Whenever we are in Milwaukee we dine here. The quaint restaurant has beautiful dishes with a ton of flavor. Always have a great meal with excellent service. Make sure to make reservations if you want to dine here.
Cindy
Everything was excellent. We were seated promptly in the upper level, and the atmosphere was very nice - not too loud and very cozy. We were a party of 8 and ordered a variety of entrees. Everyone was very happy with what they selected. The service was great, and our waitress went above and beyond by going outside in the cold to take our picture on the front steps. Would definitely go back.
Daisy
Overall, the experience was decent. For this being my first time there, I was disappointed. They were out of the one food item I was really excited to try. Settled for the chicken parm and it was ok. However, the Bruschetta and the eggplant fries were the highlight of the night. Don't see myself going back anytime soon.
Richard
Fun time, a Sicilian Italian gem in the heart of downtown. Appreciate the server's suggestions, the Fall bruschetta isn't your normal Italian fare - try it, you'll love it. Portions large, although I could have kept eating my veal, it was so good.
Anthony
Safina instantly brought back memories in the best way possible. Many folks might not know that the same family who ran the old Giovanni's back in the day is now behind Safina. I actually took my now-wife there after our prom night, so walking in here felt like everything had come full circle. Everything hit the mark. I ordered the Momma's Vesuvio and my wife had the Chicken Parm—both were outstanding. Full of flavor, cooked perfectly, and you can tell they still take real pride in every dish. And the calamari? Hands down the best I've had in Milwaukee. Our server was outstanding—attentive, knowledgeable about the entire menu, and genuinely helpful with suggestions. It made the experience even better. It's great to see a family carrying on their tradition with the same heart and quality. Safina has definitely earned a spot in our rotation. We'll be back soon.
Eileen
At 80 years old, this was one of the greatest and memorabledining experiences I've ever had. All staff were personable, and well groomed; we never felt rushed or had to wait excessively long for our orders. Our needs were always anticipated and if we had questions, the response was immediate. Ambience is great. This is a secret spot in my neighborhood and I love it. I don't know why it took me so long to finally enjoy it. I did make a reservation well in advance, which is a must because you wouldn't want to be disappointed if you didn't.
Ben
Amazing experience. The food was amazing, service is great, staff is wonderful, it is an overall great experience. One of my favorite places.
Nick
Wonderful staff, wonderful ambience, wonderful food, wonderful wine and cocktails. Amazing family place. The veal Parmesan is delectable 
Beth
Great food, great service, and reasonable prices. Nice selection of mocktails. Burrata salad with blood oranges and regular oranges was wonderful and fed 3 of us for an appetizer course. My husband raved about his veal done in the Cotoletta style. Chocolate panna cotta dessert was delicious. We will absolutely return.
Therese
This is the second or third time that I have brought gas to Safina, always with an outstanding experience! The three women I brought last night fell in love with their charming restaurant, delicious food, and wonderful service. My husband, Jimmy, Pandl, owned five restaurants at one point in our lives. I know how hard it is to deliver exceptional experiences consistently. We just spent a month in Italy in May and your food is just as good We will be back and will make sure that we continue to highly recommend your restaurant I believe Giovanni, is your father, and he is a pleasure every time we are there. Thanks for all your hard work, and for making downtown Milwaukee in great Place.
Loved Safina! Nothing makes me happier than an arugula salad! It was delish! The bruschetta was different but yum!!! Hubby had the pork chop for his dinner & lunch the next day. Big. Family owned & run, charming, and quite adorable.
Jenny
We enjoyed a great dinner here a couple of evenings ago. The food was delicious, portions were large enough to bring some home. Anna was a delightful server. Highly recommend dining here.
Ellen
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner at Safina! Prior to our arrival I had some conservations with Sal as we had some guests that had various food allergies. Sal was great with communication and did everything possible to be sure our guests had food options to meet their dietary restrictions. Our meals were fabulous!! We were staying at a hotel so unfortunately, we could not take our leftovers back with us as we would have enjoyed it again the next day! Can't wait to visit Milwaukee again so that we can have another meal at Safina!
Justin
One of our top dining experiences! Again. Food was phenomenal and the service was impeccable.
Heidi
We have been dining in the Giovanni restaurants since the 1980s. The food has always been delicious, and this visit also did not disappoint. We will return more often!
