Clay Oven

4.6 (715)

$30 and under

Contemporary Indian

15435 Jeffrey Road, Irvine, CA 92618

About this restaurant

Innovative
Neighborhood gem
Good for groups

We are continuing to operate for takeout, curbside, and delivery only.

For over 36 years, the cuisine by our James Beard-recognized Executive Chef Geeta Bansal has been about transforming tradition and old techniques while retaining the flavor profile to make them relevant to the present times and lifestyle. Food progresses and changes, and we consistently strive to move Indian cuisine forward into the present and attempt to modernize our dishes while keeping the Ayurvedic principles intact. Our menus are tied to the seasons and what is growing around us. We serve a large selection of game including venison, wild boar, rabbit, duck, antelope, quail, and elk, all easily paired with wine and beer selected by our Certified Sommelier (CMS). Fruits and vegetables in season appear alongside our organic herbs grown in our own garden. There is no fusion of cuisines, just a fun and creative Indian experience created for our guests.

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Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary Indian, Californian, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
Website
http://www.clayovenirvine.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Geeta Bansal
Catering
Full service catering - Premier caterer to all major hotels and event sites requiring Indian regional cuisines.
Private party facilities
Please contact us at clayovenirvine@gmail.com for further information on private events.

Location
15435 Jeffrey Road, Irvine, CA 92618
Neighborhood
Irvine
Cross street
Irvine Center Drive
Parking details
Shopping center parking - easy access.
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Riesling, Chateau Montelena
Potter Valley, Mendocino, California | 2016
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$52.00
Soave, Pieropan
Veneto, Italy | 2017
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$40.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Babich "Black Label"
Marlborough, New Zealand | 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Sancerre, Robert Cantin "Les Pierblancs"
Sancerre, Loire Valley, France | 2016
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$58.00
Grüner Veltliner, Leth "Steinagrund"
Wagram, Austria | 2017
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$40.00
Semillon, Little Frances "Luchsinger Vineyard"
Lake County, California | 2014
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$48.00
Chardonnay, Lúuma
Sonoma Coast, California | 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$48.00
Chardonnay, Scribe
Carneros, Sonoma, California | 2015
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$54.00
Bourgogne Blanc, Domaine Michel Caillot
Bourgogne, Burgundy, France | 2011
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$46.00
Côte de Beaune, Louis Latour Clos Saint-Désiré
Beaune, Burgundy, France | 2010
- Bottle$60.00
Pinot Gris, Antiquum Farm "Daisy"
Willamette Valley, Oregon | 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00

Rose

Rosé, Poe
Oakville, Napa Valley, California | 2018
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$46.00

Red Wines

Pinot Noir, Johan Vineyards "Farmlands"
Willamette Valley, Oregon | 2017
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$44.00
Pinot Noir, Land of Saints
Central Coast, California | 2017
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$52.00
Pinot Noir, Pence Ranch
Santa Rita Hills, Central Coast, California | 2016
- Bottle$60.00
Pinot Noir, Barnett Vineyards "Tina Marie"
Russian River Valley, California | 2017
- Bottle$100.00
Grenache, Poco á Poco
Mendocino, California | 2015
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$46.00
Carignane, Folk Machine "Parts & Labor"
Mendocino, California | 2017
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$40.00
Merlot, Trefethen
Oak knoll, Napa valley, California | 2015
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$48.00
Zinfandel, Camp
Sonoma Valley, California | 2017
- Glass$11.00
- Bottle$44.00
Malbec, Colomé
Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina | 2014
- Glass$15.00
- Bottle$60.00
Red Blend, Westwood Estate "Legend"
Sonoma Valley, California | 2015
- Bottle$60.00
Bordeaux, Château Recougne
Bordeaux Supérieur, Bordeaux, France | 2012
- Bottle$32.00
Côtes-du-Rhône, Domaine de Cristia
Côtes-du-Rhône, Rhône Valley, France | 2017
- Bottle$40.00
Red Blend "V3", Baehner Fournier Estate
Santa Ynez Valley, Central Coast, California | 2011
- Bottle$50.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Ultraviolet
Oakville, Napa Valley, California | 2016
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$40.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hobo Wine CO.
Alexander Valley, California | 2016
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$50.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis M. Martini
Alexander Valley, California | 2015
- Bottle$70.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Mondavi Estate "Emblem"
Napa Valley, California | 2014
- Bottle$76.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Trefethen
Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, California | 2014
- Bottle$100.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel "Branding Iron"
Oakville, Napa Valley, California | 2015
- Bottle$140.00

