The Clay Oven Indian Restaurant

Came here last week with my wife for the first time, very happy to know that there is a great Indian restaurant less than 10 minutes from me. Food : we ordered chili paneer and vegetable Samosa as an appetizer which were both delicious and filling, the chili paneer was actually spicier than unexpected which I like. We ordered garlic naan, which was some of the better naan that I’ve ever had. We ended up sharing a dish of chicken makhani which had the spot. Aesthetic: unexpectedly small location, but filled with a lot of tables, it’s a nice, quiet dining experience. Service : our service was fantastic, although I don’t remember the name of the gym that helped us. It was a good time.

Excellent Indian food...we had bunch of things...mango lassi, chole bhatura, paneer, samosa, biryani, dal, kulfi, mali kofta, variety of breads etc over two meals...food and staff are very welcoming. Its a must visit for any1 in the area and definitely for tourist.

I discovered this place upon moving here to Succasunna in 2018. I did a semester in England, and I was in Manchester and became aware of Indian cuisine. It immediately became my favorite. It pains me to say that it was 30 years ago, but since then, I have become an Indian food aficionado/enthusiast/proponent, and I ALSO became a chef since then. This self-promoting intro is only because I want you to trust my judgment and my palate. The Clay Oven provides me with the most literally mouthwatering, from the moment I open the bag and the glorious aromas waft up to my nose, delicious, satisfying, and CONSISTENT meals I have had in my 7 years in New Jersey. Jitu, the owner, is so kind and always concerned about food quality. Sure, there are other Indian restaurants all up and down Rt. 46, as someone pointed out. I have ordered from several, and all so far have a cloying sweetness in the sauces and appetizers that I find inauthentic and off-putting. Every now and then, I "cheat" on Jitu and get South Indian, but the flavors that linger in my mouth that make me return WEEKLY - are those of his chefs'. It is such a comforting ritual for me that I order from him almost weekly. I usually get quite a bit of food so that I can have it over the course of a few days. Indian for breakfast is my favorite! I consider this bliss. I live 3 miles away from one of the best Indian restaurants I have ever encountered. With a stellar, kind owner. Hells yeah. I like variety, and usually get 5 - 7 appetizers, and occasionally an entree. Khaman dohkla is a favorite, both the veg and the kheema samosa, and chili paneer are fantastic. The papdi chat is scrumptious, but by day 2 the little crunchies get soggy, but still palatable. I started off getting the date and fig naan with the eggplant dip, but I found the filling to be too sweet, even though I understand the sweet/salty concept, obvi. Anyway, I now sub the paneer kulcha for it, which Jitu has added as an option on DoorDash. Other items I get: Onion bhaji, navratan korma, chicken curry/vindaloo, papadam, tandoori mixed grill, chicken tikka, raita, gulab jamun, mango pudding, rice pudding and assorted veg platter. All delicious, EVERY TIME I order. SO consistent. SO delicious. If you figure I order 30 times a year.... and I've lived here 6.5 years... that's 195 times. You know how many times they've gotten my order wrong? Twice. Omitted one item each time. Guess how many times their food has been lower quality or hasn't tasted good? Never. Their track record is impeccable with me. Granted, all restaurants have mishaps, staff changes, off days, or receive questionable product that they have to perform miracles with. But I've never noticed if the Clay Oven had an off day. So delicious. So consistently delicious! Thank you to Jitu!

My husband and I ate here for the first time and absolutely loved it! The food was absolutely delicious and made to order. We had the chicken curry, he spicy & mild for me, garlic naan and we had a mango and pineapple lassi. My husband loved it so much that he ordered a meal to go! The best naan I ever had, hands down! The staff is very warm and welcoming. You could tell all the patrons in the restaurant were overly satisfied with their meals. Smiles all around!!! Great atmosphere! Can’t wait to go back (again & again)!

