I enjoy dining out, so I keep a list of restaurants I would like to patronize handy. Saffron NOLA has been at the top of my restaurant wish list for awhile. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this family-owned establishment! They have received many accolades and awards for their delicious cuisine. Reading through them all, left me very impressed. “The vision was born from husband and wife team, Arvinder Vilkhu and Pardeep Vilkhu whose journey immigrating from India to New Orleans inspired the joy of marrying their heritage with New Orleans tradition and ingredients.”
“Saffron’s menu is Indian at its core with influence spanning the globe from Chef Arvinder’s experiences. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ashwin Vilkhu, Head Chef & GM, uses the same tradition and nuanced flavors to create Saffron’s culinary-focused cocktail menu. Like their dining table at home, the menu is designed for sharing and incorporates things they love from both India and New Orleans.” Their daughter Pranita Vilkhu is Director of Human Resources and Finance.
The atmosphere and decor of the restaurant is modern, chic, sophisticated, intimate and inviting. Earth tones of brown and gold enrapture you (i.e. bar, chandeliers). A hint of red adds just the right touch of spice to its allure. Everything is sleek and works well with the flow of the dining experience. Our table by the front window was the perfect spot for dinner.
Besides their delicious Indian cuisine, Saffron NOLA is known for their cocktails. We ordered the New Kid On The Block (which consists of tequila, rum, lime, tamarind, orgeat and rum) and Monsoon On Magazine (which is the name of the street the restaurant is located on and consists of Indian Rum, Jamaican Rum, roasted mango, passion fruit, house grenadine, and lime). Both were delicious! I highly recommend that you try one of their cocktails when dining there.
Saffron NOLA’s dinner menu is one page. Limited menus are very rare when visiting restaurants, but when you see one (I can almost promise you) EVERYTHING is really good. Also, reservations are required for this restaurant. It stays booked!
For appetizers, we ordered Saffron NOLA’s Oyster Bed Roast. These oysters are prepared with caramelized onions, garlic, curry leaf and served with naan. They are served sizzling hot and yummy. We also had a bowl of their Curried Seafood Gumbo. Oh my God you guys! This gumbo is SO DELICIOUS! I’ve never tasted gumbo like this before. When they serve the gumbo to you, they pour it from a small pot into your bowl. I will post the video on my Instagram page.
For dinner we feasted on Nariyal Gulf Fish, with korma sauce, mango pickle & curd rice and Khyber Lamb Chomps that were rum soaked with rogan josh sauce & kichdi. You MUST order the lamb chops! I’ve never been a fan of lamb, because everywhere I’ve eaten it … it has been poorly prepared. I had come to the conclusion through all of my years, that I just didn’t like lamb. The real reason I didn’t like lamb, was because it wasn’t prepared properly. Ill preparation can turn you against ANY type of food. These were the most tender, flavorful and delicious lamb chops I’ve ever eaten.
Upon finishing our delicious and satisfying dinner, we were handed their dessert menu. I was wondering (my stomach and the dress I was wearing HaHaHa) where I was going to put anything else. We decided to forge ahead with dessert.
For dessert, we had the Saffron NOLA Chai which came steeping hot in a beautiful black tea kettle along with Jammin Jamun. What is that you ask? They are Indian donuts. They are really good! It was truly a delightful and enjoyable evening. I now understand why Saffron NOLA requires reservations and stays booked. It’s a culinary delight.
