
Seasonal, farm-fresh New American cuisine & craft cocktails served in an intimate, elegant interior.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 553 Manhattan Ave, New York, NY 10027
Phone: (212) 729-1850
Website: http://claynyc.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Clay – Harlem, New York, NY
Clay, New York – Wikipedia
Town of Clay | A great place to live, work, and raise a family
Reviews
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.
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!
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.
For sure get the pastas, all of them have the noodle as the perfect second lead to the great sauces. If you want me to pick one, I would say the bucatini because I’m a sucker for a wiry noodle that keeps form.
From the mains, I remember the duck leg the most for its tenderness. The fish was executed perfectly as well, I just happen to remember the duck leg more.
Excellent spot, accommodating to kids as well. I know I’m leaving the best for last, but their wine list is bonkers good. Highly curated rather than being a book, with excellent understanding of what goes with the person, not just the dish.