$15 for an Indian lunch buffet? Yes! Totally worth it and a steal! For all you can eat you get so many options. From vegetable and spinach curry, to lamb and chicken curry to chicken tikka masala to fresh salad, vegetable samosas, and a variety of fresh breads. I usually go for Naan, but OMG their fresh Bhature was crispy on the outside and soft and mildly chewy on the inside.... Oh man... I've never had this before and I will now and forever order this when I go to an Indian restaurant. The restaurant was very nice inside. The servers were very attentive with our drinks and if we needed anything else. I would love to try it for dinner, but when you get that kind of variety at that price! Well, it is hard to beat. However, you don't get to try EVERYTHING the menu has to offer. So do both! Lunch buffet one week and date night dinner another. Enjoy! read more

Great service and best Indian food I've tried here in Tucson so far.. we'll definitely come back..

Loved this place. Not sure what to expect, but it was delicious. 3 of us share to entrées. More than plenty, and we brought home leftovers. BTW, in a handy Saffron to go bag. We will be returning. read more

If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!!!! We came in 45 minutes before they closed (I know horrible I own it) but lemme tell you the CUSTOMER SERVICE?! A1. We had Andy as our server and he was AMAZING constantly checked on us, drinks? Never went empty, Kindness? Never went down. There was another person refilling our water as well and he was also very nice and was on top of it! The gentlemen that gave us our menus thought we didn't get service yet so he literally rushed to the table and apologized but we put in our order immediately which is why we didn't have the menus with us. Moral of the story service was impeccable. Next! The food..... ABSOLUTELY DEVINE! it was so full of flavor, it was filling, and it was fairly priced! We go two lamb masala's, two order of naan bread and it was $48 to us that's fair priced for some amazing Indian food and It included lamb. It was so good I HIGHLY recommend coming here because I know I will be... A LOT Thank you to everyone that was so amazing tonight, even though we came right before close (and I know that can be frustrating) you guys were so amazing read more

Seriously the best Indian food I have ever had. My fiancé and I go there as often as we can. I am absolutely obsessed with the Sag (chicken or lamb) and it never fails me! It's perfect. We always leave with leftovers and get to have lunch the next day. 12/10 recommend! read more

Great flavors. Definitely recommend getting mild spice though. Very pleasant place and a helpful waiter. Love the comfy decor. Heard they serve lunch buffet. Need to try that next time. read more

Great choice for Indian food in north Tucson. I had some dishes that I hadn't eaten before which was a treat. The service was a little slow, however it was the weekend and it was busy. The only downside for me was that it was a little too fancy for what I'm accustomed to. Granted, there were high end shops in the area. It was a little pricey. read more

My family came for the Saturday all you can eat lunch. The service was very prompt. The buffet had decent selection ranching from vegetarian to chicken options. Definitely a nice starting point, but if you want to experience the full scale come for the a la cart dinner. We did that recently as well and I'd say best Indian place in town. read more

See all

Update - I have returned here a few times and occasionally encountered a meat quality issue with the chicken where it is weirdly rubbery. Not good. read more

Saffron is delicious! The food is good, the buffet items seem fresh, and the restauraunt is clean and spacious. I have gone to the buffet and ordered several times. I do wish the food was slightly less greasy. Better labeling of the buffet (nuts, gluten, dairy, vegetarian, vegan) would make this a 5 star experience for me. read more

I was craving Indian food so we ordered in from Saffron. This was our first time trying the restaurant. Our order was vegetable samosa, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and kashmiri naan. The samosas were crispy and full of potatoes and peas. No dipping sauce came with them, unfortunately. The tandoori chicken was nicely charred and had good flavor without being too spicy. The chicken tikka masala had a nice flavor and plenty of sauce. However while flavors were good, the chicken in both dishes was a little dry to me. The menu said the tikka masala comes with saffron rice, but we received plain white rice. The dish also came with some pretty standard raita. The garlic naan was pretty good, not overly garlicky. It is not a punch of garlic if that what you're hoping for. The kashmiri naan had a good flavor but one edge was completely burnt from the oven. I love crispy charred goodness, but even this was too far gone for me. Overall it was a decent meal but wasn't spectacular. Everything fell just a little flat for me. read more

Ambiance: Large on the inside with plenty of seating. It's definitely one of those Indian restaurants that feel more on the fancy side. Service: Efficient and personable. Our server was great. Food: Went for dinner, not the lunch buffet. Chicken tikka masala was delicious and came with so much meat that paired really well with the garlic naan. Overall, decent Indian restaurant with everything you need with huge portions. Prepare for leftovers! read more

