Julie Scardino
Saffron serves up authentic and delicious Indian food. It is family owned and operated, very affordably priced, and always spot on with flavor, quality, freshness, and presentation. If you’re looking for really good Indian food, look no further than Saffron. I’ve been going here for years and never had a bad dish. Highly recommend!
amanda trentman
This was the best meal I have had in ages. I used to go to Saffron when they were at a different location, and I was so happy when I found out they ended up moving to another spot. Saffron is inside of a gas station, but don't let that deter you. I will definitely be coming back soon! I absolutely love their chicken tikka masala. Also, the owner is the sweetest man ever! I always have an positive experience at Saffron Indian Cuisine.
Chanceton Ippolito
The location is in the gas station but that just adds to the vibe. The butter chicken with medium spice nailed it! If you want authentic this is the place to go, if you don't feel comfortable eating at a gas station then order in Uber eats etc. I highly recommend it my friends.
The Non Roti Maker
Good food from a gas station. Everything made fresh by the couple who run the place. Food made to order. We ordered the paneer and the chicken it tasted authentic and amazing. I am pretty sure this will be the go to spots for curries for a while. Its far but its worth the drive.
Liz Newberry
This is the best Indian food in North Tampa. Delicious and huge portions, always comes delivered still hot, amazing!
Abdullah Alahmari
بكل صراحه . مطعم رائع جدا . انصح بزيارته وتجربته .. كل شئ رائع فيه التعامل والخدمه والاطعمه ( العصير الطازج جميل - والسمبوسه - ) .
I love the food at Saffron so very much!
1-The food is full of flavor and delicious.
2-The owner is incredibly nice.
3- The food was great.
4- The menu was easy to read and understand (which is important for those customers that are not from India.)
5-Excellent service.
You should try the Mango smoothie!
Derek Ferguson
Don't let the location fool you. This is the best authentic Indian food around. They're super friendly and offered suggestions on what to try. The food is fantastic. Yes, it's in the gas station, but don't let that stop you or it's your loss.
Lauren
I have been excited to try Indian food for a decade but have been nervous that they wouldn’t have proper vegan options.
Everything here was INCREDIBLE! The staff is very knowledgeable and I have been dreaming of the food ever since. Definitely add the garlic naan to the side! Thank you so much for introducing me to the amazing food your culture has to offer 💙 I had the Tofu Madras and Vegetable Biryani.
Jodi Cohen
I've been going to Saffron since it opened. I've tried other Indian restaurants in Tampa, but find their food the absolute best. Now they will custom make vegan dishes too! Try the Palak Paneer and a pint of the take home Korma sauce. Love it!
Cecille Orabona
Don't let some bad reviews scare you from trying this place. This place had the tastiest butter chicken ever! I also ordered their vegetarian samosas and garlic Naan. It was amazing! Even my son who's not into Indian food loved it. Trust me when I tell you, the butter chicken was the best I've ever had. The older lady was very nice and the food came fast. I finally found my Indian restaurant and so glad it's close to where I live.
Hemal Patel
Worst Indian food I had ever. Plus the person who was serving have all kind of excuses for everything.
When we ask for lemon he said lemon is too expensive now all vegetables prices gone up etc etc. than at the end when we asked for Varialy (fennel) he said we don’t have enough employees now and start to give other plenty of excuses. I don’t understand why he need extra employee to just put ready made fennel? There are lots of things to write but the conclusion is
I won’t go there ever and won’t suggest anyone either. Location also not too Good. Behind gas station. I have doubt about other good reviews.
Tracy A McSorley
Looking for unique, genuine and made from the heart Indian cuisine? SAFFRON Indian Cuisine is the absolute best Indian restaurant in the Tampa/Wesley Chapel Metropolitan Area. The freshness and quality of the ingredients is excellent and the wonderful variety of dishes is phenomenal. Delicious flavors and delightful aromas from appetizers to dessert. Strongly recommend any of the biryanis, the naan and chutneys, the lamb or goat dishes. Ooohhhh. the mango lassi is wonderful and the rose petal beverage is divine
Jim Green
The Chicken Tikka Masala IS one of the best dishes I've ever eaten of any type of cuisine. In fact, every dish I've had at this restaurant has been delicious. The owner is very friendly, and very attentive. This is one of my new favorite places to eat in Tampa!
Catherine Seavey
The food is always fresh, hot (temperature) and delicious. Saffron's meals are full of flavor and are only as spicy as you request it to be. My favorite is the Navranta Korma (vegetarian).
