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Saffron Restaurant is tucked away in a charming corner of the hamlet of Glen Ellen in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Chef Christopher Dever and artist Sandie Nalezny offer fine dining in a relaxed and sensuous setting for their loyal local following and scores of wine country visitors. The menu of California fusion cuisine constantly evolves, with the only constant entrée being Chris’s centerpiece dish, Paella.

"We strive to use local, organic ingredients and truly bring the farm to the table," says Chris, a graduate of the San Francisco Culinary Academy, "the plan is to allow the ingredients to speak for themselves in dishes that are unique and delicious." Since opening in 2000, Saffron’s friendly ambience has been complimented by unhurried expert service. Each dish is individually prepared with dedication to detail. Cuisine is enhanced by an adventurous and affordable wine list, including an array of frequently-changing wines by the glass. For intrepid diners, Chris also hand-selects rare local and international nuggets, ready to be mined from the wine list.

The warm and intimate dining room is adorned with Sandie’s photographs of nature and the wine country. Tableware includes a romantic assortment of handmade artisan plates collected over the years by Kristine Dever, Chris’s mother. The family-restaurant partnership is completed by Chris and Sandie’s young son Cyman and Chris’s father Daniel. The seasonal patio is a lush garden setting and provides a comfortable outdoor dining experience.

Saffron is also available for corporate luncheons, catered events and private parties.

Saffron Restaurant is evolving

It has always been a funky little building on the corner of Warm Springs Road and Arnold Drive, in every embodiment from dry cleaner to flower shop. But what began as a simple repair ( i.e. replacing siding due to water damage) has turned into an almost complete reconstruction of the 60 year-old building located at 13648 Arnold Drive in Glen Ellen. The family owned and operated Saffron Restaurant is nearing completion of the renovation and plans on a grand Re-Opening in late July. After an estimated 1-2 weeks of down-time and quite a few “Ah ha” moments, the building has under-gone many upgrades including, but not limited to; pouring an actual foundation, re-building and re-siding the exterior, replacing the floor with a very eco-friendly (and very wine country) cork floor, and upgrading the restroom and entryway to incorporate complete wheelchair accessibility ― all while adding a splash of color.

Speaking of color, Saffron is also going green. The philosophy of farm to table remains evident in the constantly evolving menu, while, perhaps not as evident, is the fact that the materials used during construction have largely been eco-friendly ― as are the folks doing the work. The new/old-world stucco façade has been constructed by former Glen Ellen resident, Pascal Faivre and his crew from A L’Ancienne Imports (located on Eighth Street East in Sonoma) and local Green Architect, Chris Cahill (Studio C2), has provided guidance on many of the construction details. Another Sonoma resident, Greg Volker, dba Sound Construction, is coordinating the affair supported by his all local crew. David Ian Robbins topped off construction by replacing the rooftop to support new copper rain gutters.

So after ten years in the business of providing fine food in a friendly atmosphere, Chef and Owner Christopher Dever and his family invite you to join them for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 – 9:00…Now, and for many years to come.