The Clay Oven

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• Average price 2 courses:
   £5.95 (set lunch)
   £17 (evening meal)
• House wine: £10.95 per bottle

• High point: Tandoori-tastic chicken tikka kebabs
• Low point: Takeaway business is a distraction
• Food served: Mon-Sun noon-2pm, 5pm-midnight
• Delivery: Free for orders over £10 in 3 mile radius
• Open since: 2000
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Take away

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Sitting comfortably at the top of Church Hill, the Clay Oven is a dinky slice of India with a gilt-edged Morningside trim, dispensing tandoori treats to a wide cross-section of locals and passing trade, and also has a busy take-away business. The neatly laid out dining area is immaculate, affording customers a pleasant and relaxing space in which to dine. The menu is staggeringly extensive, comprising dozens of different fish and meat dishes, sides, accompaniments and a respectable number of vegetarian options. In contrast, the choice of starters seems limited, and a standard range of bought-in desserts is a little disappointing. A good selection of lunch options and set menu suggestions help the uninitiated, while the more adventurous can really stretch themselves - and the chef. Tandoori dishes are the house speciality, and are highly recommended. The Podina Murgh Massallam has an exhilarating coriander kick, while tikka kebabs arrive at the table in unfeasibly vast quantities, beautifully marinated in aromatic herbs and spices and done to a turn. The real clay oven in the kitchen ensures that this restaurant cooks up consistently tasty treats.