If you haven't been here yet, you are missing out!
Christina Rodriguez
Omg �!! Best Indian food hands down!!!!! I !!don't do reviews often. This was by far the best Indian food I've had and I've tried several different states and different locations here in Tampa as well. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience and amazing food
Neelima Goparapu
Tasteless food...food was not fresh..very small buffet...with less items..horrible & terrible experince..pls don't go to this restaurant based on fb & google reviews...�����
Very disappointed..�
Dawn NBrent
Food was amazing! Best indian food we’ve had in awhile. Basmati rice, garlic naan was very tasty. Husband raves about the butter chicken. Service was wonderful! Great date night out!
Jonathan Connolly
We eat Indian food at least once a week from several different restaurants in the surrounding area. From where we live it is closer and less traffic to go to another Indian restaurant , but we prefer Saffron. The food is always fresh, the quantity of food is perfect for dinner and the best leftovers in your fridge. This is not a three pieces of meat in loads of sauce Indian restaurant, you will have plenty of meat and sauce. The rice is fragrant like it is supposed to be . If you don't have to pick a few big whole spices out of the rice it's not what it should be. The naan is fluffy , fresh , and delicious. �Medium hot is plenty hot for most people that enjoy hot food. Not at all a complaint, just a heads up. Enjoy!
Anna Montes
Best indian food in Tampa that you could ever find. Chicken Tikka Massala and Chicken Biryani are to die for! Loved it.
Katie Mcandrew-Schulmeister
Moved to Florida this summer, my husband and I had an impromptu date night. We’ve been looking for great restaurants to try, having grown up with an Indian family most of my life (also learning to cook some myself) we decided to try saffron.We did the vegitarian sampler,fried potato, samosa, and pakora. I had a mango lassi, along with mater paneer, husband has chicken tikka masala, accompanied by basamati rice, roti, plain naan, and garlic naan. The food was quite delicious, the fact my husband county finish surprised me, I ate the left overs today and they were just as good. The staff was very attentive and on point, consistently asking us about our meals, what we thought about it, along with if the music was too loud( it wasn’t) we will definitely be back and bringing family!
Abhishek Shah
Paneer Curry and Nan was very good but biryani was like pulav with corn and too many green peas... I felt the person serving food was impatient and not with a happy face. Person serving with smiling face and welcoming customer is a different feeling...isn't it...that was certainly missing !!
Mimi Norwood
The absolute best I've had in awhile aside from that in Trinidad 🇹🇹!!!! Wish I had time to go back but short visit to Tampa but next stop Miami I'll be there too!!!!
Spicy 🌶 curry chicken and garlic naan was AMAZING!!!!
Gaetane Joseph-Rhodd
My husband and I went there for dinner yesterday and we both agreed that this is the best Indian food and service we've received in Tampa. The owner was professional and welcoming and the food was superb. We will be coming back.
Matt Correia
Amazing! By far the best food in the area. I can't wait to eat my leftovers!
Mike Kenny
Service was extremely slow,there was only 2 other couples when we arrived, food was just OK my wife's chicken was over cooked and tough I've had much better in Indian food in Tampa I also found it to be expensive for what you get
Allen Senel
The best Indian food in Tampa, great service.
Katelin Walker
Food is really good but, They do not do carry out anymore. I am<br/>sad to report. The chicken curry is amazing and so is the tikka masala. ....
Tracy Anne McSORLEY
Looking for unique, genuine and made from the heart Indian cuisine? SAFFRON Indian Cuisine is the absolute best Indian restaurant in the Tampa/Wesley Chapel Metropolitan Area. The freshness and quality of the ingredients is excellent and the wonderful variety of dishes is phenomenal. Strongly recommend any of the lamb or goat dishes.
Regina
Edible but not impressed, especially for the price. We ate off the lunch buffet. I eat at Indian buffets fairly regularly and this one didn’t impress. The buffet was easily half to one third the size I am used to and it was also the most expensive Indian lunch buffet I have eaten at. The chicken in the chicken curry was dry. It was past the lunch rush so there was very little chicken meat left in the tika masala. Service was polite but poor. It was hard to get the guy off his phone.
Samantha Dempsey
Wonderful food, great atmosphere, and extremely friendly service! Exceptional presentation. Our server spent time with us reviewing the menu.