I recently ordered take and unfortunately, it wasn't the best experience. The food was just okay, but the portion sizes were surprisingly small, especially considering how expensive everything was. I also wish I had known beforehand that it's a cash-only restaurant, which was a bit of an inconvenience. I was particularly disappointed with the Peshwari naan. It was dry, and the raisins and coconut tasted off, which was quite a letdown since I was really looking forward to it. Overall, I left feeling that the meal wasn't worth the price. With so many great Indian restaurants out there, I'm not sure I'll be returning to The Clay Oven anytime soon. ♿️Wheelchair accessibility is available here

First time at clay oven and the vibe was nice and chilled. The waiter was nice and explaining the different meals. I got Lamb do piyaza with garlic naan. We got the samosas as well. The kheema samosa was really good with the green sauce. It's also BYOB! If you want some Indian go to the Clay oven. I totally recommend this place.

i had the most amazing Indian food at clay oven. The quality of Indian food here is far superior to most places in India. The staff is very friendly, and the owner takes personal interest in ensuring you are comfortable and you’re getting the best service. I highly recommend The Clay Oven of Ledgewood, New Jersey to anyone who wants to have high quality Indian food.

It was amazing experience we were well taken care off as we were quite hungry and food was made within 25 minutes. Chef girdhari Ji is amazing and the owner Mr Mehta is very attentive and kind . It is clean and hygienic . Will visit again Thanks

Came here last week with my wife for the first time, very happy to know that there is a great Indian restaurant less than 10 minutes from me. Food : we ordered chili paneer and vegetable Samosa as an appetizer which were both delicious and filling, the chili paneer was actually spicier than unexpected which I like. We ordered garlic naan, which was some of the better naan that I've ever had. We ended up sharing a dish of chicken makhani which had the spot. Aesthetic: unexpectedly small location, but filled with a lot of tables, it's a nice, quiet dining experience. Service : our service was fantastic, although I don't remember the name of the gym that helped us. It was a good time.

This is a pretty standard Indian restaurant. I wouldn't say it's authentic because the flavors are pretty subdued. And I think they should have much bigger portions. Especially if the flavors are much more on the mild side. But it still taste good. And very fresh. However, with the portions being on the smaller side, as well as the non-being on the smaller side, it didn't really feel like we were getting a good value out of our meal. If they ended up increasing the flavor profile in the portions, I definitely be back.

Delicious food, friendly service. Stopped for lunch on Thursday afternoon, in the mood and hungry for good food. No buffet. Instead, thali: a very large naan served with a sampling of 5 dishes (tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, dal, mixed vegetables curry, chicken curry) and rice. Every single one was delicious, including a nice serving of rice pudding (not quite kheer) which was just a bit sweet. I was given a carafe of ice water, too. This was around 2, so the place was very quiet; it's a cozy space with a nice vibe. I was very happy, and I will go back, of course. Highly recommended.

The Clay Oven Indian Restaurant in Ledgewood, NJ, offers an authentic Indian dining experience that delights both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts of Indian cuisine. The restaurant boasts an extensive menu featuring a variety of appetizers, entrées, and freshly baked breads, all prepared with traditional techniques and spices. Menu Highlights: * Appetizers: Start your meal with their Vegetable Samosa, crispy turnovers delicately spiced with potatoes and green peas, or the Paneer Pakora, golden brown fritters of cottage cheese mildly spiced. * Tandoor Specialties: The Tandoori Mixed Grill offers a combination of chicken tandoori shrimp, chicken tikka, sheekh kebab, and malai kebab served with sizzling onions and bell peppers. * Vegetarian Delights: Dishes like Saag Paneer, a blend of creamy spinach and homemade cheese cooked in spices, and Baingan Bhurtha, roasted eggplant sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, are must-tries. Chicken Tikka Masala: A favorite among patrons, the Chicken Tikka Masala features creamy grilled chicken simmered in a velvety sauce with a subtle flavor. The tender chicken pieces are marinated and grilled to perfection, then enveloped in a rich, tomato-based sauce that balances creaminess with a hint of spice, creating a harmonious and flavorful dish. Goat Biryani: The Goat Biryani at The Clay Oven is a testament to the delicate care required to craft this traditional dish. Rice is cooked with yogurt and spices to perfection with nuts and raisins, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful biryani. The tender goat pieces are infused with aromatic spices, and the dish is served with raita, enhancing the overall experience. Naan: Baked fresh in their traditional clay oven, the naan bread at The Clay Oven is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Options include the classic Naan, Garlic Naan, and Peshawri Naan, a round-shaped bread with nuts and raisins. Each piece emerges warm, soft, and infused with the subtle smokiness imparted by the tandoor, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to authentic preparation methods. Service and Dining Experience: The staff at The Clay Oven are known for their helpfulness and attentiveness. They accommodate spice preferences, ensuring dishes can be made super spicy or as mild as you like. For those opting for takeout, the service is prompt, ensuring your meal is ready when you arrive. The restaurant also features a decent-sized dining area, suitable for hosting small to medium-sized parties, making it an ideal venue for gatherings with family and friends. In summary, The Clay Oven Indian Restaurant in Ledgewood, NJ, offers a comprehensive and satisfying dining experience, combining authentic flavors, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Recently moved from NYC and have been trying to find good Indian food around Roxbury. The Clay Oven did not disappoint. The place itself is no frills, but the food is perfectly seasoned. Excellent.

