Saffron Indian Bistro

Had a great time at Saffron yesterday. First of all, there are SO many gluten-free options (with the exception of appetizers, but that’s understandable, most are fried). Secondly, the food quality is EXCELLENT. Really enjoyed everything here. My wife, the one with the gluten allergy, had the Chicken Korma, and it was excellent (I tried it). Luis it’s great they offer some northern Indian dishes as well as Southern. I had the saag paneer, also excellent. I went with mild and it was a little hot but still glad I didn’t go with mild (which my wife got for the Korma, she’s less spice tolerant). But the spices are great, the spinach and cheese flavor is excellent, they don’t skimp by ANY means on the portion size overall and on the cubes of farmers cheese specifically. The naan was delicious and warm. The rice is even excellent. And get this, with the take out containers for the leftovers, they offered to include additional rice - who does that? There are restaurants the brow beat you into buying additional rice when you get something to go. Oh by the way, I got samosas to go and they, too, were excellent - great potatoes/peas/spices, love the consistency, and crispy on the outside. Very nice. Service was over the top and I wish I could remember the name of the young man (blond hair), he was a GREAT server (I just don’t have the receipt with me right now). He got drinks quickly, was very personable and helpful with the menu, and generally a pleasant server who enhanced the dining experience. Adding to the great service was a really nice touch of the visit by the manager asking how our experience was, and even providing a gratis rice pudding to go. Outstanding! Then there’s the ambiance. It was fun. I know, some of you are thinking “how can an Indian restaurant be fun?” And the answer is, I’m telling you, we had FUN. Because it was great food, excellent service, and while we didn’t sit at the bar, the bar looks cool and they have not just beer and wine but also mixed drinks. Staff appears to be happy working there and worked well together. I can see this being a go-to for us going forward.

The food is excellent and the portions are good sized. Menu is decent with all the standards plus a few extras I'd never heard of. In addition to the standard meats - chicken, lamb, shrimp, fish - they also offer goat. Of course I had to get it because I love goat meat, so goat vindaloo it was, ordered medium and it was perfect in every way, my mouth is watering when I'm typing this. Some menu items are marked with gluten free or vegan, if that's important to you, and of course there are lots of vegetarian options. Was my kid's first time at an Indian restaurant so I got them Tandoori platter and chicken which they loved and the portion was generous. Rice was al dente. Iced tea was good, gulab jamun dessert was excellent. Waiter Josh was friendly, prompt and helpful. Prices are reasonable for this level of food and the size of the portions. Entire place is clean, including the restrooms. The ambiance is more open and bright, and not formal and dimly lit like most Indian places. Overall it's 4.5 stars easily rounded up to 5. Will return when in the area for sure.