekend champagne buffet and weekly lunch buffet that I have not had the pleasure of trying yet. On Fri & Sat they stay open til midnight which is awesome for late night grub that you won't regret in the morning (you'll probably have enough to regret come morning). The decor is simple and beautiful and the music is AWESOME. Also the staff is really friendly which is something I have not found at other indian restaurants. I am looking forward to eating here again and again
(5)Greg S.
I've only been here once for take-out and ordered Chicken Makhni with na'an. It was delicious. I have to say, beware if you order your dishes spicy b/c holy mother of God is it hot. I'd definitely come here again. The only reason I gave it three stars is because I've only been here once and ordered one dish when I did. If I return and it's still just as good, I'll bump it up to 4 stars. Edit: I've been back multiple times and it's really great, every time.
(4)Suzie Y.
Why is it that everytime I go there they always mess my order up? That's definitely the drawback about this restaurant, but I will add another star just because the food is good.
(3)Diana G.
The food here is very good. Not the best Indian food I've had in LA, but really very good. I tend to order the buffet lunch, because they have a great selection, and you can decide exactly what your perfect ratio of saag paneer to lamb korma to onion baji is. Plus, I like their naan. A lot. They will also always win a place in my heart for letting me and my then boyfriend order a bottle of red wine with dinner, on Valentine's Day, when we were eighteen. We felt so cool and sophisticated!
(4)Jessie M.
For delicious Indian food that's not cheap and so-so service, come to Clay Oven. The crackers and dipping sauces are superb. We ordered curried chicken with coconut milk and curried lamb. Both were wonderful, but the coconut milk adds a depth, creaminess, and sweetness that makes the chicken out of this world. Someone got our order wrong as far as the spice level in the dishes went, and we had to ask a waiter for a refill on the water. Any sides have to be ordered separately. And don't order the rice with veggies if you're trying to get your vegetable fix. Overall, though, I'd go back (with a coupon.)
(4)Chance G.
The lunch buffet is well worth the price of admission. I'm not sure of the exact price, but I know it's usually around $10 when everything is said and done. The chicken tiki masala is delicious, which is usually what I focus on eating when I'm there. There really hasn't been anything that I've had that I don't like, but nothing I've had has completely blown me away either. Dinner is tasty too, but you end up spending about twice as much money or more than you would if you were there for lunch. I can understand a price increase, but the prices go from fairly affordable and cheap to somewhat expensive in the matter for a few hours of time change.
(4)Abby F.
Classy decor and atmosphere. Decent service. I clumsily left my credit card behind and a server ran out to give it back to me. The curries are served Balti-style (in a metal bowl over a flame) which is lovely and reminded me of being back in Britain. So, why only 2 stars? Well, I'm writing this review in the throes of morning-after Clay Oven tummy troubles. I have a cast-iron stomach. I've eaten rich and spicy foods all over the globe. While my meal at Clay Oven was rich, it wasn't spicy at all but something in that meal did NOT agree with this experienced diner at all. This brings me to my first quibble: I requested that my chicken coconut curry be medium-to-hot in spice level. It came out with no detectable spice whatsoever. The curry itself was fine. Smooth with a noted, but not overwhelming coconut presence. The chicken was tender but I had to pony up an extra $2 for all-white meat chicken on top of an already $13 dish. Rice is not included at many Indian restaurants I've been to but a serving of plain basmati rice was almost $5. My dining companion and I declined in favor of ordering a variety of breads instead. The plain and garlic naan were very nice. I'd been looking forward to the bhatura which was nice and chewy but sooooooo greasy and heavy. 2 entrees with 4 orders of bread (no rice, no appetizers, no drinks) with tip cost us over $50.....and is costing me some lost productivity today because I'm nursing a very angry stomach. I'd probably just give this one star after my experience but I'm adding an extra for the decent service and the fact that they tracked me down outside the restaurant to give me my credit card after I left it behind. Bottom line: the prices here are high for just-average Indian fare. Seems like you're paying more for the atmosphere than anything else.
(2)S H.
