SAFFRON KITCHEN, RESTAURANT & BAR

Great place with great people. It was right after rain and we had to sit outside because of dogs, not only did the staff go out of their way to dry everything and provide padding, but they were also kind to our dogs. Food was absolutely amazing and we loved the authentic flavors. Highly recommend Lentils and barley soup, great for cold days

We had a fabulous lunch at Saffron Kitchen. The service and everything we ate was delicious. We started with the Mantu, which was the most delicious dumplings we’ve ever tasted. Perhaps it’s because this might have been the first time we ate in such a fantastic Afgan restaurant! When we looked at the dessert menu options, the manager encouraged us to try their Fermi, a milk pudding. Based on his recommendation, we decided to try it and it was outstanding. However, when we went to pay, our server said the Fermi was “ on the house”! When I went to thank the manager, he told us that he was delighted that we enjoyed our lunch and hoped we enjoyed our visit with our daughter. We were very touched by his generosity and by our absolutely delicious lunch.

Being in this restaurant felt like being in a close friend’s home. All of the staff were incredibly nice and they felt like family of a really, really close friend if not family of my own. The food was absolutely delicious. I ended up over-eating because of how good it was lol. I didn’t particularly enjoy their Greek 510 drink, but that was just because of my own taste preferences there was nothing wrong with the drink. Also they were nice enough to make me a new drink which I just settled for what I knew and got a margarita. myself, and my two friends thoroughly enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, and the service. One of my friends even connected with one of the other diners who paid our bill, it was a huge heartwarming surprise to find out at the end of our meal when we asked for the check that it was paid already. The guest who paid was already gone so we couldn’t thank them personally but we are so grateful and I am planning to pay it forward. 🥰 I absolutely can’t wait to come back here. 😋

Overall Saffron is nice - good food, relatively well priced to the area (except for the greek salad), nice friendly waitress. they treated us well for our bday celebration giving us FIRNI which is a MUST try. The food: 4 stars - good homemade style that was all well executed with standouts being their yogurt sauce & chutneys that sprinkles a little bit of magic flavor on everything, firni dessert, butternut squash, and appetizers generally. Their dumpling appetizer stands out as different though the eggplant pakora was more deep fried goodness most would enjoy. The vegetarian plate was good but the marinated butternut squash was the star there. simple, but flavorful and sweet. The best was by far the firni dessert though. That was a party in your mouth. I'm not a big flan or rice pudding texture type of gal, but that was amazing. It had tons of saffron, cardamom, and rose water + nuts & coconuts for additional texture inside. Would go back just for that. -1 star and almost -2 stars for the offensiveness of their greek salad. $18 for a plat of romaine lettuce, what looked like packaged sprinkled feta cheese, and a few pieces of tomatoes and olives. Service: 4 stars, waitress was nice and attentive and recommended good dishes. Good but not the wow service i've experienced rarely at some places. Atmosphere: interesting contrast of a bar but with white tablecloth and slightly below street level of college avenue. patio is nice on a sunny day because there's shade but warmth, but some street noise. Verdict: would i go back? probably. would it be top of mind? not necessarily.

The service was very good. The waiter was smart and know about the food. Nice place to have lunch or dinner... I would definitely come back.

My boyfriend and I had heard really good things about this new spot and decided to stop in for a late lunch. We sat at the bar and were greeted by a dashing bartender by the name of Jesse. His cocktail knowledge was much appreciated because neither of us knew what we were in the mood for. He whipped us up his new creation he was working on and might I say it was absolutely delicious! It had the perfect balance of bitter and refreshing. The presentation of all his drinks were top notch to boot. We ordered the potato pakora for appetizer based on Jesse's recommendation and split the lamb kabob plate. Both were very flavorful and hit the spot. We'll definitely be back soon!

Enjoyed a pleasant lunch with 6 of us at table, sharing dishes amongst ourselves. Each dish was delicious and beautifully presented. Mocktails were fun to watch being prepared and tasty too. Service professionals were helpful, kind, joyful and non-intrusive. I appreciated eating on a white tablecloth with cloth napkins. The chef or manager (?) visited our table a few times, first to make recommendations and answer questions, then to check on our reactions. Charming comfortable ambience. Prices were good value.

