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Safina Restaurant  - Safina, Milwaukee, WI

Safina

4.8
4.8
311 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood 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 311 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Best Food

  • Wisconsin

    Best Value

  • Wisconsin

    Italian

  • Milwaukee

    Best Food

  • Milwaukee

    Best Service

  • Milwaukee

    Best Value

  • Milwaukee

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Safina, an Italian gem in Milwaukee, offers "wonderful service and amazing food" with a cozy ambiance. Highlights include "huge portions" and "traditional Italian dishes" with a modern twist. Guests rave about the "outstanding eggplant strips," attentive staff, and a "memorable dining experience." A must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts!

312 Reviews
  1. Veronica M

    Milwaukee

    334 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    334 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    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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  2. Susan

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    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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  3. 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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  4. Juan

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 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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  5. Becky

    Chicago

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our favorite Milwaukee restaurant! Always excellent.

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  6. Ken

    Milwaukee

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An intimate setting with great food, service, and ambiance. Will definitely tell my friends and come back.

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  7. Jon

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our first time at Safina and it was awesome! The drinks and food were outstanding. The service was top notch and a cute couple proposed by us! Would definitely return!

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  8. Tom

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, Sal and his team delivered a memorable evening. The food, service and atmosphere were all excellent.

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  9. Thomas

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We came for our anniversary, and joined friends who had never been to Safina. The server remembered us from a past visit and greeted us warmly. She was attentive and helpful all evening. The food was beautifully prepared and presented. And we received a wonderful anniversary dessert on the house. Our friends loved it! Great evening out at a very special place.

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  10. Michael

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was incredibly amazing both from a food and service perspective!

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FAQs

Safina is rated 4.8 stars by 311 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 PM
Booked 11 times today
Google Map for Safina

785 N Jefferson St. , Milwaukee, WI 53202

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    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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