Saffron Cafe - Monterey

I absolutely loved the rice bowl with eggplant stew and the flatbread served with vegetable hummus. The rosewater lemonade was delicious! And the baklava was the best I've ever tasted. Dining here was a truly uplifting experience. The service was genuine and warm, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Everything about this place radiates good energy and great food. I can't wait to become a regular. Stop by and experience the love for yourself!

I chose this restaurant because it was conveniently located near the convention center where we were staying, offered several vegan options, and had a dog-friendly patio. The service was excellent—very kind, accommodating, and particularly helpful when I inquired about vegan selections. The lentil and vegetable soup tasted homemade, with just the right amount of spice to give it a nice kick. The Persian eggplant dip had that same homemade quality and was mashed by hand, reminiscent of how my Iranian friend prepares it. Both dishes came with toasted pita bread upon request. I also ordered the Artisanal salad to take away, which was a generous portion and came with plenty of toppings. If we visit Monterey again, we'll definitely return!

I discovered a fantastic little restaurant in Monterey that specializes in delicious Mediterranean vegetarian cuisine. They offer a variety of options, including paninis, flatbreads, rice bowls, soups, and salads. You can even mix and match with half portions of soups or salads. The Mediterranean panini and Marrakesh flatbread are absolute must-tries. We also sampled the Caprese panini and Caprese flatbread, which were just as delightful. Don't miss pairing your meal with a side of hummus or one of the other tempting small bites, all served with unlimited portions of freshly made warm pita. The pita is among the best I've ever tasted—so soft and fluffy! I highly recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for a great spot for lunch, brunch, or a quick bite.

Definitely was an enjoyable place! Came in on a Friday night around 7pm and it wasn't too busy. Our meals were about $12 bucks each which seemed pretty reasonable, especially for the area. The meals were delicious. We got the Caspian Panini and the Mediterranean Platter.

Delicious food with good portion sizes, and the owner and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. I had a ghormay sabzi basmati bowl, cardamom tea, and stuffed dates. The owner even asked me if I wanted a second helping of the stew. Highly recommend, even if you're not a vegetarian (I'm not).