Polished New American spot with standout pastas, duck, and a sharp wine list; service can be uneven and a few serious food safety complaints warrant caution.
Clay delivers strong food quality anchored by excellent house-made pastas and duck confit, with a thoughtfully curated wine program that justifies its reputation as a neighborhood gem. However, multiple recent food safety complaints tied to seafood, inconsistent execution across visits, and service variability ranging from gracious to rigid prevent a higher grade. The intimate Harlem setting appeals to locals but doesn't overcome reliability concerns for diners seeking consistent excellence.
One caveat: Crab calamarata polarizes; some find it overly acidic