Safina’s Top Picks for Authentic Italian Cuisine Lovers
Safina’s story began in 1977 when founder Giovanni Safina brought his family recipes from Sicily to Milwaukee. Today his sons continue to run the restaurant, sharing meals passed down through generations and treating every guest like family. The chefs celebrate their roots with straightforward recipes using the highest‑quality ingredients, many imported directly from Sicily. Those searching for an Italian restaurant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that feels like home, whether for an anniversary dinner, a corporate event or a night out, will find it at Safina.
Savory Starters
Safina’s starters set the tone for the meal. The Arrostito is a vegetarian favorite: Sicilian-roasted cauliflower, broccoli and charred sweet peppers drizzled with peperoncino oil. For cheese lovers, the Mozzarella appetizer features Giovanni’s original fried-and-baked mozzarella served with bright San Marzano tomatoes. Melanzane Fritte offers crispy eggplant strips served with marinara sauce and a dusting of Parmigiano.
Seafood fans shouldn’t skip the Calamari Classico, where lightly floured and fried squid meet tangy San Marzano sugo. For something more adventurous, try Polpo, charred octopus with roasted fingerling potatoes, peperoncino crema, a toasted walnut vinaigrette and an apple-fennel salad. These starters showcase the vibrant flavors that make Sicilian cuisine unique.
Fresh Salads
To balance the richness of the starters, diners can enjoy a crisp salad. The Rosetta combines mixed greens, artichokes, Sicilian olives, pepperoncini, red onion, tomato and Parmigiano with a tangy red wine vinaigrette.
Entrées & Pasta: Our Heart and Soul
Italian cooking is all about family recipes and generous portions. The following are some standout dishes at Safina:
Gio’s Stuffed Filet: A USDA prime center-cut filet stuffed with provolone, Prosciutto di Parma, caramelized onion and tomato, served over Gio potatoes. The dish is perfect for an anniversary dinner restaurant experience.
Sicilian Grilled Maiale: A 14‑oz. Duroc bone‑in pork chop with sautéed bell peppers and Gio potatoes. This hearty entrée evokes the warmth of traditional Sunday suppers.
Momma’s Vesuvio: Sicilian herb‑crusted free‑range chicken breast with roasted fingerlings, peas, onions and a white‑wine and lemon sauce, a recipe beloved by the Safina matriarch.
Chicken Parmesan: Mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes over fettuccine. Simple, comforting and always delicious.
Shrimp Diavolo: Spicy San Marzano sugo, fontina and avorio cheeses, bucatini pasta and Calabrian chili, a fiery option for spice lovers.
Frutta di Mare: Black linguine with shrimp, calamari and octopus in a flavorful brodo di pesce and Calabrian chili.
Penne alla Vodka: Shrimp, mushrooms, spinach and sun‑dried tomatoes in a piccante vodka sauce. Rich and creamy yet balanced.
Fusilloni al Pistachio: Guanciale tossed in a creamy pistachio pesto with Bronte pistachio panna crudo, an ode to Sicily’s famous pistachios.
Fettuccine Alfredo: A classic three‑cheese sauce with a choice of chicken or shrimp.
Ragù al Forno: The restaurant’s signature meat sauce with peas, penne, sharp provolone and garlic bread.
Nonna’s Eggplant Parmigiana: Layered eggplant with Sicilian herb breadcrumbs, San Marzano sugo, fontina and mozzarella over linguine, a vegetarian delight that pays homage to the family’s grandmother.
Each dish is prepared to order using seasonal ingredients and the family’s Sicilian techniques. Guests can pair their entrée with a glass of house wine from the curated list; Safina offers Italian reds and whites on tap, including Tuscany’s Rosso and Sicilian Nero d’Avola. For something special, the cocktail list features the Sicilian Spritz, Safina Negroni, Paper Plane and more.
Celebrate Life’s Moments with Us
Beyond the food, Safina is about gathering people you love. The restaurant offers private dining and event spaces for weddings, corporate events, anniversaries and family gatherings. Located just steps from Cathedral Square and Milwaukee’s top hotels, Safina provides a warm, elevated setting with handcrafted Sicilian cuisine and heartfelt hospitality. Safina hosts groups of 20–30 guests most nights and can accommodate up to 50 with special arrangements, offering customizable prix‑fixe menus with appetizers, salads, pastas and entrées. For parties of 12 or more, the family‑style menu ensures everyone enjoys a seamless dining experience. The upstairs private room, La Loggia, seats up to 30 guests and is ideal for corporate dinners, intimate weddings and family celebrations.
Whether you’re searching for a family-owned Italian restaurant in Milwaukee, planning an unforgettable anniversary dinner, or looking for Italian private dining in Milwaukee, Safina offers an elevated experience rooted in tradition. As a trusted corporate event venue in Milwaukee and a top choice for large group dining, Safina combines authentic Sicilian cuisine with warm hospitality in the heart of the city. Reserve your table today or inquire about private dining to create a memorable experience for your next special occasion.
