Saffron - Modern Indian Dining

Modern Indian restaurant · Historic Third Ward

Saffron - Modern Indian Dining

Modern Indian restaurant · Historic Third Ward

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223 N Water St Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53202

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Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null
Saffron - Modern Indian Dining by null

Highlights

Elevated Indian fare, including tandoori, in a stylish space  

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223 N Water St Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Get directions

saffronmke.com
@saffron_mke

$50–100 · Menu

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223 N Water St Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Get directions

+1 414 539 4980
saffronmke.com
@saffron_mke

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 30, 2025

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Modern Indian cooking in the Third Ward with polished presentations and a strong cocktail program. Updated menus in 2025 kept the buzz going, and it’s become a go-to for celebratory dinners and date nights.

https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/03/11/third-wards-saffron-debuts-new-menu-2/
Best Restaurants in Milwaukee (2025)
View Postcard for Saffron - Modern Indian Dining

Balakrishnan Vasudevan

Google
Saffron offers a fantastic combination of great food, an equally cool ambiance, and excellent service. My wife and I opted for the tasting menu, and everything tasted delicious. My wife's selections included the Chettinad Crab Cakes, Lobster Malai, and Lacha Paratha for bread, finishing with Shahi Tukda for dessert. While the Lobster Malai tasted great, she felt the gravy was a bit sparse. I chose the Chicken 65, Lamb Shank Biryani, and Black Garlic Naan, with Coffee Stones for dessert. The lamb in the biryani was a highlight, practically falling off the bone and cooked to perfection. I also tried the Spiced Saffron Tea, which was presented uniquely and tasted great. However, at $18, it was a bit pricey. Overall, Saffron provides an amazing experience. The staff are attentive and helpful with menu selections, though parking can be a challenge.

Simon Prosser

Google
Lovely meal with friends. Accommodated a friend running 15 minutes late with no problem. Super friendly and welcoming staff. Food was top notch. The lamb madras was as tender and tasty as I've ever had. The cocktail list could keep you very busy. All the drinks we tried were just as good as the food. Not the cheapest meal you'll ever have, but worth every penny. Parking is the usual downtown crapshoot. Highly recommended.

Shalini Gandhi

Google
Absolutely blown away! If I could give more stars, I would in a heartbeat. This place is a must-visit for anyone who truly loves food. The lamb dish? Absolutely unforgettable — rich, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. We grabbed seats at the bar for lunch, and it turned out to be the best decision. Our waiter was not just friendly but incredibly knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu like a pro and tailoring suggestions to our tastes. The creativity in the dishes is next level — every plate felt like a work of art. Even the small details stood out, from the elegant silverware to the unique glassware. It’s clear that care and passion go into every aspect of the dining experience here. I left inspired, satisfied, and already planning my return. This place doesn’t just serve food — it delivers a whole vibe. Don’t miss out!

Owen Morgan

Google
Excellent dining experience! The food here is absolutely delicious, with superb presentation, excellent service. I am a big fan of Indian food, so it was fun to try Indian Fine Dining. I went here for my Birthday meal, it was an excellent choice to come. I was very impressed by the quality of food here. I got the Lamb with Edible Gold, and was blown away. Not sure if it’s still on the menu, as this review is from Nov 2023, but I would wager everything else here is high quality as well. Drinks were quality here too. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in Milwaukee. Fantastic.

Liz F

Google
Very lovely dining experience at saffron! our server was so helpful and attentive, and the food was also delish. We got to sit outside on the river. We got lots of apps and split them - including the chicken, cauliflower, lamb, and Chana masala. Lots of gluten free options and my first time having fancy Indian food. They also have cool cocktails.

Virginia Jamgochian

Google
WOW! I had never tried Indian food before, and let me say, this was probably one of the best experiences i’ve ever had. I’ve been to plenty of restaurants but this is definitely a new favorite. Our server, Harishikesh (sorry if it’s spelt wrong) was wonderful!! all of his recommendations were so delicious. he was very great and made us feel very welcomed. this place is truly a gem and if you’re thinking about coming 100% would recommend! it’s wonderful! 11/10 5 STARS! i would give it six if i could. thank you for everything !

S

Google
This place was an absolutely exquisite experience. Our favorites were the Lamb Briyani, Kolkata Beetroot Chop, and the Butternut Squash Bharta. Beautiful presentation and wonderful flavors. The ice cream flight was incredible.

G G

Google
Everything was delicious from the starters to the main entrees and sides. Atmosphere was also nice and would make for a nice date spot. Will definitely be back to try out the outdoor patio on the river once the weather is warmer.
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Alexander L.

Yelp
Distinctive menu sparks curiosity, and everything we tried was delicious! Sat on the deck facing the river. Hrishikesh our server was very friendly and told us a lot about India and the different kinds of foods. We tried the Shrimp Aleppy Curry and Lamb Madras Curry plus Fig Naan (I'm hooked) and Black Garlic Naan, also new for us and quite tasty. Because the food tasted so good, we ordered the Sweet Potato "After Party" dessert. We will be coming back!
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Richard S.