Had a great time at Saffron yesterday. First of all, there are SO many gluten-free options (with the exception of appetizers, but that's understandable, most are fried). Secondly, the food quality is EXCELLENT. Really enjoyed everything here. My wife, the one with the gluten allergy, had the Chicken Korma, and it was excellent (I tried it). Luis it's great they offer some northern Indian dishes as well as Southern. I had the saag paneer, also excellent. I went with mild and it was a little hot but still glad I didn't go with mild (which my wife got for the Korma, she's less spice tolerant). But the spices are great, the spinach and cheese flavor is excellent, they don't skimp by ANY means on the portion size overall and on the cubes of farmers cheese specifically. The naan was delicious and warm. The rice is even excellent. And get this, with the take out containers for the leftovers, they offered to include additional rice - who does that? There are restaurants the brow beat you into buying additional rice when you get something to go. Oh by the way, I got samosas to go and they, too, were excellent - great potatoes/peas/spices, love the consistency, and crispy on the outside. Very nice. Service was over the top and I wish I could remember the name of the young man (blond hair), he was a GREAT server (I just don't have the receipt with me right now). He got drinks quickly, was very personable and helpful with the menu, and generally a pleasant server who enhanced the dining experience. Adding to the great service was a really nice touch of the visit by the manager asking how our experience was, and even providing a gratis rice pudding to go. Outstanding! Then there's the ambiance. It was fun. I know, some of you are thinking "how can an Indian restaurant be fun?" And the answer is, I'm telling you, we had FUN. Because it was great food, excellent service, and while we didn't sit at the bar, the bar looks cool and they have not just beer and wine but also mixed drinks. Staff appears to be happy working there and worked well together. I can see this being a go-to for us going forward. read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Saag Paneer - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

Super yummy and the lunch buffet is well under $20 for everything. I don't even need dinner afterwards. read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Buffet items! - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

See all

This place is well known with the locals, so be prepared for a full house. There is plenty of seating so not usually a long wait. Terrific menu options with large portions. The colors of the dishes are so vibrant and taste just as bright. Full bar and specialty drinks. The decor is fabulous. I was there on business, so sadly, no pics to share read more

Good food and great service! Only gripe would be garlic naan as standard included option of bread choice as like all other Indian buffet spots read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Work-Life balance :) - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

Saffron Indian Bistro is a modern space with both dine-in and carryout options. There are protein and heat-level selections for multiple dishes, and the flavors are fresh, including the house-made paneer. The only letdown was the gulab jamun -- served at a tongue-scalding unnatural temperature and with an off taste reminiscent of freezer burn. Overall, this is among the best Indian food in Tucson. The patio is also inviting and peaceful, with generally good service, and we're looking forward to going back soon. read more

See all

I won't ever eat here again after this waste of $30. I ordered the goat saffron mulching and some paneer Naan. With delivery and tip it came to $30. Pretty expensive for one person but I love Indian food. However, as I started to eat the main dish I found bone shards (little tiny pieces), lymph nodes, big bone chunks, and blobs of fat. Whoever prepared this goat should really reconsider their butchering skills. You shouldn't be giving customers dangerous pieces of food! The little bones could have been swallowed, poked my gum, and is gross. The big bones -- I paid decent money for meat. Not bone. There is about 25% actual meat and mostly gristle, globs of fat, and bone chunks in this. Yuck! I can understand accidentally getting a single piece of something odd. But at this rate, this is just careless and not worth what I paid. This just lost you a customer. And I'd highly encourage others to be wary about their orders as well -- no one wants bone chunks. Useless! read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Bones, lymph nodes, and fat globs. I paid an extra $4 goat and ended up with bone shards. - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

See all

Staff was nice but food was very mediocre. Samosas were the worst I've ever had all dough and barely anything inside. We ordered biriyani, lamb curry, aloo matar ghobi and garlic naan. The naan was so disappointing and that's usually my favorite part. Flat, burnt and flavorless. Upside it was clean. read more

Yummmmm. I came here for takeout but ended up having happy hour thanks to the lovely bartender, Lauren who informed me :) right now with COVID, they're having happy hour everyday with $6 specialty cocktails so take advantage of it before it goes away! I had the Spicy Orange Mango Martini and Sonoran Desire which were both delicious, quenching and definitely gives a nice buzz. Onto the food. The garlic naan is sooo good and I got the Chicken Tikka Masala which was also delicious!! I would highly recommend. They also give you a mango yogurt with your meals which is cool too :) I would recommend not doing takeout bc the ambiance of the restaurant is very nice, but takeout is still awesome! read more

See all

My family and I have been going to Saffron for years. At times we ate there twice a week. We loved their food but the last couple visits we have noticed that the quality of their food has significantly gone down. This last visit their chicken tikka masala tasted like tomato paste and their naan bread didn't seem to be freshly made like other times. It was flat and tasted like it was store bought. On a positive note the staff has always been very friendly and welcoming but it is not enough for us to return and pay for poor quality food. read more

