Saffron Indian Cuisine & Bar — Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

With a name like Saffron, the most exotic spice in the world, this Indian establishment lives up to its credibility as a provider of excellent fare, considerate service and an interior décor that really welcomes one to the beauty of the culture. Arriving at lunch time, a friend and I were granted a wonderful seating arrangement next to the windows with a misty white, but still pleasant, cool atmosphere outside. The pleasant aroma of exotic spices was detected upon first entering and the restaurant was richly decorated with curtains and artwork that reflected India's fascinating culture and history. Our host was a wonderful lady who was very observant to make sure our dining utensils were clean and suitable for customers. Water was graciously provided at required intervals by a gentleman (assuming to be either a co-host or one of the cooks when available to assist). The menu had a great selection, including lunch specials that included a little of many available, plus a wonderful custom mix of choosing a curry (mild, medium, or very spicy) with a second choice of solids including chicken, lamb, and even paneer cheese, plus a few varieties of rice such as saffron, per the restaurant's name. Everything was fresh and hot upon arrival, and it made hasty dining almost a necessity so food wouldn't become cold, but everything tasted so good and it brought ecstasy to this one's heart. Almost nothing was left over by the time my companion and I were finished, and we departed with a feeling of perfect satisfaction and gratitude to the business for their most excellent service. I thank our hosts and the kitchen staff for their gracious performance in providing such wonderful fare and a dining experience that I hope this review will provide them with many more customers. I wish Saffron the best of success in business, prosperity and the pleasant satisfaction unto the staff for their enjoyable service, onwards...

Maybe the owner - or other Google Guides - can give me a clue why we were treated so rudely here, since there are so many excellent reviews about the service. We arrived to an almost empty restaurant about a 1/2 hour before the buffet ended (we called first to verify time). We are friendly and polite people, and we smiled at the younger hostess and told her it was our first time eating here. She did not say one word to us, but motioned with her arm to the entire restaurant in a "sit wherever" motion - then she turned on her heal and left. About 10 minutes later an older woman finally came over to take our drink orders. Again, we attempted to be friendly and complimented her on how nice the restaurant looked, and how good the food smelled. She, also, just scowled at us and did not say one word other than "What do you want to drink?" The food was flavorful, (although I would have preferred a bit more spice) - and I would have preferred plain to garlic Naan, but was not given a choice by the silent waitstaff. Drinks, Naan, etc. all arrived "efficiently" with NOT ONE single word or a smile from any of the 3 women working there - even when we spoke to them. Our dirty plates were never cleared away, even though they were not busy, even when the older woman finally brought and took the check (we waited a long time to pay). We are NOT loud, rude, poorly-dressed, or obnoxious patrons. We are not even particularly big eaters (one modest plate each plus a small dessert) and we didn't waste food. As the scowls and silence increased, we became increasingly uncomfortable. I understand that ONE person can be having a bad day - but ALL 3 women treated us like we were the devil. It was the least welcome I have ever felt in a restaurant. I simply cannot figure out why such acrimony was directed toward a friendly, soft-spoken, middle-aged mom and her adult son out for lunch on...

Just Wow- Saffron Indian Cusine and bar in Newberry Park, California, where have you been? My friend and I arrived at 2 and they close at 2:30 to change over the kitchen to dinner. The air smelled amazing, full of spices, and we pleaded to stay to eat and promised to take what was left to go.

We were welcomed and they were very gracious to serve us in such short time. The food was delicious and affordable. Potions were also generous. My friend had the kabob and the most delicious rice I've ever had. I had saag paneer and samosas that came with delicious chick peas, onion and vegetable sauce. I have never had samosas like this and I am hooked.

I ordered pershwari naan and we share everything. We'd Al ost finished by 2:30 and they let us sit an extra 15 minutes to fully enjoy and digest. What a lovely place.

On way back from the bathroom, I saw the wall of honor with hundreds for Polaroids showing diners eating crazy spicy food. This was fun to look at. I'd love to try this place for dinner or any time. There was almost nothing left to go. We were ravenous and the food was some of the best we've ever had. My friend is a chef and we both just were amazed at the flavors and the quality. It was definitely a made from scratch kitchen. I highly recommend.

#Indian #cuisine #delicious #curry...