Saffron — Restaurant in Ōtara-Papatoetoe

This restaurant is my favorite since I visited first time 17 years back when they ware operating from ponsonbay area. We felt lucky when they came to Manukau as it is close to our residence. today in Level 3 covid lockdown I bought take away of Bento box and food quality, quantity and authentic south Indian taste all great as usual. I strongly recommend this place who love to eat south Indian food with authentic taste. According to my today's visit for Buffet 12th June 2022. Taste and food awasom as always Heaps of the parking. But felt Dinning Area is too small. People ware waiting in a queue. That was looking very bad. I heard one kiwi in a queue who came with her indian partner talking very loudly very negative comments. And we indians in a queue really embarrassed. Felt little bit mismanagement too. People on a table even haven't finished their coffee . And customers waiting for their turn standing at back of the chair.think about solutions and do the needful....one again Best idli ... Best sambhar and best chutney......I tried in CBD last week one big name restaurant but sambhar taste like Gujarati dal eat by sick people..😂😂😂😂😂 I am regular customer of saffron from last 19 years but unfortunately I needs to say these guys are getting worst day by day. I take away idli sambhar more than 50 times in last 19 years always get sambhar .and two chutney in separate container and idli in separate container. Today I went for take away ordered idli. They give me two idli and sambhar in one rectangular container no chutneys. They charge me $11.99. guys change your mind set otherwise customer will throw you out from this competitive market. Think about how your 19 years old feel if you do this. Shame...

Came here to treat my family to a dinner and was pleasantly surprised. Though the location and the atmosphere was a bit dim, the service was impeccable and the food was great.

Making our reservation, the man on the phone was extremely polite and helpful! Easily got the reservation done on the same day.

Coming into the restaurant, it was slow so we were skepticism (but it was a Tuesday). The man sat us down and the service was great. Easily one of the best customer service I’ve experienced (and I work hospitality). Amazing recommendations, made great conversations, and very attentive to our needs. Even in a slow restaurant, it was not overly attentive and overbearing. Felt extremely welcomed. At the end of our meal when we went to pay again the staff made great conversation and even discussed the origin and culture of the food which was much appreciated. Their energy and passion for the cuisine was refreshing and very welcomed.

Our food was quick to be served. Portions may look small in the tins as we ordered curries, which came with rice, naan, and we even added prata (you should too). It was very filling, authentic, and delicious. We even got complimentary snacks because they didn’t have any naan bread. (which we did get in the end as they resolved it for us)

We will definitely be coming back. Everyone in my...

One star rating because vegitable pakora was very bitter in taste and was looking black in color from outside and when I tell the same to staff working there she discussed with chef and chef tell her it's perfect and no problem with vegitable pakora, but I appreciate staff effort, she asked me to choose any other side and then I choose onion bhaji and it was best onion bhaji I have ever had, but I already requested her don't make onion bhaji black as it give better taste like pakora and she pass my msg to chef and it was very yummy. I want to post it on saffron website with picture of vegitable pakora and onion bhaji but that's showing error there and thank to Google where I can share my post with everyone . I am taking time out to post it just because I want to aware people who really craving for something good but can get opposite to it too. If I have option to choose star rating for service then it's definitely 5start but food rating 1 star is only for vegitable pakora and 5start for...