4 /5 Afshin Afshar-Ghasemlou: In Crepuscule, Roman Payne writes: “People wonder why so many writers come to live in Paris… Just like Italy, Spain, or Iran are the best places to pick saffron.”
Well, I can’t comment on Paris or the search for novel ideas, but I can confidently say this: you don’t need to travel to Italy, Spain, or Iran to find saffron. All you need to do is drive to Novato.
Saffron Grill & Market is a small, unassuming spot that serves a dual purpose, as both a Middle Eastern grocery store and a casual grill, and it does both surprisingly well. If you enjoy exploring spices, dried goods, and specialty ingredients, the shelves alone are worth the stop. I certainly got a kick out of browsing them.
And if you’re hungry, just walk to the back of the store, look up at the menu, and order whatever catches your eye. The food is solid, comforting Persian cuisine, prepared simply and priced very reasonably. It’s the kind of place where you don’t overthink the order, you just pick something and enjoy it. The owner-operator is friendly and genuinely happy to answer questions, whether you’re curious about the food, the spices, or what pairs well together.
It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. But if you’re looking for authentic flavors, good value, and a warm, local feel, Saffron Grill & Market delivers, all without leaving Marin County.