Yelp
- Good food, ok ambiance, ok service - Reservation made and recommended - 2nd visit and I am looking forward to the next! Our 2nd visit and 2nd birthday spent here (this time it was my lovely lady's). The food was good and we had another great dinner! We started with the Tandoori Shrimp and it was a nice start, but a bit light. We split the 6 shrimp and they had some nice mild heat to them and tasted delish! Lots of decorative pieces and I think if the included radishes were pickled, it would have made an even tastier starter. I had gotten the Shrimp Alleppey Curry because I love shrimp and have never had an Indian seafood dish before. The curry was delicious and a great pairing with the lighter texture of seafood. The shrimp had a great bounce to them and the tails came right off. The curry was different than any I have had in the past and I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for any other alleppey curries I see! Pook's birthday meal was the Lamb Madras Curry w/ Butter Naan. She had gotten this last time and it was so tasty she had to get it again! The curry was quite the contrast from the alleppey curry and had nice deep and spicy flavors. The meat was nice and tender, and ordering the naan made eat bite soft and very saucy! We did notice that the curry was a bit spicier than last time, but nothing too crazy. For dessert, we ordered the 24k Carat Coffee Stones, and it was pook's birthday, so they gave us a free sparkler! The chilled balls of chocolate were filled with coffee and the one-bite was a fun experience... a chocolatey gusher :~) The milk chocolate and dark coffee balanced each other out and kind of gave the vibes of a cold lava cake(?). A great finish to the night! The food was good and had some quick service, but I think the quality of service could be improved. This time and the last, service just seems to be trying to get things out, not very warm in attitude. They gave a small card for celebrating there, but the card was basically thrown onto our table while walking away and that just seemed to be how service was on both of our visits and really stuck out.
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Arjun M.

Yelp
I haven't given a review in a while, but had to for this restaurant. Very, very disappointed. Starts with the service. The waiter absolutely rushed us out. And it wasn't even busy, with 30+ minutes left before closing as we were finishing up. He picked up plates while we were still eating!!!! And BROUGHT THE BILL while we were eating too without us asking!!!! The food was bland and below average for Indian food. Though I'm Indian so have an unfair advantage here and also understand the target market for this restaurant aren't Indians. All presentation. Not much substance. But the service more than anything. That was so poor.
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Kaylie P.

Yelp
We always have an excellent time at Saffron! Anastasia made our experience especially elevated and enjoyable. We had so much fun with her and she gave us the perfect recommendations for the evening! We sat in the bar area which is still very nice seating so the a "moody" vibe. Their specialty drinks are an experience. Many with smoke, bubbles, or diffusers. For appetizers we had the classic Chicken 65 (always a winner), momos, and lamb sliders. We always order the garlic naan, but tried the fig naan too this time and wow it was delish! Almost like a dessert. My entree was the Shrimp Curry which is to die for especially on top of their saffron rice. The mango lassi is fantastic to have during the main course for some dishes on the spicer side! The other entrees ordered were the branzino, lamb shank biryani, and smoked goat curry. All dishes were l
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Ahmed H.

Yelp
Been trying to eat here for a few weeks and finally got the chance today for Sunday dinner. We did a smorgasbord of items: gunpowder calamari, samosa sampler, shrimp koliwada tacos, chickpea masala, saffron rice, black garlic naan, and the branzino curry. I genuinely everything b/c it was light, fresh, and flavorful. Its definitely on the pricer given the portions but I believe in quality over quantity. The staff was really nice and they even got us an exclusive spot on the beautiful patio with city/river views Definitely recommend.
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Jim M.

Yelp
So let's talk about Saffron... AMAZING!! We've talked about it for a while and my son's Indian co-workers highly recommended it so we made reservations for Mother's Day lunch. This was a 3 course pre-fix menu with several choices. Everything we ordered was delicious and we tried to choose several different options. The dishes were all beautiful. We ordered several of the craft cocktails including some of the non-alcoholic options. We weren't huge fans of the dessert but it was presumably a more traditional Indian dish and more likely just not our taste. The service was prompt even though they were very busy. The restaurant is lovely and comfortable. We will definitely be back to try the regular menu another time. Thanks for a lovely Mother's Day meal, my wife loved it!

Reese M.

Yelp
The food was amazing here, I got the lamb biryani, tried some of the butter chicken and got garlic naan as well as a few appetizers which were the crispy cauliflower, tandoori chicken momos and truffle masala dosa. The appetizers were all okay and could be skipped honestly but the entrees were incredible. The lamb fell off the bone and was super tender, I didn't love the yogurt sauce but all in all it was really good. The butter chicken may seem like cop out order here but it really is the best thing I tried, and if I went back here I would get that over anything else. We sat outside as well and had a great view of the river. The only thing holding it back from a 5 was that the place is super small on the inside and not very nice to be honest and the service was very slow.
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Jennifer N.

Yelp
Great vibes, service, and most importantly, food! I've been here two times and the food has just been so good each time. This place definitely deserves the recognition and hype it gets. Although pricey, nothing tops this place for a (modern) Indian food experience. The saffron butter chicken is my favorite item paired with the fig naan. I've gotten this both times and honestly it's hard to top. I love the ambience in this space. A bit loud when it's fully booked out but so romantic and cozy. Definitely try Saffron if you're looking for a new experience!
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Emily F.

