Saffron Street
V. C. T. · 445 Google reviewsSaffron Street — a Loop food find that regulars keep close. Polished but not pretentious. The kind of menu that makes you want to order everything. "Also tried the Samosa Chaat, and it was the perfect mix of crispy, tangy, and savory" — Rosemarie Medina [$$]
What 50 diners keep saying
What 50 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“The food is amazing and very continent to carry. Big fan of themeatballs, bbq cottage cheese, and coconut chutney. Recommended for quick lunch and team huddles.”
“The makhani sauce is far better than most places I’ve eaten at around Chicago downtown. The marination on the paneer is packed with flavor with a nice charred texture.”
“Keralan Rice Bowl was excellent. Cumin rice is very tasty and gives you a craving to have more. Chilli Chicken 🍗 has a nice spicy flavor. Masala fries 🍟 is a must have. Above all the service was excellent. The hostess explained the menu and gave recommendations based on what I was looking for.”
“As a person who is of South Asian background, this place is both authentic yet modern. Highly recommend! Green chili rice bowl was so good.”
“Good indian place. Loved their food, their rice bowls are amazing, have tried the keralan chicken bowl which spicy and love it. Also tried their makhni bowl which is delicious and also their parathas. Everything is delicios, this is my go to lunch place. 👍🏻”
“Okay this is the best Indian food I had in Chicago. Very limited in variety, but sooo sooo authentic, aromatic, tasty and fresh. The ghee rice combined with their makhani sauce is something I only had this good in India. More people need to try this. So far I have ordered 4 times from this place already. The rice is very well done just like home, very fresh. I think their goal is quality over quantity. You will never get this fresh rice anywhere else. Whoever is cooking and packing is doing it with lots of love and care. You can tell by what your food looks. Cilantro looks fresh, rice has such nice aroma. I think comparing this with any other Indian place would be an insult to the chef. This is some high quality stuff.”
“This place is SO GOOD! Utterly delicious Indian flavors and super unique menu items. Every time I head into the city I eat here and I’ve never been disappointed!”
“I've tried this place many times and the food is outstanding. During my visit today I found a small piece of metal (I'm guessing from a sponge) towards the bottom of my bowl (pictured on plastic cover). When I told them about it they offered to make me a new bowl, but I declined. I didn't feel comfortable about consuming anything else from them. I'm glad I noticed before eating it, but someone like a child might miss it and it could have caused an injury.”
“Came through Saffron Street for dinner after work in the Loop and it was a solid move. I got the butter chicken, garlic naan, and basmati rice. Chicken was creamy, well spiced, and the naan came out fresh and fluffy. Service was quick and everyone was cool without hovering. Spot’s got a nice chill feel inside too. Definitely one of my go-to Indian spots downtown now.”
“I ordered the Green Chili Beef which came cumin rice and pickled Fresno chili. This was so good and flavorful. The best Indian food I’ve had in a long time. Love it!!!”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More dining in Downtown & River North
See the ranking →
In the same lane · mid-range
If it's packed, walk to…
More good rooms in Loop, minutes away.