Went on a Sunday night. It wasn't terribly busy but the service was HORRIBLE! The guy acted like he was doing us a favor any time he came over, which was rare. He never even asked how the food was or if everything was okay. Also, at some point he started slamming silverware down into a tray in the back of the dining room which was really loud and annoying. The actual food was fine (not great), but overpriced for the small portions. We will not ever go back and suggest you don't bother with this place.
(2)Crystal E.
Good food! Tad pricey! Lunch buffet seems like a good deal so best to come in during lunch hours. I recommend the chicken!
(4)g g.
Missed lunch yesterday and was famished. Saw the Early Bird Dinner sign in front of Clay Oven ($8.95 for the Vegetarian Dinner Combo, a couple dollars more for the regular dinner combo, between 4:00 and 6:00 pm, I believe) and decided to give it a try. Good call, if I do say so myself - it was delicious! I had the Mushroom Matar and Vegetable Korma as my two veggie entree choices, and the combo included saffron rice, a small salad and yogurt, with a basket of naan on the side. Both entrees were perfect - lots of fresh veggies in nicely spiced sauces (I ordered mild-ish medium hot, and it was just right). Can't imagine a more delicious meal for the price! Service was polite and efficient. Will definitely go back!
(4)Sam D.
It was a fine day for open air dining and the Clay oven has an attractive front patio. The staff here was courteous and helpful. Service was excellent. So we were off to a great start. Both of us had the $9.95 lunch buffet. which turned out to be a disappointment. It wasn't terrible but I've had much better food at other Indian restaurants that feature a lunch buffet. The exceptions were the chicken tikka masala which was very good as were the rice and the freshly made naan that they bring to your table. The tandoori chicken was rather dry and lacked flavor. Beyond that, the other items we sampled were just mediocre. So sorry, Clay Oven. I really wanted to like you much more.
(3)Tracy V.
Had the lunch buffet and it was great! The food tasted excellent and there was plenty of it! The staff is very nice, quick and helpful. When my friend wanted more vegetables which weren't ready, they brought them to our table as soon as they had brought them out.
(4)Beverly S.
Just had dinner at the Clay Oven for the first time and was extremely impressed. The beautiful Indian decor, complete with larger than life statues, combined with the calm, soothing music and soft lighting with lots of candles made for a relaxing,enjoyable evening. The cuisine was superb and artfully served. For anyone who likes Indian food, this place is a must. Voted "Best food in LA 2009" by the LA Times.
(5)Eater K.
Bear with me - I'm not very well-versed in terms of Indian food, but I found this place to be pretty palatable. (I've had Indian food maybe once before in my life, a single Punjabi meal waaaay back in undergrad.) Went there for lunch one afternoon - they had a buffet for less than ten bucks (score for the struggling assistant), and I ended up liking the food. Apparently Indian food is all about the sauces - I'm not a fan of that yogurt-sauce business, but the other ones were flavorful. Each dish had a very distinct flavor - whether it be the chicken, side of vegetables, the naan, or the goat meat. Service was fine, the decor and ambience agreeable (albeit simple), and the buffet set-up which clearly designated each dish.
(3)angelo b.
This is easily the best Indian I've had. It is a small menu, but everything is good. Excellent for vegetarians. They wait on you hand and foot, and the cost is pretty low. If you want to go cheap, get two dishes and the lassie drink. Totally authentic. Go check out some of the other reviews of some of the elite members who have ranked this restaurant. One chick down below actually ranked a donut shop higher! The thing that should make you elite is the degree to which your opinion agrees with real food critics, otherwise it is all subjective B.S.
(5)Swati M.
Its quite over priced for the food it serves. I am a vegetarian & it has very limited options. The food is ok, as in it is not stale or oily, etc. But the taste factor is very low. Their sister concern 'Moksha' is far better. Will defi give this a pass next time.
(2)Eliza W.
We went here last night and overall had a great experience. The staff were all friendly, and the atmosphere is classy. We had the samosas as an appetizer which were yummy. For main dishes my date had the Goat curry which was a little chewy but had great flavor and I had the vegetable korma enlightenment which was mix up a bunch of different veggies with a very different but equally as good flavor. (We ordered both dishes mild) We also got garlic naan and rice on the side. The Naan was on par with what I've had at other good Indian places. The rice was $5 though, and we probably wouldn't have gotten it if we didn't have a gift certificate. Overall the food was great, though a little pricey, about $50 with tip for 2 people.
