Safina

Name: Safina
Address: 785 N Jefferson St., Milwaukee, WI, United States, 53202
Telephone: (414) 488-9578
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

129 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 10 times today

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
Website
http://safinamke.com/
Dress Code
Business Casual

Location
785 N Jefferson St. , Milwaukee, WI 53202
Neighbourhood
Grafton
Parking Details
None

Popular dishes

Bruschetta
Grilled portobello, roasted bell pepper, LaClare farms goat cheese, balsamico reduction
Seppe's Patate Vastase
Herb roasted potatoes, red onion, N'duja, avorio, guanciale
Arrostito
Sicilian roasted cauliflower, broccoli, charred sweet peppers, pepperencino oil
Formaggio Forno
Baked fontina, parmagiano DOP, asiago, spinach, sun-dried tomato, artichoke and crostini
Mozzarella**
Giovanni's original baked mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes DOP
Melanzana Fritte
Gio's original eggplant strips served with marinara sauce and parmagiano
Salami & Formaggio*
Chef's choice of Italian cured meats, cheeses and accoutrements
Calamari Fritte
Served agrodolce or classico
Insalata di Mare
Calamari, shrimp, octopus, celery, onion, carrot, red wine vinaigrette

Salads

Casa
Arugula, pickled fennel, radish, parmagiano DOP, balsamic vinaigrette
Rosetta
Romaine, artichoke, Sicilian olives, pepperoncini, red onion, tomato, parmagiano, red wine vinaigrette
Fresca
Mixed greens, fresh strawberries, candied walnuts, gorgonzola picante DOP and prosecco millefiori vinaigrette

Sandwiches

All sandwiches served with parmagiano herb fries or casa salad

Portabella**
Grilled portabella, charred onion, fontina, arugula, pepperoncino mayo
Gio's Home
Veal Cotoletta, sautéed bell peppers, mushroom, onion, and parmigiano
Sicilian Steak*
USDA Choice tenderloin, herb breading, onion, mushroom
Giovanni's Origanals
Classic preparation in the style of "Parmesan" or "Cotoletta" Served with Chef's choice of pasta or salad. Available in 12oz. Strauss veal rib-eye*, Eggplant**, Chicken

Entrées

All pasta made with 100% grano italiano gluten free pasta available upon request

Fusilloni al Pistachio*
Guanciale, creamy pistachio pesto, crudo pistachio
Fettuccine Alfredo
Classic three cheese sauce tossed with fettuccine. Available in Chicken, Shrimp
Ragù al Forno
Meat sauce, penne, provolone and garlic bread
Gio's Stuffed Filet*
7oz. Center cut filet stuffed with provolone, prosciutto di parma 18 month DOP, caramelized onion, Roma tomato, Gio potatoes
Sicilian Grilled Maiale*
14oz. Duroc bone-in pork chop, Gio potatoes, bell peppers
Momma's Vesuvio
Sicilian herb crusted free-range chicken, roasted fingerlings, peas, onions, white wine and lemon sauce
Busiate con Gamberi*
Trapanese pesto, broiled shrimp, arugula, busiate pasta
Frutta di Mare*
Black linguine, brodo pesce, shrimp, calamari, octopus, calabrian chili
Branzino Griglia*
Grilled European bass with salmoriglio caper butter served over linguine, sundried tomato, arugula, basil, garlic and Safina olive oil

Dessert

Panna Cotta
Dark chocolate, tart cherry preserve, pistachio brittle
Ciambellone**
Lemon marscapone bundt cake, blueberry preserve, espresso cream
Cheesecake**
Giovanni's original cheesecake, vanilla salted caramel, macerated strawberries

What 129 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

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Wisconsin
Best Value
Wisconsin
Italian
Milwaukee
Best Food
Milwaukee
Best Value
Milwaukee
Italian