Yelp
Great Indian food in downtown Milwaukee! Presentation of all the food was fun and a great fusion restaurant with fun food concepts. We got a few apps to shake. The Kale and avocado Chaat was crunchy with the fried kale and had a great dressing that made it fresh. The samosa sampler was good but we wouldn't order again. The Chicken Katsu buns were our favorite app. For entrees we split the Saffron butter chicken and the Prawns narkel shoreshe. Both had a great sauce but the butter chicken was our favorite, but both were phenomenal. I will say there isn't a ton of protein in either dish so make sure you get a few to share or get some sides. We ordered some garlic naan and butternut squash which was good to dip in the extra curries. Service was good and helped pick things on the menu. We'll be back again!
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Caes F.

Yelp
A couple of things: How are you going to charge $30 for butter chicken and not give utensils for To-Go.... The Chicken is the star. I appreciate the quality of the chicken and the way they prepped it. Butter Chicken is tender but the rice was cold and a little tough. If the rice was steaming it would have just complemented the Butter Chicken. The sauce was a little of the sweeter side. Overall, this place does get packed. The prices are premium so definitely great for a business meeting or a date or just somewhere to be seen and impress others. Service was good, but I was not thinking about eating with my hands.
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Sami U.

Yelp
First time at the Saffron Modern Indian Dining in Milwaukee WI w/ my Father In Law! The restaurant has a beautiful Ambiance with a candle light setting which makes this a perfect spot for a date night. Customer Service is kind, efficient and willing to make recommendations of the top items from the menu. The taste of the food was good but I wish the portions were larger especially of the starters. The Chai ( milk tea ) was delicious as well. Definitely recommend this place to all!
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Emily W.

Yelp
My husband and I were in town on vacation and found this place because it was gluten free friendly. This was honestly some of the best Indian food I've ever had in my life -- reminded me of London-style Indian cuisine. I loved the fusion approach. We also got some delicious drinks and were able to sit on the back patio right on the water.
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Kishan S.

Yelp
Saffron is an upscale, high quality Indian dining experience. It is quite expensive but they can get away with it due to the lack of quality Indian options in the area. Saffron has nailed the ambience and presentation of food. They also deliver on quality. One of the dishes I tried was the butternut squash Bharta (spinoff of Bhaigan bharta) and it was phenomenal. I will definitely be back to try their chefs tasting menu which ends up being worth it when considering their prices, 70 bucks for a small plate, entree, and dessert. They had so many small plate options so I definitely will be back to try the others as well! As a side note, always love when an Indian place gives me a side dish of onions, chili, and lemon slices without me even asking. Excellent service!
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Taylor Nicole S.

Yelp
You walk in and the vibes of this place are immaculate. The service was great the server kept apologizing for food coming out slow and it wasn't even slow. The food was absolutely delicious so much flavor. Would 100 percent come back here again if I take another trip to Milwaukee. My husband and I both loved it! Not pictured is their garlic naan that was also fantastic.
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Amarpreet S.

Yelp
My daughter took me there for Mother's Day. The place was super busy. We sat outside by the waterfront. Our food came fairly quickly outside. Seating was nice. I expected the food a lot better than it tasted everything we ordered tasted the same.
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Yvette K.

Yelp
Lovely ambiance. Really nice server. Very welcoming. First impression was wonderful and smells of India:) The food was really tasty and our server made really good recommendations.
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Insia Z.

Yelp
Pretty solid Indian fusion place! Loved the black garlic and truffle naans, those are unique. Yummy butter chicken and lamb dum biryani, my friend who doesn't like lamb even liked it - not too gamey. The samosa sampler was okay, I felt it was a lil overpriced. The dal makhani was also okay, very rich, but I think I'm used to normal daal and not daal makhani. Very vibey, nice interior, unique drink menu, good service
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Jasmine G.

Yelp
Saffron has been a go to for YEARS for special occasions. They're constantly updating their menu with new creative dishes, while keeping the tried and true favorites around. If you're new to Indian cuisine the Butter Chicken is a can't miss. Anytime I take a new guest, this is the go to order and they are always so pleasantly surprised! Entrees come with a side of rice. I would recommend adding a side of pita, my personal is the truffle pita and pairs great with your meal. I also opted for a guava margarita that was rimmed with the most delicious spicy salt mixture adding a nice flare to the drink!
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Jessica R.

Yelp
The food was outstanding! The samosa sampler came with 2 sauces that were so delicious - one was a bit sweet which helped balance out the jalapeño & cheese samosa and the other sauce was a bit more savory. Bao buns were like biting into little clouds - very good. Out of the 3 entrees we ordered, the lamb was probably my favorite. It was extremely tender and the sauce was rich and satisfying. The chicken dishes were also very good but I recommend the lamb over everything. The dessert was interesting - I liked that it wasn't too sweet but the crispy brioche was a bit difficult to eat. Our server was wonderful and gave us great recommendations. And the place was very cute inside - it's dimly lit so I felt it would be a perfect date night spot. I'll definitely be back to try more items off the menu!
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Phil G.

