Regarding the atmosphere, the place desperately needs a proper ventilation system to expel the smoke from the grill. During my previous visits, the dining area was consistently filled with unpleasant smells and smoke from the kebabs, which made it uncomfortable for diners. This is particularly embarrassing when inviting someone to a restaurant like this. As a result, I rated the atmosphere 1 star as well, alongside the service from the waitstaff.
As for the food, there is definite room for improvement, especially with their Joojeh Kabab. Instead of using saffron, they rely on artificial coloring to make the dish look more vibrant. While I don’t expect them to use expensive ingredients like saffron, there’s no need to use artificial additives to enhance the food's appearance. This undermines the authenticity and quality of the dish.
As a former chef and food critic, I found this particularly disappointing. It reflects a lack of attention to detail and authenticity in their cooking. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I can’t recommend this restaurant. Until they make significant improvements in both the preparation and service, I won’t be returning and wouldn’t advise others to visit either. Quality and authenticity should always come first, and in this case, they’ve fallen short. That's why I rated their food 1 star, with an additional star specifically for the soup they serve before the meal is ready.
I believe in supporting local businesses through honest reviews, and I hope the manager, chef, or owner—who seems to spend more time at the grill than managing the quality of service—finds this feedback helpful in improving the food and...
Read moreDined there with family and friends on 9/9/24. This local restaurants is a real authentic Persian gem restaurant in Heart of Canada. The Food, all of them, kebabs and stews, are simply the best taste possible. The side food, especially Kashke-Bademjan, is always prepared and served so stylish and yummy it cannot simply be ignored. The atmosphere is very cozy, comfortable, clean, just right size with about 10-12 tables so that the staff can really attend to. Tonight we were particularly impressed by the great and friendly authentic service, courtesy, and care of a new staff "Fatemeh", I think she was an Afghan-ethnic staff as I only this level of true courtesy and service from this wonderful community in Canada. The food, simply couldnt be any better, the free appetizer soup, best color and aroma and taste, is a great bonus. The prices are fair and as far as I can compare with similar food restaurants, is most likely the most affordable and reasonable prices in Ottawa which make it possible for more frequent visits. Hughley recommend to any one who is fond of real Persian cuisine. Do not miss the famous Persian "Saffron ice cream" at the end, as you wont find anywhere else in town. Have been dining here many times with friends and relatives, and will...
Read moreI recently enjoyed dining at the Saffron restaurant, which impressed me utterly. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm welcome and impeccable service. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and cater to our needs. Now, let's talk about the food - it was a culinary delight. Every dish was bursting with flavour and authenticity. The aromatic spices and rich flavours of Persian cuisine took my taste buds on a delightful journey. From the succulent kebabs to the fragrant saffron-infused rice, each bite was a revelation. What truly set this restaurant apart was the chef's remarkable sense of humour. As he prepared our dishes, he engaged with the diners, cracking jokes and sharing stories that added an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. Not every day you find a chef who can entertain you while crafting exquisite dishes. To top it all off, the restaurant had ample parking, making the entire experience hassle-free. I left with a full belly, a heartwarming experience, and a big smile. This Persian restaurant is a true gem that excels in service, cuisine, and entertainment, and I can't wait to return for another memorable dining experience. Mansoura (sp?) and the Afghani lady were super efficient and excelled in...
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