Exceptional authentic indian food modestly priced. It immediately makes our rotation. Good service. Immaculate.

If I could give this restaurant a 10-star rating, I absolutely would! From the moment we stepped in, we were warmly welcomed by the incredibly gracious owners, Sangeeta & Jitu Mehta. Their hospitality alone is reason enough to visit, but the real magic lies in the food. As an Indian who is lucky to have an amazing cook at home (our mother!), I rarely find restaurant food that matches up. And my daughter--who is a notoriously picky eater, especially when it comes to Indian food--has never enjoyed Indian restaurant food... until now. She absolutely loved every bite, which speaks volumes about the authenticity and excellence of the dishes served here. We initially stopped here on our way back from a drive, but after this experience, we will make the drive just to return again and again; even tho its an hour's drive away for us. The flavors, the warmth, and the passion behind the food make this a must-visit destination, with a cosy and comforting ambiance. If you're looking for Indian cuisine that feels like a labor of love, look no further. Highly, highly recommend!

Tasty Indian food at a very affordable price. If you're in NJ and have the urge for good Indian food without driving all the way into the lower village of Manhattan, this is the place for you

This place was delicious . Me and my wife tried it for the first time and we will definitely be back. Fast service and friendly staff. The atmosphere was nice as well.

Authentic Indian food with great service. However, it is on the pricey side. I wish they would bring back their lunch buffet.

I have driven by many times before today...so my wife and I finally go in there for a date night. The restaurant is not large but they have plenty of seating, as the far wall has bench seats with tables for max seating. The place is decorated nicely and clean. The service was fast, the waiter and owner visited our table several times to ensure our meal and needs we met. The food was great, fresh and delicious. They prepared the food as we requested (less heat for me, LoL). The portions were large since we were not able to finish...so we had half to take home. Which I ate later in the evening and the warmup seconds were just as delicious. Definitely found another great Indian restaurant to add to our list!!

We went to the Clay Oven tonight and it did not disappoint and honestly it never does. The food the service and the atmosphere are always Top Notch. The owner is the sweetest person and my family loves coming here not just for the food (which all 3 of my teenage girls love and have loved since they were small) but because you feel and are treated like family. The staff are so attentive and nice . This is a such a special place and we absolutely love The Clay Oven. Thank you Jitu and Sunil for such a lovely dinner and evening.

I was in the mood for Indian food for lunch and found this spot. I called in my order of the aloo mateer and roti. When I arrived I parked in thier lot and walked into this cute restaurant. I was greeted and seen my food which I grabbed and paid about $17. When I got in I dug in and the food was pretty good especially with the roti. There was more than enough. I had a pretty decent experience.

SO great! Don't sleep on the Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, and Chana Masala! Will definitely be back! Excellent service, too!

By far the best Indian food I've ever eaten. Also the staff is so nice and courteous. And they even made my food not spicy for me. A great place to have a date night.

We so so enjoyed our meal here! The owner/host was the kindest man making us feel like we had just sat down at her kitchen dining table. Between the two of us, we ordered chicken Tikka masala, chicken vindaloo, navratar korma and yellow dal + spicy naan! Absolutely delicious! So glad it's close!

