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Safina Restaurant  - Safina, Milwaukee, WI

Safina

4.9
4.9
354 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 p.m.
Booked 18 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 354 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Best Ambience

  • Wisconsin

    Best Value

  • Wisconsin

    Italian

  • Milwaukee

    Best Food

  • Milwaukee

    Best Ambience

  • Milwaukee

    Best Value

  • Milwaukee

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Safina is a charming Italian restaurant in Milwaukee, beloved for its "fantastic food" and "attentive service." Guests praise the "authentic Sicilian cuisine" and "cozy atmosphere." Signature dishes like the "veal cotoletta" and "eggplant parmesan" are highlights. This family-owned gem is perfect for special occasions or casual dining.

354 Reviews
  1. Daniel

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best restaurant in Milwaukee!! The food is fresh and delicious and the service is perfect!

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  2. Russ

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First dinner there, everything was fantastic, highly recommend.

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  3. Roger

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    My wife and I have dined at Safina at least 6 times in the last year , Safinas does not disappoint, wait staff is very attentive plus the owners and there father is there every time we have been there working the dining room floor also The food is awesome and fairly priced for the quality. The menu is small and there is usually a evening special or too. I would highly recommend Safinas to anyone looking for Great Italian food

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  4. Lizzie

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was absolutely phenomenal. Quality of food was outstanding and the staff was attentive and amazing.

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  5. Amy

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved everything about Safina. Goat cheese Brussel sprout bruschetta was excellent. Duroc pork chop was fantastic and shrimp special was very good as well. Dessert of chocolate Panna Cotta with sour cherry topped off everything perfectly! Definitely recommend!

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  6. Margaret

    VIP

    Milwaukee

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Safina is a lovely, cozy restaurant. The atmosphere is lively and the service is first rate. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes but is not so extensive that it is overwhelming. The food and drinks were absolutely delicious and I would highly recommend this charming restaurant.

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  7. Michelle

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food is very good. Pomegranate martini is excellent. We will be back.

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  8. Thomas

    VIP

    Milwaukee

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was outstanding as usual. Service was excellent. Giovanni and Sal do a great job. Wish this restaurant was closer to my home. I would be there once a week. The veal cotoletta is to die for. The fried eggplant is the best in the city. Light, crispy and tasty

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  9. Susan

    VIP

    San Francisco

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was our second visit . The first was a disaster, but it was very soon after they opened. Tonight, it was outstanding. We had the burrata salad, very unusual but really excellent. The addition of the oranges with the bitter arugula was very tasty. The entrees were excellent, we had the veal and halibut. And the chocolate pana cotta was perfect ending.

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  10. Lavinia

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything from start to finish was excellent. The salad was fresh and the seafood was cooked to perfection. Staff was friendly and attentive.

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FAQs

Safina is rated 4.9 stars by 354 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 p.m.
Booked 18 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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