(4)Elizabeth H.
I don't know why this place received a "B" rating from the Health Department, because it kept us from trying it for almost a year. I love Indian food and although I've had much better, I've had much worse, too. The service was very friendly. The buffet reasonable and tasty. I'll be back.
(3)Joanne R.
I don't mind that the parking situation isn't ideal, because the food here makes it all better. I've gone in small and big groups, and during their lunch buffet hours, and the food will never disappoint. I have a low tolerance for really spicy food so luckily they don't make the food extremely spicy to cater to the American palate. I'm not sure of the names of the dishes and will usually eat anything you put in front of me, so the buffet works perfectly for me. They also have a menu available for the more Indian-food saavy. TIP: The chairs inside are really cushion-y, but top heavy. Don't be surprised if you scoot your chair out and it happens to fall over on the table behind you.
(5)michelle p.
I really like the food. I really like the decor. But what is up with the lurking staff? Really? 6 people just standing around and learing at the diners? I've eaten here several times over the last few months, and each time it seems there are more staff standing and staring. But the best part of my recent visit? The hostess that swooped into our table as we were leaving, to grab the check folder off the table and start counting the money while we were getting up. Tacky. And considering we paid cash and left a 50% tip on our $100 meal (no alcohol), really tacky. I won't be back, and neither will the rest of my party because of this weirdness. A shame really, beacause the food is good.
(2)Andy S.
This is a great Indian restaurant. The food is flavorful and delicious. They have a good variety of choices and good service. The restaurant itself is decorated nicely with an Indian theme. Good price! Good Value! There was a couple of things I did not like...1. The temperature was 88 degrees inside the restaurant. 2. The parking lot located behind the restaurant is shared with other business, so parking can be difficult if busy. Thats the ONLY reason I gave it 4 stars, aside from those 2 issues I would have given the restaurant 5 stars.
(4)Jason D.
Went here last weekend. Made a reservation and they actually had a reserved sign set up for my table when I got there. The place looked nice. I ordered the massala and it was pretty good. The waiter came up every few minutes to make sure everything was well. There was a french couple sitting at the table next to us and they were kind of loud, but I think that's a one time thing. The food was decently priced, but when adding the naan and rice, came out to $25 each.
(4)Billy B.
I love Indian food. And this place is very reasonable for lunch, with all you can eat, and a good rotating variety of food.
(5)Bill F.
We liked this place a lot. My girlfiend, her friend and I were walking down Ventura Blvd looking for a place to have dinner and found the Clay Oven. We opted to sit outside by the entrance and watched the cars and people pass by. Very relaxed, the food was good and the staff was very attentive. I'd go back there again!
(3)Michael A.
In reading some of the reviews it seems that many people are commenting (negatively) on the size of the portions. I can't speak for this because I have never been to this restaurant for dinner, only for the lunch buffet. So, as far as lunch buffets go, I find the food to be of excellent quality and the variety of offerings more than satisfactory. Service is very attentive, too. Both my roommate and I are regulars, and I notice that there are many other loyal repeat customers.
(5)Cristen W.
Love the lunch buffet. I haven't been for the champagne brunch, just the weekday lunch. But everything I've tried here has been excellent. The staff was very helpful the first time I came here, pointing out everything in the buffet that was vegetarian friendly, and being Indian food, that's mostly everything. They serve these vegetable fritters that taste just like french fries. Don't know how they do it. For dessert, try the Gulab Jamun, or what they call cheese balls. They aren't made of cheese exactly but milk powder and a few other ingredients, but they are soaked in honey and are so good. When they ask, order the Garlic Naan. Going for lunch? Go early. It's a small place and it gets busy.
(5)Rene M.
So far, this is the best place for Indian food in Sherman Oaks that I've visited. The Samosa are great and the Tikka Masala is best ordered spicy. The service is straight forward and doesn't weird me out all. Cultural differences shouldn't let you miss out really good food. The people are nice and admittedly, the service is a bit slow. But overall, this place is worth a try.
(4)Johnny N.
Good service, nice place. Good food, parking might be hard at times.
