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RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
$10 - $25
CUISINES
Moroccan, Mediterranean
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
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meals, features

Location and contact

Downtown Indianapolis
2.4 miles from Children's Museum of Indianapolis
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Reviews (187)
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Traveler rating
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All reviews tagine lamb tiramisu almond chicken kabobs raisins
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Reviewed July 18, 2022

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.More

Date of visit: July 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed May 28, 2022

The beautiful exterior murals were marred by an unkept enclosed patio. The floor and tables needed attention; some window panels were slashed and so rain-spotted it was difficult to see through them. While the interior ambiance was warm and colorful, fixtures and surfaces needed dusting....We were greeted with a smile and promptly seated. Thereafter, service was painfully slow--even though the dining room was relatively empty during most of our visit. Almond Chicken Tangine was piping hot, but relatively bland and overwhelmed by nearly 3/4 cup of raisins. The divinely-scented Lamb Honey Tangine was well-cooked but cloyingly sweet; further, there was little flesh on the bone. We split Tiramisu for dessert--the best part of our meal, but an unexpectedly small portion given the nearly $9 price. Having read impressive reviews, we were somewhat disappointed with the value of our meal. We am uncertain we will return.More

Date of visit: May 2022
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Reviewed October 4, 2021

My hubby and I visited Indianapolis over the weekend. We had dinner at Cafe Saffron on Saturday night. As we were just starting to enjoy our dinner, we heard the loud scream from the kitchen area. As I looked up, I saw the chef was...screaming at the waiter “you mind your own f~ business okay? Let me take care of mine!” The chef has such a high pitch voice, all customers in the restaurant were looking at him. We later found out the chef’s name is ALE SENTISS. Ale’s behavior was so disrespectful and rude that made us lost our appetite.More

Date of visit: October 2021
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Reviewed May 20, 2021 via mobile

We had been here before in person and had a great experience so we wanted to try again but this time it was under COVID restrictions so it was a carry out order. My husband went in , they verified our name, gave him the...food ,he paid and left. Once we got home we discovered they gave us the wrong order. We called to see how they wanted to rectify the matter and they put me on hold, then hung up. I called again, they told me to hold on , I heard some argument in the background and no one came back to the phone, I waited like that for about 20 minutes with no response and I could hear them doing business in the background. I expected a refund, replacement of food or something ,but was ignored so that ruined my opinion of this place and we will not be returning!More

Date of visit: March 2021
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed April 20, 2020

I went with a group of people as I went to Morocco in the past every year so I missed there food when tried the saffron cafe I find so big different with the Moroccan food even with a Moroccan chief. The food was awful...the wine too I didn’t left a tip but my surprise that they add 20% without permission.. Never go back again.More

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed January 25, 2020

Went with a group of six following a show at the Murat. We had made a reservation, the place was busy but not full. After we were seated, we had a lengthy wait until the (apparently) only server working took our drink and appetizer orders...(hummus), waiting on several other parties who arrived after us. We knew we were in for a long night when she stopped at the table after a half hour and asked if we wanted to order appetizers. We reminded her we had already done so, along with our entrees and it took another 15 minutes for appetizers to arrive. At one point the server apologized for the wait and said our order would be the next one out, but not five minutes later she brought out another tables' order. Multiple parties who arrived after us were seated, served, ate, paid their bill and left before our food arrived. As for the food, the hummus and pita were good, as were the kafta kabbabs (though cold). The vegetarian couscous was meh and cold as well, and the lamb kabbabs were not only cold but beyond tough (inedible to the person in the party with dentures). Near the end of the meal the owner or manager came out to blame the wait on the fact that everything is cooked to order, ignoring the fact that numerous other parties were served in a timely fashion. Note to the owner: please don't lie to your patrons patrons' face and make up excuses for your lousy service. They did graciously comp our meals, so we were able to stop at Wendy's on our way home. Really wanted to like this place, but never again.More

Date of visit: December 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 30, 2019

