Safina — Restaurant in Milwaukee

My boyfriend and I have been coming here pretty regularly for over a year now. the food and service is always very good. Only downsides we have found is that It is a longer wait for a reservation and/or table nowadays than it was previously. The dining area itself is small, crowded and loud so sitting at the bar is almost preferred for some form of privacy and quiet. For some reason we are told to wait when we have a reservation and get seated at the most crowded table when there are other tables available offering more privacy? We have learned that it is best to get an earlier reservation than a later one. We typically eat later in the night around 8pm as we are very busy during the day. We are vegetarians so our options are limited but we love to eat. We usually order the bruschetta as it is the healthiest vegetarian appetizer that they have and it is typically sold out when we get there. this has happened to us several times before at Safinas. It’s been disappointing as we come here for a specific experience and we typically know what we want before we come. To have a reservation and then to be seated and find out your favorite items are sold out at 8pm kills the vibe for the whole night. I find it hard to understand how a high end restaurant does not stock enough supplies to accommodate all the reservations and customers for the night. Typically the items that are sold out at a fine dining restaurant are the desserts because they are premade, but to sell out of a popular appetizer before you can accommodate all your guests is poor management. Half of the desserts were sold out too so don’t expect much there. They only had two desserts to offer us. Regardless, the food is good, just a shame you don’t really know what you’re gonna get until...

What an extraordinary experience this was Friday evening. After a slight delay waiting at the host desk, we were seated promptly by Bentley who would also be our server tonight.

It was our first time here, my friend and I, and we were very much looking forward to the first time experience, as it were. We were not disappointed.

We started out with a glass of Pinot noir for my friend, and a glass of Pinot grigio for myself. We ordered the bruschetta as an appetizer and it was stellar. Very crispy bread topped beautifully with olive oil, cheese, and fresh tomatoes. Glorious flavors.

The fresh bread service came with Sicilian olive oil which was smooth with a hint of earthiness. I would suggest some chopped olives to add a bit of salt, or some herbs, either for needed texture. The bread was soft - was hoping for a bit more crispiness in the crust, or perhaps some sesame seeds baked into the crust; just a personal preference.

Then... the entrees. Mother of God, they were fabulous. My dining partner's fettuccine alfredo was both silky and decadent. The pasta was nicely cooked, and the sauce was a pleasantly sweet compliment to the pasta. I went out on a limb and I ordered the fusilloni al pistachio which was highlighted with guanciale, otherwise known as pork cheeks. The pesto and crudo were flavorful and the guanciale added a smokiness that was not overpowering. The only thing I would have changed was the texture of the pasta which was cooked a bit too long for my liking; again, personal preference. The portions were generous so we decided to skip dessert.

Excellent, attentive service, reasonable prices, and great clientele. Will definitely be...

So many people have been talking about Safina’s! And I mean really really good talk! Having been to Italy and little Italy on the north end of Boston we are always on the hunt for really tasty Italian food. We are pretty harsh critics. The whole fam was in agreement that this was a fantastic experience. I am literally craving it again today!

The bread comes warm and it is a triple olive oil dip which is absolutely heaven!

We started with calamari- we did a half and half platter. One half was normal deep fried and the other was as well but was tossed with a sweet and sour sauce. It sounded bizarre to all of us but when in Rome 🤣. To our surprise it was a huge hit!!! Probably one of the best calamari we have had! This was so tender and yummy.

Then we had the Bruschetta ---oohhhh my. We had to order more because it was so creamy dreamy. Such fresh tastes.

The cocktails were all on point!

Now for the main meal. The choices are tough because it all sounds amazing.

3 ordered fusilloni pistachio pasta. I look forward to that next time as it was outstanding!

I had frutta di mare. What a wonderful dish full of flavors that blend so well.

One had mammas vesivo it was gone before I had the chance to try it so I am going to say it was a hit

Lastly was Sicilian grilled maiale. This is a bone in pork chop my husband always goes to. I get ordering pork is always Hard for me in a restaraunt but this was really really outstanding. The presentation was on point! It was gorgeous. And how many different ways can you say- melt in your mouth. Wow! Perfection!

We are blessed to live two blocks away and will be back...