Dafina Restaurant — Restaurant in Somerville

Dafina Mediterranean Cuisine is a radiant jewel in the culinary world, a place where the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean come alive in every dish, every smile, and every moment. From the second you walk through the doors, you’re enveloped in a warm, vibrant embrace that feels like stepping onto a breezy terrace overlooking the sea. The owners of Dafina have spent years crafting a legacy of extraordinary cuisine and heartfelt hospitality across all their restaurants, and it shows in every detail. This isn’t just a dining experience—it’s a journey, a celebration of Mediterranean traditions, and a testament to the passion and vision of its remarkable owners. The owners are the soul of Dafina, and their dedication shines through in every aspect of their restaurants. They’ve built more than a collection of dining spots; they’ve created a family of establishments that pulse with authenticity and love. Across their locations, you can feel their commitment to sharing the rich, diverse tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine—each plate a story, each bite a memory. Their hands-on approach ensures that every restaurant feels like an extension of their home, where guests are welcomed with open arms and treated to flavors that linger long after the meal is over. It’s no small feat to maintain such consistency and warmth across multiple venues, but Dafina’s owners make it look effortless. The food? Oh, it’s nothing short of divine. The menu at Dafina is a vibrant mosaic of Mediterranean delights, blending bold spices, fresh ingredients, and time-honored techniques with a touch of modern flair. The hummus is a silky dream, swirled with golden olive oil and served with warm, pillowy pita that’s baked to perfection. The grilled octopus is a revelation—tender, smoky, and kissed with citrus, it’s like a love letter from the coast. And the baklava? A symphony of crisp phyllo, sweet honey, and crunchy nuts that dances on your palate. Every dish, from the creamy baba ghanoush to the succulent lamb kebabs, is crafted with such care that you can taste the heritage in every bite. What truly elevates Dafina is the hospitality, which feels like an extension of the owners’ generous spirit. The staff move with a warmth and attentiveness that make every visit feel special. On my last trip, our server shared the story behind the tabbouleh, bursting with fresh parsley and lemon, and it made the dish taste even better. When the flaming cheese appetizer arrived, crackling and golden, the entire dining room erupted in cheers—a moment of shared joy that’s quintessentially Dafina. The owners’ vision of creating a welcoming haven shines through in these interactions, turning meals into memories. Over the years, the owners have expanded their dream, bringing Dafina’s magic to multiple locations without ever losing the heart of what makes their restaurants so extraordinary. Each venue carries the same commitment to quality, community, and the joy of a shared meal. Whether you’re savoring a plate of falafel at their original spot or indulging in stuffed grape leaves at a newer location, you’re enveloped in the same sense of belonging. It’s a rare gift to create spaces that feel so personal yet so universal, and Dafina achieves this with grace. Dafina Mediterranean Cuisine is more than a restaurant—it’s a love story told through food, hospitality, and connection. To the owners, thank you for building a legacy that warms the heart and soul. To anyone reading this, run—don’t walk—to Dafina. Order the mezze platter, let the flavors transport you, and bask in the glow of Mediterranean magic. You’ll leave not just satisfied,...