Sparkling and Cider

Brut Prestige, Mumm Napa (187ml)
Napa, California
- Glass$12.00
Cava, Juve Y Camps Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva
Catalonia, Spain
- Bottle$50.00
Champagne, Bruno Paillard Cuvee NV
Reims, France
- Bottle$100.00
English Cider, Aspall "Dry" (330ml)
Suffolk, England | ABV 6.8% | Apple, earthiness, funky
- Bottle$9.00
Sidra, Begiris (375ml)
Zaragoza, Spain | ABV 6.0% | Rustic, dryish, slightly tart, natural
- Bottle$8.00

Dessert Wine

Tawny Reserve Ruby Porto, Croft
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- 2oz$5.00
Royal Tokaji "5 Puttonyos Aszú"
Tokaj, Hungary | 2013
- 2oz$12.00
Late Harvest Semillon, Dolce
Napa Valley, California | 2011
- 2oz$16.00

Reserve

Rotating bottles from our personal collection, because we can't drink it all

Rioja, Marqués de Riscal$100.00
Elciego, Rioja, Spain | 2004
Malbec, Colomé "Reserva"$120.00
Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina | 2009
Chardonnay, Nickel & Nickel "Stiling"$100.00
Oakville, Napa Valley, California | 2015
Lambic (Belgian Gueze), 3 Fonteinen "Armand & Gaston"$60.00
Beersel, Belgium | ABV 5.2% | One of the world's best lambics

Beverages

San Pellegrino Sparkling
- 500ml$3.00
- 750ml$6.00
Still Water
- 330ml$4.00
- 750ml$8.00
Iced Tea$2.00
Unsweetened
Soda$2.00
Coke / Diet Coke / Sprite
Ginger-Lemon Drink (Homemade)$4.00
Pomegranate Lemonade (Homemade)$4.00
Tea (Black or Green)$3.00
Chai$3.00
Black tea, spices, ginger, milk, sugar, as is
Lassi (Sweet or Salted)$3.00
A refreshing homemade yogurt drink
Fruit Lassi$4.00
With seasonal fruit

Beers

Sour (Gose), Off Color Brewing "Troublesome" | 4.3% ABV
Chicago, IL | IBU 10 | Hazy gold, wheatish, light sea salt, lemony tartness, refreshing
- 12oz$8.00
White Ale (Witbier), Kiuchi Brewery "Hitachino Nest" | 5.5% ABV
Ibarki, Japan | IBU 13 | Citrus, wheat, coriander, ginger
- 330ml$10.00
Lager (Indian), Flying Horse | 4.7% ABV
Bangalore, India | IBU 18 | Crisp, peppery, grassy
- 22oz$10.00
Lager (Indian), Taj Mahal | 4.5% ABV
Bangalore, India | IBU 20 | Light, green apple, grain
- 22oz$10.00
Hefewizen (German), Schneider Weisse "Tap 4 Organic" | 6.2% ABV
Kelheim, Germany | IBU 20 | Lightly toasted wheat, banana, medium body, semi-dry
- 16.9oz$12.00
Lager (Kellerbier), Grevensteiner "Naturtrübes Landbier" | 5.2% ABV
Meschede, Germany | IBU 23 | Malty smooth, floral honey, toasted almond, crisp finish
- 16.9oz$10.00
Brown (American Imperial), Hideji "Kuri Kuro" | 9.0% ABV
Miyazaki, Japan | IBU 25 | Chestnut, chocolate, espresso, woody, herbal, warming
- 11.2oz$14.00
Pale Ale (English Bitter), Timothy Taylor "Landlord" | 4.1% ABV
Keighley, England | IBU 35 | Dry upfront, malty light middle, woody, floral bitter end
- 500ml$12.00
Lager (Dortmunder-Style), Barley Forge "Grandpa Tractor" | 4.8% ABV
Costa Mesa, CA | IBU 35 | Brisk, mild hop bitterness, pilsner malt, drop of honey, a favorite
- 12oz$5.00
Pilsner (Czech Style), Heater Allen "Pils" | 5.0% ABV
McMinnville, OR | IBU 38 | Malt driven, clean flavor, light zest, bittersweet finish
- 16.9oz$12.00
Lager (Pale), Green's | 4.1% ABV
Lochristi, Belgium | IBU 39 | Pineapple, dry-hopped, high carbonation, grassy
- 500ml$10.00
Tripel (Belgian), Brouwerij de Ranke "Guldenberg" | 8.5% ABV
Wevelgem, Belgium | IBU 40 | Pear, apricot, hop nibble, slight spice, crisp yet smooth
- 11.2oz$9.00
Blonde Ale (Belgian), The Lost Abbey "Devotion" | 6.0% ABV
San Marcos, CA | IBU 40 | Soft nose, mild yeasty spice, honey, medium finish
- 12oz$6.00
Amber Ale (American), North Coast "Red Seal" | 5.5% ABV
Fort Bragg, CA | IBU 42 | Earthy, candied orange, toasted caramel, crisp
- 12oz$5.00
Pale Ale (American), Kern River Brewing "River Buddy" | 5.6% ABV
Kernville, CA | IBU 56 | Big tropical aromas, grassy earthiness, great balance, refreshing
- 12oz$6.00
Amber Ale (American), Smog City "Sabre-Toothed Squirrel" | 7.0% ABV
Torrance, CA | IBU 68 | Bright citrus, pine, caramel, honey, toasted malt
- 12oz$7.00
Stout (Imperial), Brasserie Dieu du Ciel! "Peche Mortel" | 9.5% ABV
Quebec, Canada | IBU 76 | Rich, dark roast, dark chocolate, dark coffee, dark
- 330ml$14.00
IPA (American), Noble Ale Works "Big Whig IPA" | 6.8% ABV
Anaheim, CA | IBU 77 | Well-rounded, tangerine, honey, lingering resin, delicious
- 16oz$10.00
IPA (Imperial), Evil Twin "Molotov Lite" | 8.5% ABV
Brooklyn, NY | IBU 90 | Deeply bitter, tropical tint, dry fruity lingering finish, solid
- 16oz$8.00
IPA (Hazy Imperial), Omnipollo "Fatamorgana" | 8.0% ABV
Stockholm, Sweden | IBU 100 | Big orange haze, soft tropical fruits, lime bitter finish, wow
- 16oz$12.00
Non-Alcoholic (Pilsner), Bitburger "Drive" | 0.0% ABV
Bitburg, Germany | Crisp, chestnut, peppery
- 12oz$6.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Clay Oven.

