Named one of the best Indian food places in St. Louis. My overall impression? Tame. I came here for the lunch buffet and while it did offer a good selection, the flavors were just not what I was expecting. There were no huge bursts of spices or herbs like I've had at other Indian restaurants. Nothing was special in my opinion. It's my belief that they toned down everything to accommodate the taste buds of the general population of patrons. I don't believe there is a big Indian community in St. Louis. Great service though and can't beat the price. read more

Talk about under rated! 5 stars? Well, specifically this is for the tandoori chicken. Our host was very professional, charming, and helpful. He downplayed the chicken as "may be dry" but it was far from that. Most pieces were juicy, cooked with the wonderful assortman of onion and lemon juices that is typical from my point of view with prior cuban dishes I have eaten. It gives it a slightly different taste than other tandoori chickens I have eaten. The naan serving was generous, puffy, warm, and tasty. It complimented the curry soup that helped to dip the naan in. I think this place is a 4.5 star place. I will definitely come back to try the other menu items. It may have been a good day to go yesterday. In the open walled room next door, there was a beautiful private party with everyone adorned in shelled necklaces and wonderful traditional cultural dresses and attire. Did I mention there happen to be a violinist playing at that event? Hah! What a great dinner! read more

Saffron - best tandoori chicken in the St. Louis area? - Indian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

The worst service ever, if I go to any fast food they treat me a lot better with respect, but this restaurant they embarrassed me in front of my friends just for asking if we can take the next table next to us and was empty, we asked with fully respect but they got the manager for no reason and start talking sh*t for stupid reason the respond should've been No only, the food taste good but with trash service , and they lost loyal customer here, not coming back everrrrr read more

Better for buffet lunch, nice staff. It's not upscale place but better than many. Yes clean, nice music, food quality 8/10. Cost effective read more

Saffron - Interior - Indian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Their butter chicken is amazing. Chicken tikka masala also great. Naan is delicious here, the rice by itself is tasty. The food is fresh and when you make your order for carry out, they package it up nicely. read more

This was solid Indian buffet food ,normal items such as yogurts , chutneys, masalas, daals and tandoori items. Goat was tender and flavorful. What I really judged this food on was the authenticity; meaning is this American styled Indian food or close to the real deal. American style is mild the kind of food you don't need the yogurts and chutneys for. Real deal is the heat from the flavor and spices that will kick a hole in your chest but somehow you must eat more because it's so so good. This place gets a 3, while there was some kick it; I really didn't need the cooling agents. Can't give it halal status because they serve beer and wine. Overall the staff was nice and food was hot and good read more

This is one of the BEST Indian Restaurants in STL!! The service is super friendly. Lovely, clean environment. The food is above average. Absolutely delicious!! read more

Saffron - This food is absolutely, stellar!! The service was amazing. Incredibly friendly staff. - Indian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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We are just returning from this terrible restaurant. Not only the food options for vegetarians were limited and tasteless, , real bad taste in my mouth was left by the customer service experience. We were a party of 6 including a 1 year old baby who is learning to eat solids on her own. She would obviously drop some food on the floor and we normally tip higher and cleanup the table as a courtesy. She hardly had some food in front of her that she was trying to eat and was dropping partially on the floor in the process - but one of the servers who apparently may have been the owner came out and said rudely is she done eating and does she eat like this at home? do you expect a 1 year to eat like an adult? Dont you clean tables after customers leave or did she cause you to actually work and clean. My wife took a clothe and actually cleaned the floor it. We are obviously not returning and wanted to leave this review to caution other families with younger kids about the terrible behavior. read more

This was our second visit to Saffron. It had been two years already and I'm wondering why we did not return sooner except that there are so many places to go. We arrived at 2:00 on a Friday evening and the place was deserted. I was a little concerned for the restaurant, but by the time we were eating the place was nicely busy. You have to go here on purpose, that's for sure. It is in a forlorn strip mall along Manchester, but it is a nice place and our service and food has been very professional both times. This time we were with the B's and were accompanied by a 10 year old bottle of CDP which we find to go well with Indian cuisine in general. Corkage is now $7.00 which is about the best we have found in the area, so good marks for that. We thought perhaps they had re-done their menu and like many Indian restaurants, Saffron's is extensive. We tried not to over-order, so no appetizers on this night. We diverged from the usual basket of naan and ordered a couple of styles of parathas which I think I am starting to like as well as, if not better than, naan. I particularly liked the laccha paratha. For main dishes we had channa palak (chick peas in spinach) and chicken korma. Both were very good. The spinach was light on the chickpeas, but well flavored and very smooth. The chicken korma was a little different from the usual creamy, sweet style. This was bright yellow and a little tangy. I really liked this. There was plenty of chicken for all four of us to share and it was tender and juicy. For our other dish, we went to the Chinese influenced section of the menu for gobi Manchurian. This is cauliflower, battered and fried, in soy sauce seasoned gravy. Ms T and I both liked the flavors, but the cauliflower is overcooked and hard to identify inside the breading. Each of our choices were different from the others and they all went well together. We ordered medium spicy (2 out of 5). Heat was noticeable but I need to try some in the 4-5 range. Based on two visits and not based on any particular expertise on my part, I place Saffron in the upper tier of Indian restaurants with Rasoi. Rasoi has a much better location, but Saffron is worth seeking out in West County. The four stars are solidified. read more

