Excellent meal there this weekend- wonderful food and server. We had the beef cheeks and octopus as appetizers, bread salad and paella for dinner. Everything was delicious and worth the price tag. The paella had a generous amount of seafood and meat, and the beef cheeks were incredibly tender and moist. A very memorable meal, we'll be back! read more

I was in Walla Walla on an interview trip, and stopped in here early without a reservation. I guess eating dinner at 5:30 on a week night is one way to guarantee a table! I had the hangar steak with fingerling potatoes. It was very, very good. And the bread is excellent. It would have been nice to have been dining with a group so that we could try one another's entrees. Assuming that I get the job, we'll be back. read more

What a great experience! Not only was the food delicious, octopus was very tender, the beef cheek just melted in your mouth, and the lamb was cooked to perfection, but the service was excellent as well! The manager was our server and she did our wine pairings and even surprised us with some dessert wines to go with our little pieces of heaven donuts. I would highly recommend this place!! read more

Tried to purchase a gift certificate on-line, but was unsuccessful so I tried calling the restaurant. Each time I called I heard, ' we are either on the other line or helping customers in the dining room, so please call back'. Click. No answering machine to leave a call back message. I tried four times and gave up - got my gift certificate elsewhere. Not impressed. read more

Superb meal from start to finish! Such extraordinary flavor in every bite. Wonderful service. We have never been disappointed with anything we've ordered! read more

Service was very nice. Nice addition to the restaurants in Walla Walla. Very clean. Will return.

Fabulous food, fabulous staff - and no hint of the arrogance mentioned by the one-star reviewer.

Had a great time here. Thought the gnocchi with goat ragu was one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had. Good food. Good wine. Good service. Solid. read more

Great place. This place was life-changing in several ways. We had a dish with pork belly, a rhubarb salad, and the octopus, all of which were great, especially the pork belly. We discovered Kerloo Cellars whose Tempranillo I thought was dynamite. The dessert really sealed it as greatness. A strawberry flatbread with ricotta and mint. Simple yet with the freshest ingredients that were combined perfectly, it was truly memorable. As a side note, I hadn't been to Walla Walla in over 10 years and was blown away by the change. There was not a winery in town when I left. I lived in what were then the Whitman Towers, the tallest building in town that looks like the building in Ghostbusters, in a beat-up apartment with cowboy music and fights in the parking lot for the club on the bottom floor. Ten years later and the place is a fancy hotel, the town is totally changed, and you can stand in downtown and throw a rock and probably hit about 10 superb wineries. The change that has come to Walla Walla is really impressive and Saffron exemplifies this fantastic change. read more

This is one of the best culinary experiences you'll have in Walla Walla if you can get in. The place is on the small side with tables in more of a European style setup (in other words, you may get to know your neighboring table quite well). If you are in the right frame of mind for that you will have a great time and the food is AMAZING. So full of amazing flavors and unlike anything else you can get anywhere in the state of Washington! The chef here truly is an artist and creates unique dishes from the mediterranean and middle-east. Just be prepared for tight space an you will not be disappointed. read more

One word: YUMMY I was in Walla Walla for 3 days and dined here TWICE because it was so good. There were 6 of us in our party so we ordered several small plates to start. We had a wonderful heirloom tomato salad, a delicious Mezze (the pureed green chickpeas) and warm pita bread, and the Lahmacun Turkish flat bread. All 3 were amazing, with very unique, fresh flavors. We all had different entrees which everyone loved. I ordered the Lamb Tagine which was really very tasty, but a bit rich. This wouldn't have been a problem, but I was very full from eating my appetizers, so I couldn't finish my entree. Dessert was amazing as well. We shared two - a chocolate cake, with a fudge like consistency and the Panna Cotta. Both were delicious, but the chocolate was out of this world! On my second night, I ordered another Mezze (whipped goat cheese) and the beef special, along with the Heirloom Tomatoes and the Patatas Bravas. It was all wonderful, but especially the whipped goat cheese - divine! They had a great selection of local wines by the bottle and the glass. Saffron is a must do if you're in town! read more