(5)Melissa S.
If Your in the mood for Indian buffet this is the place to go. There are many choices and everything is great. I've been to other places in the area but clay oven is my fave plus there's a patio outside which is a plus.....
(5)Kenghis K.
Best bang for your buck on their weekday buffet. Naan served with the meal and the coconut milk based Chicken curry is probably better than their tandoori dishes.
(5)Erica C.
The lunch buffet is not very extensive but the food is really tasty. I just wish there were more dishes to choose from. And although the servers are nice, it takes them a while to pick up your plates. Just a note, the restaurant is a bit stuffy/warm so you're clothes will be a little stinky when you leave.
(3)Albert H.
Delivery on time. Price was fair. The Sag Paneer and Chicken Tikka were wonderful. As good as any Indian delivery place I've had. This is the perfect place when you just don't want to think too hard about dinner!
(5)Dana P.
This place has amazing Indian food, however I have to say that I feel very wierd each time I go there. There has never been too many people there-so all three waiters/staff stare at you. It is a very strange and uncomfortable situation. I am wondering if anyone can relate to this comment. Plus they never smile, so serious. I feel it is too stuffy for me in there and will try to find other places. Too bad.
(3)Keelee W.
I love this place. I knew of this place for a while before I finally ate here. Before I came here I was a snob and thought it wasn't "hole-in-the-wall" enough to be a REAL good indian place...dumb, i know...anyways, finally gave in and went with coworkers who i planned on saying "I told you so, NOT real authentic good Indian food" at the end of the meal...but I was SOOOO wrong! Awesome Indian food! Turns out, my family had also been introduced to this place around the same time and it is one of our 2 favorite Indian places to go in the valley now! Besides, once I stumbled in on a Sunday and they had a $12.95 ALL YOU CAN EAT CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH!!! AWESOME DEAL!!! I don't know if that's still being offered, but I've been craving to check again on a Sunday! YUM!
(4)Neda K.
It's a great place for lunch, the food is consistently good. However, if you go for dinner it could be a little pricey for what it is. The staff is nice and the location is easy to find.
(4)Zoe K.
This restaurant has the worst customer service among all the Indian restaurants we have been too. We went there on a Friday night around 8ish, and it was packed. Not to mention there were only two waiters serving 15 tables. Both waiters was literately running to serve the customers, which is nearly a impossible task. The waiter with the tie (we are assuming he is the manager) had no patience with us, and refused to help us ordering our food. The curries we ordered is very tomato-y. I don't recall the curry dish tastes more like tomato sauce rather than the Indian spices. The average price for a curry dish is $12.95, which is pricey considering the quality of the food. If I could give this restaurant ZERO star rating, I would not hesitate.
(1)James P.
First off you can't go wrong with the mango Lasis (sp?) and the Mango Chicken ( I like Mango okay) but I always order take out from this place and last time payed almost 19 bucks for a portion of Mango chicken that was not even big enough for one serving. Maybe the portions are larger if you dine in. The food is great, the portions are small and overpriced. Plus I am always not sure what to tip for takeout...
(2)Chris B.
I've only gotten delivery from them but they offer some of the best damn Chicken Tika Masala I've ever had. Decent sized portions. My only complaint was that for just myself, the entree plus a side of Naan and tomato soup ran about $27 + delivery tip. It is, however, worth every penny.
(4)Kristen L.
sooo freaking good! and so many vego options as well. i went for the Saturday/Sunday champagne brunch buffet and it was well worth it. the spinach with cheese looks a little questionable but sooo good, as well as the potato and carrots. there's tandoori chicken and these light and crispy sheets of something yummy. to top it all off there's bottomless champagne and warm pita bread. walk it off at Ahhhs gifts across the street and shopping at Buffalo Exchange ... because you're going to need it after eating here!
(5)JP P.
Fantastic food, even if you don't know how to pronounce it! Dinner is too expensive and the atmosphere too posh for my taste, though. I'll be back to try the lunch buffet...
(4)Rodolfo S V.
