Safina Italian Favorites Perfect for Group Dining
Celebrating Sicily in Downtown Milwaukee
At Safina, we know that dining is more than simply eating food; it’s about sharing stories, connecting with loved ones and creating memories. Our family has roots in a small Sicilian village, and we brought those traditions with us to Milwaukee. We’ve been cooking in the city for decades and opened our family‑owned restaurant to share recipes passed down through generations. The William A. Webber House, our home at 785 N. Jefferson Street, dates to 1858 and offers a historic, Greek Revival‑style setting near Cathedral Square Park. We lovingly restored this space so diners could enjoy a taste of Sicily amid Milwaukee’s downtown charm. When guests walk through our doors, we greet them like family and aim to make every meal feel like a celebration at our family’s table.
Our mission is to deliver authentically Italian hospitality with modern interpretations of classic recipes. We import staples like our estate‑grown olive oil from our family land in Trapani, Sicily and blend them with the seasonal bounty of Wisconsin. This care and authenticity are at the heart of everything we do, whether you’re joining us for a quiet weeknight dinner or planning a large gathering.
Hosting Your Group at Safina
A memorable group dining experience starts with a warm, inviting space and curated cuisine. We offer private dining options for parties large and small, and our team handles every detail so you can enjoy the moment. Here’s what makes Safina an ideal choice for celebrating milestones, corporate gatherings or family reunions in Milwaukee:
Family‑style menus for groups of 12 or more – We design prix‑fixe menus specifically for large parties. Each family‑style menu includes three appetizers, our signature Rosetta salad, two fresh pastas, two seasonal entrées and a chef’s‑choice dessert platter. Beverage packages and plated dinners are available upon request.
Accommodations for 20–30 guests most evenings – Our main dining room comfortably seats medium‑sized gatherings, and with special arrangements we can host up to 50 guests. We typically accommodate 20–30 guests on most nights.
La Loggia private dining room – Tucked away on the second floor, La Loggia is perfect for intimate corporate dinners, rehearsal meals or family celebrations. It seats up to 30 guests and offers semi‑private options for groups of 12 or more. Please note that it is located upstairs and isn’t handicap accessible.
Versatile event types – We regularly host weddings, corporate events, family gatherings and holiday parties. From milestone birthdays to company product launches, our team can tailor the event to your vision with customizable menus and décor.
Simple inquiry process – Planning an event with us is straightforward. You provide the date, time and guest count via our online form, and we respond promptly with availability and details. We handle setup, coordination and service so you can focus on enjoying your guests.
Italian Favorites Made to Share
Our family recipes celebrate the flavors of Sicily using high‑quality ingredients. When planning a group dinner, consider some of these beloved dishes to build your custom menu:
Starters and Salads
Bruschetta – A vegetarian favorite with root‑vegetable and peperoncino caponata, burrata, 30‑month aged Parmigiano Reggiano and toasted pine nuts. It’s a nostalgic nod to Nonna’s kitchen.
Arrostito – Sicilian roasted cauliflower and broccoli with charred sweet peppers and peperoncino oil; the charred vegetables offer sweetness balanced by a gentle heat.
Giovanni’s Mozzarella – Fried and baked mozzarella served with bright San Marzano tomatoes; gooey cheese meets classic Italian tomato sauce.
Melanzane Fritte – Thinly sliced eggplant lightly fried and paired with marinara and Parmigiano cheese.
Calamari Classico – Tender, lightly floured squid in a tangy San Marzano sugo.
Polpo (gluten‑free) – Charred octopus served with roasted fingerling potatoes, pepperoncino crema, toasted walnut vinaigrette and an apple–fennel salad.
Rosetta Salad – Our signature salad features greens, artichoke, Sicilian olives, pepperoncini, red onion, tomato and Parmigiano in a red wine vinaigrette. It’s included in group prix‑fixe menus.
Pino’s Burrata Salad – Arugula tossed with blood and navel oranges, shaved fennel, dried cherries and toasted pistachios in a millefiori balsamic vinaigrette.
Entrées and Pasta
Gio’s Stuffed Filet – An indulgent USDA prime center‑cut filet filled with provolone, prosciutto di Parma, caramelized onions and tomato, served over “Gio potatoes”.
Sicilian Grilled Maiale – A 14‑ounce Duroc bone‑in pork chop seared with bell peppers and Gio potatoes.
Momma’s Vesuvio – Sicilian herb‑crusted free‑range chicken breast with roasted fingerling potatoes, peas and onions in a white wine and lemon sauce.
Chicken Parmesan – Fried chicken cutlets topped with mozzarella and San Marzano tomato sauce over fettuccine.
