Zaffrani - London

Disappointing experience. I've become a big Indian food fan, so I was excited to run across this spot in the neighborhood. Atmosphere- the place could use some work. The menus weren't cleaned, they were torn and literally had sharpie hand written over things that are out. Just reprint new menus. Service- there is a younger guy that's in there that is very nice. The older guy with the mustache, not so much. He was huffy and rushed us and didn't answer our questions about the menu. It's a huge menu and we didn't understand some of the items. We just randomly ordered a few things because he made us so uncomfortable. Food- the paneer and spinach croquettes were tasty but could have used some salt. The chicken biryani was so damn hot. We asked him in advance how spicy it was and he gave us a noncommittal not too spicy and well it was. We had to order another raita just to eat it. The daal was interesting. It had too many vegetables for my taste. The man brought out a dish we had not ordered on accident. Because we had no explanation of the items we didn't even realize it. We were mid dishing it out when he came over and asked if we wanted to keep it since we didn't order it and then ended up just grabbing it since we didn't order it. Weird and bad service.

They brought me the wrong (less expensive) dish and charged me the higher price. When I asked for the check, one of the waiters practically threw the plastic with the check on the table. The waitstaff is all smiles, but they don't seem reliable or trustworthy.

Yeesh really bad experience here last night. Our dinner location of choice turned out to have made a mistake ok no biggie. We have been meaning to come to this place and I called them to ask if they would have a table for three in ten minutes. I was assured this was no problem. Then we arrived. By 'we ', I mean myself, my mother (not elderly but not someone I would impulsively NOT offer a seat to), my wife and our newborn. When we arrived the host seemed to be completely unaware he had just gotten off the phone with me and agreed to have a table. However, no biggie there are two tables open. They are clearly reserved but he appeared to think another table was about to leave. Two things were really, really wrong with this: 1. If they are leaving so soon, then offer us one of the other two four tops that are presently open that way, should the other people arrive, they can take that table when it clears. Further, do NOT leave a woman with a newborn standing at the front of your restaurant where there is barely any space. 2. If a table is paying their bill but still has practically full wine glasses, get a f*cking clue they are NOT leaving yet. Do you even work in the restaurant industry you imbecile? It was kind of surprising just pure, unbridled idiocy. We left. Went to Gallipoli where the service and the food was spectacular. Hope this place gets their act together. My immediate thought with people that dumb is, I 'm not ever going to sit down in their restaurant and place my time and trust in their hands.

Zaffrani is a hidden gem just off Upper Street that always hits the spot. I wouldn't feel out of place wearing a dress or my jeans. The white tablecloths make it nice enough for a date night and seeing locals come in and being surprised to see someone they know already seated gives it a certain warm chumminess. For about £55 (gratuity not included), two of us shared a huge starter (bazaar ki bajias), two mains (laal mirchi murgh laal maas), saag malai paneer, nan raita on the side as well as a bottle of white. A friendly place with yummy food. What's not to love?

This might be daring statement, but I believe this is the best Indian restaurant in town! Well, at least for me it is... I love this place so much! The service is superb, everything is super clean and so beautifully almost pampered.. You really can see how at Zaffrani 's take so much attention to provide genuinely impeccable service. Food wise, it has always been AWESOME!!! I mean, there is a choice from good old beloved 'plain Jane ' menu and some regional picks. The portions are smaller and organised almost as an Indian tapas place. The food is so tasty and I have to praise the coconut naan.. The best thing, I 've ever tasted from Indian cuisine.. Wine selection is pretty good as well!!