SAFFRON Indian Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Orinda

My experience at the SAFFRON Indian Restaurant & Bar was nothing short of extraordinary. Right from the moment we stepped in, we were welcomed by the friendly staff who were eager to ensure we had a memorable dining experience. The rich and elegant decor, with its warm hues and tasteful Indian artefacts, sets an authentic ambience, perfect for an intimate dinner or a celebration with friends. The menu was extensive, offering a range of dishes from various regions of India, each described in a way that made selection an exciting exploration of its own. We were pleased to find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, along with a variety of vegan and gluten-free dishes. We started our meal with samosas and paneer tikka - both dishes were superb, filled with flavor, and beautifully presented. For the main course, we had the butter chicken and lamb biryani. The butter chicken was creamy and rich, with the right balance of sweetness and spice. The lamb in the biryani was tender and the rice fragrant, both expertly spiced. But it was the dessert that stole the show - the gulab jamun was soft, sweet, and served warm, making for a perfect end to our meal. The bar also deserves special mention. The cocktail menu is creative, with drinks inspired by Indian flavors. We tried the Mango Lassi Martini and it was a delightful fusion of traditional taste with a modern twist. Overall, the SAFFRON Indian Restaurant & Bar provides an excellent combination of rich, authentic Indian cuisine with a modern, stylish setting. It is not just a meal, but a complete sensory journey that I highly recommend to any food lover looking for a unique and satisfying dining experience. The prices are reasonable for the quality and portions you receive, making it a must-visit location for anyone who loves Indian cuisine or is keen to try it. Looking forward to my next...

Went to celebrate a friend's birthday tonight. Walked in and got seated immediately as there was plenty room, it was very nice and the booths were high. Unfortunately I didn't bring enough cash with me to order Naan but I got a Caesar salad without chicken, my son got Mac & cheese. I would've liked to order Indian food given the location, but short on funds so that's on me. The prices were decent for the area and my friend ordered Butter chicken and an extra side of rice as well as a Mango Lassi.

Really my only complaint is that all of the food took forever to come out. I got a Caesar but it took so long to get it, my son got Mac & cheese and my friend had nearly finished his whole meal before the Mac & cheese arrived at the table. I DO appreciate that they kept us in the loop for it being delayed, but man it took a while. All of the employees were very nice and refilled our waters regularly. Also I think on the website the Caesar is listed as vegetarian bur Caesar by definition is not vegetarian as the dressing has...

This place offers a decent, casual dining experience in the heart of Orinda’s downtown plaza. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a straightforward setup, which is perfect for a laid-back meal. The customer service was pleasant, with several staff members attending to our table, ensuring that we had what we needed.

However, the food didn’t quite hit the mark. The tandoori chicken was a bit underwhelming, lacking the bold, smoky flavor one might expect (seems like someone forgot to marinate it for at least six hours prior to serving). Similarly, the garlic naan was somewhat plain and didn’t stand out. The mixed meat platter, while generous enough for two to share, was also average in terms of flavor having a deep fried chicken?!?

As for the drinks, I was disappointed by the over-sweetened Old Fashioned, which felt more like a sugary cocktail than the classic it was supposed to be.

Overall, it’s a nice spot with friendly service and a good location, but the food and drinks left something...