Our family had a wonderful experience when we went to dinner here tonight. It has an intimate atmosphere, attentive and delightful service, and the food is incredible. All 5 of us tried different dishes, and we loved everything. They suggested the appropriate spice level for our youngest diner when we ordered, and it allowed her to fully enjoy her meal. It was so nice to meet the owner and know we are supporting such a great business. Their food is real food without the fillers and such that so many places use. As a person with a soy allergy, I have to be careful of restaurants that lower their costs by including soy as a filler. It was amazing to be able to order anything on their menu without fear. I can't brag about this restaurant enough! It was great for us as a family, but it would also be perfect for a date night.

I'll preface this by saying, I've eaten here multiple times and the food is always good and this is the only reason I gave three stars. Service deserves one star. I took my three kids there for dinner on a Saturday night and it was quite busy, especially for the one server. Our arrival was followed by 6-7 other parties. We were seated expeditiously (excellent). We waited 30 minutes for water, despite asking multiple times. I was gonna ask our neighbors for a drink, since everyone else already had received theirs. We were also the last one to receive our food. Before our food arrived, I inquired about its status and the waiter said, "because our food was grilled, it took longer and ours would be next". Finally, the waiter came out with grilled food, unfortunately it was for our neighbors who arrives 30 minutes after us... lol. We did get a complimentary ice cream scoop to split and 20% gratuity added to our bill.... The waiter was nice enough to ask if I wanted my change, since I paid cash. I said you already added 20% tip, so "yes" I'd like my change. Again, I don't mind spending quality time with my kids, but clearly my family was NOT his priority or at least the equivalent of others. Think first before bringing your kids here. Not planning on returning despite another decent meal.

Recently had the opportunity to eat here and it was marvelous. Service was excellent and the food superb. If you like Indian food, this is the place to go in the Morris/Sussex area. We will be back and what better recommendation can one give?

Was back in town tonight and was craving Indian! Had two wonderful meals! Vegetable Samosas were delicious. Food was flavorful as always and just the right amount of spice. As always, love the gentleman who always works the front counter. Kind and makes you feel like friends! Wish I could come weekly!

Ate here on a Thursday night- was not busy and were seated immediately. Ordered the Chilly Paneer, Chicken Makhani (Butter Chicken) and Tandoori Murg. It was the perfect serving size to split with 2 people. Everything was flavorful and a good amount of spice. The location/parking is a little odd- shares space with a motel and the inside is outdated. Server was not friendly and seemed to be rushing us out. Overall great food and quick service. There were a lot of to-go orders being prepared so that may be the way to go!

Sketchy place with a sketchy location. Tikka masala was okay 3/5, butter chicken was good 4/5. they definitely bring thee spice, but biryani was not good. Customer service was questionable. Overall experience was bleh. Will not return.

This is a small family restaurant, maybe 10 or 12 tables. It's easy to miss as it's connected to a motel and parking is shared. The husband seated us, the wife (I'm assuming) brought water to the table. They were both very nice and welcoming. The husband took our orders, and we received our food in a reasonable amount of time. The food comes with a shared dishes of rice, and the meals are served in individual mini serving pots. It doesn't look like a lot of food, but plan to take home leftovers. First let me say I'm not familiar with Indian food and it's different than the typical Mediterranean food (Italian, Spanish, Greek, Arabic) I frequently seek out, but it was wonderful. I had a chicken dish (medium spice, a little spicy for me but good), and my daughter had lamb, which was also very food. I liked the atmosphere, it was casual, clean, and friendly. The food is very good, and the prices are reasonable (our dishes averaged $15 each). I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant.

Stop by to order shish kabob to go. This is what we got for $20 included tax Overprice and Expensive

This is by far the best Indian restaurant in the area! Clay Oven specialties are fabulous and the owner Jitu Mehta is a gem! If you enjoy Indian cuisine, this is a must try!

I went to this place for the lunch buffet and I have to say it was pretty good! I would have loved if there was more variety as there was probably only about 10 different trays to choose from, but everything tasted great. And for $10? I thought it was a great deal! I would definitely come back during lunch. My coworkers and I also ordered dessert off the menu, these sweet dough balls, soaked in syrup. I loved them! Since we were a party of 6, they said they couldn't do separate checks and only 3 different credit cards were allowed from one table... That was a bit troubling especially since we weren't told until after the meal. However, when the owner saw us struggling to figure out who would pay what and split what, he was nice enough to let all of us pay individual credit cards. I really appreciated that.

