Saffron Kitchen takes you to a delicious culinary journey of Mediterranean infused Afghan cuisine.

At Saffron Kitchen, every dish tells a story—one that begins far beyond Oakland. Our founder, Akbar Arghandiwal, spent over two decades building businesses across Afghanistan, the Middle East, East Africa, and Turkey. Along the way, he worked closely with communities, supported entrepreneurs, and built companies rooted in both excellence and purpose.

From mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs to creating opportunities for women through employment and training, his journey has always been about more than business—it’s been about people. After moving to the United States in 2022, Akbar took a brief pause before returning to entrepreneurship, inspired by family and a desire to build something meaningful close to home. Saffron Kitchen was born from that vision.

Here, we bring together the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of Afghanistan and the broader region—served with warmth, authenticity, and a deep respect for culture. For us, this is more than a restaurant.
It’s a place where stories, food, and community come together.

A delicious culinary journey that starts in Kabul and ends in the Mediterranean region

Our authentic dishes are inspired by a passion that runs deep in our families, back to the years of watching our elders and learning to create delicious meals. Food brings us together and it is the most basic link between ourselves, our community, and all our well-being. At Saffron Kitchen, offer both vegetarian and meat-based dishes that will delight your sense of taste. It is our hope that your experience leaves you with the yearning to come back time and again.