129 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food service was outstanding, very relaxing and pleasant. This is the second time I’ve dined and I will be back. Happy holidays.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything about the restaurant was perfect. The only problem was the noise level, it was pretty loud. We were still able to hear and enjoyed our experience.
Is this helpful?
BF
BillF
Las Vegas
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
This restaurant is beyond outstanding! The atmosphere, food quality, and staff was incredible. We can’t wait to return!
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b
bobz
Milwaukee
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food! We are so happy we can enjoy the Giovanni food once again. We were greeted with hugs from John and Sal. Our only complaint is the noise. It's very difficult to carry on a conversation. We are also looking forward to the time when Safina's offers valet parking.
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r
rebeccag
Milwaukee
57 reviews
vip
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent restaurant. great food, large portions, friendly staff:)
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KB
KobyB
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent veal, great pasta and pesto. Great dinner with friends. Good pacing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Will and I had a wonderful dinner 🥘, food was top notch and the service as well. One of my favorite 🤩 restaurants.
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RH
RichardH
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time diners at Safinas. We met friends from out of state. Each of our meals was outstanding. Octopus in the Fruitta del Mar was super tender. My three dining companions all raved about their meals. It was also a nice touch that the owner and his father stopped by the table separately to ask about our meal. Very well done all around.
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j
johnb
New Orleans
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food! Very authentic. Great service. Well done!
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ME
MariaE
Milwaukee
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
The service & food were fabulous. Unfortunately it was sooooo loud it made it very difficult to hold conversations.
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LL
LizL
Milwaukee
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious service was outstanding! We enjoyed it and will be back!
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MK
MartyK
Milwaukee
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Appetizer, mains, desserts, coffee, cocktails & wine were all perfection. We loved the atmosphere & service. All agreed we can’t wait to go back & will be recommending to all our friends. The definition of “hospitality”. Would be even better if there was a solution to the noise volume but didn’t interfere with our enjoyment. Thanks Safina for doing it right!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was absolutely fantastic. Always good to see Giovanni and Sal. Of course the food was exceptional. It was a perfect night overall.
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SP
StPF
Milwaukee
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Overall good dining experience. The stuffed filet was fantastic. When we walked in the host was seated at the bar and he had to be told by a bartender that we were waiting at the host stand. Our server was friendly and we're certain it wasn't her fault but our drinks (one cocktail and a canned beer) took longer to come to the table than our appetizers (which we ordered after the drinks). Enough of our experience was great that we will return.
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L
Lisa
Milwaukee
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
The only reason I give this restaurant a 4 is because of the noise level. It was difficult to hear our friends across the table. The food was outstanding and the server was very attentive. It was my birthday so the server told me to leave room for dessert because there would be something special for me. She brought a piece of cheesecake that the whole table shared and we all agreed it was delicious. Thank you for that! We will definitely be going back and trying more items on the menu.
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JS
JoyceS
Milwaukee
33 reviews
vip
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
they took my favorite dish off the menu, the original shrimp dish
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KO
KodyO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best pork chop I've ever had!!! Very friendly staff!
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ML
MichaelL
Hawaii
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing. We have a 5th person join our reservation at the last minute and Safina was able to accommodate, which given how busy they were (it was packed on a Wednesday night), went above and beyond. I will be back, and soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything from ambience to service to food was amazing. Keep up the good work!!
Is this helpful?
DA
DawnA
Milwaukee
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Excellent service from a friendly server. Great food!
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CS
CSRS
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Best meal I've eaten since moving here. Highly recommend.
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C
Cail
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Very nice restaurant. If you’re in the mood for some amazing pasta go HERE! Also they have a fantastic wine list!
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KP
KelseyP
Milwaukee
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything we ordered was incredible! Standouts were the bruschetta & stuffed filet. Truly unique delicious menu items. Will definitely be returning
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f
floydster
Milwaukee
116 reviews
vip
3.0
116 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
Friendly but super busy servers. Food was good but pricey. Nice wine selection and good mixed drinks.
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DR
DebraR
Grand Rapids
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience2
Food and service were excellent. Noise level made it difficult to fully enjoy the dinner. Wish there was a way to dampen the sound; otherwise all else was wonderful
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JS
JoyceS
Milwaukee
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
we love everything except the noise. It is really hard to hear our companions
