Saffron Restaurant & Lounge

09/22/08

How are you feeling, Warf? NOT GOOD, sir!

by SubliminalVocoder

Sure, everything was gourmet, except for the food. But for those of you without with a very discriminating pallet, you may well not notice how the giant beans Tapas?esque teaser/appetizer is WAY over spiced with dill, and that the Greek Extra Virgin olive oil used was ? on the way to being ran(id (you know, when what should have been a peppery banana/green lawn bouquet is just slightly banana like, with a sort of weak oleic ran(id flavor on top). I'm going to be candid. For Minnesota, I suppose the food was OK (that is not to say there aren't a few fine gems in Minnesota,, there are.) But if Saffron was, for instance, in Big Apple, it would be out of business in short order. Why do I say this? The food is only so so. For instance, many of the menu items mention truffle (that initially scared me, and guess what,, my fears were well founded.) STAY AWAY from Saffron if the thought of heavy drizzle of Trader Joe?s black truffle oil makes you queasy. Things like this may well go unnoticed to most, and those who pretend to have godly taste, but if you have a very discriminating pallet, and the flavor and quality of the food are the primary reasons you are going here, do yourself a favor and spend ? the money at India Palace in Woodbury, Pun(h Neapolitan Pizza (4 locations now), or Sea Salt. And if you need to spend a lot of money to impress someone (and have a meal you will never forget), go to Savory?s in Stillwater. I just named the four best restaurants in twin cities region. Oh, and one other ? the McDonalds in Bloomington (next to Groth music, it?s the regional training MCK?Dees). So much money and research has gone into the McDonalds recipes, that when the food is served correctly (fresh & hot), it truly can be a gourmet experience. Sorry Saffron, it just didn?t work. I suppose as long as you remain only in Minneapolis, you will survive. *Hint, (=c. Sorry, they detected the words as offensive.

• Pros: Eclectic, Eastern
• Cons: Amateurishly executed, except for the meat kabbs

High-end lounge off of Nicollet Mall offers Mediterranean specialities like beef kubbeh, yogurt cheese, lamb shoulder and more.

by Molly Priesmeyer

There's a reason this Mediterranean restaurant is one of the Twin Cities' most raved-about dining spots: Saffron puts the finishing touches on all of its Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and ensures its service is as lovely as the presentation. This is a contemporary, swanky downtown joint that never feels stuffy or pretentious; in fact, most everything here, including the fresh ingredients, comes naturally. Entrees include chicken rubbed with exotic spices and tahini, salmon and clam "tagine," and succulent lamb shoulder. From the hummus to the inspired desserts, Saffron easiily delights out-of-town guests and Middle-Eastern foodies alike.

07/05/08

Best Food Ever

by JinMN

This is the first restaurant that impressed us so much that we feel compelled to write a review.

Mediterranean / Middle eastern restaurants are quite sparse in the Twin Cities, compared to say Montreal (home for one of us). So far the two best options were Babani's and Caspian. The menu at Saffron is very different, though, offering contemporary re-interpretations of some middle eastern dishes and staying away from those that would not distinguish it from other restaurants. There are several very interesting and tasty non-alcoholic drinks.

The quality of the ingredients is very high and fresh spices are said to be ground every week. Preparation is first class, and presentation is beautiful. The servers are pleasant, helpful and know every detail of the dishes. The ambience of the dining area is warm, clean and contemporary. All of this combined into an unexpectedly enjoyable experience.

The most tasty items for the evening have to be the Kofta meatballs and the goat cheese majdool date tart accompanying the duck breast.

I noticed some reviewers complaining about parking. While we found on-street parking, there is also a garage accross the street on 2nd Ave, so this should not be a concern.

• Pros: Excellent food, very reasonable prices (particularly for the small plates)
• Cons: Location

06/22/08

Excellent, excellent food and service. One of the best in the area.

by dstucke

We have dined at Saffron a number of times starting shortly after they opened. Saed is the consumate "front man", warm and engaging, making everyone feel welcome in true Middle Eastern style. As other reviews attest, the food is excellent and true to it's origins. My wife and I lived in the Middle East for nine years and have to say this is, without question, the best Middle Eastern food we have found. We have taken out-of-town guests and have recommended Saffron to many. My only hope is that continue to remain in the area!

• Pros: Great food, excellent service, great value.
• Cons: None

11/27/07

Saffron restaurant, Dining experience

by zistyle

I feel compelled to write to you about a meal that I experienced (and I use this term intentionally) at Saffron in downtown Minneapolis last week, because the flavors from that exquisite meal are still lingering in my mouth. The chef, as I learned, from meeting the owner Saed (an affable and astute business man), is all of 24 years old. I am and was simply stunned. His instinct for fine cuisine is exceptional. I say this having grown up with good food and around good cooks.