Omg. Omg. Omg. YUM. Saffron Kitchen will be on a regular rotation for me going forward. I've only had Afghani food once or twice, but this is another level. The menu has plenty of options but they all fit onto one page; I am not a fan of menus that go on for 3-4 pages. Also, there are many beverage choices, and their cocktails are pretty good. The steamed dumplings - the Mantu - was heavenly. I am a discerning Chinese dumpling eater, and I was over the moon with every bite of this dish. I had to refrain from licking the plate. Of course, we had to have lamb, and we struggled to decide because there were so many options. We landed on the lamb kabob; my friend and I kept cutting the lamb into smaller and smaller pieces so we could have more and more bites to savor. Then we had a veggie sampler because we couldn't decide which veggie we wanted. We got to taste the eggplant, the spinach, and the butternut squash. Everything was great, but the butternut squash shined. The restaurant has so many beautiful spaces to dine. First, a fancy parklet and patio area set a level below the street for those who want to dine outside in the fresh air. Inside, there is a main dining section that is cozy and comfortable, with a decent bar. There also is a pretty stunning private dining room. The service was the highlight. Our server was extremely attentive, and other wait staff checked in on us. If you're not familiar with Afghan food, the staff will be more than delighted to explain it to you. You'll be missing out if you don't try it! Finally, the prices are incredibly reasonable for what they offer you. What a welcome addition to the community.

Really tasty food, nicely presented. The salmon kebab was outstanding. Service is great. Staff is really friendly and welcoming.

This place was actually amazing and so happy I came across it as it's so close and just a little further down College Ave. The atmosphere was warm and calming w/ great service! We came in towards the end of the night and the staff were still supper accommodating. Every dish was amazing and so flavorful. I got the Qabuli Pallaw which was so flavorful w/ the fragrant rice & perfectly cooked chicken. The dumpling appetizer was so good and the potato app was like a deconstructed samosa that was flaky & buttery. The pistachio ice cream was also super good so definitely get that if you have room for dessert! I will definitely be back

Enjoyed a pleasant lunch with 6 of us at table, sharing dishes amongst ourselves. Each dish was delicious and beautifully presented. Mocktails were fun to watch being prepared and tasty too. Service professionals were helpful, kind, joyful and non-intrusive. I appreciated eating on a white tablecloth with cloth napkins. The chef or manager (?) visited our table a few times, first to make recommendations and answer questions, then to check on our reactions. Charming comfortable ambience. Prices were good value.

Just okay with several annoyances. The okay part is the food and quiet ambience. I had to ask for water 3 times No complimentary bread on table We were splitting an entree but not provided with additional plate Bloody Mary very heavy on worchester sauce. Won't return

My previous review was for the bar and happy hour. Since, we've Doordashed SK several times and the food is phenomenal. The quality of the lamb, chicken and salmon was fantastic and the char, perfect. Portions were generous and the sauces they provide made the meal. Our next goal is to make it in to the dining room!

Fantastic staff, Great Happy hour and yummy food. Try their special cocktail by master mixologist, Jesse. We will definitely be back.

What a wonderful dining experience! The outdoor seating / patio is nice especially when the weather outside is sunny and warm. (The entire surrounding neighborhood is nice tbh) We ordered the eggplant pakora as an appetizer and the chicken/beef combination to share. Overall the food was good. A step up above other local spots perhaps. The presentation is a nice touch. The sauces (ranging from mild to spicier) is also a nice to have. Food wise, the pakora was the star of the show: crunchy, not dry, saucy .. Overall I would say this is a good and peaceful date spot or a place you can take your friends / family. Then you can go to the Trader Joe's / Philz / or Boba Guys after :)

I got the charbroiled chicken kabob plate and my friend got the mantu and butternut squash with meat sauce. I realized I'm not a huge fan of charbroiled chicken because it tasted a bit burnt but that's just a personal preference. My dish was a little dry, but the sauces on the side helped with that. The mantu was delicious and I would highly recommend it. The lamb dumplings paired with this yogurt sauce were amazing--I don't think I've ever had anything like that before. I'm not particularly into butternut squash, so I didn't enjoy that dish as much, but I liked how creamy it was.