This place was amazing! My husband and I were looking for a quick place to eat after leaving the airport and saw another Indian place that prompted us to look for an Indian restaurant. After a quick Yelp search, found this place, and we were not disappointed. We ordered chicken biryani and chicken vindaloo with a side of garlic naan. The food was so flavorful and chicken so tender. On top of great food, service from the waiter & owner were both exceptional. It's so hard to find truly flavorful Indian/Pakistani food, especially when you're used to homemade. But this definitely ranks as one of the best Indian places. read more

We had the best dinner here tonight!! Everything was fresh and delicious. We arrived around 5:30pm, as did many other people. It's clearly a popular place for dine-in and take-out. Service was excellent - friendly, attentive, and helpful with menu selection. My partner loves spicy, whereas I have a pathetic tolerance, and most places don't meet our opposite spice level requests. Saffron nailed it!! We got the Seekh Kabob to start, then Garlic Naan, Chicken Makhani (mild), and Chicken Kadhai (spicy) for dinner. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and will certainly be returning again!! read more

Another yummy South Asian lunch buffet, open even on Sundays. I came with a friend who lives in West County and she swears by this place. The lunch buffet has a great variety. My favorite dish was the chile chicken, which has lots of onions and peppers in it. I especially liked that they bring fresh baskets of hot naan to your table as you eat. The staff here is very friendly. The owner stopped by our table and thanked us for coming in and engaged in some general chit chat. You can tell he has a lot of pride in his business. When I'm out this way, I won't hesitate to eat here again! read more

Saffron - Indian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I have tried multiple (at least 6+) different Indian restaurants in the St. Louis area, and not a single one compares to Saffron. The food is absolutely incredible. The staff is always courteous. Wait times for dine in/carry out are extremely reasonable even when placing large orders. Saffron is about 30+ minute drive from where I live but it's absolutely worth it. I have never had a single meal here that disappointed in anyway whatsoever. I truly can't speak any more hi read more

Just ordered takeout as I was craving their garlic cheesy bread and tikka masala. It's so delicious and they will come to your car. The service is always amazing and the servers are extremely friendly. read more

I picked up takeout tonight. The tandoori chicken was very dry . The naan and chicken tikka masala were very good.

My friend had been talking this place up for weeks. We finally went there last night, and it lived up every bit to his hype. We ordered a few dishes and a couple appetizers, and there wasn't a dish where I didn't say "Oh god!" after tasting. One of the best meals I've had all year. Friendly staff as well. Can't wait to go back. read more

Saffron - feast. - Indian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Deliciously rich chicken tikka masala & spinach with chickpeas. They also have an amazing onion chutney!!

Enjoyed lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant! Today we had Fish Vindaloo (be prepared... this dish starts at spice level 3!), Chicken Korma, rice, nan and Chai. DELICIOUS! We've enjoyed every dish we've ever eaten here. Service is great, decor is cozy and charming. Sad that they can't offer their buffet right now but maybe someday. The up-side is that when we order off the menu we have some extra to take home. Be aware they close between lunch and dinner and are closed on Tuesdays... but are so worth the visit. read more

Saffron - Fish Vindaloo - Indian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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The food was amazing but, the staff was absolutely awesome. They were very patient and friendly when my four year old was telling them all about his weekend. Made my kids fresh sparkling lemonade and at the end gave them mango smoothies to take with them on the ride home. Could not recommend this restaurant more. read more

When you first walk in there's no one to greet you or seat you just a sign that says to wait. We waited almost five minutes & no one came. My boyfriend headed through the dining area to figure out what was going on & at the same time a man comes towards me from the opposite direction without saying a word just staring. I then let him know we haven't been helped, he doesn't say much and walks us to a table. As he brings us water he tells us he wants to move us to a different table. It then took such a long time for someone to take our drink order & for our food to come out. Never in between did anyone check on us, to see if we needed more water, which we did, or ask how anything was. The chicken masala was very good with the perfect spice, the rice was perfectly cooked & the naan was buttery goodness. The service was AWFUL but the food was DELICIOUS. read more

