Saffron Indian Restaurant in Bala Cynwyd, PA

Saffron is a Zagat 2011 "Noteworthy Newcomer" and Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly 2010" winner.  This restaurant has two locations - one in Bala Cynwyd and another in Ambler.  During a visit to the Bala Cynwyd location, I discovered the food was good but the service and noise level made it not worth the trip.

I visited Saffron yesterday (a Thursday night) during Main Line Restaurant Week.  For $20, I got an appetizer, entree, bread, and dessert.  My dining partner and I shared the Onion Bhajia (marinated, deep-fried vegetables in a chickpea batter; normally $4) and Chatpata Murg Tikka (Chicken tenders, marinated in yogurt spiced with coriander, ginger and cumin powder and baked in a charcoal clay oven;  normally $9) appetizers.  The Onion Bhajia was very crisp and tasty.  The chicken was extremely tender and came on a bed of peppers and onions.  I recommend both appetizers.

For our entrees, we had Murg Korma (Boneless pieces of chicken cooked in a rich almond and cream sauce; normally $14) and Chana Punjabi (more commonly known as Chana Masala - Chickpeas gently cooked with onions, herbs and tomatoes; normally $12).  I didn't sample the korma but my friend liked it.  I enjoyed my chickpeas.  I had the garlic and coriander naan as my bread choice and my friend had the tandoori roti (whole wheat bread with no oil).  These were normally $3 and $2, respectively.  The naan, and its buttery goodness, was more tasty - as you would expect - than the roti.

We ended our meals with rice pudding.  I was tempted to get a mango lassi as a "extra" but I was full.  While the entree portions were standard, I was filled by the appetizers, which I typically don't get when I eat Indian.

Go to Saffron for take-out.  The noise - largely due to a large table of about a dozen college-aged women - was so loud I could barely hold a conversation.  In fact, one couple got up and moved to another side of the small dining room in a desperate (and  probably futile attempt) to get away from the noise.  I suspect, however, that the restaurant is probably loud many nights when it is full.

I was most disappointed with the service.  After our meals were served, no one checked back with us to make sure everything was satisfactory.  Considering the restaurant was not full at that time, that is inexcusable.  Also, my water glass was empty for a 1/2 hour before I finally was able to find someone who could fill it.  I was told "OK" but that didn't happen.  I had to ask again when our check was brought to the table.  Even without these faux pas, I would say the service was chilly at best. 

It's a good thing the food is good - although not fabulous - or Saffron would not be worth a visit at all.  I encourage Zagat and Philly Magazine to visit again.