The food here is very well prepared and has a nice balance of flavors with balanced spices. This certainly ranks among the best Indian food I've ever eaten and it is also the most expensive I've ever eaten. This is also the only Indian restaurant I've ever seen beef served and the sacred cow was divinely delicious. The entrees here seem to vary widely in proportion so you should discuss this with your server prior to ordering. The scallop dish seems to be one of the smaller entrees while the beef special ranked as one of the largest servings I've seen here. The curried gumbo is really great and provides a marvelous Indian fusion spice up to a NOLA staple. I was a bit disappointed in the small serving of naan that comes in an order when compared to the very generous portion you get at Nirvana. The vegetable sides are quite pricey and the desserts are very over priced considering the very small portion size. Generally I would stick to the entrees and specials along with a selection of the starters, such as the phenomenal gumbo, and skip the sides and desserts.
(4)
Meg A.
not many veggie options + a bit pricey = Not sure I would come back but decent food
(2)
Ovy O.
I sat in this place wondering why oh why is it so popular. Besides the fact that it is only open once a week (Friday), the food was not as good as what I have read. Do not get me wrong, they serve good food, but it isn't, as they say all that. Perhaps it is the best Indian food on the West Bank, maaaaybe New Orleans, but not a wondrous thing to behold. I think my biggest problem with the place was the service. I admit, we did not make reservations. I presume that is important for a restaurant that opens once a week, but while we were accommodated, it felt like we invaded the place. Every time we wanted more drinks or bread, they brushed us off. So if you are looking for an elegant but comfortable place, I would recommend go somewhere else. If you want some good Indian food, go to Nirvana on Magazine Street. But avoid Saffron, it ain't all that.
(2)
Kathleen M.
I went to a party with catering from this restaurant and it was wonderful! Great food and very friendly service
(5)
Italia W.
Saffron is exceptionally good. The environment of this restaurant is excellent and service was great. I tried the Scallops Mumbai and it was to die for and the egg plant Hyderabad was mouth watering. I definitely need to go back very soon and enjoy this food. Excellent place to a date as well.
(5)
Lily N.
OMB! Oh My Buddha, for those of you who are not in the know. The hubby and I have been wanting to try this place for the longest time. But, we always decided on something else, because we just didn't want to drive across the bridge to the Westbank. Well, we finally sucked it up and made the trek... a whole 10 minutes. Ha! Here's the run down: For apps - we had all of the different naans (original, garlic, roti and onion kulcha). My favorite was the kulcha, but the hubby really liked the roti. They were all really taste-y. And they all paired really well with our Creole tomato and mango salad. Oh man, that was a beefy tomato! And the mango was sweet and covered with a lovely spice mixture that gave it some nice heat. By the end of the plate, we were using the naan to wipe the juices left behind by the salad! For entrees - I got the Goat dish and they hubby got the special fish of the day, a whole pompano! I didn't think that it was going to be as great as it was! The goat was tender and flavorful, because it was bone-in. I even got some bones that still had marrow in it! Oh boy, oh boy! I was a happy girl. I could have used more rice though... but then again, I always want more rice. They hubby's whole pompano was huge! It easily could have fed two grown adults. It was cooked perfectly and had this lovely tomato chutney and chimichurri sauce on it. And the pompano laid on top of a sort of coleslaw salad, that just went perfectly with each bite of fish. For dessert - I had the lychee and cherry ice cream, and the hubby had the fig and praline ice cream. The hubby thought that the fig and praline was so creamy and buttery... I've never seen him eat ice cream so fast! The lychee and cherry was ok, seemed a tad old because I tasted more ice crystals than ice cream. Overall, it was a really nice experience. The owner was walking around meeting and greeting people. He obviously has a lot of regulars that go there, because he was mingling like a pro! We will definitely be back and recommend you go if you're in the mood for Indian! Make reservations though, because it's a small place and gets packed!
(5)
John T.
I am sorry but I am just not a huge Indian food fan so I cannot go over 3 stars. (my date is a big fan of indian food and she wouldnt go over 3 stars either) This place on the westbank is only open randomly apparently and we had to get reservations to have their special brunch. The event itself was pretty cool. Lots of people, really nice place, fancy cooks outside cooking things up and explaining what it was. It was a really fun experience. I am just not into indian food though. I didnt find it any better or worse than "regular" open 7 days a week indian food like Nirvana. It was fine but didnt excite me. It was buffet style so I got to each as much as i wanted and got to try lots of different things. the place was really nice and the staff was great. indian food is just not something i get excited for even though eating at saffron is supposedly a big deal...oh well (oh and my date spent 3 weeks in india, all over india, and said the food in india blew saffron out of the water both in taste and price. be prepared to pay $35 at their buffet) but i didnt get diarrhea so i guess we have that to be thankful for.
(3)
Alison G.
Really delicious food! The cauliflower side was delicious! Also, the crab pancake appetizer was amazing. Pretty much everything was great. Service was really good too. They are only open on Friday night though because they mainly do catering.
(5)
Moris B.
Hosted my Meetup Group (NOLA Dining Out and Happy Hour) at Saffron last Friday. Though the location is a little sketchy, once you are inside you totally forget where you are. The cocktails were delicious and well crafted. The food was amazing. Though most of the dishes weren't your typical dishes you'd find at an Indian Restaurant, they provided a unique twist. The group ate Family Style so that we can all try all the different dishes, with the Whole Cauliflower and Lentil (can't remember the name of it) vegetarian dishes being the best. Overall the experience was great. I wish it was a little cheaper, but can totally understand the higher end pricing with the type of food and environment. They are also open only Fridays for dinner.
(4)
Aaron G.
Very well could be my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. I don't say that lightly. I am a foodie, I love to eat out and I love new flavors. This place has it all. From the oyster stew to the Goat Marsala. I am in love with Saffron. I strongly recommend sitting at the kitchen bar. It is fascinating. Mmmmmm. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Guy D.
One of the best goat masala I have had in US. Absolutely authentic, owner couple/chefs are wonderful people...and why not, they from Amritsar. True taste of Amritsar One of the best goat masala I have had in US. Absolutely authentic, owner couple/chefs are wonderful people...and why not, they from Amritsar.
(5)
Kate M.