This is a very good Indian restaurant. We have a lot of great Indian Restaurants in Morris County and I am a lifelong fan of the cuisine. Very hard to get 5 stars!! I come here often and love their dishes. My "Go To's" are the Chicken Curry, Rogan Josh, and the Butter Chicken. With that said, every dish I have had has been great. Friendly, reasonable, and definitely worth a visit.

Excellent variety of vegan, vegetarian dishes. We enjoyed a couple of Biryani entrees and the broccoli naan. Great atmosphere and service too.

After living out here for 20 years, I finally tried this place. Holy cow!! I had the chicken curry, spicy. Amazing!!! And HOT! The flavors just burst in your mouth. The spices are incredible. The rice was fluffy and fresh. The naan was good too. The owner was very courteous and gave me a free desert. I will definitely be back soon!!!! 5 STARS!

Ordered today June 01/2020 thru DoorDash. Normally have a very good experience with this restaurant, but this time was very disappointed. Ordered Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Biryani. Sadly, the chicken in both dishes was very dry, and the rice in the Biryani was mushy. Clearly not freshly prepared. Tasted like it had been reheated even though I ordered it at 5PM. I called and explained my disappointment and told them that I have eaten there often and never had a bad meal there. The guy on the other end was defensive, then told me he would look into it. That's it! I So I spent $30 ($40 after DD Fees/Tip) on 2 dishes. The management attitude was shocking uncaring, and dismissive. Perhaps because I was a woman ordering? Don't get me started on that topic. Not worth it.

wow. this place isn't near where we live, but is near a fun bowling alley. the food is AMAZING. absolutely delicious, fresh, warm and welcoming. Staff is friendly we had malai kofta, daal makhani, Chana masala, dash paneer, chicken saag, shrimp masala, and several different kinds of bread. absolutely fantastic.

Unassuming little restaurant with great appetizers and entrees. I came here with a large group and we were promptly seated and served. We were given papur and chutneys before our food came and let me tell you, they packed a punch of flavor. I ordered the paneer makhani and my husband ordered the chicken vindaloo. Let me tell you, both were delicious. They come in deceptive looking small portions but rest assured, you will fill up quickly. Both were good were rice, but the naan is also fabulous. As with most Indian restaurants, I don't recommend getting desserts but the kheer isn't bad.

Strange place. Arrived about 7 pm on a Saturday night and the place was empty except for one table. The place is attached to a rather seedy motel and there was very little parking by the restaurant. There was a sign on the door which stated that because of staffing shortage, they had limited capacity to seat anyone and suggested take-out. We went elsewhere. So caveat emptor.

I love this place--however disappointed that we did take out and that someone made the saag paneer spice level super hot which was never an issue with take out before. I took two bites and couldnt eat it. adding a spice level option for take out would be helpful for future orders if possible.

I had them there before dining in the restaurant, And I don't remember being remarkable. The restaurant was so cold I found a difficult to enjoy my meal And the Hospitality was a little bit lacking.But I just ordered through doordash today And I'm amazed at how delicious the food is (it arrived very hot).I ordered the chicken Makhala And the chicken Tikka Masala And they were both Delectable.I also enjoyed the mulligatawny soup. And the garlic bean is dangerously good. So satisfied.

We stumbled upon this restaurant this past weekend and it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!! The service was excellent (Thank you Sanjay!!). The food was out of this world great!! We will be back!!!

The Clay Oven has the best Indian food I've ever eaten!! I have not been able to find any place that comes close to achieving the same quality as the food I've had from this restaurant. The meals are spectacular and the service is exceptional. I can't recommend The Clay Oven enough!

On a list of Indian places to try out after driving by once. We liked our dishes here, the service was good and nice people. Garlic Naan was crispy. Our main dishes, butter chicken tender, sauce was a little spicier than expected. Tikka rated well and thanks for extra rice at no charge. Perhaps another visit in the future but there are still other places around yet to try.