Whenever we are in Milwaukee we dine here. The quaint restaurant has beautiful dishes with a ton of flavor. Always have a great meal with excellent service. Make sure to make reservations if you want to dine here.
Everything was excellent. We were seated promptly in the upper level, and the atmosphere was very nice - not too loud and very cozy. We were a party of 8 and ordered a variety of entrees. Everyone was very happy with what they selected. The service was great, and our waitress went above and beyond by going outside in the cold to take our picture on the front steps. Would definitely go back.
Overall, the experience was decent. For this being my first time there, I was disappointed. They were out of the one food item I was really excited to try. Settled for the chicken parm and it was ok. However, the Bruschetta and the eggplant fries were the highlight of the night. Don't see myself going back anytime soon.
Fun time, a Sicilian Italian gem in the heart of downtown. Appreciate the server's suggestions, the Fall bruschetta isn't your normal Italian fare - try it, you'll love it. Portions large, although I could have kept eating my veal, it was so good.
Safina instantly brought back memories in the best way possible. Many folks might not know that the same family who ran the old Giovanni's back in the day is now behind Safina. I actually took my now-wife there after our prom night, so walking in here felt like everything had come full circle. Everything hit the mark. I ordered the Momma's Vesuvio and my wife had the Chicken Parm—both were outstanding. Full of flavor, cooked perfectly, and you can tell they still take real pride in every dish. And the calamari? Hands down the best I've had in Milwaukee. Our server was outstanding—attentive, knowledgeable about the entire menu, and genuinely helpful with suggestions. It made the experience even better. It's great to see a family carrying on their tradition with the same heart and quality. Safina has definitely earned a spot in our rotation. We'll be back soon.
At 80 years old, this was one of the greatest and memorabledining experiences I've ever had. All staff were personable, and well groomed; we never felt rushed or had to wait excessively long for our orders. Our needs were always anticipated and if we had questions, the response was immediate. Ambience is great. This is a secret spot in my neighborhood and I love it. I don't know why it took me so long to finally enjoy it. I did make a reservation well in advance, which is a must because you wouldn't want to be disappointed if you didn't.
Amazing experience. The food was amazing, service is great, staff is wonderful, it is an overall great experience. One of my favorite places.
Wonderful staff, wonderful ambience, wonderful food, wonderful wine and cocktails. Amazing family place. The veal Parmesan is delectable 
Great food, great service, and reasonable prices. Nice selection of mocktails. Burrata salad with blood oranges and regular oranges was wonderful and fed 3 of us for an appetizer course. My husband raved about his veal done in the Cotoletta style. Chocolate panna cotta dessert was delicious. We will absolutely return.
This is the second or third time that I have brought gas to Safina, always with an outstanding experience! The three women I brought last night fell in love with their charming restaurant, delicious food, and wonderful service. My husband, Jimmy, Pandl, owned five restaurants at one point in our lives. I know how hard it is to deliver exceptional experiences consistently. We just spent a month in Italy in May and your food is just as good We will be back and will make sure that we continue to highly recommend your restaurant I believe Giovanni, is your father, and he is a pleasure every time we are there. Thanks for all your hard work, and for making downtown Milwaukee in great Place.
Restaurantji Recommends
Loved Safina! Nothing makes me happier than an arugula salad! It was delish! The bruschetta was different but yum!!! Hubby had the pork chop for his dinner & lunch the next day. Big. Family owned & run, charming, and quite adorable.
We enjoyed a great dinner here a couple of evenings ago. The food was delicious, portions were large enough to bring some home. Anna was a delightful server. Highly recommend dining here.
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner at Safina! Prior to our arrival I had some conservations with Sal as we had some guests that had various food allergies. Sal was great with communication and did everything possible to be sure our guests had food options to meet their dietary restrictions. Our meals were fabulous!! We were staying at a hotel so unfortunately, we could not take our leftovers back with us as we would have enjoyed it again the next day! Can't wait to visit Milwaukee again so that we can have another meal at Safina!
One of our top dining experiences! Again. Food was phenomenal and the service was impeccable.
We have been dining in the Giovanni restaurants since the 1980s. The food has always been delicious, and this visit also did not disappoint. We will return more often!
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