About
Saffron is a Palestinian restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis from chef and restaurateur Sameh Wadi. Rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Palestine and the Levant, our cooking brings together ancient techniques, bold flavors, and the beautiful ingredients of Minnesota.
At the heart of our kitchen is fire. From handmade sourdough pita and traditional taboon bread baked over hot stones to charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, and hearth-roasted vegetables, our food celebrates the simplicity of good ingredients and the depth of flavor that comes from time, patience, and care.
Our menu draws inspiration from generations of Palestinian cooking, including recipes preserved by Chef Wadi’s family, while embracing the seasons and the place we call home. Palestinian olive oil, fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and locally grown produce come together in dishes that honor tradition without being bound by it.
Originally opened in 2007, Saffron returns to Minneapolis with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to its roots. Guided by karam, the Arab spirit of generosity and hospitality, Saffron is a place to gather, share food, celebrate, and feel at home.
Because the best meals have always been about more than what’s on the plate. They’re about the people around the table.
Our Team
Sameh Wadi
Chef / Owner
Sameh Wadi is a Palestinian American chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and lifelong spice obsessive with a love for big, bold flavors and bringing people together around food.
In 2007, at just 23, Sameh opened Saffron, quickly making a name for himself in the Twin Cities dining scene. His cooking earned national attention, including James Beard Foundation recognition and an appearance on Iron Chef America.
Alongside his brother and business partner, Saed, he went on to open World Street Kitchen, Milkjam Creamery, and Grand Catch, each with its own personality and a shared belief that food should be anything but boring.
Now, with the return of Saffron, Sameh is bringing things back to his Palestinian roots. Drawing on family recipes, ancient cooking traditions, live fire, and Minnesota ingredients, his food is deeply personal, unapologetically flavorful, and made for sharing.
His philosophy is simple: cook with intention, be generous, and never underestimate the power of a great meal to bring people together.
Sister Restaurants
World Street Kitchen
The bright and fun brainchild of brothers Sameh and Saed Wadi, World Street Kitchen is the year-round neighborhood restaurant built from the popularity of their WSK food truck. Featuring flavors from across the globe – from Asia to the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and everything in between — the restaurant serves popular staples, specials, sweets and cocktails in one friendly spot.