Sweetnectar Honey
Beware! I worked here and saw how they operate behind the scenes in the kitchen and was appalled by their dirty dining habits- they recycle the food! It's owned by a husband/wife and the husband's mother. After cleaning the tables and collecting the half eaten rice and food, I was about to throw it away when the owner's mother grabbed my wrist and yelled to not waste the food and how they could reuse the rice, chutney, and chicken for another customer!! I just stood there for a moment, shocked!! Needless to say, I never went to return to work there but had told the customers of this practice as I would not want a poor innocent customer thinking she is getting fresh good when in reality, customers get recycled food!!!!! Nimesh, one of the owners, didn't like me telling the customers and tried to hush it down and lied saying I didn't work there to keep the fake front with customers- what he's doing is soooooo wrong- you guys think you're coming for clean authentic food when it's all recycled! The two times I called Nimesh to address this he would avoid the question re: his recycled food! unhygienic immoral!!!!!! They have a sign that says don't waste food as they hate wasted food and any food wasted by customers do not get thrown away but given to the next customer!!!!!! Disgusting!!!!! Not right to you guys and someone should tell you the truth of what you're really eating before you may see it on dirty dining!!!!!
Meagan Mendoza
Awesome! Must get the Butter Chicken!! Great service. Super friendly owners and staff!! Will def be back when in town again. 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
KellEatsAlot
Quiet, warm and inviting atmosphere, pretty good butter Chicken and decent Lamb Korma. I would go back but probably try other items. The service was very good, friendly and attentive.
Katie Mac Millen
Run! Don’t walk! Nimesh and Sunita Chheda make food glory, and you should partake of it! I don’t know many details about Indian food, except that I’ve eaten it in Atlanta, Brooksville, Port Richey, Palm Harbor, Mountain View, San Francisco, and Tampa near USF … and I’d rather eat at Saffron than anywhere else. Tucked behind a Shell station and next to the drive-through dry cleaning shop is our little slice of heaven, Saffron Indian Cuisine. <br/><br/>My wife seems to have developed a Pavlovian response – as soon as she walks in and smells Saffron’s cooking, her mouth starts to water. The atmosphere is bright and inviting and it is usually Nimesh Chheda who welcomes us – his wife, Sunita, is the chef who ought to have a shiny medal for the wonders of her food. She must love what she does, because it comes through in her cooking. The staff are polite and willing to explain and recommend dishes, and tell you how mild or spicy the base version of each dish is.<br/><br/>Familiar dishes such as aloo gobi, butter chicken and palak paneer are aromatic and savory – somehow they have more *flavor* than the same dishes elsewhere. Here are other foods and drink we have enjoyed:<br/><br/>• Baingan bharta - rich and creamy eggplant with soft layers of flavor.<br/><br/>• Chicken masala - earthy and satisfying.<br/><br/>• Goan fish curry - succulent, its curry tasty and delicious.<br/><br/>• Naan - warm and buttery and chewy, garlic adds a divine component, and peshwari naan, sweet and fruity.<br/><br/>• Salty lassi - perfectly proportioned between sour and salty.<br/><br/>• Samosas - light and crispy with toasty outsides and gentle, delicious spiced veggies inside.<br/><br/>• The bhel makes me a glutton – I think I could eat a gallon of it – brand-spanking fresh veggies, puffed rice, and dry little sev noodles, pulled together with full-flavored spices that keep it bright.<br/><br/>• Their tamarind chutney - tart, sweet and fruity, contrasting well with the richer dishes.<br/><br/>• Vegetable xacuti - a smoky gravy with each vegetable popping out with its own flavor.<br/><br/>All items on the menu can be ordered mild – which, while highly flavorful, is not spicy-hot - medium, or hot, and we overheard a guest ordering extra-hot. <br/><br/>It’s about an hour from our house. We use it as our treat when we have something to celebrate or want a special date night. Portions are big enough that I always have at least one, sometimes two, meals at home. We always anticipate going back for more … go in our place, and enjoy Saffron’s many, enticing offerings!
Franklin Welliver
Great food, the butter chicken and chicken masala were amazing and went well with the scrumptious naan. Can't wait to come back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Akia Uwanda
Great atmosphere. Fresh food and portions. Wonderful customer service. I would come back again and tell everybody be who is in the Tampa area looking for Indian Food to support this restaurant!
