SAFRAN PAELLA ( Tapas ) — Restaurant in Kouba

A Refined Taste of Spain in the Heart of Algiers – Safran Paella

I was invited by a friend to try Safran Paella, and to be honest, I had no idea it was a Spanish-style restaurant until we arrived. Tucked away in a modest yet thoughtfully designed space, this spot brings a refined and authentic taste of Spain to Algiers, specifically, the southern coastal flavors that define good paella and seafood cuisine.

My friend had made a reservation, which turned out to be a smart move, as the space is relatively small and intimate. The restaurant is divided into two rooms. We were seated in the first one, close to the entrance, which holds about eight tables. From where we sat, we could partially see into the semi-open kitchen, an unexpected but charming touch that added a sense of transparency and liveliness to the experience. The decor is simple yet inviting, with subtle Spanish touches that set the ambiance without being overwhelming. I didn’t get a chance to explore the second room, but I noticed it had a marine theme, decorated with fish and ocean-inspired elements.

Shortly after being seated, we received the menus, and our waiter, who impressively spoke Spanish and several other languages, took the time to explain the highlights. He made a few thoughtful suggestions for both starters and mains. My friend ordered a fish bisque, while I followed the waiter’s recommendation and chose a seafood and herb omelet. Both starters were well-prepared and flavorful, offering a good balance of subtlety and richness.

For the main course, we agreed to share a paella, which turned out to be the highlight of the meal. When it arrived, the waiter explained that he would mix it immediately to stop the cooking process, another nice touch that reflected the restaurant's attention to authenticity and detail. The paella was beautifully presented and loaded with a generous variety of seafood: large shrimp, calamari, mussels, and more. The rice was cooked to perfection, not too soft, not too firm, and infused with saffron, giving the dish a fragrant, golden richness that lingered pleasantly on the palate. The portion was abundant, definitely enough for two, and we ended up taking the rest home in a goody bag.

Price-wise, Safran Paella is on the higher end for Algiers, but the quality, presentation, and overall experience justify the cost. If you appreciate well-crafted food and don’t mind spending a bit more for specialty cuisine, this is a place worth visiting.

A personal highlight for me was meeting the chef. Having followed him on social media for a while, it was both surprising and delightful to see him in person. He stopped by our table during the meal to ask how everything was an extra touch of hospitality that’s common in restaurants abroad but not always seen in Algiers. It added a warm, personal note to an already enjoyable evening.

All in all, Safran Paella offers a sophisticated and satisfying Spanish culinary experience right here in Algiers. I’m looking forward to returning on my next visit, and maybe trying their fideuà or other...

I visited Safran Paella about two years ago, and it was such a memorable dining experience that I still think about it today. The restaurant had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a cozy interior that immediately made me feel comfortable. The staff were genuinely friendly, attentive, and always ready to explain the menu in detail, which helped me choose the perfect dishes. What impressed me most was how much care they showed to every guest, creating not just a meal but a full experience.

Of course, the highlight was the food itself. The paella was outstanding, cooked with authentic flavors that tasted rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced. The rice was infused with a depth of flavor, and the ingredients were of very high quality. Alongside the paella, I also enjoyed some fresh appetizers and drinks that complemented the meal beautifully. Everything was presented nicely and served hot, which showed the effort the kitchen puts into their craft.

Even after two years, I can honestly say that my experience at Safran Paella was one of the best I’ve had when it comes to Spanish cuisine. It’s a place I would gladly return to, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves authentic,...

Dirty and smelly place. We greeted the chef who was standing and cooking 1 meter from the entrance. He was so cold and not welcoming despite the fact that I told him that we came from Dubai to try his restaurant… In the tiny dining area among the clients, the waiter was wiping the dishes and cutlery and the other one was preparing the juices, not so professional as this means it’s noisy, disturbing and the restaurant was not ready to open. The waiter offered (for all the tables) a very small plate with a mushed potato and carrot with mayonnaise which was looking horrible. I told the waiter that we don’t eat mayonnaise and if he could bring something else instead, he just removed this tiny plate. The food was not nice with a very little sea food and a very high price. Elsewhere in Algiers we can eat much better quality and quantity with lower price. The last not the least, when I came home, I was so sick and vomited and got diarrhea. This is clearly food poisoning. I will never go there again and I won’t...