Saffron, a restaurant serving up traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist, is joining the dining scene in downtown Red Bank.

Located at 31 W. Front St., the new restaurant is taking over space that formerly housed Front Street Trattoria, an Italian eatery that closed in late 2020 when its owners retired after 35 years in business. 

Scheduled to open Dec. 15 following a 3:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, Saffron will offer an elevated dining experience that blends “new age culinary techniques, artful presentation and contemporary design,” according to its co-owners, Manish Kumar and Amrita Jogi, a husband-wife team from Monmouth County.

The menu – which Saffron’s executive chef, Abhishek Patil, says was designed with Indian cuisine novices in mind – brings a multifaceted flavor profile to the table and includes organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, halal and kosher options.

Patil commented, “From the beginning, our vision was clear. We wanted guests to transport to a new experience that will make them feel they traveled to India. I have created an exceptional menu of authentically using non-traditional ingredients while incorporating futuristic technology and plating methods that invite guests to interact with the food.”

In the newly renovated, 1,700-square-foot space, patrons will also find décor that showcases “the luxury of old world Indian Royalty,” with gold, hand-painted murals and marble tables, according to the owners.

After several years of research and planning, Jogi believes they have found the “perfect spot” for a restaurant and “are incredibly grateful to be part of such a warm and welcoming community.

“Seeing the whole process take shape and visitors from near and far stopping in and gushing over how excited they are for us to open makes my heart full,” she said.

For the couple, it marks the second Saffron restaurant in their family. The first location, which is owned by relatives Fatima Kumar and Hanish Kumar, opened last year in Milwaukee, Wis.