Soumya
The worse attitude and service keeps REPEATING!! Beware that the service is always dependent on their "mood". I am a frequent visitor to the restaurant and a big fan of the food here, but the SERVICE NEVER EVER IMPROVES!! Today is 1 such day that I ordered a take away of only 4 chaat appetizers , there was no main course ordered. I was told it will take 30-35 minutes but I got it only after full 55 minutes. Ok they could be busy. But when I got home, all I get is a "COLD" junk and only 1/2 the usual quantity. Now when I call them back highly disappointed asking to talk to the manager or owner, I was put on hold and then on the background I can hear a lady shouting in Hindi "kaun hai? kya problem hai? Kyun rorii?" - which means "whos that? whats the problem? why is she cribbing". I could also hear my name being called there and After 10 mins of the waiter trying to get some one else to talk to me, they simply hang up!!!.
Josh
Delicious food and what a lunch special! Succulent nan sucks up zesty sauce, and chicken and rice to boot! I dined like a king! Great service too!
Blitzyao
10/10 would recommend. Delicious, Instagramable food. Garlic naan + butter chicken are exquisite as we're everything else on the menu.
Jason R
Need to try a different dish, mine was too sweet, but it has potential. I am a huge Indian food fan and I was excited to try this place. The Naan was excellent and service was fantastic. I love when an Indian place offers authentically spicy dishes. I got the Chicken Vindaloo Indian Hot. It gave me a good kick, but nothing I couldn't handle, but it had this sweet aftertaste. I don't know if that is just their Vindaloo recipe or it was a result of the spices for Indian hot. I could eat the chicken and potatoes, but to eat the rice with the sauce, it was too sweet for me to enjoy. There is a lot on the menu though I'd like to try. So it is a place I would like to try again, I just wasn't a huge fan of their Vindaloo recipe
Dan
Great!! My two kids loved it! Butter chicken, coconut chicken and veggies with mild sauce. This place rocks.
Atdt0225
Delicious Indian food. We LOVE Saffron! The food is delicious and the service is excellent. They always make sure that you enjoy your food. The best thing is that you can order the dishes from mild to hot depending on how you like it. Highly recommended!
Downrightfabulous
A party in your mouth. Seriously- what a burst of flavor. I travel to Tampa once a month to visit my husband who is studying medicine at USF. I'm always asking him to try new places because who knows where we'll end up in the near future! As a result, we ran into this Indian restaurant.... and fell in love. Even though I vowed to not eat in the same places more than once, I just had to come back here. Ok, on with the review:<br/><br/>The service is on the slow side, but the waitstaff is very friendly and the food makes up for every bit of the wait. The decor is also an irrelevant factor once the first bite of garlic, cilantro nan bread, soaked in chicken tikka masala enters your mouth. If splitting one dish will not do, pair your tikki masala with the goat xacuti....simmered in spices and coconut milk, the goat meat just falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. A definite party for sure. <br/><br/>Keep in mind that Indian food is spicy. Really spicy. If you were born and raised a white girl, like me, maybe these dished will be a little spicy for you too. Have no fear, just order the dishes mild/medium. You will still get all the flavor without any of the pain! It's a win win. <br/><br/>I'll end this by saying I haven't had Indian food this good since moving back from the UK. The UK is full of Indians who cook up a storm for the locals. I'm not just saying this is good, I'm saying this is legit.<br/><br/>(0) horrible (1) ok (2) good (3) great<br/><br/>Food: 3<br/>Service: 2<br/>Decor: 1
Art
Terrible!. Bad service, Bad Food, Bad Atmosphere! I am not hard to please but this was one of the worst places I have experienced in years. Thank goodness for the internet... Try somewhere else!
Kab
Surprisingly Good. The food was very good and I would return. This is first Indian restaurant in tampa I would recommend.
Kimberly Cobb
The food here was absolutely AMAZING! Everything about this experience was perfect- the food, the staff, the atmosphere... We WILL be back!
Mike Gray
Amazing food, great service and they have coca cola products
Charlotte
A new find in New Tampa. Just finished lunch at The Saffron. I asked for mild spiced and indeed just the right amount of spice to awaken the palette but not not leave a burn afterwards. The service was pleasant and helpful. You must try this restaurant.
Lucia Hartman
Great buffet!. We lucked out again! Stopped here while traveling up I-75. About 4 miles from the interstate. Great buffet with lots of vegetarian options. Pakoras/Naan on buffet as well as some offerings not normally encountered - Egg madras and fish biryani. Two chicken dishes on the line but no other meat. The staff was friendly and we got a nice coupon to use for another visit. Enjoyed!!
Bana
Peaceful atmosphere, good customer service, and most importantly the quality of the food was fantastic.
Michael Gibner
This place is great. Little hidden gem. Service was a bit slow this evening but the food was hot and delicious
Rockstahr
So happy to have found this place! Excellent food and kind, courteous service. Will definitely be back often!
Daniel Velasquez
Saffron is amazing. They have amazing food and amazing service. Definitely go there!!
John M
Food was very good and the prices were OK until they added a $7 "corkage fee" since i brought my wine. That soured us on the entire experience. I would come back for takeout, but that's it.
Gina
EXCELLENT! The food was flavorful and the staff were friendly. Will definitely visit again.
Don
Amazing food and service. The people make this place great. We will be back for more and more! Make you feel like family. Try the butter chicken ;)
Nicod8must
GO there NOW..seriously. Listen to me very carefully. Eat here immediately NOW . The food is soo flavorful and delicious, order the Bhel for the appetizer then lamb or chicken curry so moist and juicy and succulent. Mild to hot options. Best Indian food (meat lovers or vegetarians) in Tampa and its hidden behind a gas station but make no mistake it is worth finding it!!! What are you waiting for? GOO now!! Gastronomic paradise awaits!
Mlsantos
Great food! Clean and well presented food. Great and friendly service. One of the best in Tampa bay.
Aaron F
Waiter was very friendly and food was excellent.
Cat Cotto
Great food; nice staff. Palak paneer, tikka masala, lamb curry: all lovely.
Frank
Exquisite indian food! We've eaten at a lot of Indian establishments but this place is the best! This place is hidden off the main road glad we found it and will be frequent customers!
Orlando Echevarria
Their food is just ok but it's the service that is just awful. They don't take their own coupons even though they are valid and not expired. Food was just ok but doesn't make up for the awful service.
Leslie Parnell
I cannot get enough of this place! We come here again and again and we are continually impressed. I highly recommend everyone to give this place a try.
Keith Brown
Great Indian food!. Best Indian Food in Tampa. The owner is very friendly. Also best Naan bread ever!!
Grant
Very accommodating. We are vegan and they had plenty of options. Very impressed!
Nicole B
Great Indian food and awesome service. We drove 25 mins to get here and will definitely be coming back.
Jonathan Martin
I went to Saffron because I had been told by friends that the food was good. They were right! I enjoyed a vegetable curry with rice and naan bread. The curry was flavorful, but not too spicy (I asked for mild). The naan bread was on point, and the rice blended well with the curry. I hope to come back while they have the buffet available. I love Indian spices, and Saffron seems to mix them like a pro!
Mike
The only reason not to come to Saffron would be due to fear of absolute loyal addiction. My wife and I would not waste our time going anywhere else. Our search for amazing Indian food is over after visiting numerous Indian restaurants.
Jim Long
Fantastic Food and Service. We went here for dinner the other night because we found a groupon for them. I was NOT disappointed. <br/><br/>Amazing food, great service. Best naan I've had in a long time and the two dishes we tried were both amazing: the lamb rogan josh and the aloo gobi. <br/><br/>The owners were especially friendly, great conversation, and the food was some of the best Indian food I have had around Tampa Bay. <br/><br/>You must try them out!
Shrank Daddy
New Family Favorite!. New to Indian food and have found the best place ever! Love the food and atmosphere! The service excellent and we will be back many times.
Christina
Best indian food!. Saffron has the best tasting Indian food in Tampa! The husband and wife team who are also the owners are so nice and take so much pride in their business :)
Israel Sanabria
I love this place. The food is amazing and always hot and fresh. I think everyone should try this place out.
Matthew Clark
Every time we come here we have terrible service and then even worse customer service... food is great but we will no longer return here because of the problems we have had
Pat
Friendly staff, good chutneys, chicken tikka masala is my favorite dish! Calm inviting atmosphere. Great Indian food!!!
Cathy S.
Delicious Indian food!!! The owners are very nice. Great, relaxing atmosphere.
Katie Rinaldi
Best Indian food around! One of the most vegan friendly choices in the area. We've tried a new dish every time and they've all been excellent. Also best service around!
Jenn
This was my first visit here and it was wonderful. Our server was very knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations!!! I will definitely be back for more!!!!!
Mdischinger
Great food!. If you really like Indian food, this is the place! I've been there several times and can't get enough of it!<br/>It's a family run restaurant, which gives it a nice touch!
Marty
Decent food for crap service. I have frequented this place several times and each time has upset me more and more. <br/>As a single diner, I waited for 10 minutes to even get water. Then I placed an order for 3 meals (2 to go) and a drink with my meal.<br/>Needless to say.. I never got my chutney, puri, or drink with meal. <br/>So after spending $47 dollars and never seeing the server other than taking my order, leaving a water pitcher and bringing me my meal, I up to leave with the to go order.<br/>They tried to tack on 18% gratuity AFTER TAX, on deplorable service, just because I was trying to use a Gift Certificate which did not indicate gratuity stipulations. <br/>I have no qualms about tipping 20-30% when deserved. But to try and tax me on sh!tty service and for an extra $3 in tax, they lost a customer. Too many other places to eat in Tampa.
David Griffey
The worst ever, do not waste your time and money. Went in for a family clebration with 9 in our party. Should have known it was gonna be fair to poor when I noticed there was only one table occupied on a Saturday night at 6:30 pm. The food had good flavor but was overpriced and even worse was the service and lack of concern by the employees. To add a $25.00 gratuity to our already overpriced bill of $150.00 was not acceptable. By the way, they told us we could go to the Shell station and buy our own beer or wine and bring it in, as they had only Bud Light in the bottle. Very disappointing, don't waste your time.
John Smith
Excellent food, horrible service.. Took an hour to get a meal for 4. Looked like there was one server for the whole place and that doesn't seem fair to have one person handle 12+ tables.
Laurelsatin
We ordered takeout about a week ago. Appetizers were good. Meal itself was so so. For over $75 for 3 people, I expected the food to be better. Probably wont be back.
CL
Saffron Is A Must!. This small restaurant in Cross Creek/ New Tampa is tucked behind the Shell gas station but don't let that deter you! This is by fa the best Indian food around in all of Tampa! The kitchen is always fresh and clean and although you may wait a bit longer, it's worth it. Try the goat korma, the eggplant, the okra, and the chicken tikka masala! <br/>Now, it is BYOB but soon to serve beer and wine.
Joe Khanafer
Saffron- Indian Food Tampa. Sunita is the executive chef and she is extremely talented. Her Saffron Indian Cuisine is located right next to my pizza place and we love sharing the New Tampa clientele and always help each other out. Her dishes are all very good and her cuisine is authentic and always fresh!<br/><br/>We're lucky to have such a great neighbor in our plaza!
Debarati.datta
Extremely disappointing. We have just moved from NC, first time at Saffron. Extremely discourteous behavior from the waitress, we went in at 9.00pm and were still waiting on our order at 10.15pm!!! Finally we just left without dinner. Indian restaurants at Tampa leave much to be desired, but Saffron is the WORST we have experienced till date. NEVER going back.
Sid Funk
Food good, service poor. After reading a glowing review of this restaurant, and being in the mood for some good Indian food, our expectations were high. The restaurant was clean and well lit, but not at all fancy. The menu was extensive and the food was above average. The service was terrible! Ten minute wait for our beverages and almost twenty minutes between appetizer and main course. After telling the waitress we were ready for our bill, we waited fifteen minutes before going to the hostess stand to settle accounts. <br/><br/>I hear their lunch buffet is good, and they apparently do a solid take out trade but their dining room service needs some improvement.
Elle
Will Not Return. So I've been to Saffron before and enjoyed friendly service and great food - and my favorite mango lassi. However today I went there with a friend to enjoy lunch, and let's just say I'd think twice before coming here again. Their sign says lunch is from 11:30am-2:30pm- standard for an Indian restaurant. They're closed on Mondays, today is a Thursday. We walked up to the front door at 12:05 pm and it was locked. Then we noticed the chef and another worker looking at us from the back (they looked several times), and neither came out to tell us they were closed, or gave us any acknowledgment. So my friend called the number on the door, and they did not pick up. We got back in the car, and I tried calling them- and once again they didn't pick up. What restaurant wouldn't have the decency to tell a customer "oh we're not open right now for x reason". And to not pick up the phone when you're clearly not hopping with customers? That's just beyond rude. Guess I have to find a new favorite Indian restaurant in the area- pity because I haven't found one as good.
WildFly
Yummy each time. Lunch buffet is great too. Nice variety and fresh. Indian music videos on TV.... I love it!