Saffron - Indian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This is our favorite Indian restaurant in St. Louis. The food is consistently delicious (I recommend the tikka masala or the Korma), and the staff is always really pleasant. We have tried lots of Indian restaurants in the area, but we keep coming back to Saffron because it's the best we've found. Highly recommend it next time you're looking for good takeout or a quiet dinner out. read more

Cozy atmosphere. The service was very friendly and quick, although we were there before 6pm and it filled up after we arrived. We ordered the gobi lassanwalla appetizer which was delicious. For dinner we ordered palak paneer at level 3 heat, navaratan korma (level 2), chicken makhani (level 2) and medley vindaloo (level 2). All were very good with the vindaloo being the spiciest. We liked the chicken makhani better than chicken tikka masalas we've had in the past at other restaurants. We will come back. read more

Saffron - Indian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Get the chicken tikka masala and the lamb vindaloo. I get them with a three on the spice level and it's all me and my honey can take. You might be braver than me. Ha ha ha! I've eaten at a lot of Indian restaurants and Saffron is by far the best I've had. Go and experience it for yourself, you will not be disappointed! read more

I have been dining at Saffron for years. When available, the buffet is always wonderful. They include favorites like tikka masala and curry chicken along with a rotating list of their other dishes and I always find something I love. For the full menu, we have had chicken tikka masala (prepared to your specified spice level) which is delicious and full of big chunks of white meat chicken, Navaratan korma (fantastic, not spicy at all), chili chicken (very oily, not a favorite), Hakka noodles (too garlicky but love everything else about it), tandoori chicken (very traditional and done perfectly), and veggie samosas (fantastic, best thing ever and the sauces are amazing). The staff are always wonderful, food is always hot and well packed for carry out, and food is prepared when they say it will be. Just a great restaurant all around and I'm so grateful to have it nearby. read more

Response to owners comment: you said I would not get bad treatment if I didn't give bad treatment? Did I rush my whole family to hurry up and eat at 2pm when you close at 230pm? NO! Did I start putting all the food away and cleaning while we were still in the restaurant? NO! Did I have to sit and wait until one of your slow waiters decided to refill my empty drink so I didn't choke on your dry and tasteless food? YES! The difference in my kids bill was the cherry on top that pushed me over the edge and I had to say something! If you cared about my kids "tender hearts" you wouldn't bring a bill with a $1 difference for them. You're a arrogant and rude criminal and YOU should be ashamed of yourself for treating customers the way you do, not to mention the identify theft you were charged with! read more

Went for a dinner on Friday night food was flavorful and large portions. Got an appetizer platter but it was too much. Next time just naan and a tikka masala. Lot of older couples. Seems like a regular exotic hang out. Gonna check out their lunches read more

As I read these other reviews, I wonder. Maybe the chef was having a bad day, or maybe the support crew was at helm last evening. Chicken korma.. a staple. A gift of the 16 century Mughal kitchens...presented in royal feasts...now transformed by the culinary genius of saffron to a insipid sauce in which floats boiled chunks of breast meat. Take a bite and you can make out these chunks which taste like globs of paper maChe had had a very brief introduction with the yellow muck in which they swim. All is not lost..at least the old faithful tandoor was turning out good naans/rotis. I must admire the audacity for trying to copy the Hakka Chowmein...a street food favorite from Kolkata. OH..please do something with the noodles, just don't boil them and serve them.Let's be brave and use some spices, sauces, ginger..something...anything.. Grade F. serious effort is required. read more

The BEST Indian food in St Louis. The staff is very friendly, I love the atmosphere and the Chicken Tikka Masala is absolutely delicious.

This is my favorite Indian food location in St. Louis area. I often come here with friends to get the lunch buffet. There is a great variety of food and delicious healthier choices. The desert is so good. Today I had cheese and sweet syrup for desert and it was rich and yummy. Every time we visit we are pleased with the food and the cleanliness. The service is always pleasant. If you order off the menu for dinner it can be expensive. That being said you usually have leftovers. read more

Great place to go for a night out. The food is great and all the staff is attentive without hovering. I like hot food and they are good at matching the spice wanted with the diner's wishes. We hit this place pretty regularly and haven't had a bad experience yet. Try the lunch buffets to try everything they offer. read more

Good food. Just don't be in a hurry. Service is more than slow and unpleasant. Sad experience.

