Safran

I had a takeaway meal from there, an evening meal that wasn’t your typical pizza or burger. Had a kebab and a drink for £3.99.
I did have to wait awhile but felt assured they were cooking it fresh so didn’t mind waiting.
The restaurant itself was quiet at the time but I’d been recommended it and I was early so didn’t think much of it.
Food was brill and filling. I didn’t get that hunger feeling half an hour later, like you normally get with the big chains.

Come on folks. Five stars should be reserved for perfection. While the service was excellent and meal a real value, the restaurant was rather tacky, cheaply furnished and of questionable cleanliness. I applaud the cook scraping built up grime from the grill but not during business hours and in sight from my table. To repeat, this place is an excellent value and ground lamb is savory and moist — I’d come back if in Leeds and staying close.

I’ve walked past this place quite a few times, but I have to say its existence has never even registered in the conscious before last night. The lurid neon signs and tucked away location just don’t scream ‘quality eating establishment’, rather late night meat in a tray peddler.
We went in with some friends who had previously been (ironically finding it after assuming it was a late night kebab hut) and recommended we check it out.
The décor inside is puzzling to say the least, huge painted scenes of Persia adorn the walls, and the chairs and tables look as if my grandma had been chief buyer when the restaurant was set up.
The greeting is very friendly and relaxed, unfortunately we were the only ones in on a Tuesday night, however I’m not sure if that was just because it was a January weeknight or whether its often like that.
We ordered humus and bread to begin, and were served huge warm flat breads that were similar to a naan bread (although a lot less greasy). I have to say the humus itself needed some seasoning to bring out the flavour but the bread was exceptional.
For main course we shared the Persian mix with an additional ‘Barg’ (marinated lamb fillet). What arrived was a beautiful mixture of tender meats all marinated in delicious variants of spices. All had a differing flavour, and texture and the portions were generous.
We were given the standard ketchup and mayo condiments, however the star of the show was a curry/​mint/​ketchup sauce which was perfect for dipping chips in!
We will definitely be going back again!

I’m always surprised that the bustling city centre of Leeds doesn’t have many late night food places, especially on a Sunday. So many lovely pubs and bars stop serving after a certain (fairly early) time on a night, which is understandable with all those thirsty drinkers heading into the city centre in their droves.
So this Sunday at about 9pm, a few friends & I struggled to decide where to go & ended up at Safran. And boy am I glad we did! I really enjoyed it here & the food was really good!
We ordered the mixed starter which says it is for two on the menu, but combined with the flat breads that came with it, it was definitely enough to sustain four before our main courses arrived. It had falafel, lamb kebab, lots of salad, hummus, olives & pickle. Really fresh and tasty.
I wasn’t feeling too hungry so I opted for a chicken wrap which arrived in a handy paper wrapper to stop me making a mess (which is usually what happens when I eat wraps!) It was a very reasonable £5ish and tasted really good. Quality chicken and fresh salad. Everyone else opted for stews which were all just under the £10 mark but came with a huge plate of rice each and all struggled to finish. Those who had to leave a portion heartily complained at their stomachs’ ineptitude to persevere because they were such delicious stews!
The drinks menu is limited — a few beers and a house wines with soft drinks. But that didn’t bother us. (A bottle of wine was about £15.)
The gentleman who served us was really lovely, friendly and patient with our indecisiveness! He even almost let us off for underpaying at the end, though we realised our error before we left & made sure we topped it up. All in all, a lovely place to pop to if you’re near the bus station and feeling a bit peckish either for lunch or supper, even a late supper.

I’ve only frequented this little gem once I was out with my daughter and a friend had told me she was going to Safran that week so I decided to pop by to see if it was any good… Well what can I say the décor was a bit cheesy and cheap looking but the shared mix starter was absolutely delicious with its devine olives, humus, salad, a juicy well made kebab and gorgeous home made naan bread.
All I can say is my daughter and I loved the food and left feeling warm and well satisfied. This cosy restaurant is definitely a hidden gem and I would highly recommend you should go at least once just to see if you love Persian food. The price was purse friendly and the staff were very warm and welcoming.