THIS... is miyeeeee plaaaace! Oh. Em. Gee. Lemme tell ya, lemme tell ya! Saffron Kitchen impresses like no other! I'm so incredibly excited to have Saffron's uniqueness in this neighborhood. Rockridge really needed something like this. Something fresh, hip, and authentic. I love it to pieces, bay-bee! First things first; the happy hour is the bomb.com! I'll admit that this is what got me hooked initially. The cocktails are strong, delicious, and made with love. The FOOD... dear Lordt. Mm hmm... Lord with that added T at the end. The food is the most flavorful. The seasonings, the spices, the consistency; all perfecto. You can get a nice sampling of some of their specialties from their happy hour menu. But, you mustn't miss out on having dinner here. The beef kabobs are my favorite item on their menu right now. The beef is just so tender and juicy. I love when they take them off of the hot skewer and put them on the plate. It doesn't get any fresher than that, baby! They are so damn flavorful and delicious. But, I could literally go on about several items on their menu. Their mantus are top tier. I'm talking melting in your mouth goodness. The house made middle eastern naan is to die for, especially when dipped in their chutneys. The samosas, the salmon, the shrimp skewers... I mean Geezus. Every single that I've put in mouth here has been sensational. Aside from the food and drink, the SERVICE is absolutely phenomenal! The staff is so amazing! Akbar and Abdul are so kind! They certainly run the place with passion and great direction. You will always find one of them there holding down the fort and making sure that everything is operating smoothly. My favorite bartenders Risa and Jargie are exceptional! They are so sweet and observant. I love chatting with them and they both know how to make a mean cocktail. The vibe is so awesome here. Low key but also elegant. I often come on week nights to wind down after work, and I always leave feeling so good and happy that I came. Yeeeaaah. This is my place. My local little gem. I am so grateful to have them in the neighborhood and I hope they stay around for many years to come! Thank YOU Saffron for being amazing! MUAH!

Surprisingly delicious! We have been meaning to try this place for a while now, and happened to be in Rockridge so stopped by for dinner. We ordered salmon kebabs, a number of different hardy lentil and potato soups, dumplings, a Mediterranean salad, and a number of other items. Everything was uniquely delicious and well seasoned. Service was prompt and attentive, and we enjoyed the outdoor seating. Don't miss it!!

Good food and atmosphere - service was also very good. Prices are a little high for a couple of skewers. Convenient to BART

The food was delicious. I had lamb kabobs and dumplings to start. Both were wonderfully seasoned and prepared. I also had a couple of cocktails that were creative and very tasty. The service was excellent. I was here on a Monday so it wasn't crowded. Definitely will be back.

great food, reasonable prices, great service. Had combination skewers. Baklava was great.

Dinner for 5 on Friday evening without reservations. Seated in side room - well appointed with white tablecloths and napkins. Service was attentive and friendly. Prices were reasonable and portions were generous. Food was outstanding- flavorful, balanced, fresh. Well worth a visit.

Had lunch in Dec 2024 with friends. Lovely setting, tasty and fresh food, patient (we took a long time to order) and helpful service! A shout out to Jesse who served us. He even took time to teach us about the drinks served there. I look forward to trying his creation.

Yesterday my boyfriend and I ate here for a late lunch. We were in the mood for middle eastern food but wanted to try something new and Saffron Kitchens good reviews made us come here. I immediately loved the decor and outdoor seating because on every table was Rumi quotes. We ordered the potato pakora and chive dumplings with meat sauce. Both were 10/10 for flavor and texture! We were so impressed at the flavor and it got even better when they brought out the 3 different chutneys! For our main we ordered the chicken kabob plate and it was also tasty, but we both agreed the appetizers were our favorite. The charbroiled taste was good but was almost too much. We also ordered a mango lassi (sooo good!) and Turkish tea (very light flavor). Our server was friendly and helpful and we felt very attended too. We are already talking about when we can come again to try more of the menu!

