Ordered DoorDash and spent $100 on samosa, butter chicken, shrimp curry, cucumber raita, and 2 orders of plain naan. The entrees were TINY! The size of a to-go soup container. Three pieces of chicken and 6 small shrimp. Great flavor but the cost for such a small amount of food is prohibitive. read more

Extremely limited selection of buffet items. Definitely not worth 17$ buffet. Veg and Non Veg food are intermingled. read more

It was a very noisy atmosphere. It's a hole in the wall. Not upscale at all. The presentation of food was good. Too expensive . They charged $5.00 for a plate of onion. Food was okay. It's overrated. read more

It's understandable in the current situation that some struggles would occur in terms of delays, especially on a holiday like Mother's Day. But for you guys to only have 3 employees available for a holiday and STILL COMPLETELY provide us only HALF of the ordered items (and probably messing the orders up of other customers) is completely ridiculous. We waited over two hours ON A HOLIDAY (and given the circumstances) and tried to understand what your team was dealing with, but again, MORE THAN 50% OF OUR ITEMS WERE ENTIRELY WRONG MEANING OTHER CUSTOMERS besides us GOT THE WRONG ITEMS AS WELL. Avoid a place like this that doesn't prepare itself to even have a minutia of decency on holidays where people will give them the benefit of a doubt to AT LEAST GET THE ORDER CORRECT AFTER 2 HOUR DELAYS. read more

Excellent food and service. Jerry the waiter is quite a charter and very friendly. read more

Butter chicken here is legendary. It was not the cheapest, but a step above the rest. I think they must grill it before they stew it, gives it a great texture and flavor. read more

Don't do TAKEOUTS gave me burnt Naan. Guys don't CUT corners, there is no shortcut to making money. Rest of the order was ok, it may have been great but lost if after the burnt Naan. read more

Saffron - Indian Near Me - San Carlos, California

We ordered take out, so I didn't get the lunch buffet, which I was eyeing. I'll be sure to go back and edit after I do their buffet. So I really liked their food. But it was on the pricey side. Man if you are craving Indian food and are not in San Francisco to check out Naan & Curry, then you need some money in your pocket. The food was tasty and they packed it in really nice plastic containers. Not your typical Chinese boxes. read more

After years of take-out only, I finally actually ate at this restaurant. The food, as always was wonderful, though for my first time we had a pure vegan meal as my companion was vegan, so vegetable samosas, a new appetizer dish whose name I can't remember and isn't on the online menu but was described to us as "street food," and Punjabi Daal Tadka. The service was exceptional. I like it even more than before -- a must-try restaurant. read more

Alright so I was in the Peninsula on Saturday to get a few things done. After wrapping it up, I was trying to decide where to grab a bite to eat and for whatever reason I decided Indian food would be pretty awesome seeing as how I had not had any in about 3 or 4 months. I was told that there was a joint in San Carlos which was pretty solid and was a buffet style. Now let's hold right there because all of my experiences with buffet style places have been terrible especially for Indian food. Nevertheless, I shake off any feelings of uncertainty and head on over to this joint. It's located in a nice block and the restaurant itself is clean and the servers are very friendly and super attentive. I showed up on a Saturday and again I am super weary of Lunch Buffets for Indian food and generally because I feel the quality shoots down real quickly. This joint had a good selection of curries, and veggies, fruits, etc. They also provide naan for each table. I tried every single dish here in the buffet line and I swear this place is solid. I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and man the butter chicken was pretty bomb. All in all, this place was solid and had a good selection of curries and perfect for vegetarians as well based on the food they had. They also had hot milk tea which was pretty solid. Definitely a good joint for Indian food and somewhere I will be back to eat more! read more

I been to this place couple of years ago with my daughter. We went for lunch buffet and it was definitely amazing. I would love to come back again soon. read more

Saffron - Indian Near Me - San Carlos, California

Pretty Good. Nice variety for entrees & tasty! Their Tamarind could be a little more tart; bit on the sweet side. The Service was pretty good too. read more

Is your stomach growling? Are you at work and starving? Well, go to Saffron for AYCE lunch buffet! For approximately $15, you'll get whatever your stomach desires. Centrally located in Downtown San Carlos, Saffron Indian Bistro is a great place to eat for lunch if you work around the area. Food is good and the service is efficient and friendly. They have a great variety of food, including multiple vegetarian options. Oh, and a get a mango lassi! read more

Saffron - AYCE Lunch Buffet! - Indian Near Me - San Carlos, California

Back yet again. I couldn't stay away! This time had the Black pepper chicken tikka. It was so succulent. And perfectly spiced -- not too peppery at all! read more

So good! Best Indian place I've tried on the Peninsula to date. We got a bunch of things and all were super tasty.

