Experience The Essence of India

From Saffron Fields to Your Plate

Experience The Essence of India

From Saffron Fields to Your Plate

Discover Bold Indian Flavors

Indulge in Vibrant Culinary Craftsmanship

Our Story & Culinary Journey

Celebrating Indian Flavors, Passion & Tradition

Chef Srikanth’s inspiration lies in blending traditional techniques with modern creativity, crafting dishes that tell a story — from the fragrant, robust gravies of North India to the vibrant, spice-forward tastes of South India. Our menu also offers unique fusion dishes, marrying Indian spices with global influences.

Know more

🌟 What Sets Us Apart

  • Chef-Owned Authenticity: Our chef-partner brings generations of culinary wisdom and personal pride to every plate.
  • Multicultural Spirit: We welcome all with open arms—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, Jain-friendly & fusion options.
  • Creative Hospitality: From poetic seasonal messages to personalized catering menus, creativity shapes everything we do.
  • Community-Focused: Whether it’s a family dinner, festive celebration, or corporate lunch—we’re honored to serve your moments.

💳 Gift Card Options

  • Digital Indian restaurant gift cards
  • Customizable amounts for any occasion
  • Valid for dine-in, takeout, or Indian catering services

🌐 Buy Online

Click below to purchase a gift card instantly:

👉 Buy a Saffron Gift Card

Specials

Check Our Specials

Chicken Biryani

A flavorful and aromatic rice dish layered with spiced chicken and herbs.

Our Chicken Biryani is made with long-grain basmati rice, tender chicken, and a blend of authentic Indian spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Chicken Biryani

Chicken Lollipops

Crispy fried chicken wings tossed in a spicy Indo-Chinese sauce.

Perfectly seasoned and fried chicken lollipops served with a tangy dipping sauce — a crowd favorite appetizer!

Chicken Lollipops

Veg Manchurian

Crispy vegetable balls cooked in a savory and tangy Manchurian sauce.

A popular Indo-Chinese dish made with finely chopped vegetables and bold flavors — perfect with fried rice or noodles.

Veg Manchurian

Tandoori Salmon

Salmon fillets marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to smoky perfection.

A healthy twist on a classic tandoori dish, featuring juicy salmon infused with bold Indian flavors and served with lemon wedges.

Tandoori Salmon

Shrimp Dum Biryani

Fragrant rice layered with spiced shrimp and slow-cooked under steam.

Delicious prawns cooked with biryani spices and herbs, giving you a flavorful seafood twist on the classic Hyderabadi biryani.

Shrimp Dum Biryani

Veg Noodles

Stir-fried noodles tossed with colorful veggies and Asian sauces.

A simple yet satisfying Indo-Chinese favorite — perfect balance of flavor, spice, and crunch in every bite.

Veg Noodles

Reservation

Book a Table

Ready to dine with us?

Call now to reserve your table and experience the true taste of India.

📞 Call to Reserve: +1 (515) 897-0460

Ames Delivery 🚗🔥

Ames Indian Food Delivery — Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 PM! Fresh, authentic Indian cuisine delivered right to Ames.

Skip the drive and savor the spice! Saffron delivers bold, flavorful Indian dishes every Friday and Saturday—perfect for students, families, and food lovers.

📍 Pick-Up Location

Memorial Union Parking Ramp
2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50011

📲 How to Order (3 Steps)

  1. Order online from Saffron Indian Cuisine.
  2. Select Pick-up 5:45 PM & type “Ames Delivery” in Special Requests.
  3. Send WhatsApp screenshot with Order ID, Name & Phone to +1 (515) 619-0234.

⏰ Cutoff: 4:45 PM   |   🚗 Pick-Up: 8:00 PM

🔥 Ames Delivery
Every Fri & Sat

Order by 4:45 PM · Pick up at 8:00 PM

📲 Order for Ames Delivery

Testimonials

What our guests are saying

My son and I stopped in for lunch a few weeks ago. The lunch buffet was fairly priced and included lots of flavorful food. This is a great lunch destination as you can eat quick and leave. If you need a place for food under 30 minutes, give Saffron a shot! Very good food.

Geoffrey Dickson · Local Guide

The food was amazing, I tried the chicken 65, chicken lollipop, they are both crispy and very delicious. The food is high quality, there is little to no wait time, and prices are good. This restaurant is definitely one of a kind and they are easily one of the better Indian Cuisines in this area. Would definitely recommend coming here!

Akshaj Nalam

Saffron is honestly fire. We had the chicken biryani and lamb masala — both were amazing. And the owner is a really good man, super friendly and welcoming. Great food, great vibes. Easy 5 stars.

Haris Z

The food was very good and the service was friendly and professional! I don't have a super high spice tolerance and they were willing to work with me and find the right amount of spice for me. They came and checked on the food and made sure it was to my liking which I greatly appreciated! The food was amazing! Definitely my new favorite place for curry. Looking forward to trying their lunch buffet sometime!

Miranda Herr

Delicious Indian food was served on the buffet. My daughters and I all loved it! Definitely a new Johnston favorite restaurant for us.

Megan Christofferson

Catering & Private Events

Exceptional food and service tailored for your special occasions.

Hosting an event? Let us bring the flavor to you! Whether it's a small gathering or a grand celebration, our catering team has you covered with customizable menus, professional staff, and impeccable service.

Call Now to Book