SAFFRON KITCHEN

4.8

63 Reviews

$31 to $50

Afghan

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Neighborhood gem
Vegetarian-friendly
Great for outdoor dining

From Kabul to the mediteranean, at Saffron Kitchen we provide Afghan cuisine with a unique mediteranean flavors using herbs and spices along the silk-road region. Our recipes have stood the test of time for generations of home cooking. Our dumplings like Mantu and Ashak will remind of the ear east feasts while the various Kabobs of chicken, lamb, beef, and seafood are driven from the central asian recipes and spices. We offer an excellent vegetarian selection on our menu as well. To complement the food menu, we offer an excellent selection of premium wines, spirits, and many kinds of beer on tab.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Afghan, Mediterranean, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(510) 735-9220
Website
http://www.saffronk.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Abdul YAwary, Chef/Owner
Catering
We specialize in catering of all sizes and for all events. The whole restaurant can be booked with sufficient notice. For catering, we can deliver food to your venue as well. Please send an email to hello@saffronk.com to get in touch with our management to discuss this further.
Private party facilities
Our private room at Saffron Kitchen can accomodate up to 30 people nicely. This venue is great for all types of events, corporate events/meetings and parties. The room opens up to our beautiful patio to accommodate more people. The room also has a TV and projector. Restaurant's sound system plays music and can be muted.

Location
5940 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Neighborhood
Berkeley
Cross street
Harwood
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

SAMOSA$9.00
Chick-peas filled fried pastries
MANTU APP$10.00
MANTU Steamed dumpling ﬁlled with ground lamb, onions, topped yogurt-mixed vegetables sauce & mint
AUSHAK$10.00
Dumpling ﬁlled with leek, spring onions, topped with house-made yogurt, meat sauce and mint
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- VEGETARIAN$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00
POTATO BOLANI$9.00
Mashed potatoes and herbs stuﬀed turnover
EGGPLANTS PAKORA$10.00
Crispy eggplant, topped with house-made yogurt, and meat sauce
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- VEGETARIAN$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00
POTATO PAKORA$10.00
Crisp potatoes, topped with house-made yogurt, and meat sauce
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- VEGETARIAN$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00
(Soup) Aush$10.00
Noodle and vegetable soup topped with yogurt, meat sauce, and dill
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- NO MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00
MASHAWA (SOUP)$10.00
Lentil soup, topped with yogurt, meat sauce, and dill
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- NO MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00
SIDE OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH$10.00
With spiced topped with house-made yogurt, garlic and meat sauce
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- NO MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00

SALADS

GREEK SALAD$18.00
Romaine, feta cheese, green olives, tomato, cucumber, onion, Greek dressing
CILANTRO CAESER SALAD$16.00
hearts of romaine, cilantro, mint, parmesan
WATERMELON, ARIGULA, FETA SALAD$18.00

ENTREES

BEEF KABOB$24.00
Charbroiled Beef skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
CHICKEN KABOB$24.00
Charbroiled chicken skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
COMBINATION KABOBS$25.00
Chicken and Beef
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
RACK OF LAMB$38.00
Grilled rack of lamb skewers (4 pcs), with seasoned basmati rice
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
LAMB KABOB$30.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
LAMB CHOP$36.00
Lamb loin chops, charbroiled on skewer, served with seasoned basmati rice
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
KING SALMON KABOB$26.00
Charbroiled ﬁllet of salmon skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
SHRIMP KABOB$26.00
Charbroiled jumbo prawn skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
SEAFOOD COMBO$27.00
Grilled Salmon, shrimp skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
QABULI PALLAW$26.00
baked Lamb, caramelized carrot & raisins, seasoned basmati rice
- WITH LAMB$0.00
- WITH CHICKEN$0.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
LAWANG$24.00
Chicken cooked with onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and sour cream served with saffron basmati rice
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
SHISH LEEK$24.00
Chicken or beef, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, green peppers, carrots, with seasoned basmati rice
- WITH CHICKEN$0.00
- WITH BEEF$0.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
MANTU ENTREE$24.00
Steamed dumpling ﬁlled with ground lamb and onions, topped with yogurt, mint, and mixed vegetables
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
AUSHAK ENTREE$23.00
Dumpling ﬁlled with leek and spring onions, topped with yogurt, meat sauce and mint
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- VEGETARIAN$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
BEEF QURMA$24.00
Cooked with green peppers, onion, fresh garlic, tomatoes and spices
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
SPINACH QURMA$24.00
Baked lamb or Chicken, spinach Qurma, fresh garlic, cilantro, and spices
- WITH LAMB$0.00
- WITH CHICKEN$0.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
CAULIFLOWERS QURMA$24.00
Braised Beef, or baked chicken & cauliflower stew, tomatoes, fresh garlic, gingers, and herbs
- WITH BEEF$0.00
- WITH CHICKEN$0.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
EGGPLANTS QURMA$24.00
Braised Beef or baked chicken & eggplants, tomatoes, fresh garlic, and spices
- WITH BEEF$0.00
- WITH CHICKEN$0.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
POTATOES QURMA$24.00
Hearty chucks of potatoes baked and then sauteed with peppers, onions and carrots and finished with a tomato sauce.
- WITH BEEF$0.00
- WITH CHICKEN$0.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
SALMON KARA'E$24.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
KOBIDEH KABOBS$24.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00

