Saffron Patch makes Indian cuisine accessible to Clevelanders—but no less complex or authentic. There are a few intensely spicy dishes on the menu, one of which being chicken vindaloo, but for the most part there's nothing tongue-searing. 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 jumbo shrimp. Vegetarians can savor classic dishes such as cubes of paneer cheese in creamy spinach, made by in-house culinary cubists, and charbroiled eggplant. Diners have a wide variety of drink options to accompany their meals thanks to the restaurant's full bar.

Saffron Patch is tucked away into an unexpected residential block of Shaker Heights. The excitement of stumbling onto a hidden treasure makes the space—filled with fine-dining ambiance and decked in low-lit tones of brick red, sunset orange, and, naturally, saffron yellow—feel all the warmer. The restaurant is located in a large white office building, but an elephant sits in the window to help guide diners to the right spot. After 5:00 p.m., guests are able to park in any available spot, including spots that are marked as reserved.