Curry & Clay Oven — Restaurant in Falls Church

Curry and Clay Oven is a true gem in Arlington, bringing bold, authentic Indian flavors to a neighborhood that desperately needed them.

The first time I stumbled upon it, I was actually craving Chinese food but Google led me here instead, and I’m so glad it did. They offer some Indo-Chinese favorites like Chicken Manchurian, Gobi Manchurian, and Chili Chicken, only with deeper, richer flavors and tender chicken that puts the usual “nugget-style” versions to shame.

Since then, I’ve worked my way through much of the menu: the smoky kebabs, silky salmon curry, aromatic tandoori lamb, creamy chicken tikka, and the unforgettable shrimp and salmon tikka masala. Each dish delivers layers of flavor that feel both exciting and comforting... always something new for the palate.

The service is warm and attentive, with staff who go out of their way to explain dishes and make thoughtful recommendations. The space itself is no-frills and unpretentious, you don’t come here for the décor, you come to eat. And when you see the restaurant filled with big tables of Indian families dining together, you know you’re in the right place.

If you’re looking for authentic, flavor-packed Indian cuisine in Arlington, Curry and Clay Oven...

Just a 12-minute drive from the Courthouse area, this restaurant truly has everything you need. We started with their chai and mixed pakoras—both were excellent! The chai was a classic Indian milk tea, simple and without added masala, which I prefer. The pakoras included eggplant, potato, and onion rings—crispy and flavorful.

Next, we ordered the shrimp noodles, which came with vegetables, egg, and small shrimp. I asked for it to be mild since my son doesn’t eat spicy food, and they thoughtfully served the spicy sauce on the side.

Other family members had the goat curry—a rare find, as most places around here only offer lamb curry. It was absolutely delicious and went perfectly with lachha paratha, garlic naan, and rice.

And not to forget—they had clean bathrooms! A small detail, but honestly, that’s hard to come by in many restaurants.

We loved the food, the experience, and are already planning to...

Was really impressed by Curry & Clay. Went for lunch on a Thursday and was immediately greater and seated. The air has the scent of curry but not overwhelming, just enough to get your senses primed for what is a pleasant and filling meal. The lunch portions are ample for the hungry but not so large you'd need to take anything home. I can't speak to the dinner portions. We tried the lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala. I asked for spicy on the vindaloo, and it did not disappoint, just enough heat to satisfy without needing a gulp of water between bites. The lamb was tender, and I did not experience a single bite of fat. The chicken tikka masala was equally tender and rich, perfectly portioned. The Naan bread was light and absorbed the sauce well allowing me to become a member of the clean plate club. I look forward to...