Saffron is a lovely Indian restaurant with fresh flavors and a contemporary decor. We had a yummy dinner courtesy of Suraj, who took great care of our family. From the mocktails (better than the usual mango lassis, which they also have) to the diverse appetizers (onion bhaji to General Tso's cauliflower), the food was delicious and the service was enjoyable. read more

Everything in food is really good and tasty. I liked the ambiance. Service was really quick.

Had the lunch buffet. Naan was fluffy and hot. The mango lassi was nice and thick, some places water it down. My favorite was their vegetable puffs.It has a warm flaky exterior texture like an apple strudel, except the filling is Indian spiced veggies. Everything was fairly good. I consider it above average compared to other Indian buffets I have tried. My only discontent was the tandoori chicken. It is served as boneless chunks of chicken breast or thigh. I prefer the bone in thighs and drumsticks served at other places. Overall good food, friendly service. This is a place I would recommend and bring friends. read more

Saffron - Vegetable puffs - Indian Near Me - San Carlos, California

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My favorite Indian food by far! Dahl lentils are the best from any place I've ever tried.

Came here for lunch buffet for co-worker's birthday. There were about 12 of us and luckily, we were able to find parking easily and get in before the crowds. We were able to get the tables towards the back of the restaurant, which is next to the oven, which is really nice. I would like an oven like that in my office kitchen. Overall, the food is very tasty and the service was very good. They were very attentive and wisked away finished plates and refill water w/o asking. I am no expert on Indian food, but the food was delicious. Having said that, my preference is that my food be very spicy. I love spicy foods, and for me, this was not spicy enough. On the other hand, I know this is a buffet and designed to appeal to a wider range of customers, so you cannot crank up the spice on this type of food. At home, I use Dave's Insanity Sauce (signed edition) on everything, so my threshold for spice is a lot higher than the average customer. I strongly recommend this place for ppl who want to experience good service and good Indian food. I don't know what the cost is for a buffet since my boss picked up the tab, but I do know that it is reasonable. It's also fun to see the chef pull the chicken out of the oven at the rear of the dining room. It's very moist and tasty! read more

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This is good Indian Food. I like the interior, its very pretty and they did a nice renovation lately that has a long bench against an entire wall so there are all kinds of cozy seating options now. For lunch, since I work nearby, I have gone with small and large groups and they have been able to accommodate us all without reservations. We have never had to wait a long time for a table, mostly because its not always continuously busy and full. I've had a lotta Indian food in my years, and this place is your basic and decent variety. The flavors are consistent and clean, and I never get an upset stomach from the food. My one huge problem with this restaurant, which makes me hesitate about going again or any time soon, is that they have an incredibly terrible ventilation system so when they cook the Naan, or anything with that charcoal stove thing, you are practically choking on the fumes. I have a hard time breathing in this restaurant and have had to walk out several times to just get fresh air and come back inside. The other night I went again and asked them to open the door because I just couldn't handle it. He was nice about it but you can tell that they really just don't get it - meaning that the communication to me as a customer at that moment who needed something did not reassure me that they knew there was a problem. I don't like feeling as though something is wrong with me when I know that there is a legitimate problem. I have gone there with a variety of folks who have had the same problem and others who don't get bothered by the smell, so you will have to take your own journey there and see if its something you like or not. Sometimes I will get used to it after awhile, but then when I walk outside and to the car and I am subtly taking in gulps of air I realize how much my body compromised to get me through the meal just so I could breath. That makes this place get 4 stars for tasty indian food, but it really puts a damper on my regular visits. read more