VEGETARIAN ENTREES

VEGETARIAN SPINACH QURMA$18.00
Cooked with scallions, fresh cilantro and fresh garlic, saﬀron basmati rice
VEGETARIAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH$20.00
With spiced topped with house-made yogurt, garlic, saffron basmati rice
VEGETARIAN EGGPLANTS$20.00
Eggplant, onions, fresh garlic, tomatoes, topped with house-made yogurt sauce, saﬀron basmati rice
VEGETARIAN CAULIFLOWER$18.00
Cauliﬂower, tomatoes, onions, fresh ginger and herbs, saﬀron basmati rice
VEGETARIAN COMBO$22.00
with Spinach, Butternut Squash, and Eggplants, saﬀron basmati rice
VEGGIE POTATO QURMA$18.00
Hearty chucks of potatoes baked and then sauteed with peppers, onions, carrots, chickpeas and finished with a tomato sauce.

SIDE DISHES

SIDE OF SPINACH$10.00
Cooked with scallions, cilantro, and fresh garlic and spices
SIDE OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH$10.00
With spiced topped with house-made yogurt, garlic and meat sauce
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- NO MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00
SIDE OF EGGPLANTS$10.00
Eggplant, onions, tomatoes, topped with house-made yogurt, and meat sauce
- WITH MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- NO MEAT SAUCE$0.00
- MEAT ON SIDE$0.00
SIDE OF CAULIFLOWER$10.00
Cauliﬂower, tomatoes, fresh garlic, onions, fresh ginger, and herbs
SIDE OF GRILLED VEGGIE$10.00
Two skewers (tomatoes, Onion, Bellpeppers
Side of Seasoned Basmati Rice$5.00
Side of White Basmati Rice$5.00
SIDE OF BREAD$3.00
SIDE OF POTATO QURMA$10.00

DESSERTS

CHOCLATE CHEESECAKE$9.00
BAGHLAVA & ICE CREAM$12.00
ICE CREAM$9.00
Ice cream with rosewater cardamom, and pistachios
FERNI$9.00
Milk pudding, topped with chopped roasted pistachios
BAKLAVA$9.00
Sweet, flaky pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and syrup
KNAFEH$12.00
A crunchy, gooey, and rich dessert with layers of crispy pastry and soft cheese.
KNAFEH AND ICE CREAM$15.00
A crunchy, gooey, and rich dessert with layers of crispy pastry and soft cheese. AND one full scoop of Ice Cream

KIDS MENU

KIDS CHICKEN KABOB$13.00
KIDS BEEF KABOB$13.00
KIDS SHRIMP KABOB$14.00
Kobideh$13.00

What 63 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Saffron Kitchen offers "wonderful, authentic Afghan cuisine" with generous portions and standout dishes like the Mantu appetizer and Salmon Kara'e. Guests praise the "splendid service" and welcoming atmosphere, both indoors and on the patio. Despite a lack of air conditioning on hot days, the restaurant's "great food, nice location" and inventive cocktails make it a must-visit.