I would give Saffron Kitchen 20 stars if I could. The food and service from this place was absolutely phenomenal. Our household loves mediterranean food, so after a long day of shopping on College Avenue, it only made sense that we would stop here for dinner. The moment I walked in, I was awestruck by the beauty of the restaurant's design and architecture. The inside is absolutely gorgeous. The owner warmly approached me with a smile and took my order. He also patiently answered any questions that I had about the dishes and helped me make a decision about what to purchase. We settled on chicken and shrimp kebabs, as well as qurma. Everything was delicious! I can't wait to come back.

Very sweet older man was our server for the night. He might have been the owner. Welcoming vibes, smiled a lot, checked in on us frequently. Ordered the Combination Kabobs ($23). Comes with chicken and beef. The chicken was good, but the beef was likely overcooked and a bit dry. Baghlava & Ice Cream ($12) - nice combo of the warm baklava and cold ice cream.

Omg. Omg. Omg. YUM. Saffron Kitchen will be on a regular rotation for me going forward. I've only had Afghani food once or twice, but this is another level. The menu has plenty of options but they all fit onto one page; I am not a fan of menus that go on for 3-4 pages. Also, there are many beverage choices, and their cocktails are pretty good. The steamed dumplings - the Mantu - was heavenly. I am a discerning Chinese dumpling eater, and I was over the moon with every bite of this dish. I had to refrain from licking the plate. Of course, we had to have lamb, and we struggled to decide because there were so many options. We landed on the lamb kabob; my friend and I kept cutting the lamb into smaller and smaller pieces so we could have more and more bites to savor. Then we had a veggie sampler because we couldn't decide which veggie we wanted. We got to taste the eggplant, the spinach, and the butternut squash. Everything was great, but the butternut squash shined. The restaurant has so many beautiful spaces to dine. First, there is a fancy parklet and patio area set a level below the street for those who want to dine outside in the fresh air. Inside, there is a main dining section that is cozy and comfortable, with a decent bar. There also is a pretty stunning private dining room. The service was the highlight. Our server was extremely attentive, and other wait staff checked in on us. If you're not familiar with Afghan food, the staff will be more than delighted to explain it to you. You'll be missing out if you don't try it! Finally, the prices are incredibly reasonable for what they offer you. What a welcome addition to the community.

Such lovely food!! We held a team event in their special room (with lots of light!), and they took exquisite care of us. It was a perfect location.

Lovely Afghani restaurant in Rockridge, steps from the bart station! Plenty of vegetarian options! For appetizers we got the crispy eggplant pakora with a creamy yogurt sauce, and potato bolani. I had trouble deciding what to get for main so went with the Vegetarian combo-- tasty and vibrant! I even enjoyed the leftovers later at home. Staff were attentive and helpful. The restaurant feels a bit more formal and prices align with that. I've already recommended this place to friends!

Saffron Kitchen is conveniently located in the Rockridge neighborhood. The service is good. We were warmly greeted, immediately, and encouraged to sit wherever we wanted. The Greek salad was AWESOME. The veggies were fresh and delish. I ordered the combo kebab and it was meh. The steak was a bit overcooked and the chicken was a bit dry. The sauces helped. I was expecting saffron rice, but the rice had other distinct flavors that I wasn't fond of. The bread was fresh and tasty. Nice ambience and a great place for people watching.

This restaurant is the definition of a "hidden gem". Extremely tasty and well made Afghan-inspired food, ambient music, cozy environment, and very respectful and friendly staff. On top of everything, the price is so very reasonable; 1000% justifies the quality. Unlike a vast majority of restaurants in California where 18% tip to start with is somehow a norm, this place prioritizes quality and customer experience. Excellent experience and local business overall! We finished everything and would for sure come back again!