There were 6 of us and one 2-year old. Everyone had a good meal and the service was good. Looking at the menu and considering the various meals all of us ordered, it would be safe to say that anything on the menu would be...good. We would love to return to experience some of the other menu offerings......BUT....... Just several of problems. First of all, most restaurants will automatically charge the tip on your bill for parties of 8.....here the tip is charged on parties of 6. Second to that....the gratuity amount is 20% versus the traditional 15%. Thirdly, the amount charged was 20% on the TOTAL BILL which included sales tax....this is wrong. Needless to say, we will not return......we do not condone such business practices.More

Date of visit: October 2019
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Reviewed August 6, 2019

Can't believe that I have lived here in Indianapolis since 2002 and this was the first time I made it to the Saffron Cafe. The food was absolutely delicious and prepared in a healthy manner. We even had our young daughter tell us how much...she liked the carrots here. The carrots! The owner was extremely nice to us and took the time to explain the dishes and how they were cooked. His use of spices is exquisite. Can't wait to come back soon for more!More

Date of visit: July 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed April 26, 2019

If you are going to a show at the murat then this place is perfect and it fits the theme perfectly and the food is amazing.

Date of visit: October 2018
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed March 28, 2019

We had a delicious Mediterranean dinner at Saffron Cafe. The menu ranged from Moroccan to Greek to Italian. The prices were reasonable and the service was excellent. I believe parking might be a bit of a challenge here, but we took a Lyft.

Date of visit: March 2019
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed December 29, 2018

This is one of my new favourite restaurants in Indianapolis. Its close to Mass Ave, but without the pretension, crowds, or hustle and bustle. Its a bit off the beaten path, and once inside, you feel like you have been transported to a different country....I tried it with my eldest daughter who lives downtown, and returned the following week with my partner/wife, trying different dishes both times. They were both wonderful! Not only was the food delicious (specializing in Moroccan food, many dishes served in traditional Tagines), and carefully prepared, but the atmosphere was also warm and relaxing. This is not like the restaurants where you can tell they are eager to get you to eat quickly so they can flip the table, this is a family owned and operated restaurant where they want you to linger and enjoy both your meal and experience. We had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Dr. Sentissi both times, a person who takes great pride in both his food and restaurant. We found him to be charming, affable, and knowledgeable. A nutritionist and holistic healer during the day before coming to the restaurant in the evening, you know you are getting top quality food and service that nourishes both the body and the soul. P.S. Save room for the Tiramisu! Its a secret family recipe, and perhaps the best I have ever had!More

Date of visit: December 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed November 8, 2018

The restaurant is very cute on the inside. I got take out but would have liked to sit down if I had time. I had the bakoula and falafel. The bakoula was quite tasty but I have had better falafel. I'd like to come back...and try additional items on the menu.More

Date of visit: November 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 17, 2018 via mobile

In Indianapolis for business. One of my colleagues suggested this place and I’m so happy she did! The lamb tajini was to die for... and the table bread was delicious as well! Nice decor and ambience as well.

Date of visit: October 2018
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 6, 2018 via mobile

Waited for long time, the food was very salty. Worst service I have seen in years. Will not go there again. Not recommended.

Date of visit: October 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed October 2, 2018

For my husband and I, this is our 'go to' for a special night out! We absolutely love the delicious meals prepared by Chef Sentissi. The tajine specialities are amazing. I almost always end up with Tajine Lamb Honey. Afterwards, sit back and enjoy a...pot of the traditional Moroccan tea....minty and wonderful. An added bonus is that Chef also offers cooking classes! I got one for my husband for Christmas one year and we both had a great time learning about Moroccan cuisine, spices and health benefits of various spices and herbs. Best yet....enjoying the meal that you've prepared! Always a treat and a pleasure to dine here!More

Date of visit: June 2018
Helpful?
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SAFFRON CAFE, Indianapolis - Downtown Indianapolis - Photos & Restaurant Reviews - Order Online Food Delivery - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Saffron Cafe

Yes, Saffron Cafe offers takeout services.

Saffron Cafe is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5