I love this little hide away. It’s the perfect escape from the rain, bustle and hassle of the city, and in spite of the slightly cheesy décor it never ceases to transport me away from all that is the city. You can always expect a warm welcome, relaxed and friendly staff, and a menu of untold Persian and Arabic delights. Usually when one says «kebab», the implied edible is something scraped from an incessantly undulating meat pike, whose contents are of questionable origin. Let me assure you, Safran don’t deal in that kind of claptrap.
Expect rich, flavourful and tender meats, seasoned with what has to be love, and cooked to bountiful, juicy perfection. Throw in some chips (I always do) and a massive wadge of salad and you’re good to go. Sadly, on my last visit, the magic mint dressing was absent –I’m hoping they had merely run out, as that stuff was incredible. Also, I can’t say I’ve noticed that the menu is particularly veggie friendly– whilst this isn’t a concern for me, I’m bearing that in mind a lot more these days. I’ll investigate and see if there’s something for the non-​meaters.
I could drink their Persian tea all day long. That is another reason to show them some love. It comes in the most exquisite little cup, and I’m sure it’s some kind of nymph-​nectar. I usually sweeten it a touch, but that’s because I’m a sugar junkie and perhaps not even nearly sweet enough… I’ve yet to explore the range of Arabic coffees, but it’s good to know that’s an option. That being said, when a large pot of Persian tea is but £3, it’s doubtful I’ll get around to it on the next visit!
This place also happens to be a solid spot for some lonely dining –I never feel judged for eating solo, and always feel happy to wander in alone. It’s right next to Birds Yard if you want to feast your eyes on pretties after feasting your mouth on foodies, and even two minutes from the Duck and Drake/​Wharf Chambers should a pint be on the agenda. Perfect.

Alternate Wednesdays our son goes out with Positive Futures, a People in Action group. Now and then my beloved and I take ourselves out for a meal between dropping him off and picking him up.
Yesterday we had a voucher for Zizi, by the Corn Exchange. Unfortunately so did many others! Rather than spend 30 minutes of our allotted 2 hours waiting for a table, we decided to go elsewhere.
Just round the corner and down the road is Safran; no voucher but better food anyway. We had a mixed starter which resulted in a subtle battle for the hummus. For the main course I had Zareshk Polow, which was a very tender chicken quarter served with a really nice sauce on saffron rice with barberries (?). He had Geymeyh which looked pretty good too; might try it myself next time.
Unfortunately we didn’t have time for the baghlava but It looked good (I passed the sweet counter on my way to the loo).
Definitely worth going back.

Would you know it, we’re halfway through the year and the Mr & Mrs MacDoo’s new year’s resolution to have a monthly Date Night is still going strong!
This month we fancied trying something middle eastern, so went for Safran on Kirkgate.
We arrived at 8.30ish on Friday evening and the place was empty! We weren’t sure if this was a bad sign or not, but having read the past reviews on here we were not put off too much, and as it turned out there is a back room and there were a couple more groups of people in there, so we weren’t alone after all!
Onto the fayre…
After completely stuffing ourselves stupid to the point of feellng proper poorly on our last date night at the Olive Tree, we decided to share a starter. We went for the dolmeh, vine leaves stuffed with rice. They were served quickly and piping hot, and they were very lovely,
For our main courses I had the Gheymeh, a lamb stew type dish with split peas, and Mr M had the mixed kebabs (chicken and lamb). Both dishes were gorgeous, lovely tender meat and oh so tasty. But the absolute revalation of the meal came in the form of the sides. We shared a portion of rice and a naan between us, and both were just so fluffy and light. I’ve honestly never had a naan like it before, it was amazing.
We both had a Peroni each (yes they now serve beer!) and I also had a persian tea, served with the most gogeous little glass to drink it from.
All of the above, along with a second beer for the mister, came in at £30. Totally bargainous, gorgeously delicious and very filling. Superb.
We’ll be back!