Kal
This review is in reference to aprasad747. First off if you didn't like the food at saffron the first time you shouldn't have visited again.( should have eaten at bb downs) I've always had the lamb at saffron! The lamb is always served boneless! If you didn't get the owners attention, you are the only person to blame because you might have been a jerk. It's a restaurant (business) not a place to try and get free food, or entertain jerks! Maybe you should stay home and eat some cheap frozen food (save ur money and time) Good luck to you
Aprasad747
Have not gone back in over a year. The original chef left and Sunita the owner took over the cooking. I went in one day and ordered some lamb curry only to be served a dish of lamb that was mostly bones with very little meat. I told her so and she did not even apologize or offer to replace my meal so I had to order another dish ( at this point I was reluctant to reorder the lamb) I thought it odd that I got mostly bones. I ordered the chicken curry and paid for it. I went back another time to make sure I was not mistaken and tried the buffet. Upon leaving I asked for her to wrap up some naan bread so I could take it home with my left overs. I came home and found what appeared to be a bite taken out of the bread of which she had handed me. I thought I'd give the restaurant one more try only to have an upset stomach for a couple of days. I am indian and found the food to be average. I've had much tastier and mouth watering food at the Indian restaurant on BB Downs x Fowler.
Marie
Best Indian Restaurant in Tampa. I love Saffron, it is the best Indian I have tried in Tampa.<br/><br/>The owner is very nice and makes sure you have a wonderful experience each time. <br/><br/>The lamb is amazing, I went to another restaurant in downtown Tampa that was twice as expensive and their lamb was horrible compared to Saffron's lamb.<br/><br/>We have tried many dishes here and loved all of them. We always eat way too much because we enjoy everything! It's very hard for us to hold back when we are there!
2fast4u
Food was great; waiter was not!. Just went for the first time to Saffron Indian Cuisine recently. I was meeting a friend there. Upon entering, I wasn't even greeted but I saw where my friend was sitting so made a beeline to our table. Once I sat down it was awhile before anyone came. When the waiter did come, he didn't even welcome me or ask me if I wanted something to drink.<br/><br/>The food was very good and better than I have had at some other Indian spots in town. I ordered an appetizer, Naan, main course, dessert and tea. Throughout our meal, we didn't see our waiter much and that probably was for the better as any time he did come up, he was sour, never cracked a smile.<br/><br/>There was another gentleman that would come from time to time who was Indian and he was very nice. I wish we had him for our waiter as he was more talkative and friendly. As my friend and I finished our drinks and we were about to pay our bill, he stood over me hovering while I wrote out my receipt. I thought this to be quite rude! We still were finishing our drinks and he kept walking by looking at us. At one point he asked if we wanted dessert. Hello? I told him I already had ordered and eaten my dessert! Rude!<br/><br/>So if you ever go there, don't get the black gentleman who appears youngish as he just has poor customer service skills. They should get rid of him.
Grandon
Just Great!. My wife and I have been eating at Saffron more or less since it opened in New Tampa. We've also eaten at Indian restaurants all over the country for decades and Saffron is at the top of our list. <br/><br/>I like my food very spicy and Sunita, the owner and head chef, is extremely accomodating. Her Chicken Vindaloo is as good as I have had anywhere and, if you ask for it "Indian Hot", it has quite a kick. My sons, on the other hand, prefer their food mild. Saffron's Chicken Korma is the only Indian entree that my youngest son will eat anywhere.<br/><br/>Saffron's appetizers are wonderful, the combination platters (weeknights only) are a bargain--as Indian food goes--and I have never been disappointed with the buffet, which I have found to be consistently better than any other buffet in the area (including the restaurants on Fowler Ave. that were mentioned by another reviewer).<br/><br/>Although the location (in a strip mall behind a gas station) is not ideal, once you get inside the tables are comfortable and there is enough room between them. I have always found the service to be courteous and as prompt as can be expected, since the food is cooked to order.<br/><br/>I have taken friends, business associates and family to Saffron, and have never been disappointed. While personal tastes may differ, and I suppose its always possible to visit a restaurant on a bad day, my sense is that Saffron is as good as it gets for a restaurant of its type. I normally don't write restaurant reviews, but seeing some other reviews on this site that are so inconsistent with my own highly positive experiences motivated me to take the time.
Maureen Cox
New Tampa deserves better. We tried out this restaurant since we live in Land O'Lakes and were looking for a closer alternative to the Indian places we've gone to in Tampa. Unfortunately we discovered that we're still going to have to trek to Fowler in order to see if we can find a place that serves decent Indian food. While the food here wasn't bad, it wasn't great either; and the service was practically nonexistent. The prices were also a wee bit high for what we received, so not a lot of bang for the buck. It's also experiences like this that made us resolve to learn to shop for and cook different cuisines so we can cut back even more on eating out. Such a shame.
