Saffron, (230 S Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills; 310.248.5211) the fast-casual Indian restaurant opened its second location in Beverly Hills. Offering the same menu as the downtown location, the menu has vegetarian or chicken curries, and dishes like Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer and Samosas. After you order at the queue, by choosing from among the eight curries and stews, you then pick between a bowl of basmati rice or on a plate with rice and salad. A number is given to you, which you take to your table, and then you wait for your food to arrive. Chutneys and sauces are freshly made daily and are self-serve near the beverage station. Mango lassis, made each morning from fresh fruit, are lined up in the beverage case.
Poon Design, an architectural firm located in Beverly Hills, designed Saffron. It’s decorated with red/orange walls, plenty of white, eco-friendly paperstone counters and wall graphics by Pasadena-based design firm Oringe. A major element in the space is the henna wall created by a custom wall light fixture patterned to look like traditional henna patterns. During the daytime, it’s like a shiny wall sculpture, but at night it casts a glow over the dining area. Open seven days a week from 11 am-10 pm.