4.6

(715)

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.3Ambience
2.6Value

Noise • Moderate

715 Reviews

WH
WillH
Orange County4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 13, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cannot fault this place on anything, everything about it was well thought out, well executed and I will absolutely be going again. The food was well flavoured, well spiced and portioned, not too much/too little. Great little place!
Is this helpful?
j
janet
Orange County6 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 12, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautifully prepared dishes with quality ingredients which elevated even standard dishes like rogan josh and chicken tika to a whole new level. The FETA cheese naan was outstanding. The variety of dishes available also makes it straight forward to have a meal exactly matched to your taste and appetite in an attractive and tasteful setting. However, it is a small restaurant and some tables are set quite closely together, so not the place to discuss family secrets! Service was pretty attentive without being obtrusive. Well-matched wines, and I really liked their extensive beer selection. We'll be back soon!
Is this helpful?
NS
NiloS
Orange County4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 12, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing meal to celebrate our anniversary just before all the restaurants shut dining in. Ordered many times for delivery with GrubHub and always a treat. Can't wait to come back here many, many times when they reopen the dining room!
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S
Salls
Orange County2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 11, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
From the moment we walked through the door the service was impeccable! Food was absolutely beautiful, my husband and I enjoyed every moment of our evening! Thanks to all the staff and especially the host/manager for their high standard of service.
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O
Ohyou8one2 Gold
Orange County37 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 11, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Interesting menu and LOT's of OFF Menu items, including beers and other beverages. If you like Indian spices and flavors...this will be a great experience. They focus on non-traditional I think. So you have the flavors and food items expected, but additional offerings of creative presentation and mixed flavors. Well worth the try and the management is on deck trying hard to please. That ALWAYS makes a huge positive effect for your meal / dining pleasure. Enjoy!
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PL
PaulL
Orange County4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 11, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This restaurant was fab and a hidden gem, the food was very good and we got excellent drink recommendations. If you like fine dining with quality food you will not be disappointed. So glad we found this restaurant. can’t wait to return. Lamb chops were very tasty and so was the mango shrimp curry.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing little intimate place, service was absolutely brilliant. Very attentive staff with some of the best food. The lamb chops here are unreal! It's a must!!!
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PD
PeterD
Jackson Hole4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best Indian food in OC! Swordfish was amazing and every dish was excellent. Family run and service was great. We will be back soon!
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K
Kenny
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and delicious food in a lovely environment. Food portions great and nice additional touches.
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DD
DonDe
Orange County7 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This family run restaurant is the best! The food is just incredible! My favorite restaurant.
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Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary Indian, Californian, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
Website
http://www.clayovenirvine.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Geeta Bansal
Catering
Full service catering - Premier caterer to all major hotels and event sites requiring Indian regional cuisines.
Private party facilities
Please contact us at clayovenirvine@gmail.com for further information on private events.

