SAFFRON KITCHEN

4.8

78 Reviews

$31 to $50

Afghan

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 4 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
LAWANG$24.00
Chicken cooked with onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and sour cream served with saffron basmati rice
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
MANTU ENTREE$24.00
Steamed dumpling ﬁlled with ground lamb and onions, topped with yogurt, mint, and mixed vegetables
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
BEEF QURMA$24.00
Cooked with green peppers, onion, fresh garlic, tomatoes and spices
SPINACH QURMA$24.00
Baked lamb or Chicken, spinach Qurma, fresh garlic, cilantro, and spices
- WITH LAMB$0.00
- WITH CHICKEN$0.00
BEEF CAULIFLOWER QURMA$24.00
Braised Beef, or baked chicken & cauliflower stew, tomatoes, fresh garlic, gingers, and herbs
BEEF EGGPLANT QURMA$24.00
Braised Beef or baked chicken & eggplants, tomatoes, fresh garlic, and spices
BEEF POTATO QURMA$24.00
Hearty chucks of potatoes baked and then sauteed with peppers, onions and carrots and finished with a tomato sauce.
SALMON KARA'E$24.00
- Rare$0.00
- well done$0.00
- Medium Rare$0.00
- Medium Well$0.00
KOBIDEH KABOBS$24.00
SHOLA (Afghan Savory Sticky Rice with Beef) 🌶️$24.00

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 CAKE$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
SAFFRON PISTACHIO ICE CREAM$9.00
POMEGRANATE CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM$10.00

KIDS MENU

KIDS CHICKEN KABOB$13.00
KIDS BEEF KABOB$13.00
KIDS SHRIMP KABOB$14.00
KIDS KOHBIDEH KABOB$13.00
KIDS SALMON KABOB$14.00

What 78 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

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Saffron Kitchen offers a delightful dining experience with a "relaxed" atmosphere and "excellent service." Guests rave about the "delicious food," highlighting Afghan culinary classics like qabuli pallaw and a variety of kabobs. The creative drinks and "fabulous desserts" complement the "inventive" menu. This "neighborhood gem" is perfect for all occasions.

78 Reviews

K
Kerrylvr
San Francisco
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a delightful experience! This was a recommendation from friends and we will certainly return. I had the lamb Qabuli Pallaw and it was full of tender lamb in a sweet savory rice with carrots and raisins. I had never had something similar and it was delicious. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the Shole, a sticky rice with beef. (think risotto variation) We splurged and had the POMEGRANATE CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM for dessert. Yes, an unexpected treat that is bright pink and has chocolate chunks. Everyone from the waiter to the chef was very friendly and helpful, as well as attentive. The space is charming and has multiple choices for seating. Give it a try!
Is this helpful?
T
TC
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. I had lamb kabobs and dumplings to start. Both were wonderfully seasoned and prepared. I also had a couple of cocktails that were creative and very tasty. The service was excellent. I was here on a Monday so it wasn’t crowded. Definitely will be back.
Is this helpful?
A
Alan
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious, excellent service, very relaxed. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was terrific, and the food was excellent. Pomegranate ice cream was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise!
Is this helpful?
J
James
San Francisco
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great selection of dishes. Two of us started with the bolani and shared kebab plate and qurma plate plus a side veggie. It was enough food and we had some leftovers. The flavors were very good and we really liked the butternut squash with yogurt on the qurma plate. The staff was attentive and friendly including the bartender. We’d go back again and try other dishes.
Is this helpful?
P
Pat
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always, the food was wonderful and the people were very nice. A great meal!
Is this helpful?
B
Bill
VIP
San Francisco
40 reviews
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I can’t believe it took us so long to finally try this neighborhood gem! We’ll be back!
Is this helpful?
J
Julie
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful traditional Afghan food! We loved the appetizer menu and shared a kabob entree. The bartender/waiter was helpful with the menu. My companion has been to Afghanistan, photographing the people, documenting the culture over a 20 year period, so she was especially pleased to find this spot. The food was a bargain by Bay Area standards. We’ll be back!
Is this helpful?
K
Katie
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service on Christmas Eve and delicious meal!
Is this helpful?
K
Ken
VIP
San Francisco
144 reviews
5.0
144 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent dining experience. Food service and ambiance and food were extraordinary.
Is this helpful?

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 78 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 4 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

BEEF CAULIFLOWER QURMA$24.00

BEEF EGGPLANT QURMA$24.00

BEEF POTATO QURMA$24.00

SALMON KARA'E$24.00

KOBIDEH KABOBS$24.00

SHOLA (Afghan Savory Sticky Rice with Beef) 🌶️$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 CAKE$9.00

BAGHLAVA & ICE CREAM$12.00

ICE CREAM$9.00

FERNI$9.00

BAKLAVA$9.00

SAFFRON PISTACHIO ICE CREAM$9.00

POMEGRANATE CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM$10.00

KIDS MENU

KIDS CHICKEN KABOB$13.00

KIDS BEEF KABOB$13.00

KIDS SHRIMP KABOB$14.00

KIDS KOHBIDEH KABOB$13.00

KIDS SALMON KABOB$14.00

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