Can't believe it took so long for me to discover this fantastic Afghan/Mediterranean restaurant located in Rockridge. The aushak dumpling was so soft/chewy/flavorful and the lamb kabob tender/juicy. I don't know how they do it. They bring you a saucer of three different chutneys, each amazing in their own way. You'll have to resist the urge to take each one as a shot. Only downside is parking can be difficult in this area, so you may spend some time driving down residential side streets. Sorry no pics, ate too quickly.

I've been there twice with my family. Afghan food is excellent. Staff is attentive and restaurant has a great open ambiance.

So good! These photos were from the beginning and end of meal. During the meal was too distracted by the yumminess. Food was amazing - mantu was yummy, eggplant pakora - SO GOOD ordered like two extra times more...butternut squash - so good. Lamb kebab... banging everything was so good and the owners were so awesome and accommodating. Thanks for having us and making this a great meal and time!

This is the best meal I've had in a very long time!! The hosts are incredibly personable, make great recommendations, and the chef even came out to greet us because we were absolutely floored by the food. The qabuli pallaw with chicken just melts in your mouth, the eggplants are perfectly creamy and spiced, and the bread! I could eat infinite amounts. We also tried the Aushak which is delightful! We also tried the Ferni for dessert and it was mind-boggling. Please eat here! At least once a week!

Lovely little restaurant for a warm day. Outdoor seating and very open indoor seating. Food was nice. Ordered 4 appetizers to share with a friend. They were all kinda similar, but well prepared. Service was attentive.

Yes, another solid restaurant for me. I had the Lamb and Spinach Qurma and it was good. I did add one of the three starter sauces (yogurt) for the lamb and that enhanced the flavors. My hubby had the Combination Kabob and he liked it. However, he does prefer the Kabobs at Persian Nights Restaurant in Oakland. The Eggplants Pakora was perfectly creamy and fried. Lastly, I love that the restaurant is spacious, it set a nice mood for me to connect with my bestie. Note: They have a $25 corkage fee.

My partner and I craved for basmati rice meal. So, we tried this place and we loved it. Servers are accommodating. The place is cozy too.

1st, the service couldn't have been better. Everyone who came to our table was welcoming and friendly. We were able to eat in the annex just outside the main restaurant but the staff were always checking to see if we needed anything. The food was exceptional. Each one of us had a different entree but everyone was delicious. My father and brother said they don't like Afgani food, but they love this food in a big way.

Great food, lovely atmosphere, solid service. The cocktails and mocktails were very interesting and unique and tasty. The pakoras were thick and fluffy with a crispy outside. The flatbread was soft and airy and buttery with the 3 super flavorful chutneys. The dumplings were similar to other cuisines but had some very unique sauce flavors and there was quite a lot of nice ground lamb inside. And the chicken and steak shish kebobs were quite good.

The food and service were amazing at Saffron Kitchen! My family and I ordered and shared lamb kabobs, beef, chicken and an egg plant dish. All were so tasty, full of flavor. The staff were so welcoming and warm, including the owner. It was our first time here tonight but we would love to return! The ambiance was lovely, especially the patio area where we sat. Perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.

We went there for our team holiday lunch. The restaurant is located below street level and was bright and comfortable. It wasn't too crowded which made it nicer to talk. The food and service were great! We shared several appetizers, salad, and dessert. I'm looking forward to taking my husband there for dinner soon.

Magnificent value happy hour menu. Amazing flavors of Afghanistan in the mantu app. Friendly service by Ryan at the bar as well as other staff.

Had a great lunch today, ordered a few dishes and everything came out delicious Service was good and quick, even though a few groups of people came at the same time. If you are in the area, this is great stop for lunch or dinner

We went to Saffron for the first time, and we had a great time. The service was excellent. The food was fantastic, from the appetizers to the lunch; everything was great. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for good food and a pleasant atmosphere. We had appetizers and lunch, and each one was excellent. Appetizer: 1) Eggplants Pakora 2) Potato Pakora Main Dish: 1) Lamb Chop 2) Combination Kabobs Finally, our dessert: 1) Baghlava: I believe this was homemade and fantastic. You have to try this for sure. 2) Ferni

Very different but enticing menu. All 3 dinner choices were excellent. The pot stickers of lamb were wonderful. As were the beef, lamb and chicken choices. The watermelon salad was enough for 3 yo share. Vey happy choices and portions allowed take home leftovers.

