Safina’s Guide to a Romantic Anniversary Dinner
Setting the Scene: A Celebration of All Things Sicily
Planning a romantic anniversary dinner is about more than finding a table and ordering food; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. At Safina, we believe every meal should feel like an intimate gathering at our family’s dinner table, a philosophy that guides everything from the ingredients we source to the warmth of our service. Our downtown Milwaukee restaurant is dedicated to celebrating all things Sicily, and our mission is simple: provide excellent service, a unique yet comfortable atmosphere and consistently high‑quality food. When you dine with us, you aren’t just a customer; you’re an honored guest sharing in the traditions that have shaped our family for generations.
Our Family’s Heritage and Hospitality
Safina is family‑owned and operated by three brothers, Giuseppe (Joe), David and Sal, together with their father, Giovanni. Growing up in the restaurant business, we learned our craft from Giovanni, who immigrated to America from a small Sicilian village at age 23. For decades our family has served Milwaukee, perfecting recipes passed down through generations. We take pride in cultivating a comfortable and fun atmosphere around a traditional Italian meal, and our passion is evident in every dish we prepare. Some of our most beloved family recipes, such as calamari fritti, bolognese al forno and Giovanni’s original eggplant parmesan, continue to delight guests and remind us of our roots.
Our commitment to tradition goes beyond recipes. We import Sicilian family staples and specialties, marrying them with local seasonal bounty to create modern interpretations of classic dishes. Even our olive oil is tied to our heritage; it comes from olives grown on our family’s land near Trapani and nearby trusted properties. The oil is hand‑picked, first-pressed, and cold‑pressed and certified IGP to ensure it is locally grown and processed in Sicily. We treat these ingredients with the respect they deserve, sharing the flavors of Sicily with every guest who sits at our table.
Our home in Milwaukee carries its own history as well. Safina is located at 785 N. Jefferson Street in the historic William A. Webber House, a Greek Revival–style building constructed in 1858. Just steps from Cathedral Square Park, the building once served as a popular spot for sunset drinks. After careful restoration, we reopened the building in October 2022, creating a setting that combines historic charm with modern comfort. When you celebrate your anniversary with us, you can feel the layers of history and family that make our restaurant special.
Crafting an Intimate Experience
Anniversary celebrations deserve special attention, and we are here to help you plan every detail. Whether you desire a cozy table in our main dining room or wish to host a private gathering, our spaces accommodate a range of experiences. For smaller occasions, the first floor offers a warm, open dining area perfect for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings for 12 or more guests. For something more secluded, La Loggia, our private upstairs dining room, provides a cozy and elegant space that seats up to thirty guests. It’s ideal for corporate gatherings, intimate weddings or family‑style celebrations, and a food & beverage minimum applies.
If you’re celebrating with a group, we make the planning process seamless. We typically host groups of twenty to thirty guests most nights and can accommodate up to fifty with special arrangements. For parties of twelve or more, we offer a curated family‑style prix fixe menu. This menu includes a choice of 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. Our experienced team will assist you with menu planning and décor, ensuring that your special day is flawless.
To help you plan the perfect anniversary dinner, consider these pointers:
Plan ahead and reserve early. We encourage guests to book well in advance, especially for weekend dinners and private events. Our booking process is simple; contact us with your date, time and guest count, and we will respond promptly with availability.
Choose your space. Decide whether a table in our main dining room suits your celebration or if La Loggia’s secluded ambiance better fits your vision.
Customize your menu. Our prix fixe options allow you to select appetizers, pastas and entrées that suit your tastes. You can also explore beverage packages for a fully curated experience.
Share the moment. Our family‑style dining encourages sharing dishes, sparking conversation and creating a communal atmosphere reminiscent of a Sicilian feast. It’s the perfect way to celebrate love and togetherness.
Relax and enjoy. On the day of your anniversary, let us handle the details so you can focus on your partner and your guests. Our team will guide you through every step, from the initial consultation to the final toast.
Savory Starters and Entrées to Share
A romantic dinner should begin with flavors that excite the senses. Our menu features an array of starters crafted from fresh produce, imported cheeses and family‑tested recipes. For an elegant start, try our seasonal bruschetta or arrostito, a dish of Sicilian roasted cauliflower, broccoli and charred sweet peppers dressed with peperoncino oil. If you love cheese, our mozzarella appetizer showcases Giovanni’s original fried and baked mozzarella paired with San Marzano tomatoes DOP, while melanzane fritte offers crispy eggplant strips with marinara and parmigiano. Seafood lovers can savor calamari classico, lightly floured and fried squid served with our signature sugo, or the tender polpo, charred octopus with roasted fingerling potatoes, peperoncino crema and a toasted walnut vinaigrette.
Our entrées showcase both land and sea. Giovanni’s original veal parmesan brings a classic preparation served with your choice of pasta. For meat lovers, we offer Gio’s stuffed filet, a USDA prime center‑cut filet stuffed with provolone, prosciutto di Parma, caramelized onion and tomato, served over Gio potatoes. There’s also the Sicilian grilled maiale, a 14‑ounce Duroc bone‑in pork chop with bell peppers and Gio potatoes, or momma’s Vesuvio, a Sicilian herb‑crusted free‑range chicken breast with roasted fingerlings, peas, onions and a white wine–lemon sauce. If you love classics, chicken parmesan with melted mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes served over fettuccine offers comforting flavors.