First time at Saffron, I was impressed by the ambience, the menu, and the service. My friend and I ordered way too much food because we couldn't pick Saffron Shrimp and Paneer Pakoras for appetizers, Lamb Saffron Mughlai, and the Tandoori Grill Platter. And Naan of course! Ended with an interesting little dish of Pistachio Kulfi- a frozen dessert. The Paneer Pakora is the only thing I wouldn't get again, mainly because I was expecting something else based on my previous experience with Pakora. my lamb dish was so flavorful and tender! Our service person was warm, knowledgeable, and took good care of us right to the end of the meal. I'll definitely be back! read more

We had the Garlic Naan, Butter Chicken, and the Chicken Tikka Masala. All so yummy. First time ever going there and will continue to go back !! For sure a must try read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Garlic Naan, Butter Chicken, and the Chicken Tikka Masala. - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

Terrific food. I had the goat vindaloo which was amazing as always. So happy to eat here.

Food is always great! Billy the waiter is always great! Very accommodating and helpful. Very pleasant. Sam the owner is great! Staff is very accommodating. The family loves this restaurant. We go every Sunday after church. read more

They were wonderful! I went in after my workout class and was greeted by a really friendly staff member. I expressed to them that I can't have gluten and so he made sure to check and make sure that it was safe for me. I ordered the chicken tiki Marsala with saffron rice and it was out within five minutes. Tastes delicious and they earned a repeat customer. read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Chicken tiki Marsala with saffron rice - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

AMAAAAAAAAAAAZING INDIAN CUISINE!!! In addition, the restaurant is contemporary/trendy and the service was excellent! We ordered garlic naan, tandoori chicken, shrimp vindaloo, saag paneer, and chana masala. Every single item was super tasty. You can choose the spice levels for the curries, and they give you unlimited rice. I also tried the chai martini, which was decent but I felt could have been a bit bigger/more in quantity. read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Garlic naan, tandoori chicken, shrimp vindaloo, saag paneer, and chana masala. - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

I love saffron! Best Indian in Tucson, probably my favorite restaurant. The masala is very flavorful. I order it with vegetables, and I like the vegetable choices that they use. The samosas and lentil soup are very good too. I've tried a lot of different things on the menu and have not yet found something I haven't liked. My husband orders the tandoori grill every time we order. He loves it! Usually we order take out -- I order extra and eat it throughout the week because it heats up well! -- but when we dined in the one time the service was great. Always nice and welcoming vibes when I go in to pick up my order. If you like spicy I've been ordering 3/mild and I think I'm gonna have to bump it up to 4. read more

Spotless and bright. Great selection of buffet items for lunch with all of them being delicious. Very attentive waiter removing plates & filling waters. read more

I ordered food from Saffron via Uber Eats yesterday. I got an order of garlic naan ($4.25) and a lamb dhansak ($17.95). Both were very good, and enough for two meals. read more

This is my all-time favorite Indian restaurant. So so good. It's super cute on the inside. Never had an issue with service. And the food is to die for. My go-to is the chicken tikka masala, naan, and veggie samosas. I could eat this everyday. Great flavor. I have to eat here every single time I'm in town. read more

Very good food, generous servings. But don't let them forget to bring you part of your order. We never got our rice!

Food is delicious. Service is above average. Ambiance is good. We are regular customers. read more

A breathtaking restaurant that has beautiful and complexly flavored food to tantalize your palate! Delectable Indian foods prepared to your desired heat level are served in this restaurant that is incredibly decorated. Service is prompt and attentive, and the aromas are wonderfully appetizing. There is a full bar that also serves Indian wine (and it is so good!). And the beverages are needed if you order your dishes hot. We ordered butter chicken, lamb rogan Josh, mushroom do pyaza, and regular and garlic naan. All hot! The color of the dishes that were brought to us were astoundingly vibrant! And then the taste! My mouth is watering right now as I recall the dishes. The flavors were so rich! And thankfully we had lots of rice to help temper the heat. Suggestion - ask for a second (or third) glass of water with your meal. The spice level is marvie, and true to the requested heat level. Everything was so good! And, we saved room for dessert (of course!). I had my personal favorite kheer and my husband has pistachio kufti. They, too, were perfect!! I cannot tout this restaurant enough, as it was a great visit, and I am so glad that we made the drive to dine here. read more