Clay Oven is a nice Indian restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere that is helpful when you want to escape the bustling atmosphere on Sherman Oaks' Ventura Blvd. Though I tend to say this about every Indian restaurant, I recommend going for the lunch buffet because it is cheaper than ordering dinner. The buffet has a great selection of dishes ranging from chicken tikka to seafood curry. I went for the Sunday Brunch special they have which is just as good, they brew fresh chai tea that smells great, and even include complimentary champagne! If you do happen to go in for dinner though, I recommend ordering a Thali plate (combination) which includes salad, rice, any choice of vegetable, and choice of meat. The Thali is a bit pricey but you will get your money's worth. They also offer great specials for couples and groups as well. The only particular issue I have with this restaurant is that the food needs to be a little spicier but they probably have to turn the heat down a notch on their food because gringos probably complain that they can't handle it, but at least it's not bland. Overall, Clay Oven is expensive but it's well worth it.
(4)Danielle G.
The Champagne Brunch (ok, now i'm starting to look like I have a slight champagne problem) is really great! So are the lunch buffets! They have a variety of choices and they keep their food fresh and well stocked. The Vegetable Korma is delicious and the Garlic Naan is perfect! They offer a delivery service too, so if you live in the area have the smell of Curry in your house as dinner guests arrive, They'll think you are SKILLED! The price is not too bad for Ventura Blvd., and it's worth every bite:)
(5)J G.
This place is a major rip-off! Some friends and I got charged $9.90 for 2 portions of rice!!
(1)terra d.
you can get the best deal if you order the vegetarian combo (there is also a meat combo) for around 15 bucks. you can choose any two veggie dishes and it comes with a salad (albeit its a pathetic one but still...), naan, that yogurt sauce and all the rice you can eat (read: too much). i thought it was delicious... but the atmosphere was ehhh.
(4)brett s.
great indian buffet for nine bucks. naan was cooked perfect and the chicken masala was awsome. If they dont have masala that day, there will be a dish that is almost identical that they call something else.......
(4)Sean M.
Not my favorite Indian joint but the fact that it is open late and all makes it worth the trip the food is good but not great. The service is very good though.....
(3)spiderman L.
this was the best indian food i've had since i was living in south africa, where the indian food is great and plentiful. it's one of those hole in the wall places that you wouldn't think too much about but believe me, you will be glad you went! i HIGHLY recommend the vegetable briyani. so yummy. and the service is great too :) and the prices are definitely reasonable
(5)crystal c.
Clay Oven has great indian food. They remodeled the whole place it looks great! They have the best buffet in town. The yellow daal was great!
(5)Vijay M.
this is a very good family place to eat. very friendly people. good food but can get better. same kind of curry for all the dishes. they can improve on that. other wise every thing is good.
(3)Galen O.
This place gets 4 stars for great food. If you can overlook no frills service (putting it nicely) then you'll be perfectly happy with your meal here. We've only come here for dinners and every time the food has been great. It's very flavorful, you'll definitely notice the difference between this place and the others. We typically order the Tikka's (usually chicken) and the vegetarian dishes. Last time we had Bhindi Masala (Okra) which was fantastic. Oh we always get garlic naan which is made fresh and its tasty. The prices are reasonable, but the serving sizes are a bit on the small side. If it isn't lunch and you're used to gorging on Indian buffets you might want to order one more dish that you typically would :)
(4)B Q.
Wowsers pretty much sums up the deliciousness of the Clay Oven! From the service, the bread to even the water it's an a+ all around!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)April A.
The food is good, same owner as Moksha, I like the sunday buffet
(4)Rose Marlene J.
