Photograph by Catherine Viox
Six months after the closure of Chef Jose Salazar’s namesake restaurant, Salazar, the James Beard Award–nominated chef opened his newest dining endeavor in the very same space. Safi Wine Bar (safi translates to enough, commonly used at the end of a good meal) is a Mediterranean-inspired space filled with intimate seating, warm tones, and comfortable throw pillows. While the extensive wine list might bring you in the door, stay for the menu of small plates with big flavor.
Photograph by Catherine Viox
If you’re looking for a simple, savory snack to pair with your wine, try the warm marinated olives or the Zalouk, an eggplant and tomato compote served with house-made Moroccan bread. Bring out the sweeter side with the Medjool dates and Cabra al Vino cheese. Need more protein? Go small with the shaved duck salami that is perfectly, thinly sliced, or big with the Lamb Tagine (slow cooked lamb shank, hand-rolled cous cous, seasonal vegetables, preserved lemon, green harissa). You can’t forget about dessert. The briwat (Moroccan almond pastry) and the truffles (dark chocolate, cinnamon, cardamom) come in sharable sets of four. By the end of your visit, you’ll be ready to say “safi.”
Safi Wine Bar, 1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 793-1201
Photograph by Catherine Viox
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