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It’s as important as ever to support the amazing local restaurants we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants to guide you on your journey. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2025.
Safina
785 N. Jefferson St., (414) 488-9578
safinamke.com
Sicilian
$$$
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The food at Safina tells the story of a family whose Sicilian food has been served in Milwaukee for over 50 years. The restaurant is cozy, with plenty of nods to Sicilian culture, along with a modern menu that encompasses both new and nostalgic dishes that have stood the test of time.
Highlights include classic starters like Giovanni’s baked mozzarella with San Marzano tomatoes, and Polpo featuring tender grilled octopus, Sicilian green olives, fennel, orange, whipped mascarpone and 'nduja.
When it comes to entrees, you can’t go wrong with dishes like Nonna's Eggplant Parmigiana with its herbed Sicilian breading; or Shrimp Diavolo, a fiesty pasta dish with spicy San Marzano sugo, fontina and avorio, Calabrian chili oil and bucatini. The Strauss veal ribeye parmesan is also a win and its generous portion size is likely to leave you leftovers to enjoy the next day.
And yes, there's also dessert. I'd recommend trying Giovanni's Original cheesecake. It's a classic.
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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