YUM! lskjdflksj! Hooray! Oh man. Okay so I just recently moved to the Sherman Oaks area. I despaired of finding an amazing Indian place (for no other reason than I am a pessimist.. or a realist if you're feeling generous). However, as good fortune would have it, I moved into a home just down the street from Clay Oven and decided to try dinner a la cart one night. Best decision I ever made! I won't waste time talking about decor because who cares when the food is amazing? The servers are attentive and one in particular seems to linger. Normally this is creepy but I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say it's because he wants to savor the joy present at our table. Paneer tikka masala. Amazing. Creamy, savory, salty, delicious. Get it with the paneer naan (no, that's not too much cheese). If you're lactose intolerant, it's worth the stomachache. Trust me. I've also tried some of the vegetarian dishes which are all delicious. I'm not too hot about the appetizers but that may be because I'm a pakora snob. (A pakora is India's response to American fried food). I've also tried their buffet quite a few times and have yet to be disappointed. It is such an amazing steal at $10!! Plus, I had the delight of being seated next to two PORN DIRECTORS during lunch one day (this is the valley after all) and not only enjoyed my delicious meal but a savory eavesdrop on their conversation. Needless to say, their buffet attracts all types of business people! I will leave you with a parting gift: Clay Oven participates in Restaurant.com's promotions. For $10, you get a gift certificate for $25!! Sign up with Restaurant.com and they'll send you promo codes like everyday and you'll end up only spending about $2 on the $25 gift certificate! I knooooow, right?!
(5)S. S.
We love Indian food. We tried this place over Christmas holiday. We can recommend this restaurant with one caveat. The TIKA MASALA sauce tasted almost EXACTLY like the KORMA sauce. They should not taste anywhere near the same. Tika should be a smokey tangy tomatoey sauce with a little bite. Korma should be creamy and lighter (but not heavy). We ordered Chicken Tika Masala and Chicken Korma.... Yes, I could taste the tomoatoey flavor of the Tika (but barely, and the color was faintly pink). They did both taste great though. Really nice flavor (same flavor). So, it's not that we didn't enjoy them; they were well-prepared. We will try this restaurant again, in case they were just having an off day or a new cook. Samosa's... some of the best we've had!! Naan... better than average selection, really nice. Service.... good (tho they are not overly friendly) Atmosphere... nice. Prices... average for Indian food. We will definitely try it again.
(3)Sara C.
I ordered take-out once and the dish was just so-so. Wouldn't run back.
(3)M T.
This place is fantastic! The food is always great and the service is the same. They are reasonably priced for what is offered. They have 2 other resturaunts with different names. I have been to the one in Canoga Park, it is nothing short than this one. Always having a great selection of entrees to choose from keeps me coming back, something new. I have enjoyed their buffet countless times, as well as having ordered from the regular menu. The environment is nice and there is often plenty of people there when I go. You will not be disappointed, enjoy!
(5)Tammy P.
Food here is amazing - yum, their coconut chicken curry with cheese and garlic naan. Also they take Restaurant.com certs, that is such an affordable way to go! Try this place, great ambiance and consistently great food!
(4)Cynthia Q.
I really like the lunch buffet during the week. $8.99 all you can eat Indian food. Yummy! The selection is minimal but if your the type who can enjoy a good cup of dal, some tikka masala, and some basmati rice, this place would be sufficient. Not the best spot, but good for the price.
(3)Taisiya S.
This place is horrible. I'm really very shocked that it has gotten any good reviews at all. I lived in Sherman Oaks about 6 years ago and had went there a few times, I remembered that there was some reason that I didn't like it, but II couldn't remember why and I figured it had been so long that it might have changed. WRONG! Before I even get into talking about the food let me mention that the chairs in this place are horrible. Perhaps they have fixed them by now, but I sat down and mine wobbled. I know I shouldn't laugh, but while eating dinner, someone at a nearby table actually sat down and fell!! Ok...I'm mean. It was funny, but outrageous too, if that was me I would have been fuming. The food wasn't that great at all, I thought it was overpriced for the quality. I eat at a lot of different Indian Restaurants and this one has been the worst by far. Now the staff... Although there were about 6 of them standing around it took forever to get things like refills on water, soda, etc and I didn't feel the service was good at all. So considering the food, the price, the service and the possibility of hurting yourself not to mention humiliating yourself by falling in their broken chairs, I would say...go somewhere else.
(1)Chris C.
Place is ok. Pretty run-of-the-mill Indian joint along Ventura. No complaints, but no big compliments either.
(3)SYD V.
Went with the English husband who said the Indian food was the best we've had in L.A. so far! Chicken tikka masala, vegetable korma and aloo gobi was delicious. Also, don't know why some people below said portions are small - the dishes come in deep big bowls (not the usual oval shallow ones) with votives underneath to keep your dish warm. Wasn't the cheapest meal, but you get what you pay for. PS - $2 for $25 of food on restaurant.com through June!