This place is incredible. I went with four others, and we all had something different. I got the lamb chops (which was the winning dish). Another friend got the beef filet dish which was also very good. We had the mango salad and the cauliflower....again, all was good. The waitstaff was on top of their game, and the owner was very attentive to us. They are only open Friday night, and the rest of the time the restaurant is closed, but they operate as a catering business which must be very successful if they can close six days a week. The owner said for the catering side, they do not specialize in Indian food, but all types of cuisine. If you dine here, you cannot go wrong.
Amazing and delicious brunch prepared with love by a beautiful family. You won't be disappointed!!
(5)
Victoria T.
Great place! Too bad they're only open on Fridays! Make sure to make RSVP's becuase it gets packed. I ordered the crab dish for the appetizer. It had crabmeat, mint, and mango chutney in it. The mango added the perfect flavor to this, must try! I ordered the scallops for my entree, this also had mango suace to it, it was delicisous and the sauce was really good. But my friend ordered the lamb, which is a must try. It was very tender and juicy and i just wanted more. I'm coming back.
(5)
Dee P.
We attended couple of events where Saffron catered. AMAZING food! The first night it was Cajun inspired Indian food (best combo ever) and the second night they had Indian Chinese. Some of the dishes they also have on their menu and is a must- try- Tamarind shrimp and lamb chops!! Yumm! I wish they were closer than a 5 hour flight, I would've reserved a table every Friday!!
(5)
Adrienne F.
Saffron Nola catered a company event this past Friday and it was Magic for my taste buds! We had a variety of eaters at the event and everyone was happy. And when someone can cater to Palio, Vegetarian and also Picky Eaters who normally only do Americano - I'm super excited. Specifically - the Shrimp dish was soooooo good! The Missi Roti and Mango Salad were very flavorful and perfectly spiced. They delivered to our office on time and catered to our special requests. We also ordered their tomato & ginger chutney and Mango Chutny - and their mango pickle is better then any I have had in india. And while it wasn't super cheep (but what really great foods are) I'd have to say that for the money the food quality was excellent and we had more then enough to eat - Leftovers were yummy!!!
(5)
Lauren F.
Went to Saffron for a Meet Up dinner. The food was excellent. I would recommend any of the dishes- no one I was with had a negative experience. The cocktails were delightful as well!
(5)
Jen L.
I just noticed that my review from last year says no liquor license...they've had that since last summer so definitely in need of an update. I have seriously never had a bad item here. So worth a jaunt to the wank on a Friday night. Reservations recommended.
(5)
Rene D.
This once-weekly gem on the Westbank deserves all the stars it can handle! This tiny space in a non-desrcript strip mall (are there any standout strip malls?) takes you on a great escape into wonderful Indian cuisine with a nod to NOLA tastes. We ordered: Tuna Chimichurri: Pepper Crusted Rare Tuna, Cilantro and Green Cayenne Lump Crabmeat Pudha: Pan Fried Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Pancake, Fresh Mint & Mango Chutney Curried Seafood Gumbo: A Saffron Nola Creation Mango Salad: mangoes julienned and tossed with lime and spices Seared Scallops Mumbai: Chili Pepper & Ginger Crusted Jumbo Scallops with Saffron Alfonso Mango Sauce Vegetarian Trio: Lentils, Saag Paneer and Cauliflower and Potatoes Ludhiana Raarha Masala Goat: Yoghurt Marinated Goat (Bone-in) Cooked to Perfection Served with Aged Basmati Rice Tamarind Shrimp: Jumbo Shrimp Simmered in Our Signature Sauce There wasn't a flaw in anything we ate. The saag paneer was velvety, the seafood absolutely fresh, the sauces were inventive and the goat fork-tender. After all that wonderful food, we were stuffed, so dessert was not ordered. Service was attentive; the owner (husband - wife is chef, so she was in the kitchen most of the time) effortlessly moved from table to table, greeting new and long-time diners. It is a family affair, so the young girl waiting on our table wasn't as versed on the entrees as I would like, but with age comes experience. The only thing I would suggest to this wonderful group is taking a look at the cocktail menu - I think there could be other combinations that would enhance the dining experience other than all too-sweet libations.
(5)
Miriam H.
My book club came this morning for "The Hundred Foot Journey" brunch. The food was amazing and the wine pairing was wonderful as well. The stand outs for me were the salmon and mango, the chicken kabob pate, the seafood crepe and the patachoux. The service was fabulous as well!
(5)
Katrina S.
I've been to Saffron Nola twice and every time my friends are forced to hear me rave about the food for the following week. While hidden in a strip mall in the West Bank, Saffron promises to please your taste buds unlike any other Indian restaurant in this city. This is truly a family establishment that packs the love into every bit of food and sip of cocktail. Both times I have made my Friday night reservations for our large group (only open Firdays), I have been pleasantly surprised with their patience when dealing with our large group, humor in our loud personalities, and their overall service. As a gluten free diner, I love the options available here. My friends rave about the gumbo and lamb. I rave about every app, veggie, and chicken dish that I've had pass my lips. This is one of the only restaurants that I will order strictly vegetarian simply because the flavors of the paneer, cauliflower, potatoes, and eggplant are packed with flavor and sure to bring a smile to any face. The last time I was there I also tried the homemade praline ice cream which did not disappoint. Oh and don't overlook their cocktails... the list on hand is quite tasty and well crafted. The cocktail special last night featured a mango chutney old fashioned with homemade mango chutney. I believe everyone at our table who was drinking drank at least three.
(5)
Alexandra H.
All in all I was very happy with my trip to Saffron. Atmosphere was nice, although we were sat close to the entrance, and each time the door opened we got a chilly breeze at our table, so if you are seated there, request to be moved. The service more than made up for the somewhat dismal seating, and though our appetizer left us feeling a little less than satisfied, the main dishes were out of this world good. My boyfriend got the Khyber Pass Lamb Chops which are rum soaked chops served with Rogan Josh Sauce and Kichdi. Kidchi is a sort of rice and lentil blend. This dish was amazing! He ordered the lamb medium, and the did a great job at leaving the lamb just pink and juicy enough. The Rogan Josh sauce was so flavorful and had a robust taste that complimented the lamb wonderfully. Possibly the best dish of the night. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, boneless chicken in the traditional tomato curry sauce. It was succulent. I can't think of another word for it. Just spicy enough, and it was a solid dish for the price
(4)
Vlad G.
let me preface this by saying that Indian is my least favorite ethnic food. Having said that, this restaurant is not only the best Indian one i've been to but is in top 20 best places in New orleans for me. Ok, not New Orleans proper (on the wank) and not a restaurant (open only one day per week), but it made my list nevertheless. Food is a bit spicy for my taste, but amazingly fresh, well prepared, presented and explained. the owner makes the rounds, the service is great and the prices very reasonable. i had: crabmeat pudha. mango salad tamarind shrimp goat masala. mango mojito. peach sensation. all great! reservations at least 2 weeks ahead are mandatory.
(5)
Feldman A.
Sunday brunch at Saffron in the strip mall in Gretna was indeed like walking into India itself. Complex, well researched, well rooted in Indian traditions, yet creative and colorful cuisine. Tasteful, clean and dignified decor. Friendly, well trained waiters and cooks that seem passionate about their little treasure of a restaurant. Bill rather high without the full wow factor achieved; otherwise would have given it five stars. I am not whining, just that we just cannot afford to visit for another five years (and we probably go for Indian at least once a month). And probably would not come back for another "special occasion" ever, so that might be the end of our relationship with Saffron although it was nice once. Talk about a one night stand! Uh, afternoon. Just that....When you do the math, you figure out that you could eat three times at Taj Mahal in Metairie (and I believe just as well) for the same price as one time at this place, and you sigh and you say it was a nice treat, and you wish them luck. But they are only open twice a week, and full of folks, so they probably will not miss us at all. They seem to be charging what will make it worth their effort and not particularly concerned about paying the bills. At Nirvana on Magazine, you could eat twice for the same price as once here as well and have the virtually the same fanciness and better grub--in my humble, uninformed but often hungry opinion. High end? Yes, the decor is a bit nicer, but we honestly enjoyed the food more at Nirvana and Taj Mahal even while paying less. At both locations the naan is fresher and better made. Still, some part of me respects the effort at Saffron, the nice atmosphere, and what they are trying to do. They sure do give life to the broken down Gretna strip mall where they have set up shop! There is a really sketchy bar next door, and nobody even seems to notice. Once you enter the door of Saffron, you are whooshed away into another land. In appearance, this place is quite pretty on the same level as NOLA for example, Emeril's modern bistro, except in Hindi, so I guess their price is the goin rate. Plus there is the fusion thing. This place is not Indian in the strict sense of the word although they do have traditional dishes on the menu. Only open Fridays and Sundays. These guys are busy catering on other days apparently. All in all, it's fun place for an adventurous meal. But for Indian food in NOLA, we have tried better places at half the cost and on our side of the river. If you want a video visual, here is the unknown FC: wwltv.com/eyewitness-mor…
Standards are quite high at Saffron NOLA: they use the freshest ingredients (nothing tastes like it came from Sysco), plus creative recipes with lots of flavor. I had the crab crepe appetizer, which were thin pancakes with crabmeat and spices mixed in, served with two sauces (one was sweet like a chutney, can't remember what the other one was). I ordered this to share with my side of the table and instantly regretted it because after one taste I wanted the entire order to myself! I had the lambchop entree, it was very spicy but it wasn't smothered in sauce, it was mostly on the side. It was served with fluffy rice. I followed this with a nice lychee champagne cocktail that was yummy and paired well with my meal. My only real complaint is that the garlic naan only came with two pieces in the order for $2.50; most Indian places give you four or six pieces for the price. If they need to increase the price, that's fine, but two pieces for two people is not going to cut it. The owner and the staff are really nice and welcoming, I felt like they cared that we had a good dining experience. I love the atmosphere as well, it's very cozy and clean.
(5)
Birdie ..
Really amazing food! Traditional Indian dishes with a little Louisiana infusion = intense, complex flavors that your mouth will thank you for! We tried a selection of everything including Tamarind Shrimp, Chicken Tikka, Lump Crabmeat Pudha, Paneer Pudha Dehli, Masala Goat, and Masoor Lentils! All incredibly delish...so flavorful my mouth is watering now! Had Gulab Jamun for desert...dough balls fried perfectly and served with a sweet syrup. The perfect ending to a spice infused dinner. Our waitress was extremely friendly and helpful. The owner came by our table to see how everything was, it is nice to have your business appreciated and to support local restaurants. Saffron is a quick drive from the East Bank, so don't let the fact that it is on the West Bank scare you away :) They are currently only open on Friday nights but may be open on Saturdays in the near future. Is it Friday yet?? I am ready to go back!!
(5)
Anita M.
Only open on Fridays, this restaurant is fabulous. Indian based food done wonderfully. Saffron has been catering for years, and it's wonderful that they have opened the restaurant! I can't wait until they are open more days. We started with the Aloo Tikkie and Paneer. simply delish. Aloo Tikkie were nice and small with a generous stuffing of amazing chutney - all homemade, I believe. Next I had the scallops, my friends had the tamarind shrimp and the goat. Hands down the shrimp was one of the best things i've ever eaten. It is a take on bar be qued shrimp, but with this amazing tamarind sauce. The goat was tender and very good! The scallops were fabulous, you got 5 in a mango sauce, but i think it needed a side of something... definitely worth the trip across the river to gretna blvd (right off of belle chase) be sure to make a reservation - it was packed!
go to indian place! authentic and caring staff! :)
(5)
Mary E.
OMG! We were blown away from the moment we walked in the door until we walked, umm, rolled out. Food, service, atmosphere - all were fantastic. Between the 3 of us we covered a fair sampling of the menu and all of it was spot on. Others at the table said it rivaled Indian food they'd eaten in London & Vancouver. I would like to keep this place a secret but it's really too amazing not to share! Totally worth the trip.
(5)
Donks G.
The best Indian Curry House in New Orleans. They are open only on Fridays, however, this summer they are experimenting by staying open on Saturdays as well. The restaurant is located on Gretna Blvd., just off Manhattan and the place might seem iffy at night, however there is a full time cop/security guard that is in the parking where the restaurant is located lot and they will actually walk you to the door sometimes. Makes you feel safe. Overall the food was good. The entrees are reasonable however the appetizers are a tad bit small compared to the price so you might want to skip them. The paneer lajawab was not really all that. The place pays a lot of detail to cleanliness and ambiance and the barman pays a lot of attention to his glasses and makes sure they are squeaky clean. A good place overall.
(4)
Pamela N.