Location
15435 Jeffrey Road, Irvine, CA 92618
Neighborhood
Irvine
Cross street
Irvine Center Drive
Parking details
Shopping center parking - easy access.
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Clay Oven

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

White Wines

Riesling, Chateau Montelena

Soave, Pieropan

Sauvignon Blanc, Babich "Black Label"

Sancerre, Robert Cantin "Les Pierblancs"

Grüner Veltliner, Leth "Steinagrund"

Semillon, Little Frances "Luchsinger Vineyard"

Chardonnay, Lúuma

Chardonnay, Scribe

Bourgogne Blanc, Domaine Michel Caillot

Côte de Beaune, Louis Latour Clos Saint-Désiré

Pinot Gris, Antiquum Farm "Daisy"

Rose

Rosé, Poe

Red Wines

Pinot Noir, Johan Vineyards "Farmlands"

Pinot Noir, Land of Saints

Pinot Noir, Pence Ranch

Pinot Noir, Barnett Vineyards "Tina Marie"

Grenache, Poco á Poco

Carignane, Folk Machine "Parts & Labor"

Merlot, Trefethen

Zinfandel, Camp

Malbec, Colomé

Red Blend, Westwood Estate "Legend"

Bordeaux, Château Recougne

Côtes-du-Rhône, Domaine de Cristia

Red Blend "V3", Baehner Fournier Estate

Cabernet Sauvignon, Ultraviolet

Cabernet Sauvignon, Hobo Wine CO.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis M. Martini

Cabernet Sauvignon, Mondavi Estate "Emblem"

Cabernet Sauvignon, Trefethen

Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel "Branding Iron"

Sparkling and Cider

Brut Prestige, Mumm Napa (187ml)

Cava, Juve Y Camps Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva

Champagne, Bruno Paillard Cuvee NV

English Cider, Aspall "Dry" (330ml)

Sidra, Begiris (375ml)

Dessert Wine

Tawny Reserve Ruby Porto, Croft

Royal Tokaji "5 Puttonyos Aszú"

Late Harvest Semillon, Dolce

Reserve

Rioja, Marqués de Riscal$100.00

Malbec, Colomé "Reserva"$120.00

Chardonnay, Nickel & Nickel "Stiling"$100.00

Lambic (Belgian Gueze), 3 Fonteinen "Armand & Gaston"$60.00

Beverages

San Pellegrino Sparkling

Still Water

Iced Tea$2.00

Soda$2.00

Ginger-Lemon Drink (Homemade)$4.00

Pomegranate Lemonade (Homemade)$4.00

Tea (Black or Green)$3.00

Chai$3.00

Lassi (Sweet or Salted)$3.00

Fruit Lassi$4.00

Beers

Sour (Gose), Off Color Brewing "Troublesome" | 4.3% ABV

White Ale (Witbier), Kiuchi Brewery "Hitachino Nest" | 5.5% ABV

Lager (Indian), Flying Horse | 4.7% ABV

Lager (Indian), Taj Mahal | 4.5% ABV

Hefewizen (German), Schneider Weisse "Tap 4 Organic" | 6.2% ABV

Lager (Kellerbier), Grevensteiner "Naturtrübes Landbier" | 5.2% ABV

Brown (American Imperial), Hideji "Kuri Kuro" | 9.0% ABV

Pale Ale (English Bitter), Timothy Taylor "Landlord" | 4.1% ABV

Lager (Dortmunder-Style), Barley Forge "Grandpa Tractor" | 4.8% ABV

Pilsner (Czech Style), Heater Allen "Pils" | 5.0% ABV

Lager (Pale), Green's | 4.1% ABV

Tripel (Belgian), Brouwerij de Ranke "Guldenberg" | 8.5% ABV

Blonde Ale (Belgian), The Lost Abbey "Devotion" | 6.0% ABV

Amber Ale (American), North Coast "Red Seal" | 5.5% ABV