Authentic Persian cuisine — from the area now known as Iran, and beyond — is the order of the day at Saffron’s, and it’s served with genuine warmth in a comfortable atmosphere. No surprise, then, that proprietor Majid Ghavami, a former host at Italian restaurants Casa Grisanti and Vincenzo’s, is considered one of the best restaurant hosts in Louisville. The menu, while limited, is loaded with intriguing combinations of flavors. A quartet of appetizers includes sautéed eggplant flavored with onion, garlic, yogurt and basil, served with pita and grilled breast of quail. The specialty of the house, sheeshleek, more commonly known as rack of lamb, is out of this world. The rest of the menu consists of a grilled salmon dish with a saffron-barberry sauce, four varieties of kabobs (including one vegetarian), four stews (including the luscious vegetarian fesenjoon, made of crushed walnuts, caramelized onion, pomegranate juice and fresh vegetables) and a Greek salad. Fragrant basmati rice comes with entrées. For dessert, be sure to try the Persian ice cream, flavored with saffron, pistachio and rose water.
Full bar. Serving lunch and dinner daily.
"It's one of the relatively few local spots that I respect so highly that I return here often, even when I'm not reviewing."
— Robin Garr, LouisvilleHotBytes.com