The most intimate dining experience I could ever imagine. I wish I ate slower when I was there because it really deserves to be enjoyed to the fullest c:
Matthew G.
What a lovely experience. Saffron Cafe is the real deal, authentic Moroccan food prepared by a skilled and knowledgeable hand. Try the Zaalouk appetizer (roasted eggplant dip), it was as good as I have ever had. The spinach dip was equally delicious and the hummus was light and creamy. For mains, I was first surprised to see they had M'rozia on the menu, a lamb shank slow cooked in ras al hanout spices (blend of some two dozen spices). I have had this in Paris and Morocco, but only saw it once in an American Moroccan restaurant. When I have asked elsewhere for it, they always say it's too expensive, too long too cook and people never order it anyway. This was delicious, chunks of lamb falling off the bone, beautiful sauce. Really big portion of happiness. We also had a lamb tajine with apricots and prunes that we make for holidays, and the execution was perfect. It tasted better than any homemade, delicate honey, sesame, cinnamon, the chef clearly knows what he is doing. The only non-perfect notes were the ginger chicken tajine was a little dry (the white meat), but was very flavorful. And they were out of Moroccan tea, but that's not their fault, the logistics shortages are killing everyone. Overall, this is a lovely restaurant, making authentic Moroccan food. The decor and ambiance were lovely, service was efficient and not intrusive. Go there for a special night or date night that will become special. Fabulous restaurant!
John K.
We used to go here all the time, but it's been a minute since we have been back. The place is small, but it clean and decorated nicely. They have a small patio too. The server was friendly, but we had some communication issues as English was not his first language. It was not a problem though. They only have beer and wine, and not a large selection of either. The food is amazing. The kabobs, schwarma, and tajines are all awesome. You won't be disappointed with the food. The lamb in the tajine was tender and flavorful. The schwarma had so much flavor. Much more than the usual gyro. Check this place out!
Joe M
Food was good but the service was absolutely the worst I have EVER experienced in any restaurant anywhere. We asked for water twice and never refilled again. He forgot our teas and then charged us for them. There's only 1 guy taking orders, serving good and bussing / cleaning tables. He's trying. I sincerely doubt we'll ever return.
Philip S.
This is my favorite restaurant in Indy! I've never been disappointed with ANYTHING on the menu! The Saffron pasta, Cous Cous tafaya, Moroccan Seafood Paella! OMG! Ambiance and decore take you out of Indy to the heart of Merekesh! Chef Santini is a well hidden treasure to this city!
Abdelhamid Azzaz
I went there with a big group of family and friends. We were excited to try the Moroccan food. I ordered couscous with vegetables and braised chicken. The food took sometime to make it to the table, and then the waiter started bringing it.The couscous and the vegetables were very flavorful and delicious, but the chicken was grilled not braised as described in the menu, and there were only 3 small cubes of grilled chicken on the plate!!! I was a little disappointed in this! My wife got the basil coconut pasta with shrimp, which also came with 3 shrimps and it was overly sweet!!!The decor is nice and authentic, but the food experience was not 100% authentic or impressive!Coming to the prices, I think they are overpriced (about $23 for some 3 cubes of grilled chicken and some couscous with vegetables) and we had a 20% gratuity added to our ticket!
Jacky Cook
I wish I could give this zero stars.The service was horrible. Server acted like I was an inconvenience. I was ordering and he walked away before I could order my drink. Decided just to drink water. Water was warm so I asked for ice. Instead I got another glass of warm water. Food was very bland and not worth the price. I could have done a better job preparing at home. Finally had to get up and find some salt because the entire tme I was there the server never came back to see if I needed anything. It wasn't because he was busy. I was the only one in there. When he brought my check he didn't say anything. Not even a "thank you". I gave exact amount and left. First time in my life I have ever refused to leave a tip. I had a rare opportunity to enjoy a nice meal out and I ended up wasting it on this.
Tamer B.
Used to love this place. Today, I had the worst experience ever. First, the service was very slow. Second, we asked for an extra plate so that two people can share their fish, the answer was wr cannot get you an extra plate. Third and most importantly, a kid asked for chicken strips and pasta (this is an option in the menu). 90 minutes later, after everyone got their plate, we asked about this dish, they said you can either get the strips or the pasta. Few minutes later, they got us few pieces of grilled chicken (they call it chicken strips) and no pasta. The waiter said it doesn't come with pasta. I talked to the chef and showed him that the menu says it can come with salad, pasta, or coscos. The answer was that they are out of pasta. Do you know that we served a lot of pasta for the other people in you party. There is no more! Finally, I had to take the kid somewhere else after every one finished dinner to get her food. Worst experience ever
INDYASPHALT24
We were paving a parking lot adjacent to this restaurant. I ordered chicken pita & red potatoes for lunch. It was out of this world!! Excellent food & service. Will definitely come here to eat again!!