Yelp
I stopped in for a boozy Friday lunch with a buddy. Ketan, is a master of mixology amongst his many other talents, and we tasted some fantastic cocktails made with liquors and spices from around the world. With menu suggestions from the aforementioned Ketan, both of us had an amazing meal. Everything on the menu is fabulous. I know Indian food, having had the fortune, as a child, to have the former chef at the Indian embassy as our family's cook. Saffron is one of the best sub-continent restaurants in this country. For Milwaukee, it might be its best restaurant period.
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Lindsy R.

Yelp
I love when I get the chance to come here. The food is always so delicious. I've come during brunch, lunch and dinner and it never disappoints. Every time I come I get to enjoy delicious food, wonderful service and a great atmosphere. We tried the Chicken Tikka small plate which was delicious. Then we shared the vegetable briyani and the boneless lamb. Paired with garlic naan which was also so good. This is what I call modern and Indian fine dining done right.
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Ronni J.

Yelp
Came in on a Monday evening for a date night - I've been wanting to try this place! We had some drinks, shared an app & an entree along with some naan. It was incredibly filling and delicious. The drinks were superb as well. Service was kind and quick, they were attentive. The place is very clean and modern. The only downside (IMO) is the seating is very close together, so don't expect any privacy with your partner or group. Otherwise zero complaints! I'd come back for sure & highly recommend.
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Joanna T.

Yelp
We finally made it to Saffron and both of us had mixed feelings: Yay: *Gorgeous interior that smelled like expensive candles. *Good service - knowledgeable and pleasant *Lots of chicken in the Misters Tandoori Chicken (looked like a whole chickens worth!) Ehhhh: *Food was good - solid for sure. That said, it wasn't better than what we would get at India Garden and the prices are WAY higher. *Chicken croquettes were tasty, but served barely warm which was disappointing. Nay: *$17 for a small cocktail is insanity - even if it does come with a Insta friendly smoke bubble thing *Prices are just really too high - $6 for a small piece of garlic naan, $15 for a side of chickpeas etc. Saffron is great for people who would be horrified by places like Anmol. It seemed very popular with younger, 3rd ward condo types and that's cool. Overall, it wasn't bad but for me it's not worth paying double the price of other places.
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Prasanta A.

Yelp
Our groupcame here recently for a special occasion not too long ago, and because it was a Friday night, I had made reservations weeks in advance. We parked down the street and walked a couple blocks. The restaurant inside is long and narrow, and we were seated somewhere in middle but toward the back, near the kitchen. Our server was professional and courteous. We ended up ordering a trio of different lamb dishes, along with two types of naan, and a Chai Manhattan, Cardamom Mezcal, Kingfisher Beer, and ended sharing a decadent gajar halwa dessert drenched in fig ice cream. The lamb dishes were all very tasty. The food was prepared well and delicious. The menu at Saffron is excellent, high quality, high-end Indian-inspired food. An excellent place for a meal for a special occasion or if you're craving a delectable Indian-inspired menu.
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Matthew S.

Yelp
Went for a family member's birthday and it was well worth the price! High end Indian food with amazing customer service and even better dishes- we all had a great time and the restaurant was very clean and aesthetically pleasing,
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Kate P.

Yelp
What a delight. We ate so well at Saffron! Every plate was amazing, every cocktail a visual and tasty delight. Our server was super attentive and this restaurant is impressively chic--every single detail was perfect. I loved my salmon entree, and they brought out a special birthday dessert with a sparkler (it was a small serving of gulab jamun, heavenly) for the birthday girl in our party. Highly recommend.
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Andrea F.

Yelp
We made reservations for an anniversary dinner on Wednesday night and had a great experience. The drinks have great presentation and were delicious. The appetizers were incredible. The waiter warmed us that the mushroom appetizer was spicy but it was definitely more than we were expecting but still fantastic flavor. I had the lamb korma and my husband had the lamb Bryani. You could tell the Bryani was slow cooked with a variety of spices and the flavor was exceptional. The korma sauce was so good we were scooping it up with naan not to waste. The only part that left anything to be desired was the dessert with ended up being oat pucks in a soupy sauce. They tables are all in a row so you're a bit packed in but it doesn't feel over crowded at all. The entire bar is low lit and a great place for an intimate dinner.
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Allie G.

Yelp
Saffron is now within my top 3 Milwaukee restaurants. I was so excited to try this spot, we had heard such great things. This place exceeded my expectations! From the atmosphere to the service, and food. The atmosphere was so intimate, yet hip and spunky. The music was like we were at a chill club. I'm not sure how to exactly describe the vibes, but they were 100/10. The service was immaculate, you can tell everyone takes pride in giving you the best experience possible. I like to tell people that this place is a full ~experience~. The drinks are all curated with insane thought that goes into their taste + appearance. My favorite was the foggy lava lamp, which was kiwi infused vodka with honey and pink salt. Not something I would have thought I'd like, but it was super refreshing and not too sweet. A lot of their cocktails are made out of infused liquor. The food was also an experience, there were multiple times we looked at the other tables based on the extravagant presentation and the most amazing smells! We started off with chicken katsu bao buns, which were perfectly crispy and had an amazing spicy aioli on top. We also ordered the samosa sampler, which is a must try! Every filling had the most explosive flavors. The last small plate we tasted was the amritsari fish tacos, which came in a crunchy wonton shell and another variety of spicy aioli. Tasty, just make sure you like fish tacos when ordering these. We also got some orders of the naan (they have a variety), which we tried the truffle naan + the black garlic naan. Both delicious and worth it. The first entree was the tandoori octopus that was soaking in the most flavorful, umami-filled mushroom fondue sauce. The presentation was beautiful, the taste was even better. The octopus was cooked perfectly, not too chewy and a little crisp around the outside. The second entree was the classic butter chicken. The sauce was delicious, although it does have a little kick to it! Each entree came with saffron rice, super fluffy and flavorful. [see comments for the rest of post]
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Linda D.