(5)Erika C.
This is a great Indian restaurant, especially after their renovations, it's a great little spot to come hang out at. My boyfriend and I come here at least 2 times a month. Love the food! IF you live in the area or just visiting and looking for a lil spice, this is the restaurant you wanna go to. If you dare, try the "indian spice", it's completely separate from the normal mild medium hot.... i didnt even know it was possible for food to be that spicy.....
(5)Jerry T.
Came here for Saturday lunch buffet based on my spouse's vague memory that it was pretty good. Sad to say, her memories didn't jive with our experience this time. The curries were dilute to the point of blandness; the veggie dishes soggy and tasteless. The best part of the meal was the sliced oranges for dessert. The generally benevolent reviews for this place are as deluded as those for Taj Mahal on the Westside. Yelp reviewers as a whole are NOT to be trusted when it comes to rating Indian food. The good news is that, instead of relying on some vague memories, we now have fresh, vivid ones that will remind us that the next time we're hankering for some Indian food in Sherman Oaks to avoid this place.
(1)Andrew G.
I LOVE the food here! The coconut curry is amazing and the samosas are also really good. I gave a 4 out of 5 only because my first experience there was 5 stars because I got delivery and it came fast. The second time I went, I ate there. DO NOT GET THE SKINNY WAITER!!! It took over an hour after ordering to get my food. The people next to us ordered at the same time, and some how they got their food, finished, and left before we even got our appetizers! It wasn't a pleasant visit but again the food was AMAZING! I will still go back just because the food is that good. :)
(4)Manoj N.
Surprisingly very good Indian food. Friend and I went for the lunch buffet today and choices were excellent. Not only the number of choices but the food tasted really good. The chicken curry and biryani rice was so good. The staff is friendly too. For $9.95 buffet this is a steal.
(4)Cool H.
Good Food and Ambience, Would recommend if anyone wants to try Indian food for 1st time or loves Indian food in general, We tried vegetarian stuff- liked Shahi Paneer ..Peshawari Naan (Sweet)..
(4)Akemi T.
OMG, it was sooooo delicious! I ordered Chicken Koma, and my husband ordered Lamb Tika Masala with garlic naan and some rice. I've been to a few Indian restaurants, but Clay Oven rocked the hardest! My friend is an Indian food snob. I've got to take him to Clay Oven and let him know what he's been missing. I can't wait to go back to dine there again.
(5)Boj o.
We had a great dining experience at this place. The food was delightful! It was fresh and have lots of flavor. The chicken curry was the best! Creamy and the spiciness was just right. The chicken was cooked right and it was tender. The grilled meats (chicken, ground beef, and lamb) was tasty, juicy and tender. The food were all served in good-size (enough) portions. The people who served us were polite and attended to our needs very well and even when we do not need it (not to a point that is annoying). They also allowed us to sit wherever we wanted to sit, which really made us feel comfortable. Parking may be a dilemma. Another great dining experience for us. Highly recommended. A+++++++
(5)Rick N.
Good sometimes really good but nothing great. And bit pricey
(3)Cindy W.
I'm a huge fan of Indian food so when a friend was raving about this place, I had to try it. Generally when you dine at an Indian restaurant, the dishes are way overpriced for what you actually get. This place was no exception. Each dish was anywhere from 10-15 on average, and usually you would order that plus some sides so you're looking on over $20 a person for one meal. I ordered their combination plate which was decent considering you received quite an array of items which I liked. The food was very good. The service is very good too! I will definitely have to come back here to try their lunch buffet and their Sunday brunches.
(4)Michael C.
big flavors, amazing masalas, and super good naan. the clay oven knows how to cook up some good indian food with wonderful aromas and even better flavors. portions are pretty small and its a bit pricey but overall it was a pleasant experience although it was a bit dark??? everything has to be ordered seperately but thats normal when it comes to indian restaurants. i think that there is a weekday buffet for lunch which would have been a great option but i went for dinner and it comes out to around 20 bucks a person and for indian food thats pretty pricey. the food is delicious, but i like my indian food quick and dirty and the clay oven is neither. i prefer the hole in the wall joints like india sweet and spice on venice. its quick its dirty and even more importantly its cheap. a couple of samosas, a simple vegetarian masala and i'm a happy camper.