Giovanni’s Veal – Choose Parmigiana or Cotoletta style, served with your choice of pasta.
Pesce alla Puttanesca – Roasted swordfish with pasta puttanesca made from datterini tomatoes, Castelvetrano and Taggiasca olives, Sicilian capers and anchovies.
Shrimp Diavolo – Shrimp in a spicy San Marzano sugo with Calabrian chili oil over bucatini pasta.
Frutta di Mare – Black linguine with shrimp, calamari and octopus in a seafood broth accented with Calabrian chili.
Penne alla Vodka – Shrimp, mushrooms, spinach and sun‑dried tomatoes in a spicy vodka sauce.
Fusilloni al Pistachio – Pasta tossed with guanciale and a creamy pistachio pesto made from Bronte pistachios.
Fettuccine Alfredo – Coated in a three‑cheese sauce, with optional chicken or shrimp.
Ragu al Forno – Giovanni’s meat sauce with peas, penne and sharp provolone, served with garlic bread.
Nonna’s Eggplant Parmigiana – Layers of eggplant, San Marzano sugo, fontina and mozzarella over linguine.
Drinks
House wines on tap – We rotate Italian and New‑World wines by the glass or carafe. Choices may include Tuscan reds, Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera d’Alba, Venezia‑Giulia Bianco, Prosecco and Pinot Grigio.
Cocktails – The Sicilian Spritz (Aperol, Solerno orange liqueur and Prosecco), Pomegranate Martini (Smirnoff Citrus vodka, Solerno, raspberry liqueur and lemon juice), Safina Negroni (Malfy Blood Orange gin, Campari and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino), Paper Plane with bourbon and amaro, Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini, Basil Gimlet and a Black Manhattan are among our craft options.
Non‑alcoholic cocktails – We craft a Blood Orange Spritz and NA Basil Gimlet for guests who prefer zero‑proof beverages.
Beer selection – Domestic favorites include New Glarus Spotted Cow and Miller Light; premium imports range from Menabrea Blonde to Peroni. We also offer non‑alcoholic beer choices.
Why Groups Love Dining With Us
When people look for an anniversary dinner restaurant or a large group dining venue in Milwaukee, they want great food and a seamless experience. Here’s why our guests keep returning:
A family‑owned Italian restaurant – We’re proud to be run by Giuseppe (Joe), David and Sal Safina, along with our father Giovanni. Our guests appreciate the warmth and personal touch that only a family‑owned Italian restaurant in Milwaukee can provide.
Historic and intimate setting – Dining inside a restored 1858 Greek Revival house enhances the ambience and provides a memorable backdrop for special occasions.
Customizable menus and dietary flexibility – Our team works with hosts to tailor the menu, including gluten‑free options like Polpo and vegetarian dishes such as Bruschetta and Melanzane Fritte. We can accommodate allergies and preferences with advance notice.
Convenient downtown location – Being near Cathedral Square and major hotels makes us a popular choice for corporate event venues and out‑of‑town guests.
Professional service from start to finish – From the initial inquiry through the last course, our staff ensures everything runs smoothly. Our focus on excellent service and a comfortable atmosphere sets us apart.
Planning Your Next Gathering
Hosting a special event can be daunting, but our team is here to make it effortless. When you’re ready to plan your Italian private dining experience in Milwaukee, follow these steps:
Define your guest list – Determine whether your event fits best in La Loggia (up to 30 guests) or the main dining room (up to 50 with special arrangements).
Select a date and time – Check our availability by submitting an inquiry through our website. We host private events most days of the week, including times outside of regular dinner hours.
Collaborate on the menu – Discuss your preferred appetizers, pastas and entrées with our culinary team. Our prix‑fixe menus ensure there’s something for everyone and simplify service.
Add personal touches – Share details about décor, music or special presentations you envision. We’ll help integrate those touches so your event feels unique.
Relax and enjoy – On the day of your gathering, we handle the setup, cooking and service. You can focus on your guests and the joy of sharing an Italian feast.
Experience Sicily With Us
From intimate anniversary dinners to corporate celebrations, Safina offers a taste of Sicily in the heart of Milwaukee. Our family’s heritage, authentic recipes, and inviting setting create the ideal backdrop for groups seeking memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re searching for a family‑owned Italian restaurant for a special occasion, a corporate event venue, or large group dining in Milwaukee, we invite you to join us. Together, we’ll craft an event that celebrates the flavors and traditions of our homeland while creating new memories for you and your guests.
Reserve your table or inquire about private dining today and discover why our guests call us one of the leading Italian restaurants in downtown Milwaukee.