Yelp
We ordered several different small plates and cocktails for lunch. All amazing taste and presentation! Staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. One of the best experiences I've had in some time and will make the 45 min drive from Illinois again soon
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Ophelia M.

Yelp
I haven't had he pleasure of dining in at Saffron but did recently enjoy delivery (conveniently ordered directly through the Yelp app). The ordering and delivery process was seamless. I ordered through Yelp was given an estimated delivery window and my dinner arrived nice and warm within the window. I ordered the tandoori salmon which came served with vegetables (mostly onions) and rice. It said it came served with a basil cilantro pesto but honestly, it tasted like it had mint in it to me. It was good, though. And, a nice portion (my husband and I ended up splitting it). I also ordered the truffle goat cheese kulcha. It was decadent and delicious. the texture of the bread is perfect, the goat cheese gives it a lovely zing, and the truffle tops it off with a nice rich flavor. I'd order this every time. Looking forward to dine in next, but for now a delicious delivery experience.
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Courtney G.

Yelp
I've been here twice now and expect to return a million more times. Both times, I devoured the butter chicken (with a side of rice) and added some garlic naan. The flavors are so creamy and savory that you want to slurp up the rest of the dish. My first time there, I didn't get to try any of the appetizers, but the second visit, we ordered almost all of them. I got to try the Nilgiri Crab Dosa, which was delicious, and the chicken katsu bao bun, which was phenomenal! I will order a million more. I also tried the samosa sample. I only tried the potato and pea one, but I loved it. We also got to try each dessert, but I didn't really enjoy any of them. But that's just personal preference. I don't have a sweet tooth, so there's no harm. Others at the table enjoyed them. Another fun thing was when a girl at my table ordered a drink that came out in dry ice, and then one of our desserts came out with dry ice. We were having a blast with the dry ice. So fun! I definitely recommend coming here.
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Emily V.

Yelp
Boy, oh, boy do I love this place! Saffron is everything I want in a modern, inventive restaurant and more. Saffron is an Indian-fusion restaurant, offering up traditional Indian flavors and staple dishes, infused with a variety of other foods from around the culinary world. Think of a standard tikka masala dish, but served like a lasagna. The dishes at Saffron are just so creative, and you can really tell the care and passion that goes into creating them. Now there are plenty of reviews on here talking about Saffron's amazing dinner menu. And rightfully so. It's incredible. But hear me out: DO NOT miss out on their brunch! I know, I know. A place known for it's dinner service isn't always top of mind for brunch spots, but Saffron's is sensational! I absolutely recommend the Masala Dosa. The dish itself it pretty simple, but the flavors here are incredible. I also love, love, love the Bombay Pao Bhuji. And of course, the lotus root chips are an absolute must as a side dish! It's usually fairly quiet during brunch at Saffron, which I feel can only be because not as many people know about the brunch here. So if you are looking for a new place to try out, I definitely recommend checking out Saffron! I can't wait to go back!
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Kushal D.

Yelp
We brought some out of town visitors to saffron and boy were they impressed! The menu changed recently, and I think the change is for the better. Portions are still a bit small for the price, but the food itself is amazing! We ordered: lassoni chicken, katsu bao, samosa sampler, paneer mussalam, butter chicken, nadru kofta, crispy cauliflower, and naan. Everything was amazing, but the lassoni chicken and the bao were my favorites! As well as the mussalam. Kofta wasn't my favorite (though our friend did say it reminded him of home) and I do still think the butter chicken could use more of a kick. Overall, I would highly recommend trying out this spot! Just make sure you order a few things!
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Bruce K.

Yelp
First time to Saffron. Place is crazy busy with good crowd and vibe. Food is not necessarily traditional Indian. Butter chicken was very sweet, and smoked tandoori lamb chops seemed to be marinated too long - the texture was mushy... chick pea masala and samosas were good, but bread (nan) portions should be larger. I want to give a higher rating, but can only do three stars based on the price.
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Malia Y.