CarolynL
I was very disappointed with our most recent visit (August 2022). We went with friends from out of town, and I was embarrassed to have recommended it. We hadn't been in a few years, and back then the food was delicious -- lots of complex spices and meat so tender it would fall apart with a fork. This time, the tajine had very little flavor. The chicken was a little tough, as though it had been baked and then plopped in the sauce. The server only ever came to our table if we flagged him down and requested him. Both bathrooms had wet and slightly smelly floors; the women's had standing water and the men's was wet and squishy and smelled vaguely of sewer. I hope they get back to their old standards, but as of right now I would not recommend.
Super cute restaurant and such a great experience! I would highly recommend to come here. The flavors of the food are incredible and make such a fun environment to get out of the norm of American food, if you are looking for something like that. It’s a small restaurant so seating is very limited and it’s hard to get in sometimes from what I hear, but if you can get in it’s definitely worth it. It’s on the pricier end of the spectrum for a restaurant as well, but again it’s worth it in my opinion.
Ecmancini
This is an intentionally-designed restaurant with a Moroccan flair. Even the outside of the building is painted in Mediterranean colors. The kabobs were very good but the famine dishes were stupendous. The warm bread is tasty. The Zaalouk, an eggplant dip served with tiny pitas, was out of this world. The mussels in cream sauce were excellent although nearly have of them did not open with cooking. There was only the waitress and the cook so service was slow as molasses but we weren't in a rush anyway. Wine list is disappointing.
We walked in and we were people in the restaurant. Horrible service and awkward - we ended up walking out after about 20 minutes - never was offered any type of beverage - it was just a weird experience!
Ryan Waszczuk
Amazing food, they just need more cooks to keep up. Well worth it though!
PaulB
Tiny place, off the beaten path. Great food & flavors, one woman working serving and clearing tables, so be patient! The only complaint we had was a rude table near us that was disrespectful to the staff. Hidden gem of a place! Had the honey lamb tagine, paella, honeyed lemonade. Glad we found this place!
The most intimate dining experience I could ever imagine. I wish I ate slower when I was there because it really deserves to be enjoyed to the fullest c:
What a lovely experience. Saffron Cafe is the real deal, authentic Moroccan food prepared by a skilled and knowledgeable hand. Try the Zaalouk appetizer (roasted eggplant dip), it was as good as I have ever had. The spinach dip was equally delicious and the hummus was light and creamy. For mains, I was first surprised to see they had M'rozia on the menu, a lamb shank slow cooked in ras al hanout spices (blend of some two dozen spices). I have had this in Paris and Morocco, but only saw it once in an American Moroccan restaurant. When I have asked elsewhere for it, they always say it's too expensive, too long too cook and people never order it anyway. This was delicious, chunks of lamb falling off the bone, beautiful sauce. Really big portion of happiness. We also had a lamb tajine with apricots and prunes that we make for holidays, and the execution was perfect. It tasted better than any homemade, delicate honey, sesame, cinnamon, the chef clearly knows what he is doing. The only non-perfect notes were the ginger chicken tajine was a little dry (the white meat), but was very flavorful. And they were out of Moroccan tea, but that's not their fault, the logistics shortages are killing everyone. Overall, this is a lovely restaurant, making authentic Moroccan food. The decor and ambiance were lovely, service was efficient and not intrusive. Go there for a special night or date night that will become special. Fabulous restaurant!
We used to go here all the time, but it's been a minute since we have been back. The place is small, but it clean and decorated nicely. They have a small patio too. The server was friendly, but we had some communication issues as English was not his first language. It was not a problem though. They only have beer and wine, and not a large selection of either. The food is amazing. The kabobs, schwarma, and tajines are all awesome. You won't be disappointed with the food. The lamb in the tajine was tender and flavorful. The schwarma had so much flavor. Much more than the usual gyro. Check this place out!
Food was good but the service was absolutely the worst I have EVER experienced in any restaurant anywhere. We asked for water twice and never refilled again. He forgot our teas and then charged us for them. There's only 1 guy taking orders, serving good and bussing / cleaning tables. He's trying. I sincerely doubt we'll ever return.
This is my favorite restaurant in Indy! I've never been disappointed with ANYTHING on the menu! The Saffron pasta, Cous Cous tafaya, Moroccan Seafood Paella! OMG! Ambiance and decore take you out of Indy to the heart of Merekesh! Chef Santini is a well hidden treasure to this city!
I went there with a big group of family and friends. We were excited to try the Moroccan food. I ordered couscous with vegetables and braised chicken. The food took sometime to make it to the table, and then the waiter started bringing it.The couscous and the vegetables were very flavorful and delicious, but the chicken was grilled not braised as described in the menu, and there were only 3 small cubes of grilled chicken on the plate!!! I was a little disappointed in this! My wife got the basil coconut pasta with shrimp, which also came with 3 shrimps and it was overly sweet!!!The decor is nice and authentic, but the food experience was not 100% authentic or impressive!Coming to the prices, I think they are overpriced (about $23 for some 3 cubes of grilled chicken and some couscous with vegetables) and we had a 20% gratuity added to our ticket!
I wish I could give this zero stars.The service was horrible. Server acted like I was an inconvenience. I was ordering and he walked away before I could order my drink. Decided just to drink water. Water was warm so I asked for ice. Instead I got another glass of warm water. Food was very bland and not worth the price. I could have done a better job preparing at home. Finally had to get up and find some salt because the entire tme I was there the server never came back to see if I needed anything. It wasn't because he was busy. I was the only one in there. When he brought my check he didn't say anything. Not even a "thank you". I gave exact amount and left. First time in my life I have ever refused to leave a tip. I had a rare opportunity to enjoy a nice meal out and I ended up wasting it on this.
Used to love this place. Today, I had the worst experience ever. First, the service was very slow. Second, we asked for an extra plate so that two people can share their fish, the answer was wr cannot get you an extra plate. Third and most importantly, a kid asked for chicken strips and pasta (this is an option in the menu). 90 minutes later, after everyone got their plate, we asked about this dish, they said you can either get the strips or the pasta. Few minutes later, they got us few pieces of grilled chicken (they call it chicken strips) and no pasta. The waiter said it doesn't come with pasta. I talked to the chef and showed him that the menu says it can come with salad, pasta, or coscos. The answer was that they are out of pasta. Do you know that we served a lot of pasta for the other people in you party. There is no more! Finally, I had to take the kid somewhere else after every one finished dinner to get her food. Worst experience ever
We were paving a parking lot adjacent to this restaurant. I ordered chicken pita & red potatoes for lunch. It was out of this world!! Excellent food & service. Will definitely come here to eat again!!
I was very disappointed with our most recent visit (August 2022). We went with friends from out of town, and I was embarrassed to have recommended it. We hadn't been in a few years, and back then the food was delicious -- lots of complex spices and meat so tender it would fall apart with a fork. This time, the tajine had very little flavor. The chicken was a little tough, as though it had been baked and then plopped in the sauce. The server only ever came to our table if we flagged him down and requested him. Both bathrooms had wet and slightly smelly floors; the women's had standing water and the men's was wet and squishy and smelled vaguely of sewer. I hope they get back to their old standards, but as of right now I would not recommend.
Restaurantji Recommends
Super cute restaurant and such a great experience! I would highly recommend to come here. The flavors of the food are incredible and make such a fun environment to get out of the norm of American food, if you are looking for something like that. It’s a small restaurant so seating is very limited and it’s hard to get in sometimes from what I hear, but if you can get in it’s definitely worth it. It’s on the pricier end of the spectrum for a restaurant as well, but again it’s worth it in my opinion.
This is an intentionally-designed restaurant with a Moroccan flair. Even the outside of the building is painted in Mediterranean colors. The kabobs were very good but the famine dishes were stupendous. The warm bread is tasty. The Zaalouk, an eggplant dip served with tiny pitas, was out of this world. The mussels in cream sauce were excellent although nearly have of them did not open with cooking. There was only the waitress and the cook so service was slow as molasses but we weren't in a rush anyway. Wine list is disappointing.
We walked in and we were people in the restaurant. Horrible service and awkward - we ended up walking out after about 20 minutes - never was offered any type of beverage - it was just a weird experience!
Amazing food, they just need more cooks to keep up. Well worth it though!
Tiny place, off the beaten path. Great food & flavors, one woman working serving and clearing tables, so be patient! The only complaint we had was a rude table near us that was disrespectful to the staff. Hidden gem of a place! Had the honey lamb tagine, paella, honeyed lemonade. Glad we found this place!