Took the wife there as we wanted to try a new Indian buffet place in town. I usually don't have very high expectations of Indian restaurants in town but this one was very disappointing (to say it subtly). Started with some pakodas (snacks) and they very cold. Pakodas are supposed to be warm at the least if not hot. Next tried the daal makhani and it was as bland as one can possibly make it. Daal makhani is supposed to have cream in it and full of flavor and there was none to be found. Next, the tandoori chicken (one of the most popular Indian chicken recipes) was not at all juicy and had no flavor to it. Tandoori chicken is something (I know) American's love and this place had the worst I have ever tried in recent years. You need to have some chaat masala and lemon with the tandoori chicken and there was none. Next the chicken biryaani was nowhere close to what you can get at some other places in town. Chicken curry was barely warm and again bland. I make 100 times better chicken curry myself than these guys. On top of the horrible food, the service and environment was no good either. The place was clean but the servers could not even smile or say thank you as common courtesy. The A/C was not effective at all...they had put floor fans for customers. C'mon guys...basic etiquettes. The only good thing (and I am being nice here) was the kheer (rice pudding). However, they cut corners there too...made it with the cheapest rice you can get. It was the tiniest rice I have ever had. My mom has made kheer for us all our lives (and I have had at other places too) so I know what I am talking about. All in all a very disappointed visit and we plan to stay away from this one. I know they try to make Indian food Americanized so locals who can't take too much spice can avoid it. Indian food is not about making it hot but using the right spices in the right amount to make food authentic. FYI - I was born and raised in India and know what large variety of Indian food tastes like. read more

One of our favorite places to dine after a weekend shopping in the nearby mall. We always got their chicken Biriyani. It is our favorite and is not too spicy. They usually take some time to prepare the food, but the food has always been delicious. It has been awhile since we visited as we moved. read more

Saffron is my favorite Indian restaurant in the county. I have had dinner here several times and also tried their weekend buffet. Service is always good. When there was a line, the waiters came check on us every few minutes to let us know seat would be available soon. KADHAI lamb is one of my favorites. read more

We call in carry out from here a couple times a month. It is pretty solid Indian. We have eaten in the restaurant but we don't enjoy the atmosphere, maybe it is the color of the walls and the intensity of the staff, they are professional but always seem frustrated. The dining area is clean and well done just kinda dark and sterile just not our cup of chai. Anyway, the Lamb Madras is great. Naan is super fresh and the chicken Tikka is also very good. If you are craving Indian cuisine this place won't disappoint. read more

I went to eat here a short while ago. The quality of food here is very poor compared with most other Indian restaurants in town, such Anis Hyderabad, Pryaa, Haveli or House of India. There are lots of quality Indian restaurants in St Louis and this one is not one of them. Don't waste your money at this restaurant. The tandoori chicken was untasty and the Mango Lasi was stale. They had no much variety to choose from like most other places I have been to .The rice was too dry. The manager is a very rude man. Will never go back . read more

If there is a 0 star they would definitely get it. First I visited them with couple of friends for lunch and probably the worst customer service experience I ever had. They had a lunch buffet which was mediocre. The server was extremely rude and asked us if we were going to finish all of our food. Which we have always done . He compared it to Indian man and stated that they take a lot off food and waste it. I have never in my life have been asked that at any restaurant. It was extremely rude and unprofessional. By reading many of their other reviews it is not the first time someone complained about their customer service. Second issue the waiter charged my bank card twice. When I called them the same idiot answered and told me the "smarter" thing to do is to call my bank, Instead of apologizing and excepting his error. When I called the bank and talked to their dispute department they advised me that the restaurant needs to take care of it, all it takes is the restaurant to issue a refund. They have lost my business for sure and most likely of my friends and family read more

The closing time on the website says 10 pm and they refused to seat us at 9:20 pm. The server had a grin on his face and the manager was extremely rude and asked to leave saying "This is my property, leave!". read more

We came for the lunch buffet on a Saturday. The restaurant was surprisingly busy but they had it all under control. The ambiance is dark and calm. It was a little too warm in there for my liking, but it wasn't terrible. The food: Delicious. They had several varieties of chicken curry, tikki masala, goat and fish. Two kinds of rice and several sides. They had a rice pudding, diced fruit mix and a delicious mango custard for desert options. The servers were all very nice. From what I saw, it seemed so though they approached the floor in a team position. We were helped and served by several different people, all exceedingly friendly and incredibly polite. The manager/owner was going around to tables talking to regulars and making sure everyone was happy with their experience. He was very personable and happy. We stuffed ourselves and we were happy with the service. I had wished while I was eating, it was a bit cooler in the dining room, as well as having a little more light over the tables would have been helpful. I wish I had the option to give half stars because I certainly would do 4.5. read more

We lived in Malaysia for a year and ate a lot of authentic Indian food multiple times each week. Saffron is equally as authentic and the absolute best I have found in St. Louis. The staff is friendly and helpful and happy to adjust for different tastes. It is also clean and comfortable. Great as dine in or take out! When Indian food is what you are looking for I highly recommend Saffron. My fav is the Chicken Madras but the Fish Curry is also fantastic! read more