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Safina Restaurant  - Safina, Milwaukee, WI

Safina

4.8
4.8
336 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 13 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.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Sicilian, Comfort Food
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 16:00–21:30 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (414) 488-9578
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

What 336 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
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Best Food

  • Wisconsin

    Best Ambience

  • 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 is a charming, family-owned Italian restaurant in Milwaukee, praised for its "excellent food and service." Diners rave about the "delicious, authentic Sicilian" dishes, generous portions, and intimate ambiance in a beautifully preserved building. The pistachio pasta and veal dishes are standout favorites, making it a "must-visit" gem.
336 Reviews
  1. Cassidy

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Had a 9 reservation so got there early to have a drink at the bar and decided to just eat at the bar! Cozy and small inside which I liked. Nice bar, but they weren't super busy and we were the only 2 at the bar. Had the burrata salad for appetizer, martinis were very good. Bread was yummy and olive oil super fresh. I had the pistachio pasta which was good but super creamy and heavy...it was good but I wouldn't get it again. My friend had the penne alla vodka which was very, very good -- I would get that if I went back! This is the best Italian I've had in MKE, I wish it was busier because it was the staff chatting and hanging around which isn't their fault but...can sometimes make the dining experience a bit awkward.

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  2. Victoria

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience, thank you! Great birthday 🎂

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  3. Germaine

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This is an excellent choice for date night. The service was great and the food was absolutely divine. You will not be disappointed.

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  4. Barbara

    Milwaukee

    21 reviews

    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was very good, well presented, ample and a bit pricey. Our server was very pleasant but seemed stretched a bit. She did good despite having a full dining room. The acoustics were harsh and would definitely go back and hope there wasn’t a loud group nearby causing us to shout!

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  5. Rebecca

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I’m overall impressed with their menu and restaurant ambience. Unfortunately the noise level is too high even on a weeknight. They must not realize the old customers must disapprove at times. Please add some ceiling insulation or artwork to help the noise level. Thank you

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  6. Courtney

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food! My husband and I both had gluten free pasta and it was the best I ever had. The flavor in the fettuccini Alfredo was unreal, wish I could eat it every day!

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  7. Anne

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We received a Christmas gift of dinner at Safina's. It was delightful from beginning to end. We will be returning and will be telling everyone what a wonderful experience we had. Thank you

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  8. Courtney

    VIP

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on 11 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Safina has become my favorite Italian restaurant in Milwaukee though there are many good ones in Milwaukee. The food is amazing and the staff is top notch. Everyone really enjoys their jobs and you can tell.

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  9. Janet

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 10 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tried this restaurant for the first time tonight. Food was amazing. The seafood we ordered was fresh and every plate was delicious. Will definitely go back. Service was awesome and it was great date night dinner

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  10. Gary

    VIP

    Milwaukee

    95 reviews

    5.0

    95 reviews

    Dined on 5 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was outstanding and service was great. I would definitely recommend this restaurant as one of the best Italian Restaurants in Milwaukee.

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FAQs

Safina is rated 4.8 stars by 336 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Safina

785 N Jefferson St. , Milwaukee, WI 53202

Additional information

  • Area
    Milwaukee
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 16:00–21:30 Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Sicilian, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
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