Editor’s Note: Fork & Dagger is 828newsNOW’s anonymous restaurant review series, written by our independent Grub Scout—no freebies, no press perks, no agenda. Grub Scout pays full price, visits unannounced, and takes notes on food, service, atmosphere, and value. Each review reflects a recent, honest experience rated on our 1‑to‑5 fork scale. We aim to help you discover standout dining spots—from casual diners to white‑tablecloth affairs—one bite at a time.
Saffron is a new Indian restaurant in the old Barrel House spot on Merrimon Avenue, just north of Beaver Lake.
We entered to experience yet another awkward big city vibe. The old, shoddy and dingy feeling environment with flickering fluorescent lighting was contrasted by festive Diwali-style flowers hanging from the ceiling. The owner’s baby cried loudly from a stroller beside the bar.
A nervous American server welcomed us briefly, and also awkwardly, before we chose a couple of Kingfishers on draught. I’ve always felt that this is the only beer that one should drink at an Indian restaurant in America. It’s a smooth and tasty lager, and I’ve rarely had it on tap.
We were thrown off by everything else, and really didn’t know what to expect, but we pushed on toward appetizers.
The shrimp pakora ( jumbo shrimp fried in a spicy chickpea batter and served with mint chutney) was a real surprise. I’ve had it many times, but this was perfect.
The goat cheese naan ( soft and bubbly textured flatbread baked in a tandoori oven) was very warming and comforting on a cold evening, especially when dipped in the raita (yogurt cucumber sauce) or the mango chutney.
Her Chicken Tikka Masala (juicy marinated chicken breast in a creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with ginger, garlic and aromatic spices) was exactly what it’s supposed to be, and exactly what she wanted. Excellent traditional offering.
My Lamb Kolhapuri (a spicy Maharashtrian curry featuring roasted coconut, red chiles and traditional Masala) was outstanding.
The house rice that accompanied both entrees was great as well.
For dessert, we chose the chocolate lava cake. The soft, spongy exterior gave way to a river of rich chocolate sauce when cut into. It was quite tasty.
Overall, the experience was just fine. It was a bit expensive, but the food was very good, and I recommend it. We should all give new restaurants a few months to work out the kinks. Plus, it’s just wonderful to have another tasty option in North Asheville.