Hands down best Indian food in NOLA. Owner so was kind and came by to speak to us several times. He specifically mentioned that his vision of dining was as an experience not just the food alone and an experience it was! This food is quite authentically Indian with various flavors and aromas. Chicken ticca appetizer was delicious and not greasy at all (like a lot of Indian food can be). Tomato soup had a hint of spice but not overwhelmingly so-extremely tasty. Goat curry was phenomenal. Quite spicy and as good as I could get in India. My boyfriend got the salmon, which was good, but more NOLA-flavored than Indian. Decor is tasteful, service is fantastic, and cuisine is outstanding. They are starting a take out service as well as brunch on Sundays!
(5)
Denise P.
Wow!!! I read about this place here on Yelp!...but, had tasted their food at various fundraising events. It is only open one night a week, Fridays between 6:30-9:30. They now have a full bar and a nice wine list. We enjoyed everything about the meal. The place is decorated beautifully! The owner makes his rounds and is sincerely asking how patrons enjoyed their meal. A wonderful surprise and a great evening. Fresh ingredients and menu items with a twist, yet traditional. The vindaloo is not to be missed. Exceptional!
(5)
Kristin L.
Tried this for the first time last week. Open only on Friday nights, this restaurant feels like a secret little find. My boyfriend and I went for date night and it was an exceptional meal. If you are expecting 'traditional' Indian food, this might disappoint; but with the creative approach the Saffron Nola took, we thoroughly enjoyed it. They gave us an amuse bouche/ lagniappe that was some type of curry butter which was so tasty. We went with the tamarind shrimp appetizer that was listed as one of their signature dishes. Yummy, flavorful and just enough to not get too full. Special cocktail of the evening was a rye sazerac and something coconuty that sounded too sweet- maybe better for desert. We chose the sazeracs - ended up complimenting the Indian flavors perfectly. Boyfriend got the Marsala Goat dish that out-shined my Gulf Fish Malabar which was lentil crusted and perfectly cooked. Other plus was that the owner came and talked to us, explained the menu and offered suggestions. Love the attention given to the customers! Next time I'm trying the pulled pork vinadloo!
(5)
Jeff K.
Great sauces with unusual combinations of ingredients. Adventurous culinary experience. Service excellent and with a smile. Have fun!
(5)
Cody H.
Absolutely love this place. The fact that they are only open Friday night for dinner makes it that much better. They know how to cook. We went for a late dinner and both ordered the chicken tikki marsala. This was so good that today we went to the grocery store to try and duplicate this dish. When we arrived we were greeted by the owner and his son. Both are wonderful people and are always welcoming. We sat down and they each came over and chatted with us a little bit making us feel like old friends. It was very nice. The chicken tikki was a special and it was perfect. The way the flavors had amazing balance of taste and spice was great. We also ordered the whole wheat nan to sop up all the sauce....so damn good. We have been to several Indian restaurants around the city and it others cities, and nothing seems to compare to this. Saffron Nola is an amazing place with a great family that owns and operates it. We wish they were open more nights, but for now this is our go to spot on Friday nights. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(5)
Angie T.
Why oh why must you tease me Saffron Nola? Once a week, really? Come on! I am addicted to Indian food. So addicted that we circled the lot about thirty times looking for a spot. We finally found one and headed in. Our persistence definitely paid off. The space is just lovely. Warm, cozy and romantic. The service is wonderful. Then the food. Oh, the food. It's delicate and wonderful. We had the crab app (skip that) the gumbo...get this!, Chicken Tikki Masala (holy fuck yes) and lamb chops. Perfect from start to finish. We even had the owner stop by our table and say hello. Now if they were only open every night..
(4)
Quynh D.
The best lamb I have ever had, hands down. It was more tender and juicy than any steak, packed with more flavor than expected with such small pieces of meat. Even though they are only open on Fridays, I am definitely coming back again. ORDER THE LAMB CHOPS IT IS A MUST. I have ordered lamb before at many other places, and none have compared. For appetizer we had the crab dish. It was crab lump cake, with a side of delicious sauces to compliment. Let me tell you, the sauces are what makes that appetizer. The crab cake was okay, but dipping it in the sauce was what made it good. My friend ordered the scallops. The flavor was delivered, the presentation beautiful, the aroma was on point. However, the scallops were a little chewy to my liking. Still good, but I'd probably try something else the next time I go. If you order an alcoholic beverage get the Mango Mohito. OMG. Talk about yummy.
(5)
Pradeep V.
I rated this place high earlier, would like to go down after my 3rd visit as the food was not consistently tasty and the owner is a little rude. I would give 3 stars but since my first visit was amazing, will go with 4.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Shannon S.
The food here is very well prepared and has a nice balance of flavors with balanced spices. This certainly ranks among the best Indian food I've ever eaten and it is also the most expensive I've ever eaten. This is also the only Indian restaurant I've ever seen beef served and the sacred cow was divinely delicious. The entrees here seem to vary widely in proportion so you should discuss this with your server prior to ordering. The scallop dish seems to be one of the smaller entrees while the beef special ranked as one of the largest servings I've seen here. The curried gumbo is really great and provides a marvelous Indian fusion spice up to a NOLA staple. I was a bit disappointed in the small serving of naan that comes in an order when compared to the very generous portion you get at Nirvana. The vegetable sides are quite pricey and the desserts are very over priced considering the very small portion size. Generally I would stick to the entrees and specials along with a selection of the starters, such as the phenomenal gumbo, and skip the sides and desserts.
(4)Meg A.
not many veggie options + a bit pricey = Not sure I would come back but decent food
(2)Ovy O.
I sat in this place wondering why oh why is it so popular. Besides the fact that it is only open once a week (Friday), the food was not as good as what I have read. Do not get me wrong, they serve good food, but it isn't, as they say all that. Perhaps it is the best Indian food on the West Bank, maaaaybe New Orleans, but not a wondrous thing to behold. I think my biggest problem with the place was the service. I admit, we did not make reservations. I presume that is important for a restaurant that opens once a week, but while we were accommodated, it felt like we invaded the place. Every time we wanted more drinks or bread, they brushed us off. So if you are looking for an elegant but comfortable place, I would recommend go somewhere else. If you want some good Indian food, go to Nirvana on Magazine Street. But avoid Saffron, it ain't all that.
(2)Kathleen M.
I went to a party with catering from this restaurant and it was wonderful! Great food and very friendly service
(5)Italia W.
Saffron is exceptionally good. The environment of this restaurant is excellent and service was great. I tried the Scallops Mumbai and it was to die for and the egg plant Hyderabad was mouth watering. I definitely need to go back very soon and enjoy this food. Excellent place to a date as well.
(5)Lily N.
