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Safina Restaurant  - Safina, Milwaukee, WI

Safina

4.9
4.9
318 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 16 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
It’s been over four years since guests last tasted the Sicilian dishes from longtime Milwaukee restaurant Giovanni’s. But all of that changes with Safina: a new casual Italian concept that comes to the historic building at 785 N. Jefferson St.

Focusing on comforting dishes with roots in Sicily and the southern regions of Italy, Safina's goal is to keep the menu familiar and accessible. The restaurant also features a full bar and second-level seating, complete with wood and marble finishes that highlight the rustic, modern Italian ambiance.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Sicilian, Comfort Food
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (414) 488-9578
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

What 318 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Best Food

  • Wisconsin

    Best Value

  • Wisconsin

    Italian

  • Milwaukee

    Best Overall

  • Milwaukee

    Best Food

  • Milwaukee

    Best Ambience

  • Milwaukee

    Best Value

  • Milwaukee

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Safina in Milwaukee is a culinary gem offering "amazing food and service." Its cozy atmosphere and authentic Sicilian menu make it perfect for special occasions. Guests rave about the "eggplant strips," "generous portions," and "impeccable service." Though lively and bustling, it remains a "hidden gem" worth visiting again and again.

318 Reviews
  1. Nick

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a gem to the city of Milwaukee. Place had excellent service and amazing food.

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  2. Gabrielle

    Milwaukee

    33 reviews

    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    1st time & was NOT disappointed. Staff was very attentive & the food was simple delish!! Very cozy ambience. Will definitely go again

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  3. Dan

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Refreshingly good service, good food. Worth a visit

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  4. Robert

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A GREAT DINIMG EXPERIEENCE! THE STAFF & "HANDS ON OWNERS" WERE ATTENTIVE & WELCOMING

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  5. Mary

    New York City

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious, authentic Sicilian food served by attentive staff in a very family atmosphere. We can not wait to return!

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  6. Maria

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent restaurant. Made my mom’s birthday really special. Food was delicious. A true authentic Italian restaurant. Fantastic!

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  7. Veronica M

    Milwaukee

    336 reviews

    5.0

    336 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love that Safina's is a family-owned and operated restaurant. The service is impressive. Mariana, the Server, was friendly and helpful. Mr. Giovanni Safina and his son, Sal, were attentive, ensuring our satisfaction. The food is excellently prepared and delicious. The Calamari Fritti was fresh ( too many places serve it rubbery) and perfectly breaded and seasoned. Giovanni's Veal Colleta is a favorite. The Tiramisu is the perfect end to a pleasurable dining experience. This restaurant is a GEM, and we highly recommend dining at Safina's.

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  8. Susan

    VIP

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dinner with friends. First time here. Was looking forward to the veal as it was one of my favorites at the old Giovanni’s. Veal Parmesan was every bit as good! Eggplant appetizer was excellent and canola for dessert crispy, creamy and delicious! Everyone enjoyed their meal. Definitely want to come back.

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  9. Nadia

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was mediocre… I don’t know what everyone was raving about in the reviews. I got the Chicken Parmesan and I’ve definitely had better. I also had to ask for the complimentary bread. It was cold. But the food did come out rather quickly. Beautiful place inside and nice ambience but the customer service was also mediocre.

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  10. Juan

    VIP

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent restaurant one of our favoritres, hidden gem in downtown MKE

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FAQs

Safina is rated 4.9 stars by 318 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 16 times today
Google Map for Safina

785 N Jefferson St. , Milwaukee, WI 53202

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Milwaukee
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Sicilian, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
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  • Terms of Use
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