Saffron Indian Cuisine Restaurant

About Saffron Indian Cuisine

Where Tradition Meets Taste—From Our Kitchen to Your Heart

Welcome to Saffron Indian Cuisine, Johnston’s beloved destination for authentic Indian food, heartfelt hospitality, and unforgettable dining experiences. Just minutes from Des Moines, we’re proud to be a chef-owned Indian restaurant rooted in tradition, passion, and pride.

🍛 Our Story

Saffron was born from a shared dream: to bring the soul of Indian cooking to our Iowa community. At the heart of this dream is Chef Srikanth, our culinary visionary and proud business partner. His deep-rooted heritage and hands-on involvement ensure that every dish is authentic, lovingly prepared, and served with purpose.

From the spice markets of Hyderabad to the kitchens of Tamil Nadu, our menu celebrates India’s rich regional diversity. Each recipe is chosen for its story, perfected for its flavor, and presented with care.

Chef Srikanth

👨‍🍳 Meet Our Chef Partner: Srikanth

Srikanth’s culinary journey began at the prestigious Taj Krishna ITC in India, where he built a foundation of passion, precision, and creativity. He then spent four years in the cruise industry, cooking for thousands and collaborating with world-renowned chefs—including Paul Wahlberg—gaining global experience across both Indian and American cuisines.

Known for his love of experimentation, Srikanth crafts new recipes and brings fresh ideas to the table. His career spans celebrated chain restaurants, always blending tradition with innovation to create memorable dining experiences.

Saffron Indian Cuisine is the realization of his long-held dream: a place where authentic Indian flavors meet heartfelt hospitality.

“Food is my language. Through it, I share stories, memories, and joy.” — Chef Srikanth
Dining Experience

🧡 Our Promise

At Saffron, every guest is family. We promise:

  • Warm, attentive service
  • Vibrant, unforgettable flavors
  • A dining experience that lingers long after the last bite

Whether you're here for a quick lunch or a grand celebration, we’re honored to serve you—authentically, passionately, and deliciously.

🌟 What Sets Us Apart

  • Chef-Owned Authenticity: Our chef-partner brings generations of culinary wisdom and personal pride to every plate.
  • Multicultural Spirit: We welcome all with open arms and open menus—offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, Jain-friendly, and fusion options.
  • Creative Hospitality: From poetic seasonal messages to personalized catering menus, we infuse creativity into everything we do.
  • Community-Focused: Whether it’s a family dinner, festive celebration, or corporate lunch, we’re honored to be part of your moments.