This is our new favorite spot on the College Ave corridor. There simply aren't enough good Afghan restaurants in the Oakland/Berkeley area. PRO-TIP: On a budget? Go to the happy hour. Its Tuesday - Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. Lots of discounted food items. They stop serving this menu promptly at 6pm, so don't dawdle. For an appetizer, we tried the potato pakora. Its crisp potatoes, topped with house-made yogurt, and meat sauce. At $9, its a steal for the portion size. Then we jumped into the Lamb Kabob. Its lamb fillets, charbroiled on skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice. At $28, it isn't cheap, but its delicious. We got a side of Eggplant. Its served as a large portion of eggplant, onions, tomatoes, topped with house-made yogurt, and meat sauce. $9 makes it pretty cheap for the portion as well. Great meal! We will be back!

Tender flavorful chicken skewers and watermelon salad. Good location and comfortable restaurant atmosphere. Friendly waitstaff.

Good food, good service, nice restaurant, a lot of options on the menu for drinks and food. We loved the lamb dumplings -- very flavorful and the sauce was yummy. The mango Lassi cocktail was fun to try. The rice dish with baked lamb was very good and had lots of lamb in it. I would eat here again. I think two entrees and two drinks were about $70 which is a little more expensive than I'd like but it was good.

Everything!!! I had two dishes that were to die for. The food is incredibly tasty and the owner always made sure I was taken care of. This is truly a gem of a finding. Everyone was so nice and attentive.

The food here was very good I enjoyed the appetizers the most - the samosas and pakoras. The service was excellent the owner answered entire staff were super nice and welcoming to our party. We used the private room and the ambiance there was perfect for our party and we all had a great time.

The food was delicious! Open, friendly ambiance with full bar and excellent service! Looking forward to our next visit!

I work in Rockridge and like to stop by Saffron after work. When I sit by the bar, I am greeted by the friendly bartender, Risa, who is courteous and incredibly knowledgeable about specialty cocktails. My favorite dish is the Mantus with the earthy taste of the lamb and tangy yogurt sauce. For dessert, you cannot go wrong with Ferni paired with the Saffron Cardamom Green Tea. The tea offers a calming aromatic experience that blends perfectly with the light sweetness of Ferni. The owner, Akbar, also came to check in on our meal and delightfully shared the origins of the Afghani tea and how the tea traveled from China to Afghanistan during trade from the Silk Road. I have been pleased with every visit at Saffron, and I will gladly continue to return. Compliments to the chefs.

I really enjoyed the salmon kara'e, it wasn't quite like anything I'd had before! They have a beautiful location right on college avenue (where the golden squirrel used to be) and I'll definitely be adding this place to my local rotation. Be aware that many of the entrees feature meat -- there is a vegetarian section on the menu but probably not their main focus.

If you haven't been, this is a MUST go spot. The food is consistently delicious! My favorite is the salmon Kara'e...uniquely tasty flavors and perfectly cooked. My partner loves the beef kabobs and I love the seafood combo kabob. It is also a phenomenal price to value ratio (great food, great price), which is refreshing with too many restaurants nearby offering food that's nothing special with inflated prices. Saffron Kitchen serves meals that I could never replicate at home and always satisfy my taste buds. Plus the ambiance is really pleasant and the servers are very kind. Highly recommend!!

This place is fantastic. Great happy hour and good peoples like Ryan and Johnny! I followed Ryan here from Ben 'n Nics and have been enjoying the presence of a new restaurant on college ave. Nice work people! And don't mind the haters like Rick...just a clown in need of pampering! Hugs, Neal

Delicious food, great service, nice setting! I took two friends there for birthday lunches during the week. We had a great experience and will go back.