After our previous visit/review during a work conference in the area, I received a note from Ajay, the owner, letting me know that Saffron will spice it up, if you only ask. We just moved to the area, so we decided to stop in tonight and give it a try. Again, the service was fast, polite and helpful. The front-of-the-house team works pretty well together - I don't think we saw the same person twice, but the water and drink glasses were always full and we were checked on regularly. They balance service just right to keep it from being overwhelming or neglectful. I'm a little shocked that it doesn't get noisy in here - even with couples or groups at most of the tables, the volume was really reasonable. We ordered the same things, mostly by coincidence. They were not out of samoas this time, so we had some. Very tasty and they arrived with a chick-pea curry that was also very tasty. The pakoras are still different than what I expect (the "mixed vegetable" means they are mixed before they are battered and fried, not that it is a mix of vegetables) but very tasty. My husband's butter chicken, extra spicy, was incredibly flavorful and had a nice spice level. My saag paneer was solid, as well. The naan is still piping hot and wonderfully crisp on the bottom. The sweet lime soda I had was also great - not too sweet, not too carbonated with a nice mix of lemon and lime flavors. So, why still missing the star? They were out of kheer! I wonder if I just have bad luck or what. Maybe I'll get to bump it up again on my next visit - I'll certainly be back! read more

There was a huge selection and the food was good. I used to go to this other place for Indian buffet but found that this place has about 3 times the selection. It's a great place to go for business lunches here because there's something for everyone. Well, at least everyone that like Indian food. Also, the place is clean and despite there being about 20 steam trays out, it doesn't feel humid or steamy inside which tends to happen at Indian Buffet places. The one gripe is that their mango lassi was too sweet but that's incredibly minor. Another good thing is that they're fast at taking away used plates and refilling drinks. Check in with your Yelp app and you'll get 10% off of your entire bill (as of May 2, 2012). read more

This place is really nicely decorated and the service was quite nice, but I feel like the pricing doesn't quite match the food. To elaborate, the food is good (and certainly not bad), but I've had as good or better Indian food at other places where it cost notably less. Granted, I understand paying a little more for the ambiance of the very lovely restaurant and the decent service, but when I eat at a restaurant, it's pretty important that I feel like I'm getting the kind of food I'm paying for. I may also be biased because I'm more used to lunch pricing than dinner pricing, so I suppose this should be taken with a grain of salt. My friend and I got the Saag Paneer (my favorite Indian dish) and Adraki Aloo Gobi to share, plus some garlic naan. The saag was creamier and less spiced than I was expecting, but I did like the aloo gobi dish pretty well. The naan was somewhat unremarkable, but not bad. I also got the minty lemonade, as I was more in the mood for that than my usual Indian restaurant drink of a mango lassi, and that was good. If I'm here again, I'll have to see how their lassi is. As the Yelp rating says, the place is A-OK, but not amazing, and definitely not amazing for the pricing. However, if you place a lot of value on a clean, pretty restaurant and good service, this may be the place for you. read more

Still a three star...actually closer to a 3.5. Their buffet offers mostly regularly seen Indian dishes, that are a bit toned down for the American taste. However, the food is still good (I just need more spices!!) They have rearranged the buffet table since I last came (yeah. it's been a while..), and there are fewer entrées, but it feels a bit more orderly. The tandoori chicken is still great, and this time their kheer isn't half bad either. I'd say, this is still a solid choice for Indian food in San Carlos. Sometimes a little mellowed-out is good :) read more

Strolled in for dinner tonight after walking through 'Christmas Lane' in San Carlos. Food: 3.5/5 Food was average to maybe a bit above average for the most part. The two things that stood out were the Kashmiri pulav and the mango lassi. Service: 2.5/5 Slow and inattentive... read more

Overpriced, limited menu, average food and good service. The food is definitely overpriced by a few $$ compared to other Indian buffets in the neighborhood. I would have been more willing to pay the price, if the food (quality & variety) was better than the other restaurants. There was just 1 veg appetizer (veg puff?!?) & 1 non veg appetizer (some chicken item). The main course was average and desserts can be a little more than cut fruits and kheer! The service/staff was good. read more

My co-workers to me to Saffron for lunch and it was my first time going to an Indian lunch buffet. We had a reservation so upon entering we were seated almost immediately so we can begin feasting. The restaurant was clean! Everything was clearly labeled and the food was on a constant rotation. The food was not only fresh, but also flavourful, and I also enjoyed the freshly baked naan the waiter kept brining to the table. The food was also of good quality, especially for the value. It was only $16 for an all you can eat lunch. Great deal! I keep asking my co-workers when we'll go back together for another lunch, so I know I'll be back soon. read more

