Welcome to Safran Cafe/Restaurant – Mediterranean Dining in the Heart of Newmarket
Safran Café/Restaurant brings the warmth and richness of the Mediterranean to central Newmarket, offering a relaxed atmosphere with cozy indoor seating and sun-soaked alfresco dining.
Originally established in the mid-90s, Safran has been a Newmarket staple for decades. Since taking over in 2007, best friends Astrit and Sokol have poured their heart into making it a place of genuine Mediterranean hospitality — a family-run café built on friendship, passion, and tradition.
Our food is inspired by the Mediterranean way of life: seasonal, generous, and full of soul. We cook with the best of New Zealand’s local produce, grilling meat, seafood, and fish over chargrill and wood fire, and pairing them with vibrant herbs, artisan cheeses, and bold flavours.
Our signature dish, the Matadors Cape, showcases tender chicken thigh with charred red peppers and almond sauce, served over rice and chorizo pilaf — bold, comforting, and deeply Mediterranean in spirit.
We’re open six days a week for lunch and dinner, and also host private events. For reservations or enquiries, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.
Welcome to the purest form of Mediterranean hospitality in Auckland.
— Astrit & Sokol