Lainey
Great Food. I've never been to an Indian restaurant that is as accommadating as Saffron. Even though my husband suffers from G.E.R.D. he gets the dishes that he's always love cooked seasoned perfectly just for him. Because of that I can still enjoy Indian food as spicy as I like and prepared wonderfully by master chef Sunita. At the end of our meal we both leave happy.
Marguerite
Go!. Update: on a 2nd outing, the food was good but not as good as the first time. But... I also didn't see the owner/chef making any appearances outside the kitchen like she did on my first visit, so perhaps it was her day off. I would go back a third time to confim if anything has really changed or it was an off day that day. It happens... so I'll stand behind my first comment until I have the opportunity to go back again:<br/>My favorite Indian restaurant in Tampa so far. I took a colleague out for a business dinner here, and he happens to be a native of India. He confirmed it - the cooking is authentic, flavorful and hits home. Go and enjoy.
Retrohiv
Worst Food and customer service. The worst food that i ever had in my life.. The appetizer was half cooked... Entree item was burnt so much.. Ended up in a upset stomach. The quality of the food was so bad.Bad oil smell in fried items.When questioned about the food the owner did'nt show up to us.. After a long wait we got the message that she is busy cooking in the kitchen...
MsMarji
Hidden Treasure. I was introduced to this little gem through GC offer. Located in a strip mall tucked behind a Shell gas station. They offer a lunch buffet, which is a great opportunity to sample many dishes.<br/><br/>The wait staff is very helpful and friendly. Portions are deceptively large served in cultured-theme serving dishes. The food is fresh, full-flavored and very filling. <br/><br/>The Mango Lassi is a perfect blend of Mango and low-fat yogurt (I am not a yogurt fan). A great way to finish off dinner with its cool, not-to-sweet fruity taste.
Homes4uinflorida
GREAT LUNCH MENU. THE LUNCH MENU BUFFET IS GREAT.. THE OWNERS ARE REAL NICE...GOOD FOOD
Karen
We go to Saffron a lot and love the food. Nice little lunch buffet too. Service is good and friendly. Restaurant is clean and colorful.
Krystal
Glad to have it in our area. I'd gotten takeout from Saffron before, but only dined inside for the first time recently. I really enjoy the food, but I will probably stick to getting it to go. Like another reviewer mentioned, it was a bit too warm inside. Also, it was slow at the time we went, but our server took quite a long time. Still, the naan bread is delicious and I always enjoy my meal. I will have to try the buffet sometime...
Sherry
Excellent Indian Cuisine!. My daughter and I LOVE this restaurant. The food is excellent and we have never been disappointed. Take out or eat in -- this is a wonderful restaurant in New Tampa. I highly recommend it.
PJOBRIEN
Inconsistent food. There are not many Indian restaurants in the area. Glad when Saffron opened. Tried this once - thought the curries were good. Decided to go there a second time - food was not as good as my first visit. Veg Samosas had an off taste - like the potatoes had gone sour. The curries were a little bland. It was a very hot day and the place felt very warm. We actually had to ask our server if the A/C was on..it was very uncomfortable throughout the meal.
Betsy N Jacob Blonsky
Enjoyed lunch. I don't live in the area but if I did live closer,I'd frequent this little gem. Ordered off menu for lunch (not a big fan of buffets)
Kathryn
Very good lunch buffet. I eat lunch here every week or two. Buffet isn't huge, but what they offer is always delicious. Besides the usual naan on the buffet, they also have pappadum. Very nice folks working there, which is a major plus.
Maria
The service is great, very personable and warm. The menu is full of choices and there is something for everyone! The naan and chutneys are so fresh and flavorful. Portion sizes and quality of the food is way beyond average. Our lamb and shrimp were cooked perfectly tender! The atmosphere is very cozy and welcoming and the prices are great. This was our first visit and we will definitely be back!
Bob
Great Food. My wife and I have had the pleasure of dining here on several occasions and have always found the food well prepared, authentic, well presented and delicious.<br/>The decor is pleasing without being stuffy and the service is good.<br/>The menu includes most Indian favorites and is reasonably priced. The 'Saffron' is definitely one of the better Indian restaurants in Tampa Bay and we have tried them all!
Tender Branson
This small restaurant located in the Cross Creek strip mall was very dark and romantic upon entering. Normally J-Fur and I have very different tastes so we both order something separate. This works out for me because I get to taste two different menu item
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