My companion and I shared the lamb shoulder with lamb bacon, harissa and chickpeas and the Barramundi fish in browned butter with orzo and tomato comfit. (I felt I should know the precise dishes, so I called the restaurant for details.) We shared, because both dishes were so well prepared that neither of us wanted to miss out. The entrees were so fantastic that the meze and dessert went into oblivion memory wise, so unfortunately, I cannot comment on them. I just know that the appetizer, dessert and wine were in perfect harmony with the main courses, in both weight and flavor. The server we had was great?noninvasive but always ready to assist or to give informed advice.

I care passionately about good food and good service. I worked in the fine dining business for years; I can honestly say that the meal I had at Saffron was a perfect dining experience.

Sincerely,

Zi Ata

• Pros: Perfect meal

09/02/07

Every course was perfection

by julesrocksmn

All I can say is you must try the Beef Carpaccio, Leek and feta tart, Duck entree and the Escargot pasta.

We tried almost all the apps since they were small, everthing was seasoned to perfection. The service was informative ,which is great because everything was so unusually spiced. I can honestly say that this was the best meal I have had in years!!! I highly recommend this spot!

• Pros: The food, service, atmosphere
• Cons: can't find any

08/08/07

Fantastic Mediterranean-GO NOW

by martthi

This place should be packed it's so good! The staff is so nice. The owner takes pride in his place and you can see it! He came over and thanked us and was very personable. BUT the food speaks for itself. We had several Mezza plates (small plates) and chose to do the chef's selection which was awesome. The feta is so fresh as well as the homemade sausages etc. I had the lamb which melted in your mouth the flavors were awesome. My boyfriend had the salmon and it was insanely good!

The bar is very big so go and get a drink, have some Mezza, and well you must have the lamb or salmon!

08/07/07

Raving on Saffron

by jakecoded

I am by no means a connoisseur in the culture of culinary arts or fine dining however a GEM can be spotted by anyone with an ounce of erudition. CONSISTENTLY amazing. Cleanliness, food quality, service, and ambience are all of highest caliber.

Saffron is inviting with its warm glow of low-toned red hued lit windows emanating their uniquely etched like decor out onto the street. Walking in is like getting a hug from an old friend you haven?t seen in awhile. When entering the restaurant you are enveloped into a calm ambience of soft light that bounces off the noticeable style and shape of colored glass hanging objects. Saffron has white clothe tables that contrast the darker brick walls and floor. This serves well as it highlights appropriately the most enjoyable aspect, the food! The seemingly whimsical but genius approach of these magnificent food creations come from Chef Sameh Wadi.

Taste is top but presentation is a king! You can tell that there is time and energy put into these labor intensive dishes. Each occasion I start with several Mezze which are tasting plates and then move it to small dish servings. Mezzes are a culmination of tangy flavors that stir a highly receptive palate and inspire an excited appetite. Small plate choices have additional variety and barrages of flavor but also have a little more substance to them. If you feel the need to, moving into the entrees your surefire new amore is going to be the beef strip loin.

I very highly recommend this establishment for a date or for a few drinks with some friends at the bar or lounge. In this mixing bowl we have a feel of upscale and contemporary sprinkled with a little bit of that youthful energy that could only be produced by an amazing 23 year old co-owner and Chef. There are no disappointments here. Go experience, you will be satisfied. It is a great place to start the night if you are out downtown.

08/04/07

Lovely meal!

by amanecer_3224

My husband & I had dinner here recently on a Saturday night. The service was excellent, and our waiter was especially attentive and knowledgeable. We had the blue crab salad and the vegetable bisteeya. The blue crab salad had a nice avocado base that was very creamy. I would recommend both! I had the salmon & clam tagine and my husband had the lamb. Both were excellent, and the lamb practically melted in your mouth. I had the chocolate mousse cake for dessert, and he had the creme brulee. The chocolate cake was very good, but the creme brulee was absolutely wonderful. It was chilled with a blueberry and tart base. It also had a lemon verbana foam on the side. Lovely flavors and a surprising treat. My only suggestion would be that they add another choice or two to the dessert menu. Overall, a fabulous restaurant that I highly recommend.

• Pros: Excellent food and inventive flavors
• Cons: Somewhat limited dessert menu

05/29/07

Avoid saturday Nights

by mjabbar

From other reviews expected a great experience going there with party of 9. What a disappointment. The dinner took close to two and a half hours. The server was no place to be found for re-ordering drinks. The meals were brought to the table one or two at a time with delays between each delivery. Worst of all, the manger (Part Owner) explained to us that the kitchen is backed up since they have stations for different entry and out table had multiple of same food and that caused delay. I would also stay away from the BASS (too fishy). However, the appetizers were good.

• Pros: Can Not think of any
• Cons: Service, Parking