My husband and I just ate at Saffron Mantra tonight for the first time. The moment I walked in I was reluctant. The location use to be a pub before it was Saffron and it still looks like it's a pub. Ambiance is definitely lacking on first impression. It wouldn't be so bad if they changed the tables and chairs or at least added table cloths.
Now the food; We ordered the Saffron's Coconut Calamari as an appetizer and I forgot all about the ambiance. What a great ballance of flavours. Both of us loved it. For entres I had the Cottage Cheese and Zucchini Kofta and my husband had the Cod and Chips. Again, who cares about ambiance. We shared our dishes with each other and we both loved each one. The fish had an amazing batter with an even more amazing tartar sauce and chutney. So often curry dishes can come across as heavy and overpowering but the Kofta had such bright and delicate flavours.
Service was friendly and prompt, prices manageable, and portions just right.
It will definitely be a regular place for our Sunday night dinners.