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oChef » India Clay Oven – San Francisco
India Clay Oven - San Francisco
Photo from India Clay Oven
India Clay Oven at a glance
San Francisco Seacliff
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 129 of the guests
#141 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Indian Restaurant out of 63 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
717
Reviews
89.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Delicious food
- Pleasant ambience
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Inconsistent food
- Pricing issues
The restaurant India Clay Oven is an authentic Indian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s charming Seacliff neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you’re seeking a relaxed lunch or a delightful dinner.
They offer a diverse menu, ensuring you find something to savor, from healthy options to rich, flavorful dishes. It’s a welcoming spot where you can enjoy a genuine culinary experience.
Overview: Introducting India Clay Oven
India Clay Oven generally offers a pleasant dining experience with highly praised attentive service and delicious Indian cuisine. Guests often appreciate the inviting atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some experiences have been less consistent, with occasional reports of slow service and disappointing food quality. While many find the value appealing, a few have noted unexpected pricing issues.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
717
Reviews
89.4%
Satisfaction
62
negative
14
neutral
641
positive
India Clay Oven earns a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.7, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a high Customer Satisfaction rate of 89.4%, indicating most diners leave content.
These insights are drawn from 717 customer observations, with 641 positive remarks outweighing 62 negative ones. Digging deeper, Service stands out as excellent (9.2), frequently noted for its attentiveness.
The Food (8.5) and Ambience (8.6) also receive good marks, contributing to the pleasant dining environment. While Value (8) is considered good, it’s a less frequently discussed aspect compared to the other strong points.
What people like
- Attentive, kind service
- Delicious Indian food
- Pleasant dining ambience
What people don't like
- Slow service times
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unexpected pricing issues
India Clay Oven presents a compelling option for Indian cuisine, particularly if you prioritize excellent service and a pleasant setting. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.8, it’s clear many diners find it a worthwhile visit.
While most experiences are positive, be mindful of potential service delays or occasional food inconsistencies. If you value attentive staff and a good atmosphere, it’s certainly worth trying, but manage expectations regarding speed and pricing accuracy.
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Verdict: Our expert take on India Clay Oven
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Diners are consistently raving about the food, with a strong 8.5 score and 87% customer satisfaction reflecting a truly good experience. Out of 393 total comments, 342 were positive, frequently praising the delicious and authentic Indian food. Many appreciated the great portions and the thoughtful complimentary dessert that often comes with the meal.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 42 negative comments noting some concerns. A few mentioned issues with food quality, describing dishes as bland or overcooked. There were also occasional remarks about portion sizes being surprisingly small, suggesting some inconsistency in the kitchen.
Food
393
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
42
negative
9
neutral
342
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Generous portions
- Complimentary treats
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or watery
- Overcooked dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this Indian restaurant was fantastic! It's my go-to spot because of the excellent food, great service, and surprisingly affordable pricing. The staff were super-friendly and professional, and the food was consistently delicious.
- Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a lovely spot in the outer Richmond offering delicious Indian food. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and the portions for dinner were generous, ensuring leftovers.
- free dessertDuring my most recent dinner, the service was perfect. They even offered us second servings of our main dishes and gave my four friends and I free dessert. The workers are very kind, and the food is very good.
- naanThe food was absolutely delicious — full of authentic flavors and perfectly spiced. The naan was fresh and fluffy, and the curries were rich and flavorful. The staff was warm and welcoming, making the whole dining experience enjoyable.
- garlic naanMy experience at this business was truly wonderful, encompassing both the food and the service. When Uber canceled my order, the restaurant re made the order right away and even added two free orders of garlic naan and basmati rice with veggies without charging extra, despite the cancellation not being their fault. I 100% recommend this establishment.
- FoodEverything was as good as it was hear
- chicken tikka masalaHe was genuinely kind and very accommodating. The food was delicious; we particularly enjoyed the garlic naan, samosas, chicken tikka masala, and tandoori chicken. The Pinot Noir was also delicious and paired perfectly with our meals.
- dessertThey offer unique dishes like Punjabi Fish, alongside excellent staples such as chicken tandoori and lamb tikka masala. To top it off, the owner graciously gifted us with 3 different kinds of dessert!
- mango lassiMy favorites were their vegetable samosa and mango lassi.
- saag paneerThe dishes are always prepared to order and are absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the chicken tikka masala, aloo gobi, goat cheese pakora, aloo matar, and saag paneer. I could honestly go on and on about how good it is.
Frequently criticized
- foodMost horrible food I ever ate! Absolutely disgusting!
