It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2024. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
Safina
785 N. Jefferson St., (414) 488-9578
safinamke.com
Sicilian
$$-$$$
[Read more]
When Safina opened in 2023, it marked a comeback for the Safina family, long known for their classic Sicilian fare. The restaurant is cozy – reminiscent of an intimate home dining room – with decor that offers nods to Sicilian culture and a modern menu comprised of both new offerings and nostalgic dishes that have stood the test of time.
Highlights of the menu include classic starters like Giovanni’s baked mozzarella with San Marzano tomatoes; and Insalata di Mare, a traditional Sicilian seafood salad featuring calamari, shrimp and octopus served with finely shaved celery, onion and slivers of carrot in a red wine lemon vinaigrette.
Meanwhile, entrees include Momma's Chicken Vesuvio with white wine lemon sauce; Gio’s stuffed filet featuring center-cut filet stuffed with provolone, 18-month prosciutto de parma, caramelized onions, Roma tomatoes and potatoes; and the gorgeously displayed Strauss veal ribeye parmesan served with chef’s choice of pasta or salad.
Overall, it's pretty difficult to go wrong. Be sure to save room for a slice of cheesecake.
Recommended: Beef carpaccio; frutta di mare (pasta); veal parmesan; cheesecake (you’ll be surprised)
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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