Every meal is a work of art. I have stayed in Walla Walla for the last few months and this adorable little town is a foody paradise. Even St. Mary's hospital has AMAZING food. Where do all these great chefs come from? Saffron's is the crown jewel. I had some sword fish that came with eatable purple flowers sprinkled on it. It was so pretty I hated to eat it. But I did and sadly before I took a picture. I have been back since for other meals and each one has been delicious and beautiful. The chef is a fricken genius. The waitress was so sweet and friendly. Her friend had brought her dog and after I pet him, she made me part of her family for the next hours. I only gave it four stars because it is expensive. But it is a great value for art. read more

Just had a fabulous meal with friends. Great service. Had the hanger steak. Flavors were great and everyone enjoyed their meal.

I was visiting family in the area and a local friend recommended Saffron. I'm so glad she did. I'm vegetarian and reducing my dairy intake--the chef was accommodating and the cuisine was flavorful, fresh, and so very good. I had the melon gazpacho, which normally I wouldn't have been drawn to, but it was blazingly hot outside. It was savory--perfectly complementing the melon. It's converted me to gazpacho. The house made saffron pappardelle pasta was paired simply with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Loved the color and texture of the pasta. The quality of all the ingredients provided an intensity of flavors with the pasta. Loved it. I splurged on the chocolate ganache dessert with olive oil, sea salt, and touch of chili. Unbelievably rich and irresistible. Service was perfect as well. We're excited to come again! read more

Fantastic dishes with unique flavors. We especially enjoyed the tangine and the fattoush. As a diner who eats out frequently in Seattle I was delighted by the variety of flavors in each dish. Highly recommend. read more

Good service, great food. The flatbreads and skirt steak were wonderful. Very friendly wait staff. We will be back!

We arrived for an early reservation, anticipating a special meal. It began well with an excellent waiter who steered us through an interesting menu. The first course was good to excellent and then all hell broke lose. The regular dinner crowd arrived and the noise level became unbearable. We could not hear one another. We could not hear our waiter and he could not hear us. The party at the table next to us rapidly became drunk. The noise from that party grew louder. The noise from several other tables got louder in their effort to be heard.. (There are no sound absorbing surfaces in the restaurant.) It frankly became unbearable. We asked for our check and left without finishing our very expensive meal. We would never go back and could never recommend it. read more

We have been coming to Walla Walla for years and have always had exceptional meals at Saffron ~ however this year the owners were not in the kitchen on the evening we had dinner. Our hanger steaks were so salty that two people at our table couldn't eat their meal. The octopus is our favorite starter and it was not as good as in past years. In the future we have decided to make sure the owner is cooking when we dine. I like salt, but this was over the top. read more

I would never call this a Mediterranean Restaurant. I am a vegetarian and there was nothing on the menu other than flatbread terrible greasy pizza. They weren't accommodating at all and seemed to be indifferent when I asked if exceptions could be made. It was over priced for what they offered and no vegetables at all other than a green salad. A Mediterranean diet consists of beans, veggies and grains, this did not exist. I would never go back nor recommend. read more

The worst service I have ever received in the state of WA. Their attitude is disrespectful to customers. Walla Walla is such a great friendly town, it will be better when this crappy business goes under. There is so many better places to go in Walla Walla. read more

Hard to impress group of six with nothing but good things to say about this place. Phuk was our waiter and made the experience exceptional. His recommendations on drinks and food was spot on. The food is interesting and unique and wonderfully delicious. read more

The ambiance was appropo; the service was very prompt, helpful, and friendly; the wine list fairly thorough, and the food was amazing. I enjoyed the wide variety and unique flavor compositions. read more

