Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Wisconsin
  4. Milwaukee
  5. Milwaukee
Safina Restaurant  - Safina, Milwaukee, WI

Safina

4.8
4.8
369 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 22 times today

About this restaurant

  • 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.

Restaurants you may also like

View all

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
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

What 369 people are saying

Safina reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Best Ambiance

  • Wisconsin

    Best Value

  • Wisconsin

    Italian

  • Milwaukee

    Best Overall

  • Milwaukee

    Best Food

  • Milwaukee

    Best Ambiance

  • Milwaukee

    Best Value

  • Milwaukee

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Safina offers a cozy, authentic Sicilian dining experience in Milwaukee. Guests rave about the "best veal dish" and excellent service. The restaurant is praised for its "delicious, fresh" food and "warm, welcoming" atmosphere. Portions are generous, perfect for sharing or leftovers, and the wine selection is diverse.
369 Reviews
  1. Tom

    Chicago29 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Safina is located in a very cool building complete with cream city brick. Our server was friendly and professional and explained the specials so well we got the appetizer special. The wine list offers a variety of wines by the glass at different price points. There was a nice selection of Italian and domestic wines. Wine by the bottle was also available. Food is outstanding. After starting with the bruschetta caponata appetizer I went with the veal parmigiana, and my wife got the ragu. This was the best veal dish I've ever had. There was a nice crust on the breading and the veal wasn't drowning in sauce. Portions are large and I took half home. The ragu was also excellent and again, we took quite a bit home. This was truly one of the best nights out I've had in a long time.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Taylor

    New Orleans3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful! Very nice server and great food. The bruschetta appetizer was amazing

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was delicious, very home/family..not too fancy. Service was solid. Portions are huge..most plates could serve 2-3 people. But great for leftovers! I would recommend to others and go again.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Rick VIP

    Milwaukee35 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service from Mariana. Delicious Beef Spedini special, as well as calamari and tiramisu! Restaurant was busy, but my friend and I could still speak and hear each other without shouting.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee1 review

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Magnificent experience as always  Food was great. Service was great. Sal was great. 

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jeff

    Milwaukee1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a wonderful experience at Safina's. Food was outstanding and as the service

    Is this helpful?

  7. starving6

    Milwaukee13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambience is that of an authentic Sicilian restaurant and the service was warm and wonderful. The server was very welcoming and willing to assist with specials and explanations. Best service ever! The appetizer was delicious and the cocktail perfect! The entrees were wonderful! We are definitely coming back again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Michael VIP

    Milwaukee30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just like the old days. Great veal & chicken parm. Great wine list Lots of choices by the glass. Apps were great. Owners are the same as 20 yrs ago

    Is this helpful?

  9. Swathi

    Milwaukee1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is our second time going to Safina. Staff were friendly. Its a family owned place that strives to keep authenticity. One of the best Italian food that we had in Milwaukee.

    Is this helpful?

  10. lisa

    Milwaukee9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s now multiple visits for dinner for my wife Lisa and I at Safina’s. Can’t say enough about the quality of the food, delightful service and quaint ambience. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, bartenders and service. Giovanni and Sal always swing by the table to ensure all is well and to make sure you feel welcome. One of our favorites, Mike & Lisa Vitucci

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Safina is rated 4.8 stars by 369 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation


Booked 22 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo