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Safina Restaurant  - Safina, Milwaukee, WI

Safina

4.9
4.9
393 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
785 N Jefferson St. , Milwaukee, WI 53202

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 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.

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 393 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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • 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 delightful dining experience with "incredible meal and restaurant," featuring "wonderful food and fantastic service." The cozy ambiance complements the "best Italian food in the city," with standout dishes like veal parmigiana and fresh seafood. Friendly staff and attentive owners ensure a memorable visit.

393 Reviews
  1. renata VIP

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding food and service! Definitely coming back!

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  2. Paige

    Milwaukee10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my third visit and it was even better than the first two. Can’t wait to come back

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  3. Michele VIP

    Denver12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a lovely date night. Started with a glass of wine at the bar then moved to a charming table in the dining room next to the window. We had their seafood salad, pistachio pesto pasta and chocolate panna cotta. Sweet waitress, owner came and checked in with us, and the whole evening was perfect.

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  4. Chris

    San Francisco3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Authentic Italian dinner was outstanding. Small bar with great atmosphere. Waitress was very knowledgeable. Food was great. Recommend for date night!

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  5. MK

    Milwaukee2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My FAVE place in Milwaukee! The food was delicious... service was amazing... best wine in town! Can't wait until our next visit.

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  6. Neil

    Milwaukee9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a wonderful time. Everything was perfect. We look forward to returning

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  7. Sharon VIP

    Washington DC5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and fantastic service! Had the special and was blown away!

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  8. Nathaniel

    Milwaukee1 review

    4.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was very good, vibes were great, but service was slow and the place was slightly cramped.

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  9. Nick

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything from the food to the service and the atmosphere was incredible! Be prepared for a loud environment, but I promise it does not take away from the experience! Absolutely splendid, I got the frutta di mare and my gf got the penne alla vodka with shrimp. The shrimp was incredibly juicy and the vodka sauce was made directly from heaven! My frutta di mare had a wonderful flavor with the octopus, shrimp and calamari! Nothing too fishy or anything, the sauce was light and delicious. We had the cheesecake for dessert which was fluffy and delectable!

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  10. GARY

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Safina was amazing. Greeted by owners upon arrival and reserved table was waiting. Fresh bread and Martinis were outstanding. Both pastas that my wife and I ordered were hot, fresh and a very good amount of food as well. The mushroom and goat cheese Bruschetta was great as well. Maybe offer 4 pieces and not 3 as an appetizer in the future. We will definitely be back Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Safina is rated 4.9 stars by 393 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Wisconsin
  4. Milwaukee
  5. Milwaukee

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 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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