Yelp
We made reservations in advance for a birthday. The ambiance is nice. Ample seating, not too close to other tables. Service was good. I think given the price we paid, we all felt like this was a disappointment. My boyfriend and I split the samosa sampler, the tandoori chicken croquettes and the sea bass and an order of garlic naan. We probably should've just ended up doing the tasting menu considering I also got a chai... so plan this ahead of time. Who could go wrong with samosa? I thought they did a phenomenal job on the sauces and I liked them equally. The croquettes had good flavor. I liked the added touch of the pickled onions. I wish the outside was more crispy. The sea bass had a good flavor - crispy on the outside. The curry added a lot of flavor but I wish there was more sauce considering this is a curry. The biggest disappointment when this dish came out felt like it had already been sitting on the table ten minutes. I think the only thing that came out fairly hot was the samosas. Among the others I sampled - the tandoori chicken was too overcooked. The bao buns were meh - I think there could have been more seasoning. And I've had better butter chicken elsewhere. It seemingly lacked elevation for being modern dining.
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Courtney L.

Yelp
This is a great restaurant in Milwaukee! The appetizers and main courses are really tasty! The deserts have been a hit or miss but the overall experience was really good! I've been there for both dinner and brunch and have been happy with their food!
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Ankita S.

Yelp
Husband and I had our anniversary dinner here recently and while it was an overall good experience, some of the food left us wanting more. The restaurant is a modern upscale Indian eatery. The inside is dimly lit, but it definitely fits the vibe. The painting of the woman on the wall is beautiful and makes a very nice backdrop. We decided to start off with some drinks: my husband got a Saffron Old Fashioned and I started with a Lychee G&T. Both of us were a little underwhelmed with our drinks. He didn't really find his Old Fashioned very special or different and mine didn't taste of lychee or gin. I got the Elderflower Blossom after and LOVED it - one of my favorite drinks! The drink is presented with a "bubble" blown table side. Very cool! It also tasted delicious and had all the flavors it promised. We then got the pani puri sampler and the crispy cauliflower. We throughly enjoyed both! The pani puri was served playfully and it was probably both of our favorite food we had that night. It brought us back to India for sure. The cauliflower was also very good. No notes. Would get both of these again! We followed with the Bishop's Tikka and the Lucknow Pea Kofta with garlic naan. Both were a little disappointing. The paneer in the tikka was good, but a little dry. The koftas were the softest I have ever had and the sauce/gravy it came in was one of the best malai kofta I've had. The koftas, though, were bitter on their own without the sauce. The naan was tasty! We did get treated to ras malai for our anniversary and this was pretty spectacular. The dessert came with a side sparkler to celebrate the occasion and the dessert itself was presented beautifully. It emanated a beautiful, flowing mist, likely from dry ice, and it created a very magical feel. It also tasted amazing, coming from someone who doesn't typically enjoy ras malai. This was a very sweet gesture and we both appreciated it. Despite a few things we didn't enjoy, we will remember the meal fondly. Priced as it is, however, this is probably a special occasion place for us.
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Latiful A.

Yelp
Came by for dinner. Ambiance is cozy, service was great and the food is true to its origins. All of our dishes were pleasant and memorable. The tandoori chicken appetizer and lamb chops were noteworthy. Dessert we had was a mix of Kulfi (ice cream) which were delicious. Certainly a repeat type of establishment.
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Viv P.

Yelp
Vibes are awesome. Just the kind of place you want to be on a nice summer Sunday to enjoy the fresh air mingled with Indian spices. There is a live DJ playing fun Indian music on Sundays, and music was on loud but fun on their patio outside. Atmosphere inside was an interesting mix of rustic walls with chandeliers and metal furniture. Outside overlooks the Milwaukee river and you can enjoy the water view as boats and trains pass by and a light breeze refreshes. Brunch food was great, but stick to Indian, as those seem to be the best. Chicken & Waffle - chicken was dry, waffle was mushy. The chicken breading had hints of Indian spices, which was interesting, but execution was poor. Hubby had this, and I was glad I had the keema instead of the omelet, cuz I have a feeling the omelet would have been just as unspecial (hence I haven't found a single review/photo of it lol!) Lamb Keema - This seemed to be the most keto friendly dish of the menu (minus the butter bread, which hubby was happy to devour). I requested over easy eggs rather than sunny side, and they were happy to oblige. Lamb and spices were absolutely delicious! Masala Dosa - looks like one huge, long enchilada, with curry potatoes and lentils inside. The coconut and spicy tomato chutneys were delicious, and friend enjoyed the dish, though I think he kinda regretted getting a vegetarian fare. Delhi Chole Bhature (chickpea masala) - Spices were similar to the lamb keema, and it was bursting with flavor. It was vegetarian, but was quite delicious and filling. The Fried bread that comes with was absolutely amazing. It looked like a fried naan of sorts, but soft and chewy and delish. The onion pickle was quite different from anything I've had before, but complimented the dish very well. Masala fries - Not too amazing, but good fries. Lotus root chips - crunchy had kicking flavors Mimosa Flight - not overly sweet, but also not very strong. Kinda felt like hard seltzers more than mimosas. Our server was attentive and helpful and pretty amazing! Despite being outdoors, we didn't feel neglected, as sometimes you do when you're out of sight. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Thank you Saffron!
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Lico J.

Yelp
I really want to like our experience like the one when we visited in the restaurant's opening week, I really do. However, our Mother's Day experience was disappointing. Going forward I don't think I would not go back for any event dining or recommend my friends or colleagues to go during holidays. A couple of things: 1) long wait for guests who have reservations. I am talking about 55 mins of wait. In so many years I honestly haven't been to a restaurant that make me wait more than 20 mins if I have a reservation. It's a restaurant management issue that could totally be avoided. We went with a 3-month old and happened to run into another family who also brought their little one and had a reservation for the same time slot. We two families just frustratedly waited in the hallway with frustrated babies on a cold rainy night for almost an hour (not to mention there were other people who got there way earlier than us but still waited for a long time). 2) severs lack of knowledge or training. We had a few questions about the menu and servers could not answer. We overheard that the table next to us were also asking about ingredients of some of the dishes and servers didn't know the answer. Then, no utensils even after food was served. No water refill in the first half an hour... I think even when I was a sophomore in hotel school 11 years ago I did better in serving in all kinds of chef events than the severs tonight. I am not trying to give the servers a hard time because everyone was friendly - if the management team can make better arrangement and training things could be so much better. 3) food was overall delicious with some dishes being too salty or too sweet. The lamb rack, aloo tikki chatt and naan were outstanding. And you can't go wrong with tikka masala with rice. The Chicken Bao Bun was just ok - the bun was not helping the flavor or texture of the dish. Then the crab dosa - if it's our lack of food cultural knowledge then it's our fault - but it's indeed super salty and we didn't want to just pretend to be "cool". We wanted to learn about it. We asked two servers and one manager and no one could explain or talk about it. The desserts looked cute - just very very sweet. 4) atmosphere and decor were great. No complaints about that part.
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Emily F.

Yelp
Came for dinner with reservations on a Saturday night to celebrate a special occasion and had a great time! The ambiance is intimate and upscale but also comfortable. Service was efficient, and we didn't feel rushed which I appreciated since I have been to places where I feel like the dishes come out and get taken away almost too quickly for me to enjoy the dining experience. For drinks, I highly recommend the elderflower blossom since it comes out with a really unique smoke bubble on top. There are also quite a few mocktail options, and I got the blackberry mint colada which was great and not too sweet. For food, tried the chicken croquettes, soft shell crab bao buns, duck kebabs, and truffle morel lamb korma. The croquettes and bao buns were actually a little bigger in portion size than I had expected, and the duck kebab was our favorite small plate when eaten with the paratha (flatbread) it came with. The truffle morel lamb korma was good, and although I wish the lamb was a bit more tender, my boyfriend really enjoyed it. We also got fig naan and truffle naan, both of which we loved. If you only get one of them I'd recommend the truffle over the fig. We also were offered a ras malai or gulab jamun dessert because we were celebrating an occasion, which was really thoughtful. We chose the ras malai which came out with a fun sparkler. The dessert was small and not too sweet, which was perfect since we were pretty full at this point with leftovers to take home. Overall, we had a lovely experience at Saffron and think it's a great place for a special occasion or if you want to try something new/innovative.
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Grant S.

Yelp
We stumbled upon Saffron tonight by chance and it was truly a fortuitous, and delicious, encounter! The moment we walked in, we could tell this was a restaurant you would want a reservation for. Fortunately, there was room at the bar and it has full service, so we were able to sit down right away. Yay! The bartender/server was very helpful and friendly. There were so many good looking drinks that I had to ask for his advice. He directed me to the Lychee G&T and it was delicious. The lavender and butterfly pea made it a purple delicious drink! My husband got the Leh hazy IPA and loved it. Very tropical! For our meals, I got the Truffle Morel Lamb Korma and my husband got the Saffron Butter Chicken. Both dishes came with rice to help soak up the delicious sauces, and we each ordered a garlic naan. The food was outstanding! Flavors were divine! Portions were generous! And prices were fairly reasonable given the high quality. We only wish the garlic naan was a little larger for $6. The space is long and narrow with a hip urban vibe. Bathrooms are tucked away downstairs, but there is a elevator for those who need it. It looked like there was an outdoor space and I'd love to check-it-out the next time we are in town and actually get a reservation. We loved our fortuitous finding of Saffron and look forward to a planned visit in the future. Thanks for a fabulous dining experience, Saffron!
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Angela P.

Yelp
Starting off with a delicious gin cocktail- the Lychee G & T, if it wasn't a Tuesday night I would have had one if not two more of these!!! The samosas were like butter, the outside nice and crisp and just melted on your tongue! Chicken and Lamb from main dish items were so tender! Great service! Will be returning!
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Abby S.

Yelp
Saffron has been on my list to try since it opened and I am so sad it took me this long to get here. The ambiance and service were both great - I loved the overall atmosphere. I got the butter chicken as my main and it completely satisfied my craving. It was super flavorful and the garlic naan I ordered on the side was the perfect pairing. We also were given a truffle naan on the house which was also delicious. Overall really great experience and can't wait to come back to try more!
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Nicole L.

