"I have a long history with Clay. Despite the perennial challenge of street parking in Harlem, I returned this past Thursday with high hopes. We were lucky to snag a spot right out front and opted for the main floor to avoid the windowless basement. The evening started with promise. Clay has always shone in its wine program, and we committed to a beautiful bottle of Borja Listan Negro ($157). It was the highlight of the night—complex and elegant. The starters followed suit; the Chicken Liver Mousse remains a signature triumph, and the Burrata and Roasted Beets were fresh and well-executed. However, the attention to detail seems to be slipping. The plants around the dining room looked neglected, but the true disaster arrived with the pasta course: the Crab Calamarata. Upon tasting the dish, we were hit with an aggressive sourness and saltiness. We assumed it was just a heavy-handed kitchen error with lemon and salt, so we finished it. That was a regretful mistake. My wife and I both suffered from severe food poisoning symptoms all night. In hindsight, that overwhelming acidity wasn't seasoning—it was likely masking spoiled crab. When you spend over $300 for a dinner for two, you expect culinary safety to be the bare minimum. To enjoy a premium wine and lovely small plates only to be taken down by a compromised pasta dish is deeply disheartening. I want to love Clay again, but a kitchen that sends out spoiled seafood is a risk I cannot take lightly."

"My date wisely chose this lovely spot for dinner last night. Warm and inviting, it was the perfect place for supper on a rainy night. You know how they always mention "pillowy" gnocchi on cooking shows? Now, I finally know what they mean. The mushroom gnocchi was supremely pillowy and delicious. We also had the mushroom and chickpea burger with crispy hand cut fries. My date had a cocktail that he enjoyed. I think it was named "Call me Rose". I had water, which was good because it allowed me to really taste the flavors of the delicious offerings before us. I can't wait to return. You should go!"

"Review for Clay Restaurant – Harlem, NYC Clay is hands down one of Harlem’s gems — and honestly, one of the best spots in all of NYC. The burger here? Seriously one of the most delicious in the city — perfectly cooked every single time. The house-made bun and those tangy pickled onions are the icing on the proverbial cake. And don’t sleep on the hand-cut fries — crisp, golden, and made with real care. What really sets Clay apart is their attention to detail — everything from the plating to the flavors feels thoughtful and intentional. Add to that a level of consistency that’s rare these days, and you’ve got a restaurant that delivers every time. If you haven’t been yet, make it a priority. Clay isn’t just good — it’s memorable."

"Really great food. Miguel was our server and he was great. They have a great wine list and fun mixed drinks"

"There is no better neighborhood spot than Clay! Andrea and Gaby are so incredibly welcoming, the food is excellent, the wines are incredibly well curated and the cocktails are well-balanced, fun and delicious. Service is always professional and on top of things! Must go!"