OMB! Oh My Buddha, for those of you who are not in the know. The hubby and I have been wanting to try this place for the longest time. But, we always decided on something else, because we just didn't want to drive across the bridge to the Westbank. Well, we finally sucked it up and made the trek... a whole 10 minutes. Ha! Here's the run down: For apps - we had all of the different naans (original, garlic, roti and onion kulcha). My favorite was the kulcha, but the hubby really liked the roti. They were all really taste-y. And they all paired really well with our Creole tomato and mango salad. Oh man, that was a beefy tomato! And the mango was sweet and covered with a lovely spice mixture that gave it some nice heat. By the end of the plate, we were using the naan to wipe the juices left behind by the salad! For entrees - I got the Goat dish and they hubby got the special fish of the day, a whole pompano! I didn't think that it was going to be as great as it was! The goat was tender and flavorful, because it was bone-in. I even got some bones that still had marrow in it! Oh boy, oh boy! I was a happy girl. I could have used more rice though... but then again, I always want more rice. They hubby's whole pompano was huge! It easily could have fed two grown adults. It was cooked perfectly and had this lovely tomato chutney and chimichurri sauce on it. And the pompano laid on top of a sort of coleslaw salad, that just went perfectly with each bite of fish. For dessert - I had the lychee and cherry ice cream, and the hubby had the fig and praline ice cream. The hubby thought that the fig and praline was so creamy and buttery... I've never seen him eat ice cream so fast! The lychee and cherry was ok, seemed a tad old because I tasted more ice crystals than ice cream. Overall, it was a really nice experience. The owner was walking around meeting and greeting people. He obviously has a lot of regulars that go there, because he was mingling like a pro! We will definitely be back and recommend you go if you're in the mood for Indian! Make reservations though, because it's a small place and gets packed!
(5)John T.
I am sorry but I am just not a huge Indian food fan so I cannot go over 3 stars. (my date is a big fan of indian food and she wouldnt go over 3 stars either) This place on the westbank is only open randomly apparently and we had to get reservations to have their special brunch. The event itself was pretty cool. Lots of people, really nice place, fancy cooks outside cooking things up and explaining what it was. It was a really fun experience. I am just not into indian food though. I didnt find it any better or worse than "regular" open 7 days a week indian food like Nirvana. It was fine but didnt excite me. It was buffet style so I got to each as much as i wanted and got to try lots of different things. the place was really nice and the staff was great. indian food is just not something i get excited for even though eating at saffron is supposedly a big deal...oh well (oh and my date spent 3 weeks in india, all over india, and said the food in india blew saffron out of the water both in taste and price. be prepared to pay $35 at their buffet) but i didnt get diarrhea so i guess we have that to be thankful for.
(3)Alison G.
Really delicious food! The cauliflower side was delicious! Also, the crab pancake appetizer was amazing. Pretty much everything was great. Service was really good too. They are only open on Friday night though because they mainly do catering.
(5)Moris B.
Hosted my Meetup Group (NOLA Dining Out and Happy Hour) at Saffron last Friday. Though the location is a little sketchy, once you are inside you totally forget where you are. The cocktails were delicious and well crafted. The food was amazing. Though most of the dishes weren't your typical dishes you'd find at an Indian Restaurant, they provided a unique twist. The group ate Family Style so that we can all try all the different dishes, with the Whole Cauliflower and Lentil (can't remember the name of it) vegetarian dishes being the best. Overall the experience was great. I wish it was a little cheaper, but can totally understand the higher end pricing with the type of food and environment. They are also open only Fridays for dinner.
(4)Aaron G.
Very well could be my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. I don't say that lightly. I am a foodie, I love to eat out and I love new flavors. This place has it all. From the oyster stew to the Goat Marsala. I am in love with Saffron. I strongly recommend sitting at the kitchen bar. It is fascinating. Mmmmmm. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Guy D.
One of the best goat masala I have had in US. Absolutely authentic, owner couple/chefs are wonderful people...and why not, they from Amritsar. True taste of Amritsar One of the best goat masala I have had in US. Absolutely authentic, owner couple/chefs are wonderful people...and why not, they from Amritsar.
(5)Kate M.
This place is incredible. I went with four others, and we all had something different. I got the lamb chops (which was the winning dish). Another friend got the beef filet dish which was also very good. We had the mango salad and the cauliflower....again, all was good. The waitstaff was on top of their game, and the owner was very attentive to us. They are only open Friday night, and the rest of the time the restaurant is closed, but they operate as a catering business which must be very successful if they can close six days a week. The owner said for the catering side, they do not specialize in Indian food, but all types of cuisine. If you dine here, you cannot go wrong.
(5)Larissa C.
I want to go back ASAP. The food here is out of this world, and on the West Bank?!?! In a strip mall?!?!!? If Jen L. didn't rave about Saffron I would have never even know of its existence (thanks Jen!). Needless to say given it's odd hours and out of the way location, it has been on my list for a while. Since all the other reviews recommended reservations, I felt I would follow the wisdom of fellow yelpers and give them a call. I successfully set up reservations the day of for 5 for 8:30 PM (read between the lines: although you need reservations don't be scared to call the day of). Also to ensure you start off the adventure on the right foot, please go to the website and drool over the menu. Time well spent, and I wanted to order everything! Once out of the gates and on the doorsteps of dinning destiny, don't be discouraged upon driving up. The area it's in is definitely not super inviting (especially with the cop posted outside for safety). Also, the Doowop martini bar next door both intrigued and terrified me. Once inside, however, you are transported to a completely new atmosphere. All the employees here are amazing, friendly, and professional! The décor is closer to something you would find downtown than off of Belle Chasse Hwy. I gave everyone of my dinning companions a refresher course on the friendship tax, and then proceeded to guess what everyone would order (oh Lindsay A. you wild card!). After trying a little of everything I really don't think you could order anything bad here! For my actual entrée I ordered the vegetarian meal and all the dishes were perfect. The grand title for me went to the eggplant. I always try to order foods that I have a hard time making, and the eggplant was perfect. I believe everyone wanted seconds and third "tastes" ;) I could go on and on, but as I said anything you order will be amazing. I'm glad they are starting to have hours on Saturday so that more people can try the wonder that is Saffron NOLA.
(5)Beth W.
Amazing and delicious brunch prepared with love by a beautiful family. You won't be disappointed!!
(5)Victoria T.
