We all love to indulge in exotic Indian and Asia-fusion cuisine every so often. Truth be told, a night out with friends is made all the better with some delicious chilli fried fish, batti chicken, and grilled cauliflower, broccoli and cottage cheese, topped off with your favourite choice of wine or cocktail. The newly opened Saffron Indian Cuisine — named after the most precious and equally expensive spice in the world — offers just that and more.

Set in one of Kingston's renowned cuisine endroits, The Courtyard at Marketplace, Saffron is the second eatery for Vivek Chatani and his wife Pooja, who became restaurateurs three years ago with their Orchid Village Plaza-based Tamarind Indian Cuisine restaurant. "Tamarind is a small, more intimate restaurant, and clients were coming to us asking for larger tables. Also, the parking space was an issue, and when the opportunity to open Saffron presented itself, we took it and ran with it," Chatani tells Thursday Food.

Unlike Tamarind Indian Cuisine, which seats 38 patrons inside and 15 on the patio, Saffron seats 61 patrons inside and 24 on the outside. The menu is more extensive, too, and as appealing as the relaxing atmosphere. Think authentic and indulgent North Indian food, paired with Asian-fusion cuisine spanning Malaysia to Indonesia, and Thailand to Hong Kong, that's certain to satisfy even the most diverse, yet discerning palates, including vegetarians.

The brick red and off-white interior dining areas are spacious and airy, with subtle hints of techno music adding a contemporary touch to the easy-going and welcoming ambiance. The bar, fully outfitted by Diageo, provides wines such as the Partiger red from France, the Delheim rosé from South Africa, and the Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, as well as options from Italy, the United States, Australia and New Zeland. Cocktails are aplenty, too, as are daiquiris and Mojitos.

The unique selling point that will take Saffron to the top, according to Vivek, is the extensive grilled options, done on the coals in the cylindrical tandoor ovens that could not be accommodated at Tamarind. "Grilled foods are taking off with the increase demand for healthy food choices," Chatani explains.

To date, the reception for the month-old restaurant has been great. "We are seeing a growth in repeat customers, and their recommendations have resulted in a steady flow of new customers," Chatani continues.

Among the popular dishes are, Reshmi kabab masala and the Saffron vegetable platter. What's more, the chefs are brought in from India to create the very best in flavour and texture from the dishes at Saffron. "I grew up eating Indian food and so it was essential that all our customers receive the very best we had to offer," shares Chatani. All their original curry dishes are still available, and there are more to come. And with the tandoor ovens ready to grill all the vegetables and meats on the open flame for the taste that keeps customers going back to Saffron, believe us when we say there's something there for you.

Saffron Indian Cuisine

#37 Marketplace

67 Constant Spring Road

Tel: 1-876-926-6598

Mon-Sat 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Sundays 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm