Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen — Restaurant in Walla Walla

Even if you have read the one-star reviews involving the woman whose husband owns this restaurant, you could be surprised about what happened to my husband and me. She threw us out of the restaurant when my husband made a complaint. I responded that I wouldn't leave though, and that if she wanted me out, she would have to call the police! And she did!

What was our crime? My husband, who has had heart surgery, had asked that the pancetta for his pasta be served on the side so that I could have bites that included everything from the original recipe. The servers (there were two since one was in training) came back to report that there would be either no pancetta at all or pancetta on the whole pasta dish. My husband then reluctantly agreed to the no-pancetta option though he said he didn't understand and wanted the restaurant to know he had a complaint about this. The servers listened politely and as they started to leave, I specifically added that we knew this wasn't their fault.

Next thing we knew the wife of the owner came over and said that she doesn't accept people complaining even before they were served dinner and that we needed to leave immediately.

Two policemen arrived from two different departments, and they said that we needed to leave, that it was the request of the owner that we do so, so we had to go. Furthermore, one policeman said, no one had ever treated the staff so rudely ever. "What?" I said. " I suggested that he go talk to them, but that he be careful about it for their sakes. I said I was staying put, though I was also thinking to myself that I had never been arrested in my life, not even during my activities in the civil rights movement of the 60's, thinking that I have always been ashamed of my cowardice during that period, but did I want pancetta on the side to be the cause I would finally be arrested for?

Bullying behavior can't be accepted without protest, but how far was I willing to go?

In the end we told the policemen we would leave. They had learned that we were telling the truth about our treatment of the staff. One policeman said he would handle things differently next time and then went out of his way to come and shake hands with us the next morning when he saw us on the street; the other also indicated that this wasn't the first time they had had experience with this manager. Yet it does seem that she can refuse service to anyone if she isn't discriminating. In any case in my 73 years in restaurants I have never experienced anything like what we...

This has always been our favorite restaurant in Walla Walla and we were so excited to be able to eat there again in the next few weeks. The 1 star is just because we have enjoyed their food in the past, otherwise I would give them 0 stars. Unfortunately our experience in trying to get a reservation was extremely disappointing. After attempting for 3 months numerous times to reserve a table for 4, and then being told that they were only reserving 2 weeks in advance, we called 2 weeks in advance and were told they were fully booked. The person who I spoke with on the phone may have been the owner, I am not sure, but she was extremely rude questioning me numerous times about whether everyone in the party resided full time together and telling me that they were located next to the health department and cannot take any chances of being shutdown. I called later and asked if they had 2 tables for 2 people available as we were more than willing to split up if it meant the difference if getting a reservation (again, we love their food). I also told her that I would be happy to do as their voice mail suggested and contact our state government officials in support of relief for small businesses. She told me that she would not give us 2 tables for 2 people even if they were available as neither she nor her staff wants the responsibility of "policing us". When I asked what she meant by that she said to make sure we didn't get up and go talk to our travel companions (family members) at their table. I told her that we are very respectful of the rules and that would not be an issue. She said well I don't want to lose my business and HUNG UP on me! I was stunned to be treated so rudely and like a child. I was very respectful and courteous in my call and made it clear that we were willing to do whatever was necessary (including rearranging all of our other dinner reservations that week) in order to be able to dine there. She may not lose her business, but she has lost ours!! There is no reason to treat people in this manner especially those who are helping keep your small business afloat. That attitude will cause you to lose your business faster than the pandemic shutdown guidelines. There are other great restaurants in Walla Walla that welcome your business and have respect for those that support them. We will be patronizing...

The worst ever... restaurant experience in my life. WE TRAVEL AND TASTE WINE AS ALWAYS.... First- the staff are completely rude..... tables are waiting more then 20 minutes for service. I was collecting notes, working in my Blog (FOOD LOVE WINE) all weekend sharing wonderful experiences in Walla Walla. I was so happy to visit Saffron Restaurant. My boyfriend knew how selective I am and he chose this restaurant. I love Mediterranean meals ( Home made the best! At home I cook most of our daily meals in Mediterranean style) Well, the staff were rude, tables waiting forever for service. I was concern about two senior couples they were waiting 15 minutes before we were seated in the restaurant- that is critical and embarrassing, I would grade the service as a low quality restaurant. Not only that... I found a long black hair in my plate - so gross.. NO APPOLOGY FROM THE STAFF... I WAS IN SHOCK HONESLLY! I felt ill, and didn't understand the denial and indignation of the staff. I don't understand- If this was my restaurant I will request to all my staff serving food were the HAIRNET. My first language is Castellano... so forgive my grammar.. I will inform all my friends in different languages about the LOW quality staff- chef this restaurant SAFRON MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN PROVIDES... Also I will post our experiences that I, my Boyfriend and the rest of our family EXPERIECED HERE AT Saffron- Chef this massage is for you they are many better Restaurants in Walla Walla and I will be contacting our friends who own a Winery- letting them know what kind of experiences we have with your staff and that YOU asked us to leave the restaurant, that was a wonderful favor you did for us! LOW CLASS... when you send your staff to ask patrons to leave SAFFRON because they find a hair in their food - THAT WAS THE MOST LOW BEHAVIOR FOR A CHEF... RUDE and threated by bad review! Please! the are wonderful restaurants, lovely staff and delightful meals in Walla Walla at other places, go to them and not here.

PS- I have to chose star.. this place my rate is (0 Star)

Cheers! to...