After a two hour wait for food that we were picking up we walked in to see the chef cooking without a mask. He didn't even have one on his person just cooking like it's 2019 or something. They are now crossed off the list permanently. I'll spend my hard earned money at an establishment that understands compliance, the law and science.

I give it a 3 star for food. The extra 1 is for price. Really can't beat the lunch special buffet price. There was not many options to select from the hot and cold buffet. Chicken is the only meat option and egg as another protein of choice. There was Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandori Chicken and Egg Curry. For the cold buffet is literally just salad, not even a choice of salad. Just salad. Sauces on the side for apps and I think one choice for dressing of the one salad they offered. There's also hot veggie options, but I couldn't remember what they were. What I did like about this place is that the naan isn't at the buffet table. They bring it to your table, which is great because its fresh and HOT! You can see the gentleman making in the window as you are picking your selection at the buffet. The Chicken Tikka Masala was not spicy at all perfect for the kids if you bring them here. The Tandori Chicken was a little spicy. The dessert was some fruit custard, which I did not want to try because it just looked like a blob of white goo with chunks. If you want spicy Indian food this is not the place to come. This place is mainly if you want something 'cheap', fast and its not some sort of fast food.

Doesn't look like much when you initially pass by BUTTT let me tell you this place was absolutely amazing!! The food was so great!! I am a HUGE customer service critic I believe the first encounter tells you a lot about a 0oace and a person!!! The customer service here at Oven Clay was top tier!! My husband and I brought my dad for his birthday during the week it was clean,quiet and cozy!! We had a great time laughter Sunil was so awesome and our photographer at the end of the night!! Absolutely will be making my way there again very soon!! Awesome Vegetarian options

Excited to try the lunch buffet but very disappointed. Not a large selection of food and half of the trays were mostly empty. No raita or chutney. No saag. My 12 year old daughter would only eat naan and rice and we were told we would still be charged the same $20 for her even though it was obvious she ate hardly anything. Their response was, Sorry I told you the cost is $20. Not a great way to gain repeat customers. Very disappointing compared to the large Cinnamon buffet at only $14.00 with a much larger selection of food.

This is a rather interesting restaurant. I frequently eat good northern Indian food on Oak Tree Rd in NJ. So I know my Indian food although I am not Indian. The food is definitely good. The chutneys were surprisingly flavorful as though they might not be from a jar. The garlic nann was perfect, cooked well, not too much garlic and not bland. The Malia Kofta was excellent tinged with hints of almond in the sauce. The baingan Bertha was acceptable (the only dud for the meal). The service was rather poor as we arrived at 9:10 and were told by the Maitres d' that the kitchen closes in 5 minutes despite a closing time of 10pm on the door. However, the waiter gave us some kulfi to go for rushing us through the meal which was greatly appreciated and went a long way to save a sour experience.

Delicious Indian food in a classy and friendly place. Something for everyone, those adventurous with spice or not. Vegetarians have ample options. The staff are attentive and welcoming, and understanding if you're an infrequent diner of Indian cuisine. Don't pass up the chance to chat with the friendly owner when he visits your table. Our family has been coming here for years, and we still haven't gotten through the whole menu.

Expensive food. Very little quantity. Quality of food below average not worth the price

If you like indian food - naan, curries etc - this place is worth a visit. Nice heat and flavors and the food tasted fresh. Would recommend and will return.

Overpriced and expensive!!! Just four shrimps in jalpari masala! Five pieces lamb in lamb curry! Don't recommend!

Amazing food, fair prices, very friendly and helpful staff! I would highly recommend this restaurant! We were looking for someplace not just run of the mill diner or Italian or Chinese for dinner and we were NOT disappointing and to top it off we were able to bring our own bottle of wine!

Amazing Indian food with many VEGAN options. We were in the area and wanted a nice warm meal and we got it! The vegetable samosas were delicious and the tamarind sauce was so refreshing. Kid and family friendly for sure. I definitely recommend this place. The chana masala and naan bread were also so good; it was a great balance of spices, freshness, and flavors (nothing was over powering). The only critique I have was about the mango chutney, it didn't really taste like anything. The lightning was a bit dark as well.