Clay Oven Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Saint Joseph

The food was really excellent. As good if not better than many restaurants in Kansas City. The service was another story, although I think it was just a misunderstanding of what might be expected in the United States.

We were each given a quarter of a glass of water by the first person who approached us at the table. We asked if we might have a whole glass, and he just put the pitcher on the table. It was only enough for each of us to have a glass of water. We ended up having to go back and ask for more. Secondly, we only were given a very small amount of rice for the curry and butter chicken we ordered. We ended up asking for more of that. We discovered that the only way to get service was actually to walk to the register and specifically ask for some thing. We both thought it was possible the staff just did not understand that they should check in on customers while they were eating. I was confused about where we were supposed to pay the bill. I finally walked up and asked If we were supposed to pay it at the register. The three people standing there had trouble understanding what I had asked. After consulting, they decided the answer was yes. I asked if the machine for my credit card would allow for a tip. The person standing there said that it would, but it didn't. Then when I offered my tip in cash, the person who took it looked confused. I don't really see these comments about Service as a criticism exactly. I think it might be some sort of cultural confusion. Perhaps no tip was required. Overall the prices were extremely high for the lack of ambience and service. The prices are exactly what I would expect to pay in Kansas City at a rather beautiful restaurant with excellent service. Again, the food was excellent. It would not take much for this to be a top restaurant.

Edit: I have now been back several times and they appear to have responded either to this review or to others comments. I would say the service is...

If you're craving authentic, flavorful Indian cuisine in St. Joseph, MO, look no further than Clay Oven Indian Cuisine. This gem of a restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu bursting with vibrant, mouthwatering dishes.

From the moment you walk in, the aromas of fresh spices and simmering curries greet you, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal. The menu is diverse, offering a variety of vegetarian, chicken, lamb, and seafood options, all prepared with the perfect balance of traditional Indian spices. Whether you’re enjoying the creamy richness of their butter chicken, the fiery heat of a tandoori dish, or the delicate flavors of their dal, each bite is a journey through India’s culinary traditions.

One of the standout features of Clay Oven is its dedication to quality. The ingredients are fresh, the dishes are meticulously crafted, and the flavors are bold and authentic without being overwhelming. The naan is pillowy and perfect for soaking up the sauces, and the samosas make for a delightful start to your meal.

The staff is attentive and friendly, offering excellent service that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're a longtime fan of Indian food or new to the cuisine, they’re always happy to provide recommendations or customize dishes to your spice preference.

Overall, Clay Oven Indian Cuisine is a must-visit destination in St. Joseph for anyone who loves flavorful, high-quality Indian food. Whether you're dining in or carrying out, the experience is sure to impress and leave you planning...

Went in for an early dinner with my husband and infant daughter on a Saturday. They brought my daughter an on the the house mango lassi which was very kind of them. Waitress and my daughter had an instant rapport. It was very cute. She had her giggling and cooing the whole meal.

We ordered goat curry medium spicy, goat korma medium spicy, garlic naan, and vegetable pakora. Garlic naan was phenomenal. The vegetable pakora was the best I have ever had! I broke open a few of the larger ones and fed the insides to my daughter and she gobbled it up spinach and all.

Both goat dishes were delicious and so rich with the tender simmered bone in goat and toasted spices. The goat curry had a nice kick but I may go spicier next time. My husband's korma had great flavor and a mild kick.

Towards the end of the meal our daughter got fussy so we asked to have to go containers. The waitress put on baby shark unprompted and our daughter instantly stopped crying and watched the show. It was very kind of them to cater to us like that.

Food and service was very prompt. Only I took 45 minutes to...