This a hidden gem in Leeds.
To the untrained eye it looks like a kebab shop for the megabus passengers to fight infront of — but it’s actually a really top-​notch restaurant.
I won’t bore you with what I had but for anyone wanting something slightly different to curry then this is the place.
We went witha group of friends and what we did was all order a dish or a few side dishes and had them all arrive at the same time tapas style.
I’d personally recommend the humous — I know that sounds remarkably lame given the other choices on the menu but it was the best I’ve ever had! Also the flat breads are amazing — and only £1 for something as big as a bin lid.
The atmosphere is nice too. It’s set deep in the arches and you really feel hidden away from normal life.
Good service too. I’m really tight. Not quite at a Scottish level, but I’m definately somewhere north of Newcastle. But despite this I’ll always tip them because the food is cheap and the service outstanding.
Remember they dont serve alcohol — which is brilliant! As you can take your own! How may times has a restuarant charged you £6 for a bottle of becks? Not here!
All in all it’s one of the best places Ive ever eaten at in Leeds. Like I said it’s a hidden gem. Check it out — and dont be put off by the average looking outside.

I’ve been visiting this place for 5 years now, although it has gone some ownership changes, I have remained loyal because of the consistently good quality food and friendly service.
This place was my first accidental foray into the world of Persian food and I have never regretted it. The décor isn’t brilliant, its very limited as its under a railway arch but its clean and friendly. When you first enter it looks very small but there is more tucked away around the corner.
I frequently have their mixed starter as a main course as it is very substantial, freshly made and reasonably healthy. The shish tawouq is amazing (marinated chicken done on coals) and is wonderful with the hot flat bread.
Go with an open mind and you will be very pleasantly surprised!

Friendliest People Ever! Family Run Business. Has made myself and all who work at Birds Yard so welcome. Gorgeous food that is not greasy. Mostly char– grilled. Gorgeous salad relishes with meals. Soft fluffy rice. Great for kebabs and wraps too. Really tasty and very unusual. Spotless Restaurant and has a real Mediterranean feel to it inside !! Very Rustic. Reasonably priced, top class service with a smile. Love it. Well worth a visit. At the old part of Leeds, near to the Markets, opposite The Duck and Drake Pub. Next to Birds Yard !!

Safran has to be one of my favourite places, with excellent food and an element of novelty value. Although located in a questionable area of town, it is still only a couple of minutes walk from the city centre.
As a regular visitor, I have sampled much of the Persian cuisine on offer. Safran recently underwent a much needed refurbishment and the bold, colourful décor would make even Laurence Llewelyn-​Bowen blush. If I had to describe the inspiration behind it, I would say it’s like Eurovision in a Mediterranean taverna! Seriously, it needs to be seen to be believed.
A favourite lunchtime pick is the Shish Tawouq Wrap (£4). It is a delicious, freshly baked tortilla bread, generously filled with chunks of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, accompanied with pickles and salad. More a meal than a snack, it sounds quite plain but the flavours are exquisite.
On all my visits to Safran, the staff have been friendly and welcoming, more than willing to answer any questions. After consuming such a flavourful feast, a break is often required, with some Persian tea (£1.50). The beautifully light and settling quality of the tea allows more than enough room to tackle the baklava (£2). The pastry is light, the honey is not overpowering, the nuts provide a great crunch — a perfect sweet conclusion.
Although it is a casual venue, and perhaps not the place to take a loved one for a special occasion; I consider Safran to be too interesting a place to remain a secret any longer.

I’ve eaten here twice recently and loved it. It appears to be a family run business and the staff are lovely and go out of there way to make you feel welcome. You can watch your food been prepared too which I like so you can see the kitchen is clean. I thought the food was great I had bread and hummous for starters and chicken salad and with rice as my main and it was lovely. Our problem was we’d taken our toddler who just simply couldn’t sit through the whole meal without destroying the table decorations so we rush our meal and left but will returning soon without to fully enjoy the place. Great value food lovely middle eastern menu.