Saffron Patch (Akron), Akron

Saffron Patch in the Valley makes Indian cuisine accessible to Akronites—but no less complex or authentic. There are a few intensely spicy dishes on the menu, such as chicken vindaloo and lamb madras, but for the most part there's nothing tongue-searing; kids even get their own menu of mild but not dumbed-down options. Curry powder's more or less an afterthought among the 38 herbs and spices in regular use in Saffron Patch's kitchen. In addition to mesquite-fired, tandoori-baked chicken and lamb, you'll find seafood options such as smoked salmon and mahi mahi. Vegetarians can savor classic dishes such as cubes of paneer cheese in creamy spinach, made by in-house culinary cubists, and charbroiled eggplant. Saffron Patch is tucked away into an unexpected residential block. The excitement of stumbling onto a hidden treasure makes the space—decked in low-lit tones of brick red, sunset orange, and, naturally, saffron yellow—feel all the warmer.