Great place! Too bad they're only open on Fridays! Make sure to make RSVP's becuase it gets packed. I ordered the crab dish for the appetizer. It had crabmeat, mint, and mango chutney in it. The mango added the perfect flavor to this, must try! I ordered the scallops for my entree, this also had mango suace to it, it was delicisous and the sauce was really good. But my friend ordered the lamb, which is a must try. It was very tender and juicy and i just wanted more. I'm coming back.
(5)Dee P.
We attended couple of events where Saffron catered. AMAZING food! The first night it was Cajun inspired Indian food (best combo ever) and the second night they had Indian Chinese. Some of the dishes they also have on their menu and is a must- try- Tamarind shrimp and lamb chops!! Yumm! I wish they were closer than a 5 hour flight, I would've reserved a table every Friday!!
(5)Adrienne F.
Saffron Nola catered a company event this past Friday and it was Magic for my taste buds! We had a variety of eaters at the event and everyone was happy. And when someone can cater to Palio, Vegetarian and also Picky Eaters who normally only do Americano - I'm super excited. Specifically - the Shrimp dish was soooooo good! The Missi Roti and Mango Salad were very flavorful and perfectly spiced. They delivered to our office on time and catered to our special requests. We also ordered their tomato & ginger chutney and Mango Chutny - and their mango pickle is better then any I have had in india. And while it wasn't super cheep (but what really great foods are) I'd have to say that for the money the food quality was excellent and we had more then enough to eat - Leftovers were yummy!!!
(5)Lauren F.
Went to Saffron for a Meet Up dinner. The food was excellent. I would recommend any of the dishes- no one I was with had a negative experience. The cocktails were delightful as well!
(5)Jen L.
I just noticed that my review from last year says no liquor license...they've had that since last summer so definitely in need of an update. I have seriously never had a bad item here. So worth a jaunt to the wank on a Friday night. Reservations recommended.
(5)Rene D.
This once-weekly gem on the Westbank deserves all the stars it can handle! This tiny space in a non-desrcript strip mall (are there any standout strip malls?) takes you on a great escape into wonderful Indian cuisine with a nod to NOLA tastes. We ordered: Tuna Chimichurri: Pepper Crusted Rare Tuna, Cilantro and Green Cayenne Lump Crabmeat Pudha: Pan Fried Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Pancake, Fresh Mint & Mango Chutney Curried Seafood Gumbo: A Saffron Nola Creation Mango Salad: mangoes julienned and tossed with lime and spices Seared Scallops Mumbai: Chili Pepper & Ginger Crusted Jumbo Scallops with Saffron Alfonso Mango Sauce Vegetarian Trio: Lentils, Saag Paneer and Cauliflower and Potatoes Ludhiana Raarha Masala Goat: Yoghurt Marinated Goat (Bone-in) Cooked to Perfection Served with Aged Basmati Rice Tamarind Shrimp: Jumbo Shrimp Simmered in Our Signature Sauce There wasn't a flaw in anything we ate. The saag paneer was velvety, the seafood absolutely fresh, the sauces were inventive and the goat fork-tender. After all that wonderful food, we were stuffed, so dessert was not ordered. Service was attentive; the owner (husband - wife is chef, so she was in the kitchen most of the time) effortlessly moved from table to table, greeting new and long-time diners. It is a family affair, so the young girl waiting on our table wasn't as versed on the entrees as I would like, but with age comes experience. The only thing I would suggest to this wonderful group is taking a look at the cocktail menu - I think there could be other combinations that would enhance the dining experience other than all too-sweet libations.
(5)Miriam H.
My book club came this morning for "The Hundred Foot Journey" brunch. The food was amazing and the wine pairing was wonderful as well. The stand outs for me were the salmon and mango, the chicken kabob pate, the seafood crepe and the patachoux. The service was fabulous as well!
(5)Katrina S.
I've been to Saffron Nola twice and every time my friends are forced to hear me rave about the food for the following week. While hidden in a strip mall in the West Bank, Saffron promises to please your taste buds unlike any other Indian restaurant in this city. This is truly a family establishment that packs the love into every bit of food and sip of cocktail. Both times I have made my Friday night reservations for our large group (only open Firdays), I have been pleasantly surprised with their patience when dealing with our large group, humor in our loud personalities, and their overall service. As a gluten free diner, I love the options available here. My friends rave about the gumbo and lamb. I rave about every app, veggie, and chicken dish that I've had pass my lips. This is one of the only restaurants that I will order strictly vegetarian simply because the flavors of the paneer, cauliflower, potatoes, and eggplant are packed with flavor and sure to bring a smile to any face. The last time I was there I also tried the homemade praline ice cream which did not disappoint. Oh and don't overlook their cocktails... the list on hand is quite tasty and well crafted. The cocktail special last night featured a mango chutney old fashioned with homemade mango chutney. I believe everyone at our table who was drinking drank at least three.
(5)Alexandra H.
All in all I was very happy with my trip to Saffron. Atmosphere was nice, although we were sat close to the entrance, and each time the door opened we got a chilly breeze at our table, so if you are seated there, request to be moved. The service more than made up for the somewhat dismal seating, and though our appetizer left us feeling a little less than satisfied, the main dishes were out of this world good. My boyfriend got the Khyber Pass Lamb Chops which are rum soaked chops served with Rogan Josh Sauce and Kichdi. Kidchi is a sort of rice and lentil blend. This dish was amazing! He ordered the lamb medium, and the did a great job at leaving the lamb just pink and juicy enough. The Rogan Josh sauce was so flavorful and had a robust taste that complimented the lamb wonderfully. Possibly the best dish of the night. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, boneless chicken in the traditional tomato curry sauce. It was succulent. I can't think of another word for it. Just spicy enough, and it was a solid dish for the price
(4)Vlad G.
let me preface this by saying that Indian is my least favorite ethnic food. Having said that, this restaurant is not only the best Indian one i've been to but is in top 20 best places in New orleans for me. Ok, not New Orleans proper (on the wank) and not a restaurant (open only one day per week), but it made my list nevertheless. Food is a bit spicy for my taste, but amazingly fresh, well prepared, presented and explained. the owner makes the rounds, the service is great and the prices very reasonable. i had: crabmeat pudha. mango salad tamarind shrimp goat masala. mango mojito. peach sensation. all great! reservations at least 2 weeks ahead are mandatory.
(5)Feldman A.
Sunday brunch at Saffron in the strip mall in Gretna was indeed like walking into India itself. Complex, well researched, well rooted in Indian traditions, yet creative and colorful cuisine. Tasteful, clean and dignified decor. Friendly, well trained waiters and cooks that seem passionate about their little treasure of a restaurant. Bill rather high without the full wow factor achieved; otherwise would have given it five stars. I am not whining, just that we just cannot afford to visit for another five years (and we probably go for Indian at least once a month). And probably would not come back for another "special occasion" ever, so that might be the end of our relationship with Saffron although it was nice once. Talk about a one night stand! Uh, afternoon. Just that....When you do the math, you figure out that you could eat three times at Taj Mahal in Metairie (and I believe just as well) for the same price as one time at this place, and you sigh and you say it was a nice treat, and you wish them luck. But they are only open twice a week, and full of folks, so they probably will not miss us at all. They seem to be charging what will make it worth their effort and not particularly concerned about paying the bills. At Nirvana on Magazine, you could eat twice for the same price as once here as well and have the virtually the same fanciness and better grub--in my humble, uninformed but often hungry opinion. High end? Yes, the decor is a bit nicer, but we honestly enjoyed the food more at Nirvana and Taj Mahal even while paying less. At both locations the naan is fresher and better made. Still, some part of me respects the effort at Saffron, the nice atmosphere, and what they are trying to do. They sure do give life to the broken down Gretna strip mall where they have set up shop! There is a really sketchy bar next door, and nobody even seems to notice. Once you enter the door of Saffron, you are whooshed away into another land. In appearance, this place is quite pretty on the same level as NOLA for example, Emeril's modern bistro, except in Hindi, so I guess their price is the goin rate. Plus there is the fusion thing. This place is not Indian in the strict sense of the word although they do have traditional dishes on the menu. Only open Fridays and Sundays. These guys are busy catering on other days apparently. All in all, it's fun place for an adventurous meal. But for Indian food in NOLA, we have tried better places at half the cost and on our side of the river. If you want a video visual, here is the unknown FC: wwltv.com/eyewitness-mor…
(4)Lindsay A.
I am not a huge fan of the Westbank (Wank), but they have got some hidden gems in strip malls! Saffron falls into that "Holy shit, I can get food this good in a strip mall on the Wank?" category. As others have said, Saffron is only open on Friday nights (although they are now trying some Saturday nights as well - check the website). It is imperative that you make reservations. It is packed every Friday because word has spread throughout the land about this delicious Indian cuisine prepared by the owners and their family. The staff and owners are extremely friendly and warm from the minute you walk in the door. The wine list is simple, but covers the basics and you should be able to find something that accompanies your meal perfectly. Now the important thing: the food. Magnificent. Everything that I tasted, which included my dining companions' selections as well, was delicious. I started with the gumbo, which I highly recommend. They have somehow combined the flavors of a traditional seafood gumbo with curry to make a masterpiece. I opted for the vegetarian entrée, which was your choice of three side dishes. The flavors and spices came through in each bite. From start to finish, this was one of the most delightful meals I ever had. I hope to return in the not-too-distant future and try more of their offerings. This is the best place to enjoy the flavors of India in the GNO area.
(5)Monique L.
Standards are quite high at Saffron NOLA: they use the freshest ingredients (nothing tastes like it came from Sysco), plus creative recipes with lots of flavor. I had the crab crepe appetizer, which were thin pancakes with crabmeat and spices mixed in, served with two sauces (one was sweet like a chutney, can't remember what the other one was). I ordered this to share with my side of the table and instantly regretted it because after one taste I wanted the entire order to myself! I had the lambchop entree, it was very spicy but it wasn't smothered in sauce, it was mostly on the side. It was served with fluffy rice. I followed this with a nice lychee champagne cocktail that was yummy and paired well with my meal. My only real complaint is that the garlic naan only came with two pieces in the order for $2.50; most Indian places give you four or six pieces for the price. If they need to increase the price, that's fine, but two pieces for two people is not going to cut it. The owner and the staff are really nice and welcoming, I felt like they cared that we had a good dining experience. I love the atmosphere as well, it's very cozy and clean.
(5)Birdie ..
Really amazing food! Traditional Indian dishes with a little Louisiana infusion = intense, complex flavors that your mouth will thank you for! We tried a selection of everything including Tamarind Shrimp, Chicken Tikka, Lump Crabmeat Pudha, Paneer Pudha Dehli, Masala Goat, and Masoor Lentils! All incredibly delish...so flavorful my mouth is watering now! Had Gulab Jamun for desert...dough balls fried perfectly and served with a sweet syrup. The perfect ending to a spice infused dinner. Our waitress was extremely friendly and helpful. The owner came by our table to see how everything was, it is nice to have your business appreciated and to support local restaurants. Saffron is a quick drive from the East Bank, so don't let the fact that it is on the West Bank scare you away :) They are currently only open on Friday nights but may be open on Saturdays in the near future. Is it Friday yet?? I am ready to go back!!
(5)Anita M.
Only open on Fridays, this restaurant is fabulous. Indian based food done wonderfully. Saffron has been catering for years, and it's wonderful that they have opened the restaurant! I can't wait until they are open more days. We started with the Aloo Tikkie and Paneer. simply delish. Aloo Tikkie were nice and small with a generous stuffing of amazing chutney - all homemade, I believe. Next I had the scallops, my friends had the tamarind shrimp and the goat. Hands down the shrimp was one of the best things i've ever eaten. It is a take on bar be qued shrimp, but with this amazing tamarind sauce. The goat was tender and very good! The scallops were fabulous, you got 5 in a mango sauce, but i think it needed a side of something... definitely worth the trip across the river to gretna blvd (right off of belle chase) be sure to make a reservation - it was packed!
(5)Molly M.
We just had the nicest meal at Saffron Nola! The location is very unassuming (Westbank strip mall off Belle Chasse Hwy) but the restaurant is attractive and well appointed. The service was outstanding through every phase of the meal. When we arrived for our 7pm reservation, there were just a few other tables occupied, but in a very short time, the restaurant was full and bustling with happy diners. We started off splitting appetizers: Fish Amritsari Chennai and Curried Gumbo. The fish was delicious, but I couldn't stop raving about the gumbo with curry. It was fantastic. The thoughtful waitress knew we were splitting it and had the kitchen put it in two separate little bowls for us. Nice touch. We also got an order of garlic naan. For entrées, my companion had the herb-crusted salmon. He wished it had been a little more "done", but that was his fault for ordering it rare. Nevertheless, he happily ate every bite and said the flavors were wonderful. I had the Tamarind shrimp, which was a little bit sweet and tangy and a touch spicy and all-around delicious. I was very happy with it, although I was still waxing poetic over the gumbo... No room for dessert, so that will have to be a next-time thing! I can't say enough how attentive and friendly the service was, from the owner down to the busser. The owner made the rounds of the tables, and stopped for probably five minutes to talk with us about his business and his menu. Very nice of him. FYI I had wine with dinner, so any liquor license issues mentioned in other posts are now resolved. Bear in mind that they are only open for dining-in on Fridays and for brunch on select Sundays. The rest of the time, Saffron is a catering business.
(5)Somhrita D.
go to indian place! authentic and caring staff! :)
(5)Mary E.
OMG! We were blown away from the moment we walked in the door until we walked, umm, rolled out. Food, service, atmosphere - all were fantastic. Between the 3 of us we covered a fair sampling of the menu and all of it was spot on. Others at the table said it rivaled Indian food they'd eaten in London & Vancouver. I would like to keep this place a secret but it's really too amazing not to share! Totally worth the trip.
(5)Donks G.
The best Indian Curry House in New Orleans. They are open only on Fridays, however, this summer they are experimenting by staying open on Saturdays as well. The restaurant is located on Gretna Blvd., just off Manhattan and the place might seem iffy at night, however there is a full time cop/security guard that is in the parking where the restaurant is located lot and they will actually walk you to the door sometimes. Makes you feel safe. Overall the food was good. The entrees are reasonable however the appetizers are a tad bit small compared to the price so you might want to skip them. The paneer lajawab was not really all that. The place pays a lot of detail to cleanliness and ambiance and the barman pays a lot of attention to his glasses and makes sure they are squeaky clean. A good place overall.
(4)Pamela N.
Hands down best Indian food in NOLA. Owner so was kind and came by to speak to us several times. He specifically mentioned that his vision of dining was as an experience not just the food alone and an experience it was! This food is quite authentically Indian with various flavors and aromas. Chicken ticca appetizer was delicious and not greasy at all (like a lot of Indian food can be). Tomato soup had a hint of spice but not overwhelmingly so-extremely tasty. Goat curry was phenomenal. Quite spicy and as good as I could get in India. My boyfriend got the salmon, which was good, but more NOLA-flavored than Indian. Decor is tasteful, service is fantastic, and cuisine is outstanding. They are starting a take out service as well as brunch on Sundays!
(5)Denise P.
Wow!!! I read about this place here on Yelp!...but, had tasted their food at various fundraising events. It is only open one night a week, Fridays between 6:30-9:30. They now have a full bar and a nice wine list. We enjoyed everything about the meal. The place is decorated beautifully! The owner makes his rounds and is sincerely asking how patrons enjoyed their meal. A wonderful surprise and a great evening. Fresh ingredients and menu items with a twist, yet traditional. The vindaloo is not to be missed. Exceptional!
(5)Kristin L.
Tried this for the first time last week. Open only on Friday nights, this restaurant feels like a secret little find. My boyfriend and I went for date night and it was an exceptional meal. If you are expecting 'traditional' Indian food, this might disappoint; but with the creative approach the Saffron Nola took, we thoroughly enjoyed it. They gave us an amuse bouche/ lagniappe that was some type of curry butter which was so tasty. We went with the tamarind shrimp appetizer that was listed as one of their signature dishes. Yummy, flavorful and just enough to not get too full. Special cocktail of the evening was a rye sazerac and something coconuty that sounded too sweet- maybe better for desert. We chose the sazeracs - ended up complimenting the Indian flavors perfectly. Boyfriend got the Marsala Goat dish that out-shined my Gulf Fish Malabar which was lentil crusted and perfectly cooked. Other plus was that the owner came and talked to us, explained the menu and offered suggestions. Love the attention given to the customers! Next time I'm trying the pulled pork vinadloo!
(5)Jeff K.
Great sauces with unusual combinations of ingredients. Adventurous culinary experience. Service excellent and with a smile. Have fun!
(5)Cody H.
Absolutely love this place. The fact that they are only open Friday night for dinner makes it that much better. They know how to cook. We went for a late dinner and both ordered the chicken tikki marsala. This was so good that today we went to the grocery store to try and duplicate this dish. When we arrived we were greeted by the owner and his son. Both are wonderful people and are always welcoming. We sat down and they each came over and chatted with us a little bit making us feel like old friends. It was very nice. The chicken tikki was a special and it was perfect. The way the flavors had amazing balance of taste and spice was great. We also ordered the whole wheat nan to sop up all the sauce....so damn good. We have been to several Indian restaurants around the city and it others cities, and nothing seems to compare to this. Saffron Nola is an amazing place with a great family that owns and operates it. We wish they were open more nights, but for now this is our go to spot on Friday nights. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(5)Angie T.
Why oh why must you tease me Saffron Nola? Once a week, really? Come on! I am addicted to Indian food. So addicted that we circled the lot about thirty times looking for a spot. We finally found one and headed in. Our persistence definitely paid off. The space is just lovely. Warm, cozy and romantic. The service is wonderful. Then the food. Oh, the food. It's delicate and wonderful. We had the crab app (skip that) the gumbo...get this!, Chicken Tikki Masala (holy fuck yes) and lamb chops. Perfect from start to finish. We even had the owner stop by our table and say hello. Now if they were only open every night..
(4)Quynh D.
The best lamb I have ever had, hands down. It was more tender and juicy than any steak, packed with more flavor than expected with such small pieces of meat. Even though they are only open on Fridays, I am definitely coming back again. ORDER THE LAMB CHOPS IT IS A MUST. I have ordered lamb before at many other places, and none have compared. For appetizer we had the crab dish. It was crab lump cake, with a side of delicious sauces to compliment. Let me tell you, the sauces are what makes that appetizer. The crab cake was okay, but dipping it in the sauce was what made it good. My friend ordered the scallops. The flavor was delivered, the presentation beautiful, the aroma was on point. However, the scallops were a little chewy to my liking. Still good, but I'd probably try something else the next time I go. If you order an alcoholic beverage get the Mango Mohito. OMG. Talk about yummy.
(5)Pradeep V.
I rated this place high earlier, would like to go down after my 3rd visit as the food was not consistently tasty and the owner is a little rude. I would give 3 stars but since my first visit was amazing, will go with 4.
(4)