(3)Paula L.
I came here for their lunch buffet and was pleasantly surprised by the taste of the food. There wasn't a huge selection and the buffet was small, but I thought the food was pretty good. The service was also great. The waiter was very attentive and was there with everything that we needed. The only problem with this place is the location. It is always hard trying to find parking in this area unless you park a block away at one of the local parking structures.
(3)Kitty B.
The mushroom matar at this place is heaven. I CRAVE it. Their garlic naan is pretty good, but ive had better. The staff has seemed a bit annoyed when I called in to pick up on occasion, but are very friendly when you sit down to eat. Oh, and btw, one order of the mushroom matar feeds two.
(4)AJ R.
I have to admit, I haven't tried Indian Food very often, as a matter of fact it's been a couple of years because I didn't have a good experience at a different place. I came here based on a recommendation and I was pleased. The service was good and the food seemed fresh. I loved their cilantro chicken, the rice, and lentils. You cannot beat the buffet for $9.95. The garlic nom was awesome. I also liked the sweet rice desert. I tried almost everything. The tandori chicken had a good flavor, but was a little dry for my taste. I would come here again and try a few more things.
(4)Samantha L.
Went for the Sunday Champagne buffet....so, so good!! Everything was fresh and delicious, and there were really a lot of options. The naan was crispy and hot, brought out fresh to the table, and the champage was a tasty touch...and all you can eat for only $9.95! I'll definitely be going back, I'm just mad I didn't try this place sooner!
(5)Jaci H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Get the Mango Chicken Masala - It's so good I would lick the bowl if it were acceptable. :)
(5)Richard D.
This place is great. I've eaten in and taken out. I try to have something different every time. I can't say I haven't been disappointed over the past 4 years.
(4)Summer S.
$9.95 weekday lunch buffet, you are my friend!!!! I didn't even intend to go to the clay oven...I was walking around the neighborhood getting some shopping done when I realized that I was STARVING...and that Clay Oven was across the street with a giant lunch buffet banner flapping in the breeze, beckoning me towards it. With the knowledge that ANY Indian restaurant will have at least one vegan dish I headed in. Now, I would have rated this particular buffet as merely average if it weren't for ONE thing (which I will get to in a moment)- it had your standard fare, most of which I didn't pay much attention to given it's meatiness, but as for the veg items, there was some yellow dal, sag paneer, basmati rice, salad, fruit, naan, a whole vat of mint chutney (my favorite condiment of all time!) and...here is the clincher...VEGAN SPICY BEEF! WHAT?!" Seriously, this was the last thing I expected- it is SO rare to find faux meat products outside of strictly vegetarian restaurants that I found myself staring at the serving platter in complete denial that it was actually soy beef. I asked an employee and she reassured me that it was, 100% animal free. SCORE! I piled my plate full of rice, dal and soy-meat, filled up a little bowl with mint chutney and chowed until I couldn't chow any longer. The stuff was GOOD. I was HAPPY! I'm only pulling one star off the review because when I asked if they had the soy beef dish everyday she said 'No', it's rare and only when the chef decides to make it. Bummer. Without it the buffet is just a run of the mill Indian buffet. I suppose your best bet, if you are dead set on trying this stuff, is to call ahead of time to see if or when they will be serving it next. Maybe we can beg them to serve it all the time!
(4)Rose T.
I have only been to the Clay Oven for dinner, so I cannot speak on behalf of anything lunch related. Food: First off, the pre-meal goodies are amazing. The sweet spread is something I want to buy a bottle of (I always forget to ask). Everything I've ever ordered here has been delicious. The chicken tandori is perfect. The lamb marsala is amazing. The samosas are crisp on the outside and perfectly seasoned on the inside. Sadly, all the items on the dessert menu contain dairy. The service is perhaps *too* good. My boyfriend could hardly take a drink of water without someone rushing over to fill it back to the bring. I am an avid iced tea fan, and the tea was good, the refills were frequent, and they have a good selection of sweetener options. We come here whenever we're in the mood for Indian, because it's reasonable in price, delicious, and we've never had to wait to be seated.
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