See all

It's a daring choice to name a restaurant after one of the most revered spices in the culinary world: "Saffron". I've tried most of the signature dishes at Saffron Indian Bistro and, sadly, I have not yet been able to detect any of it in the cooking. :( And although it pains me to do so, I'm rating 3 stars instead of 4 specifically because there isn't any saffron present in the "Saffron Rice". And because it was clumpy, dry and flavorless. I hate to say it, but it made me wonder if it was left over from the previous day. Anyway, that's not to say the flavors and spices here are lacking overall. Quite the opposite, really. The base garam masala that seems to be present in many of the dishes is very good. I don't know if it comes from a commercially available paste. Or if it's actually developed in-house by a trained chef. But, regardless, these signature dishes are nicely flavored, (albeit without Saffron). Starting with the Tamarind sauce served with the table roti, yum. Layered with sweetness and earthiness, and a hint of that garam masala. Great way to start off the meal. For appetizers, try the Chili Paneer ($12.95) with charred peppers. The flavor of the chili sauce is very dominant, with a slow heat. But the peppers have a nice char and crisp texture. The paneer itself doesn't offer much of an independent flavor. But the portion size is generous, and the dish is overall very satisfying. Also, the Chicken Samosa ($6.95 for two) are pretty good. There is an audible crisp when cut with a fork, which is pleasing to the ear. The mince is lightly seasoned and has a nice garam masala flavor. But be warned, with nothing to bind the mince together, most of it falls out once the pastry is opened. For mains, try the Butter Chicken ($14.95). Ordered (and delivered with) a medium spice level. Very buttery/creamy, with a strong garam masala flavor and large pieces of flavorful chicken with a good texture that isn't mushy. A very good take on a classic dish. The Naan ($2.95) is thick and rich with butter, almost (but not quite) to the point of greasiness. But VERY satisfying. Delicious! The atmosphere at Saffron is lovely. The brightly colored interior is clean and modern. With a comfortable bar and shaded patio. And great AC! So in short, if you aren't an insufferable snob like I am, you will undoubtably like the standard dishes served here. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit. And the classic "Indian food" dishes that many Americans and Brits have come to love are pretty yummie. But Dear Saffron Management: please don't advertise a fancy spice, in both your name and your cooking, if you aren't going to use it. read more

See all

We always have an amazing meal at Saffron! The entire staff is so welcoming, and treats us like family. The restaurant is modern and bright, with a breath-taking view of the Catalina Mountains, which is especially gorgeous at sunset. We always order way too much food, but that's OK because leftovers taste just as delicious. During our most recent visit, we enjoyed Chili Pakora, Buna Chicken, Chicken Mughlai, Saag Paneer, Malai Kofta and Naan, accompanied by plenty of Basmati Rice. The generous portions are served family-style, so sharing is a great opportunity to try new dishes. Saffron's food is authentic and consistently delicious, and we will continue to enjoy meals there with family and friends. read more

See all

I'd been to Saffron Indian Bistro a couple times years ago, but then for some time lived too far from it for it to be on my radar most of the time. It's back in my orbit now, though, and I am SO glad! Saffron is a wonderful Indian option in town, and literally everything on their menu is a delight. I recently got take-out from there for a family dinner, and we got a truly scrumptious spread. It's pretty much obligatory in my mind to start with samosas, and the Vegetable Samosas here are perfectly stuffed with seasoned potatoes and field peas. They're surprisingly light, for a fried starter! For our entrees, we got Chana Masala (spiced chickpeas with tomatoes, onions, and garlic), Malai Kofta (veggie balls simmered in tomato and cream sauce), Mushroom Do Pyaza (sauteed mushroom, tomato, and onion), and Vegetable Korma (veggies in a rich onion and cream sauce). Every single dish was five-star! I'd order any and/or all of them again in a heartbeat! My personal favorite was the Malai Kofta -- there was something about the rich warmth of it that hit all the comfort-food notes for me. My dad's favorite was the slightly spicy Mushroom Do Pyaza, while my mom's was the milder Vegetable Korma. We all ate a little bit of everything, which is my favorite way to go. For anyone planning a group meal, I absolutely recommend getting lots of dishes to share. The entrees come with rice, and we also got garlic naan (again, a non-negotiable part of any Indian meal for me). Both the rice and naan are perfect vehicles for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauces. I can't recommend Saffron enough! read more

See all

A++ Indian LUNCH BUFFET!! Serrrriously drool-worthy! Amazing customer service. They've been in business over a decade & keep winning awards for their food. I can't stop thinking about that f'n masala, yo!! I can't wait to go back!! read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Jusssssssssssst stop thinking about it and GO! - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona

This is the most delicious Indian food I've ever had. We have been patrons here for years and it is always consistently good. The slightly spicy mango martini is something I look forward to. read more

Great food with amazing service! Atmosphere is contemporary and elegant. Super clean and they have a robot! read more

Saffron Indian Bistro - Family dinner! - Indian Near Me - Oro Valley, Arizona