Yelp
It's the third ward so come early to find parking and also make sure you have a reservation. You can always get one of their fabulous cocktails at the bar while you're waiting. My friend got the Elderflower Blossom cocktail (White Blossom, Elderflower Vodka, St Elder, Grapefruit, and Lemon, with table side Grapefruit Aroma bubble) and enjoyed it. I got the Lychee G&T (Butterfly Pea Infused Beefeater Gin, and Lychee, with Lavender & Rose Petals on the outside) - it was pretty but nothing too unique. The restaurant is cute but rides the line between trendy and maybe trying too hard? The service was fine (had a few wrong things come to the table), but the music was a great vibe all night. We got two starters including the Tandoori Duck Seekh Kebab which was Layered Paratha, of course Duck Kebab with Pickled Onion and Apricot Chutney. I thought it was a little pricy for the portion size but was well spiced. We also got the Tandoori Chicken Croquettes which are made of minced Tandoori Chicken with a cute pink Sour Cream on a Smoked Tomato Coconut infused sauce. The sauce was very good. For our mains, we got a few dishes to share, which was easy to do with the serving spoons they came with. The first was the Truffle Morel Lamb Korma which is Roasted Lamb and Black Truffle with Bone Marrow infused sauce. Not going to lie, thought it would be more rich given the ingredients, some of the lamb pieces were overdone, so overall could probably pass on this one for $30. The show stealer was the Malabar Chicken Curry which came with a GENEROUS sized Bone-In Chicken, Curry Leaves, and Coconut infused sauce. There wasn't even enough rice on the side to pair with how much food this one was and it was so full of flavor, the right amount of spice, and super tender chicken. Thankfully we also ordered the garlic and fig naan which were very good. We were celebrating a birthday, so they brought us over a complimentary Angoori Gulab Jamub which is Cottage Cheese Dumplings in a Sugar Syrup, complete with sparkler and dry ice. Pretty? Yes, incredibly. Tasty...? Think donut holes in syrup. Meh. But still a very nice experience and gesture. Definitely want to come back to try more food!
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Molly H.

Yelp
This is a gem in Milwaukee. Great for drinks, small plates or dinner. Love the bubble drink. Beautiful decor. Clean. Mixologist are for sure spot on.

Halle D.

Yelp
Ate here with friends last night and will definitely be back. The overall ambiance of the restaurant is very elegant. The emerald green chairs were stunning. I would recommend a reservation as it is a smaller space with high demand. The menu was very vegetarian friendly and had a lot of options for everybody. Dishes were clearly marked for diets including Vegetarian, Vegan, Containing Nuts - etc. and also included which dishes could be modified/accommodate a diet/allergy. For a table of 4, we started with two small plates, the Truffle Mushroom Masala Dosa and Samosa Sampler. The Samosa sampler was the perfect amount for 4 people. 4 small samosas (jalapeno cheese) and two large samosas (potato and pea). I preferred the jalapeno cheese samosas but both were tasty and the two dipping sauces alongside were both bold and enjoyable. Now onto the Truffle Mushrooms - WOW! I will be reordering this dish next time I come here. This dish had a cool presentation, and the truffle flavor was outstanding. My only complaint is that we didn't order two for the table. All of us really enjoyed this dish including one of my friends who is not normally fond of mushrooms. For my main, I ordered the Beetroot Ricotta Kofta. This is the dish that will bring me back to the restaurant. It was AMAZING! This came with 4 good size beetroot ricotta dumplings in a dish of onion infused cashew sauce. The beetroot ricotta dumplings were a similar texture to falafel and were outstanding. The cashew sauce was flavorful and creamy. The portion size was perfect. I would highly recommend this dish. Very flavorful without being spicy (hot). My friends ordered the Saffron Butter Chicken and the Shrimp Alleppey Curry. All of them enjoyed their dishes. Every entrée came with a bowl of saffron rice which complimented all of our dishes well. We ordered a Garlic Naan and Truffle Naan for the table. These were delicious and the garlic naan dipped in the cashew sauce from my entrée was chefs kiss For cocktails, I had the Golden Coffee and the Gin & Jade. The Gin & Jade had a cool presentation, coming with a dry ice tea bag and melon skewer. The dry ice gave a cool foggy effect. The drink was both refreshing and strong, but not sure if I would get it again. The Golden Coffee would be a great dessert drink. It was a creamy take on an espresso martini. If you prefer a strong espresso forward cocktail, I would not recommend as this is more creamy/sweet. I thought both drinks were good but not great. My friend had the Elderflower Blossom and really enjoyed it. Our server recommended the Guava Margarita and Hibiscus Hibiscus, I will probably try one of those next time I dine here. The cocktail menu also featured a bunch of mocktails. Ratings: Truffle Mushroom Masala Dosa - 9/10 Samosa Sampler - 7.5/10 Beetroot Ricotta Kofta - 100/10 (will be back for this dish)
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Kate G.

Yelp
Truly an AMAZING spot in Milwaukee. If you have the chance to eat here, do it. We went for brunch and the food was awesome. Such fun brunch cocktails too! Also the best chai latte I've had, it even comes in a cute little clay cup. Will definitely be coming back!!
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Joan H.

Yelp
Very nice restaurant for a date or a special occasion. Food is tasty and served with great presentation. Portions are more on the small size, but enough for one person. Nice ambiance with niche and modern lighting. Excellent service by the waiter.