- food qualityfood quality did not justify the price
- samosas5 hours for our food to arrive. The flavors were very bland, the samosas were overly greasy, the tea tasted more like plain boiled milk, and the naan were undercooked. Overall, not a place we’d recommend.
- FoodFood:2
- Lamb chopLamb chop was way too salty
- Malia koftaOrdered Punjabi chicken, Malia kofta - disappointed!
- Matar paneer masalaMatar paneer masala ... tasted very basic
- Punjabi chickenOrdered Punjabi chicken, Malia kofta - disappointed!
- Punjabi lamb curryPunjabi lamb curry is watery
- Sunday buffetnot much options
Overall, the food here seems to hit the mark for most, offering a delicious and authentic Indian experience. If youre looking for flavorful dishes and generous portions, its definitely worth a try, though be aware of potential inconsistencies in preparation.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an impressive score of 9.2 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 94.4%, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Based on 168 positive remarks out of 178 total, you can expect friendly staff, an attentive server, and quick service, often described with exceptional friendliness.
Many reviewers highlighted the personal touch and genuine hospitality. However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A small number of 10 negative comments mentioned issues like waiting time for orders or drinks, and a few felt the host didn't seem interested.
While these instances are rare, they suggest there might be occasional moments where service speed or initial greeting could be improved.
Service
178
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
168
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Exceptional hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow order taking
Often praised
- serviceWe ended up sharing two curries, some naan, samosas, and gulab jamun. Everything was delicious and the service was attentive and kind. The dining room was really lovely, with gorgeous murals hand-painted on the walls and lots of light from the large windows.
- staffThe food was delicious, and I highly recommend the Paneer Makhni. The service was great, with a friendly staff, and the wait time was non-existent. The atmosphere was lovely, clean, and bright, making for a pleasant lunch.
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was excellent. The food was great, and the server was polite and took care of our order really well. The atmosphere was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner Mr. Nirmal(Norman) is a gem of a person.
- peopleThe service and food were amazing. The people were so nice. We got a feast for two with my friend for the price of $56.
- accommodatingThe service was fantastic. They were very accommodating and very funny. In a nutshell: we had the best time!
- customer serviceThe customer service was really amazing, too!
- experienceOverall it’s a great experience
- hospitalitygood hospitality
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe went there for dinner, but unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. The service was extremely slow—it took over 1. 5 hours for our food to arrive.
- waiting timewaited for over AN HOUR for our food
- ServiceService:1
- hostThe host didn’t seem interested in serving us
- order takenit took a while to get our order taken
- wait timeit took over 1.5 hours for our food to arrive
- waiting time for sugarasked for sugar which took another 5 mins
- waiting time for tea and samosait took them 20+ mins for them to serve us Tea and Samosa
If youre looking for a dining experience where youll feel genuinely cared for, this restaurants service is a major draw. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youre in for a treat, though a rare slow moment might occur. Overall, it's definitely worth trying for their excellent hospitality.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
The ambiance at this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.6 and boasting an impressive 89.6% customer satisfaction. With 112 positive remarks out of 125, guests frequently highlight the romantic vibe, beautiful hand-painted murals, and cozy atmosphere, creating a delightful neighborhood setting perfect for various occasions. However, a few of the 8 negative comments mention the Punjabi music being too loud for some, and a couple of guests found parking difficult.
There were also isolated concerns about cold seating near open windows and unclean tables, though these were rare observations.
Ambience
125
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Romantic vibe
- Beautiful murals
- Quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Parking difficulty
- Cold seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was outstanding, and what truly made this place special was its dining room. It's a great eating area with lots of windows and nice paintings, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe ambience was fantastic, filled with delightful old Punjabi music
- ambianceservice, ambiance and all around good vibes
- dining roomEverything was delicious and the service was attentive and kind. The dining room was really lovely, with gorgeous murals hand-painted on the walls and lots of light from the large windows.
- noise levelappreciate the low noise level
- dining areamassive windows allowed light to penetrated the dining area
- environmentWe loved the environment
- muralsgorgeous murals hand painted on the walls
- spacevery large space although it still feels intimate
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- dead antFound dead ant in the water
- open windowsitting customers near the open window during the evening/night, it was very cold
- parkingFinding parking was challenge.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- punjabi musicpunjabi music was too loud
- restaurantHate this place.
- tablesthe tables weren’t clean
If you're seeking a restaurant with a truly special atmosphere, especially for a romantic evening or group gathering, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic 90.5% customer satisfaction and a solid 8 score, most diners rave about the experience. Out of 21 opinions, 19 highlight the affordable and fairly priced menu, often calling it a great bang for your buck with generous portions and excellent deals like the lunch buffet.
However, a couple of experiences (2 out of 21) mention some hiccups with menu prices and the final bill. These instances describe unexpected discrepancies, where the bill came out significantly higher than anticipated, which can certainly be a surprise.
Value
21
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable pricing
- Great deals
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Menu price discrepancies
- Unexpected high bill
Often praised
- pricemost reasonably priced Indian restaurant
- lunch buffetthe lunch buffet was a great deal
- pricesReasonable prices
- reasonably pricedThe food is reasonably priced
- affordableall very affordable
- bang for buckMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their weekend lunch buffet available Friday-Sunday for just $18. It's a great bang for buck and the food was delicious. I'll definitely be coming back.
- bang for your buckThe food was absolutely DELICIOUS, especially the thali for 2 which allowed us to try a variety of dishes. It offered serious bang for your buck, providing great value. The staff was also lovely.
- fair pricesfair prices
- fairly pricedMy experience at this restaurant was great! The menu offered a good range of items and was fairly priced. We brought our own cake, and they kindly brought it out on a platter, even adding some gulab jamun.
- feast for twoThe people were so nice. We got a feast for two with my friend for the price of $56. My favorites were their vegetable samosa and mango lassi.
Frequently criticized
- billWhen the bill came it was 3x more expensive
- menu pricesMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing due to significant discrepancies in pricing. All the prices on the menu were wrong. When the bill came, it was 3x more expensive than what we expected.
Overall, this restaurant offers excellent value for your money, making it a strong contender if you're looking for affordable and satisfying meals. Just be sure to double-check your bill against the menu prices to avoid any surprises, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
How are the prices at India Clay Oven?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 129 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 32, a good chunk of guests (60 out of 129) actually spend less, clustering in the $21–$30 range. This means there’s a nice spread, offering both more budget-friendly options and choices for those looking to splurge a bit.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 129 reviews.
Comparing value for money: How this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average. We recommend checking out their menu for both quick bites and more elaborate meals.
Customer Reviews: what people think about India Clay Oven
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
10
Exceptional Service and Food!
My experience at this business was truly wonderful, encompassing both the food and the service. When Uber canceled my order, the restaurant re made the order right away and even added two free orders of garlic naan and basmati rice with veggies without charging extra, despite the cancellation not being their fault. I 100% recommend this establishment.
- food9
- service10
- re made the order10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Indian Spot in the City!
I absolutely loved my experience at this restaurant! Whether you're looking for takeout or dine-in, this place has you covered. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere was great.
I've tried many Indian restaurants in the city, and this is hands down the best Indian spot I've found. The food was excellent, with a large vegetarian selection and the Chicken Tikka Masala was a standout. The service was top-notch, and the ambience was perfect for a quiet, easy conversation.
Plenty of parking was available, making it a convenient choice for lunch.
- staff10
- atmosphere10
- Indian spot10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Amazing Food and Welcoming Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming. I highly recommend trying their Chicken Makhani, which is very similar to Delhi-style Butter Chicken.
The overall experience was excellent, with a perfect score for food, service, and atmosphere.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- Chicken Makhani10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food and Friendly Staff!
My family and I had a wonderful experience tonight. We ordered and shared several dishes, and each one tasted amazing. The staff was incredibly friendly and kind.
We are definitely planning to return!
- dishes10
- staff10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Service and Welcoming Atmosphere!
My experience at India Clay Oven was incredibly positive. The staff was exceptionally kind, going above and beyond by providing a complimentary appetizer, an extra entree, and dessert. They also celebrate birthdays with a lot of enthusiasm, creating a truly warm and welcoming atmosphere.
I will definitely be returning. <3 Thanks, India Clay Oven!
- staff10
- free appetizer9
- extra entree9
What India Clay Oven offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dietary options and beverages can you find at India Clay Oven?
At India Clay Oven, you’ll discover a thoughtful selection of dietary choices, including healthy options, dedicated vegan options, and vegetarian options. To complement your meal, they offer a range of beverages from hard liquor and wine to beer and coffee.
What are the service and parking options available at India Clay Oven?
India Clay Oven provides flexible service options, including no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. When you visit, you’ll usually find plenty of free street parking, with paid street parking also available, making your visit convenient.
How does India Clay Oven rate overall?
India Clay Oven holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 8.7. Its Service is excellent (9.2), while Food (8.5), Ambience (8.6), and Value (8) are all rated as good.
What do customers appreciate most about India Clay Oven?
Customers frequently praise the attentive and kind service, along with the delicious and authentic Indian food. Many also enjoy the lovely dining room and pleasant atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns at India Clay Oven?
Some customers have reported slow service times and occasional inconsistencies in food quality. There have also been isolated concerns regarding unexpected pricing discrepancies.