Buffet here is pretty great for large groups because you just get in and get going. Buffets are always great like that. I like the selection of items here and the masala tea. The service here is ok, it really depends on the time of day I suppose. If they're busy you don't really expect much service. But then again, even when they're not busy, they don't always get the order right (during dinner service). The online ordering sucks big time. The menu is hard to navigate and if you put in the credit card information incorrectly you basically start your entire order again, but THE worst part is that there is a $5 delivery fee that you don't get told until AFTER you've provided and submitted your credit card information. So you THINK you're paying one amount on one page and then end up paying an additional $5 in the end. Keep this mind when ordering and deciding your tip amount! I honestly wouldn't have put so much tip into my order if I knew there was already a $5 delivery fee when the restaurant is so close to my house. Next time, I'll be a little wiser. read more

Came in on a recent Sunday, right when they opened. Second table. Everything was ready, waiting, and good. The place must have experienced a recent remodel and upgrade, as it all looked brand new. They can turn off the music selectively and did for our area (without asking). All the expected dishes and desert was there. We enjoyed our visit. I recommend Saffron Indian Bistro's buffet. Enjoy! read more

Saffron - Beginning of buffet line - Indian Near Me - San Carlos, California

What happened to this place? It used to be decent. Ordered butter chicken and it tasted like a bad tomato bisque with boiled chicken thrown in. Naan tasted like something cooked in a bad Indian restaurant - you know the type. This place has gown downhill pretty rapidly. Really disappointing! Don't waste your money or your calories here. read more

Excellent food, beautiful ambiance. They even brought a little dessert for my daughter to wish her a happy birthday.

Love! This place is delish! We went back two night in a row. The staff is so amazing and food so fresh. Very authentic and so flavorful. They even made something for the bambino! Can't wait to go back! read more

The place was clean and comfortable. We had the lunch buffet. I like the butter chicken and curry lamb. The bread tastes good too. I would recommend this to people who loved curry. There are plenty of 2 hour street parking. And it's on a nice street with some fun stores. Good for taking a walk after the buffet. read more

Saffron - Lunch buffet - Indian Near Me - San Carlos, California

This place has the best lunch time buffet!!! All the food is fresh and hot I never knew how much I love Indian food until I came here!!!

I LOVE this restaurant. It was my favorite Indian food pre-covid and my top choice for ordering during Covid. The restaurant is warm and friendly inside. The staff is very attentive. They know me from my orders. I even called after ordering via DoorDash (I usually pick up) and made my choices spicy as requested. The food is delicious! Very authentic Butter chicken, samosa, tandoori shrimp. The cucumber Raita is a must. I can't say enough good things about the experience. Thank you Saffron! read more

The one dish I ordered ( potatoes & cauliflower) was extremely well done, spiced with balance and subtle flavors. The whole wheat roti and rice ordered separately were excellent Slightly pricey given the $13 main course did not at least come with rice but delicious regardless Suggested they add a set of side half portions like a daal given the waiter simply said NO to any half portions as a re Service was ok, opportunity missed be customer oriented and personable but people doing a job not owning it as if it's their restaurant. I came brunch and the masala omelette was excellent and so was the service read more

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It all started when I read on FB that they're were closing their restaurant in San Mateo, which had a Michelin Star, to focus on more affordable excellent Indian food. And excellent it is! My son orders it all the time through DoorDash, we're more traditional and actually go there. Very nice place, excellent friendly, knowledgeable service and the food is just exquisite! I hate spicy food but their biryani is so delicious! Spicy but it comes with a side of yoghurt that totally neutralizes the hot spices, so tasty! We had the cheese naan appetizer, I highly recommend it, very tasty. Can't go wrong with butter chicken, Tikka masala chicken, garlic naan. Go there, we had a wonderful dinner. read more

I visited with a friend. We tried the buffet lunch. Firstly, they have a good spread of North Indian food, less on appetizers and broad on main course. Awesome food!! Awesome desserts. Reminded me of Indian food in India and my mother's food. Next, the staff is very efficient and do not keep you waiting for anything - be it replenishing good on the buffet, clearing your plates regularly, serving you water or drinks or even bringing the bill. Super efficient!! Ambience is good. I loved the art on walls. Make sure you reserve a table because the place gets quickly filled. read more

Worst place ever visited in Bay Area. Not sure how people are rating with the quality of food they serve. High priced menu with the taste not even meeting the low class food stall. Ordered many dishes with the group of 12 people visiting on an evening. Nothing came out well. 1. Onion Bhaji has bad taste with high price. 2. All curries ordered like panner masala, palak panner, butter chicken, aloo gobhi,,,etc.. nothing came out good. 3. Naans were stale. 4. Biryani/ pulao was like adding main ingredients to the plain rice. Paid around 250-300$ which is worthless and regret going there by seeing the reviews. read more