Seafood features prominently in our kitchen. Shrimp diavolo pairs spicy San Marzano sugo with fontina, avorio rice and Calabrian chili oil tossed with bucatini pasta, while frutta di mare brings together black linguine, brodo pesce, shrimp, calamari and octopus with a kick of Calabrian chili. The penne alla vodka combines shrimp, mushrooms, spinach and sun‑dried tomatoes in a spicy vodka sauce. For a vegetarian treat, nonna’s eggplant parmigiana layers Sicilian herb breadcrumbs with San Marzano sugo and fontina and mozzarella over linguine.
Pasta & More: Our Culinary Specialties
Pasta is a cornerstone of Sicilian cuisine, and our menu highlights both traditional and inventive preparations. The fusilloni al pistachio showcases guanciale and creamy pistachio pesto made from Bronte pistachios, offering a delightful balance of savory and nutty flavors. Our fettuccine Alfredo features a classic three‑cheese sauce tossed with fettuccine, and guests may choose to add chicken or shrimp. Ragu al forno, one of Giovanni’s signatures, layers meat sauce with peas and penne, sharp provolone and garlic bread for a comforting baked pasta dish.
Beyond pasta, we offer an array of other sides and salads to complement your meal. The Rosetta salad combines mixed greens with artichoke, Sicilian olives, pepperoncini, red onion, tomato, parmigiano and red wine vinaigrette. Our seasonal salads and side dishes change with the time of year, reflecting our dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For those with dietary preferences, many menu items are marked gluten‑free, vegetarian or nut‑free to accommodate our guests’ needs.
Sip and Celebrate: Wine, Cocktails and Beers
No anniversary dinner is complete without a toast. Safina offers a thoughtfully curated drink menu featuring wines on tap, specialty cocktails and a range of beers. Our house wines on tap include Italian and Sicilian selections such as Tuscany’s Rosso C’Di Querceto and Stemmari Nero d’Avola, while the Bianco list features Scarpetta Frico Venezia Giulia Bianco and Lagaria Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC. For a celebratory pour, sample our Val d’Oca Prosecco or a glass of Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate our selection of bottles available by the glass or the full bottle. Choices range from Siduri Pinot Noir and PrimoColle Chianti Classico to Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon and Etiko Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Lovers of white wine can savor Santo Moscato d’Asti, Il Champion Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and Highlands 41 Chardonnay.
Our Safina specialty cocktails are crafted to reflect our Sicilian heritage while adding a modern twist. Popular choices include the Sicilian Spritz made with Aperol, Solerno and topped with house prosecco; the pomegranate martini featuring Smirnoff Citrus Vodka and raspberry liqueur; and the Safina Negroni with Malfy Blood Orange Gin, Campari and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino. For a lighter option, try the NA blood orange spritz, a non‑alcoholic version with blood orange, lemon juice and club soda. The limoncello lemon drop martini blends Meletti Limoncello with vodka and Grand Marnier, while the basil gimlet muddles fresh basil and Aviation Gin. Seasonal cocktails like the Natale Spritz, garnished with rosemary and cranberry juice, make special occasions feel even more festive. For whiskey lovers, we offer the paper plane, black Manhattan and Papa Gio’s old fashioned; the latter combines Sazerac Rye whiskey, Cynar amaro and Luxardo cherry juice.
Beer drinkers will find both domestic and imported options. Our domestic list includes local favorites like New Glarus Spotted Cow, Half Acre Waybird IPA and Riverview Stein, along with classic brews such as Miller Lite, Blue Moon and Michelob Ultra. Premium imports like Menabrea Blonde, Stella Artois, Corona and Peroni add an international flair. Whether you prefer an elegant wine, a craft cocktail or a crisp beer, we have beverages to complement your meal and toast your love.
Book Your Anniversary Celebration With Us
Safina is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., while Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are reserved for private events. To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend calling ahead or submitting an inquiry through our private events form. You can reach us directly at +1 (414) 677‑8518 to check availability and discuss menu options.
When you contact us, our team will gather details such as the date, time and number of guests before helping you craft an experience that reflects your preferences. We can provide a tour of La Loggia or our main dining room and discuss any special requests, from décor to dietary considerations. During your celebration, our chefs and servers will attend to every detail, ensuring you and your loved one feel pampered.
Experience Italian Tradition and Romance
Anniversaries deserve a setting that feels just as special as the milestone itself, and at Safina, we’re proud to be a top anniversary dinner restaurant and Italian restaurant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From our authentic Sicilian recipes and family-owned roots to our warm atmosphere and Italian private dining options in Milwaukee, every detail is designed to create a memorable experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate evening for two or exploring large group dining in Milwaukee for a celebration with loved ones, our team is here to make it seamless. Reserve your table today and experience why Safina is a go-to destination for romantic dinners, corporate event venues in Milwaukee, and unforgettable celebrations.