The food that Chef Ainsworth delivers is not only inspired, but sensual. Chris you have given me many mouthgasms and you never cease to delight and surprise me with each new creation! Working for Chris and Island last season, I had the delight to sample all of the delicious food. They are generous employers who are clear in their expectations, hardworking, and kind. They put their employees first (well, just after their beautiful Rhodesian ridgebacks). I can't imagine why someone posted that they treat their staff poorly. Island is myt HR guru and Chris is a kind and patient teacher in the kitchen. Maybe you see us working hard, but that is because we are motivated and inspired by the hard work of the manager-owners Chris and Island. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with Walla Walla and the world! read more

All the previous reviews are accurate. Saffron is unique, amazing & creative. Had the wonderful lamb, while others in my group had the quail (2 birds loaded with flavor), hanger steak (cooked to perfection with a subtle smokiness). Had the Kobe beef cheeks & prosciutto flatbread for appetizers, both very delicious. The wine list was impressive with varying price points. Our server Kim, was very informative & friendly. Prices were not crazy. Reservations a must. An amazing restaurant which was the first choice of everyone we asked who worked at the wineries we visited. read more

Outstanding restaurant. 4 stars because I think 5 stars should be for rare and exceptional places. Excellent service, food, and setting.

Unfortunately, my wife was not feeling so well that evening so I went alone. Had the Lamb Tartare as an appetizer and Hanger Steak as an entrée. Both were fantastic. Great flavors. The kinds of dishes that you take a bite and sit there for a few minutes just savoring it before taking another bite. Great service as well. I told them my reservation for two had turned into a table for one due to my wife being ill and when I left they sent me back to the hotel with Pho from their sister restaurant next door without charging me to help my wife feel better. read more

One Word..... AMAZING!! My husband & I are from Maui where we are surrounded by 5 star restaurants so I am somewhat (I admit) a food snob when it comes to eating out. So many times I go out to dinner and am left with a not so satisfied feeling. I must say this is one of the BEST meals we have had. We started with the carrot & feta salad, a wonderful combination of flavors. My husband had the Guinea Hen, I've never seen him eat so slowly just so that he could savor the flavors, and I had the Oregon Hanger Steak. The olives & almonds complimented the steak and it was to die for. I'm not much of a meat eater but went for it & couldn't stop eating, again the flavors were amazing. The service was great, friendly & top notch. The only downside is that we leave Walla Walla this morning and we can't go back tonight. I would tell anyone if you don't eat here while in Walla Walla you are missing out on something very special. I would love for this place to open in Maui, I would be there all the time!! read more

Absolutely great! We showed up on Saturday night at 7:00 without reservations and somehow they squeezed us in. It's small and a little hard to find, but worth the effort. I decided to be daring and try the lamb tartar. First time tartar attempt, I hope I have not spoiled the experience, my expectations may be too great. Duck and a Golden Egg Salad as the main course reminded me of the ultimate picnic. My wife had a cherry gazpache and Gnoche that she claimed was better than mine. No way! If you are headed to Walla Walla, get your a** in here! We were directed to this restaurant by CAVU winery, much appreciation to them and take the trip out to the airport to visit their winery. read more

Very yummy! Lots of the dishes seemed a little complicated for my simple tastes but in the end, everything was great! At our table we had the Patatas Bravas, the Octopus, the Apricot Fattoush, a mixed greens salad, the clam flat bread, and the duck. Everything was absolutely delish! read more

We had yelped for the best food in town as we were pulling in and this restaurant came highly recommended. Not only did they squeeze us in at the last minute on a busy Friday night, but they were delightful...from the wait staff to the owner, Island (who we feel madly in love with). We will never eat anywhere else and will always try to make a reservation in the future!! The food is exquisite and the people are the topping on the cake. We are looking forward to Island's pho restaurant for lunch next time. read more

I guess in order to get ANY food or service here you need to know someone. When we went we were seated......and ignored. After about 20 min., someone showed up...to take our order. We don't drink. I guess no wine, no food. No apps after 40 min. Certainly no food. Probably my bad. I mentioned that WE were the company hired to lay the floor. Yup, we are just laborors, not worth serving. Never tasted the food. Never even got a glass of water. THE FLOOR looks great. read more

The food, wine and the service were simply exquisite. The beef cheeks and the lasagna were out of this world.

Price too high for the meal we received. We're adventurous eaters (we like different foods) and look forward to being served foods that we wouldn't go home and typucally make for ourselves ~ you know, something SPECIAL. This place has all that, but it's way over priced for what you get (and the portions). The young lady who greeted and seated us was not the best "people person" ~ must have had a bad day. Noisey inside (concrete floors, high ceilings) so it was difficult to have a conversation sitting right across the table from each other. Wouldn't go back. read more

My husband and I dined there on Saturday of Barrel Tasting Weekend. We sat at the Chef's table and had an amazing dinner and an amazing experience. Our waiter, the owner and everyone in the restaurant were totally focused on making it a special night for every customer. AND, the food was absolutely was amazing. One whiff as you walk in the door of the wood grills set your taste buds on a roll. Wonderful evening, highly recommended. read more

Very delightful dinner and enjoyable waitress. Very helpful and had plenty of recommendations for other activities in town. Get there early or make reservations if you really want to eat there. And you do! Enjoy read more

If you want the best food and dining experience in Walla Walla then you must come to Saffron. The wait staff is very attentive, the food was way above and beyond our expectations, the wine and drink list is great, and they are a dog friendly establishment (which is a must for us). read more

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Wow! This was an amazing dinner! Between the 4 of us at dinner, we all travel quite a bit, so it's not like we don't get out & this place is a huge standout! We started with the octopus, SO TENDER! And the Lamb sausage. Yum! Then we had the saffron pasta, wonderful! Great fresh, bright flavors! Hubby ordered the clam flat bread and we all thought he was crazy... It was so good we had to order a 2nd order! Chicken Tagine was also amazing! We sat out on the patio since we didn't have reservations, which made it a bit more casual, but the service was still very good. Hostess even took our wine and cupcakes we had with and refrigerated them for us while we ate. All around a fantastic dinner! read more

One word - Wow! This restaurant in Walla Walla is amongst the best you will taste from your place to here. You are greeted by kind staff who make you feel like you are a regular visitor. Sit down to a remarkable glass of wine or a chef made cocktail.. we stuck with a wine which is amongst the best known here in Walla Walla. The falafel to start was fantastic. So flavorful and with a nice yogurt dressing to boot. We went with both the NW Hanger steak and the Moroccan fried chicken. The steak whacks you in the face with flavor between the rub on the meat, the fingerling potatoes to the almond spices drizzled over the entree. The Moroccan fried chicken is the same... an explosion of flavor that will open your eyes and prompt you to think "oh my God". The ambiance here is fantastic. Quaint, modern, welcoming, not too loud, not too quiet and romantic just after the sun goes down. Holy smokes! read more

Just spoke to Island trying to make a reservation for a group of 8 people two months from now and was told the only way to make the reservation was to go to their website and click on a link. The link doesn't work unless I download Flash, which I don't use and don't want to download, their response was I need to get to another computer and follow their process because "that is the way they work". All this to simply make a reservation. My decision -- we will go to another restaurant -- I don't care how good the food is at Saffron, customer service comes first and this experience was not a good one. read more

We did not even get to the restaurant, as our reservation was terminated due to the rudeness of staff at the restaurant. We had a long-standing reservation for this Saturday night as we will be visiting our daughter at Whitman and called to ask if they could accomodate a vegan. The person taking the reservation acted as if it would be a total hassle, was abrupt, accused my wife of rudeness, and had a completely inappropriate attitude and manner for someone answering the phone on behalf of the restaurant. I heard the entire call on speaker phone and could not believe it. You would have thought we were calling the Bronx, not an aspiring restaurant in Walla Walla. Hard to believe the management would have condoned sch behavior. read more