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K
Karen
Milwaukee
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My/our first visit and the food and the service was impeccable! I cannot wait to go back. Loved the interesting cocktail selection as well. Highly recommend this cozy restaurant with fantastic ambience.
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g
goldrush
Milwaukee
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was excellent, loved the variety of menu. Did not feel rushed at all, and everything from drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert arrived to table, spaced out perfectly. Only thing that seemed to be off was that hostess was somewhat standoffish and appeared confused when we first arrived and provided our reservation information.
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s
stylishboots
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful dinner! Food and service were excellent. We shared the mozzarella starter, entrees were the filet and veal, and the cannoli and panna cotta for dessert (both delicious, but the edge goes to the panna cotta). Noise level is moderate - I didn’t feel as if we were shouting to each other across the table, but it’s not a low-voice fine dining establishment. It is a small space, so reservations recommended. We will absolutely return!
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A
Althea
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my 4th time dining at Safina. Always an excellent experience.
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MK
MKE45
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really great experience and delicious food! We will be back. Thanks so much!
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LM
LucasM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great, very friendly service. Will definitely be returning and recommending this place to others.
Is this helpful?
KG
KathyG
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food! Everyone enjoyed their entrees. The dining room is a big noisy but lovely.
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MD
MaryD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My first dining experience at Safina was satisfying and pleasant. Lovely waitress who took wonderful care of us. My eggplant was delicious and plentiful. Only complaint was the noise! Or "energized" as Safina likes to call it. Busy table with 4 young boys close to us made talking and hearing a challenge, but they sure had fun and were doing exactly what 4 young lad should be doing. Learning how to behave and eat at a fine dining restaurant. Who can quarrel with that????
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, thank you! We will be back, especially for the tiramisu.
Is this helpful?
FB
FabrizioB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Safina's is the best Sicilian (Italian) restaurant in all of Milwaukee and it's outside cities hands down! As someone who is 100% Sicilian, grew up in a non-American Italian home with home cooked meals, I have eaten and cooked with my family in Italy, I am also a professional cook and have practiced and studied the Mediterranean cuisine for years! Safina is just as good (if not better) than as if you were invited over to an authentic Italian family's home for dinner where Nonna (grandma) is in the kitchen cooking! With ingredients shipped over from Italy and the expertise of the talented chefs who are also 100% Sicilian, nobody is better at executing these dishes better than this family here at Safina! Top quality ingredients are to shine, and they allow that to happen here! You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu! If you are a fan of fresh seafood and eating pasta the way we do in Italy, this is the place to be! Try the insalatta di Mare (seafood salad) for the freshness of the sea and perfectly cooked succulent octopus, squid, and shrimps. If you're a fan of chicken parmesean, the portions are generous, the sauce is absolutely phenomenal with legit San Marzano tomatoes from the source, very warm, filling, and comforting! The attentive staff will offer to grate fresh Parmigiano reggiano cheese on your dishes table side also! My favorite dessert is the Pana Cotta! It's absolutely divine! Perfectly balanced flavors and textures for perfect end to any dinner! They have a great selection of wines and drinks also. End dinner with a shot of limoncello or grappa, why not! What's really special about this establishment is that the family is there! They will greet you at the door, serve you, sit and talk with you, and it's amazing to see them working alongside their staff because they care! Please! Don't just take my word for it alone, but go and find out for yourself! Enjoy a time of festivities with your significant other or family celebration at Safina!
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DK
DebraK
Portland
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great everything but all the food arrived at about the same time and felt rushed. Understand maximizing profits. Maybe not an issue when more dining space becomes available.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambience, the wait staff was on it and the food was amazing. Looking forward to visiting again.
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N
Nickname
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Noisy but fabulous food, fabulous service and great ambience.
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DD
DishaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were a group of 6 and we had a good time. We had the chicken entrees and they were amazing. Nice ambience and good service.
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FAQs

Safina is rated 4.8 stars by 129 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 10 times today

785 N Jefferson St. , Milwaukee, WI 53202

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Grafton
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

Website
http://safinamke.com/
Phone number
(414) 488-9578

Safina

Make a reservation

Additional information

Panna Cotta

Bruschetta

Sicilian Steak

Starters

Bruschetta

Seppe's Patate Vastase

Arrostito

Formaggio Forno

Mozzarella**

Melanzana Fritte

Salami & Formaggio*

Calamari Fritte

Insalata di Mare

Salads

Casa

Rosetta

Fresca

Sandwiches

Portabella**

Gio's Home

Sicilian Steak*

Giovanni's Origanals

Entrées

Fusilloni al Pistachio*

Fettuccine Alfredo

Ragù al Forno

Gio's Stuffed Filet*

Sicilian Grilled Maiale*

Momma's Vesuvio

Busiate con Gamberi*

Frutta di Mare*

Branzino Griglia*

Dessert

Panna Cotta

Ciambellone**

Cheesecake**

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Safina restaurant rated?

Is Safina currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information