63 Reviews

D
Diane
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Attentive service in a pretty dining room. Dishes were delicious. Easy parking.
Is this helpful?
E
Erica
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love this place- delicious food, great service with yummy cocktails and beautiful ambience.
Is this helpful?
A
Arlene
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent, polite, prompt service. Our food was prepared with balanced flavors.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent unique tasty food. We'll be going back soon.
Is this helpful?
J
Joan
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Every time we go to Saffron Kitchen, we know that we will have one absolutely perfect dish after another. We are completely taken with the sides, the manti, the fried eggplant, and the cauliflower. All the grilled and skewered meals are also perfectly cooked and surrounded by a seasoned rice which is so flavorful, topped by a lightly spiced fresh Afghani bread. The three sauces that await diners on the table are spicy and palate thrilling - so delish! We ended our dinner with a gentle and lightly sweet rice custard - delish! The restaurant has tables both inside and outside on the patio. Every single person who works at Saffron Kitchen is as warm and friendly as is the owner. They make diners feel like they are really appreciated! We love it there.
Is this helpful?
S
Sharon
San Francisco
37 reviews
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great service, food and ambience. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
L
Ladybug
San Francisco
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great time - loved our kabobs - met our friends who we told about our new find - now we all have a new favorite!
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R
Ram
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 5, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Saffron was a nice place and food was very good. Service was nice. Only complain was there was no air conditioning on a day when it was over 90 degrees outside
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G
Gloria
San Francisco
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Great food, nice location. Enjoyed the seafood combo, seasoned well and moist inside.
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N
Nancy
New Orleans
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved our lunch at Saffron Kitchen! We were a group of four, and we all tried different entrees: Caesar Salad with Salmon; Cilantro Caesar Salad; King Salmon Kabobs; Qabuli Pallaw (baked lamb w/caramelized carrots and raisins, served with seasoned Basmati Rice; Aush (Afghan soup w/noodles and beef). Everything was very good. Three sauces were served (red/green/white), so we could add flavors as desired. A rectangle of delicious, soft bread was also served. Service was great, attentive without being obtrusive. We had a leisurely lunch, and will definitely return!
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FAQs

SAFFRON KITCHEN offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (510) 735-9220.

SAFFRON KITCHEN is rated 4.8 stars by 63 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

5940 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Harwood
Neighborhood
Berkeley
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Afghan, Mediterranean, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Abdul YAwary, Chef/Owner
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.saffronk.com/
Phone number
(510) 735-9220
Catering
We specialize in catering of all sizes and for all events. The whole restaurant can be booked with sufficient notice. For catering, we can deliver food to your venue as well. Please send an email to hello@saffronk.com to get in touch with our management to discuss this further.
Private party facilities
Our private room at Saffron Kitchen can accomodate up to 30 people nicely. This venue is great for all types of events, corporate events/meetings and parties. The room opens up to our beautiful patio to accommodate more people. The room also has a TV and projector. Restaurant's sound system plays music and can be muted.

SAFFRON KITCHEN

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

APPETIZERS/STARTERS

SAMOSA$9.00

MANTU APP$10.00

AUSHAK$10.00

POTATO BOLANI$9.00

EGGPLANTS PAKORA$10.00

POTATO PAKORA$10.00

(Soup) Aush$10.00

MASHAWA (SOUP)$10.00

SIDE OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH$10.00

SALADS

GREEK SALAD$18.00

CILANTRO CAESER SALAD$16.00

WATERMELON, ARIGULA, FETA SALAD$18.00

ENTREES

BEEF KABOB$24.00

CHICKEN KABOB$24.00

COMBINATION KABOBS$25.00

RACK OF LAMB$38.00

LAMB KABOB$30.00

LAMB CHOP$36.00

KING SALMON KABOB$26.00

SHRIMP KABOB$26.00

SEAFOOD COMBO$27.00

QABULI PALLAW$26.00

LAWANG$24.00

SHISH LEEK$24.00

MANTU ENTREE$24.00

AUSHAK ENTREE$23.00

BEEF QURMA$24.00

SPINACH QURMA$24.00

CAULIFLOWERS QURMA$24.00

EGGPLANTS QURMA$24.00

POTATOES QURMA$24.00

SALMON KARA'E$24.00

KOBIDEH KABOBS$24.00

VEGETARIAN ENTREES

VEGETARIAN SPINACH QURMA$18.00

VEGETARIAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH$20.00

VEGETARIAN EGGPLANTS$20.00

VEGETARIAN CAULIFLOWER$18.00

VEGETARIAN COMBO$22.00

VEGGIE POTATO QURMA$18.00

SIDE DISHES

SIDE OF SPINACH$10.00

SIDE OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH$10.00

SIDE OF EGGPLANTS$10.00

SIDE OF CAULIFLOWER$10.00

SIDE OF GRILLED VEGGIE$10.00

Side of Seasoned Basmati Rice$5.00

Side of White Basmati Rice$5.00

SIDE OF BREAD$3.00

SIDE OF POTATO QURMA$10.00

DESSERTS

CHOCLATE CHEESECAKE$9.00

BAGHLAVA & ICE CREAM$12.00

ICE CREAM$9.00

FERNI$9.00

BAKLAVA$9.00

KNAFEH$12.00

KNAFEH AND ICE CREAM$15.00

KIDS MENU

KIDS CHICKEN KABOB$13.00

KIDS BEEF KABOB$13.00

KIDS SHRIMP KABOB$14.00

Kobideh$13.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does SAFFRON KITCHEN offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is SAFFRON KITCHEN restaurant rated?

Is SAFFRON KITCHEN currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas