Leanne Le
Google
Our first visit to Clay was highly anticipated, having heard glowing reviews about its reputation as a fine dining destination. Wanting to treat our parents to a memorable dinner during their last weekend in the city, we chose Clay for its promise of exceptional food and ambiance.
The evening started on a high note with superb drinks and cocktails, perfectly crafted to set the mood. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the customer service was nothing short of impeccable—attentive without being overbearing. The sides we ordered for the kids were delightful: the squid ink clam spaghetti was flavorful, the seasonal veggies sautéed in garlic were fresh and tender, the truffle mashed potatoes were superb, and the fries were a hit for all!
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the main courses, which were a significant letdown. While the presentation of the dishes was artful and visually appealing, the flavors did not match the aesthetics. Between the adults, we ordered the duck, chicken, pork, and tuna. The sauces, though beautifully plated, were uninspired and bland. The meats were disappointingly tough—save for the tuna, which was the sole exception—but even then, the overall execution fell far below the high expectations set by Clay’s reputation.
When asked how our food was, we were honest in our feedback. To their credit, Clay was gracious enough to offer a complimentary dessert (which we felt was unnecessary and did not take) and discounted some of our drinks. However, even with these gestures, the bill still came to over 5 million VND—a steep price for a meal where the most critical element, the mains, fell so short.
Sorry, Clay, but something truly needs to be done about the food. It’s unfortunate that everything else—service, ambiance, and drinks—was so on point, yet the heart of the dining experience, the food, was so far from good.