I’m not one to usually leave reviews, but I felt this was necessary. It’s been weighing on my chest for a week now … last week after attending the somerville football game, instead of going to my usually Spot Verve or Village I decided to try Dafina Restaurant since I have been walking past it for months during the renovations. I was very anxious because I heard good things initially. I was leaving the game so I was dressed with a sweat jacket and a hat. Usually wouldn’t go in an establishment like that wearing that attire but I noticed it was a number of people in the restaurant with similar outfits so I decided to drop in and show support. As a resident of Somerville, specifically one RIGHT across the street from the location I was treated like I didn’t belong. I have never felt so disrespected in somerville EVER. No one acknowledged me sitting there except the bartender Sergio. I watched the manager/ owner walk around and ask everyone about there dish and introducing himself but failed to ask me. There was a couple sitting a seat away from me and they were greeted MULTIPLE TIMES and had conversations with them. Im not sensitive but I do NOTICE things and me being “DIFFERENT” from the others in the restaurant, I honestly felt it was a reason why I wasn’t acknowledged, but that’s not my place to assume. However, I still would’ve honestly just overlooked it and gave the benefit of doubt until this happened. There was an empty seat to my left, 1 empty seat to my right and to the right of the empty seat was the couple I mentioned. Some female not sure of who she was, but she was sitting at the bar then two customers walked in looking for seats. I had just invited my neighbor to come down because I thought the food and drinks were really good. The female worker/owner ASKED the couple to the right of me if anyone was sitting there. SHE NEVER ASKED me, the person on the other side of the chair if it was available. I wanted to say something but I didn’t say anything, again I kept it cool, but then she went and got another bar stool and FORCED THE CHAIR BETWEEN me and the empty chair so her two friends can sit down. Literally, SQUEEZING ME in, NEVER asking if I’m waiting for someone, no apology , never asked if it was ok or if I WAS waiting for someone ? I have NEVER felt disrespected like that in Somerville EVER. I immediately got up and said NO WORRIES YOU CAN SIT HERE AND PAID MY BILL and left with a bad bad taste in my mouth. I only got a chance to eat the appetizer and had some amazing drinks that Sergio made, and everything was AMAZING. Minus that mishap that made me very uncomfortable. Even with all that I experienced I still WISH nothing but the best for the restaurant… the Food and drinks were Amazing and so far people I know in the area, that had entrees said the same as well, that the food is GREAT. BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANT, AMBIANCE, Everything seems to be looking good for DAFINA and I got a feeling it’s going to be a pillar in our somerville community one day. But me personally and respectfully I will probably never visit the establishment again after that day. Maybe it was a bad day and i “LOOKED” Like i didn’t belong. That’s the reason y im still giving 5 stars for everything. Don’t want someone’s bad day or “personal issues and preferences “ to make the whole establishment look bad. This establishment is very lucky to have a ideal spot in the beautiful Somerville. WE HAVE SOME BEAUTIFUL WONDERFUL AMAZING PEOPLE IN somerville of all race, creeds, religions, and sizes and you will soon see how AMAZING Somerville RESIDENTS ARE. GOD BLESS...

Last night I was celebrating my friend’s birthday at Dafina, a restaurant that looks beautiful at first sight however, what we witnessed was completely the opposite of what we expected.

While we were enjoying our first drink, we began hearing one of the owners Lisa Bergtol yelling at one of her employees. It didn’t happen just once on at least four different occasions, I saw Lisa speaking harshly and disrespectfully to her staff, including another young male employee in the middle of the dining room. After speaking to them, she would put her hand either on their backs and neck area. The way she treated them was humiliating and painful to witness.

At one point, Ms. Bergtol approached our table and gave us such an unsettling stare and, in a rude tone, told us that “we had no reason to talk to the busser, that her only job was to serve water and clear the plates.” She again put her hands on the busser and said "Come with me. Come with me now!" and took her to the kitchen Moments later, we saw the young busser doing her best to not cry, her eyes red and full of sadness. Shortly after, Lisa returned to our table and gave us an unsettling smile and said, “Now you can talk to her,” which felt completely inappropriate and unsettling.

At that moment, I stood up and told my friend we should leave. Before doing so, I hugged the waitress and told her, “I’m sorry for what you’re going through.” We both ended up in tears. It was a heartbreaking moment that completely ruined what should have been a special night.

It is unacceptable that in such a beautiful looking place there exists such a hostile and unkind environment. I truly hope the management reflects on how they treat their staff and understands that the real elegance of a restaurant is not found in its décor, but in the respect and humanity shown toward the people who make it all possible.

No one should be spoken to or treated that way. I sincerely hope the owner reflects on her behavior and learns to lead with respect, kindness, and empathy toward both her staff and...