Clay Oven Cuisine of India — Restaurant in San Mateo

This place is an absolute treasure, and it comes down to two simple things: phenomenal food and an owner who treats you like family.

Let's start with the food. The chicken curry is, without exaggeration, the best I've ever had. The chicken is incredibly tender, and the curry itself is a masterpiece – a rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced sauce that is bursting with flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy (unless you ask for it!). It’s the kind of comforting, soulful dish you crave on a chilly evening. I always make sure to get a side of their fluffy garlic naan to soak up every last drop.

But what truly makes Clay Oven special is the atmosphere, cultivated by the owner. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a genuine smile. He takes such pride in his restaurant, and it shows. He often walks around to check on tables, share a story, or offer a recommendation. It’s this personal touch that transforms a simple dinner out into a wonderful experience.

If you are looking for authentic, delicious Indian food served with genuine warmth and hospitality, you absolutely must visit Clay Oven. You won't just leave with a full stomach, but also with a smile. Highly...

Clay Oven Cuisine of India in San Mateo is a fantastic restaurant that offers excellent service, delicious and savory food, and a cozy ambiance that is perfect for both date nights and business meetings. The owner is incredibly attentive and the cook is able to accommodate a wide range of spice levels, from very mild to extremely spicy. The quality of the meat, chicken, and all ingredients is top-notch and the restaurant is always kept clean. Located in a shopping area, the restaurant also plays great Indian music, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for delicious Indian cuisine, with an emphasis on the preparation, ambiance, quality of service, flavor and serving size, all of which are the best...

I came here and tried the lunch buffet. The food and service does not match the decor. The decor is very nice, service is unprofessional and impersonal, food is subpar. I'm not sure if it's because there aren't many people eating there so they don't refill the food often, but everything had out been sitting out for a long time. All the meats were dry, but flavor was ok. One star for the made to order naan, one star for their chai, and one star for their paneer in butter sauce. I'd recommend going somewhere else.

Edit: Checked my credit card statement afterward and and they added extra tip. I'm sure it's an honest mistake, but it's just annoying. I don't want someone else's mistake to cause me to keep a balance on my credit card and then have my...