Cincinnati chef Jose Salazar is transforming his former Salazar restaurant space into a new concept inspired by his travels. Safi, a Moroccan-inspired wine bar, is expected to open in the space this summer.
Salazar operated his self-named restaurant at 1401 Republic St. in Over-the-Rhine for 10 years before announcing at the end of last year that he and his wife, Ann, would be moving the restaurant into a bigger location. They said they would keep the original Salazar space and introduce a new concept there.
The idea for Safi came after Salazar and his wife traveled to Morocco last summer. After returning, they wanted to bring back some of that experience to Cincinnati.
Safi is a Moroccan name from the Arabic language that means “enough.” The couple said the name felt simple and beautiful and it also allowed them to pay homage to Salazar by keeping the first two letters.
“We’re excited to be part of the resurgence of restaurants in the area,” Salazar said in a press release. “Both the community and the phenomenal location of this space will certainly help make this new concept a success. It’s right across the street from Washington Park and Music Hall, making it a great place to stop before or after a show or other event on this side of town. Fortunately, we know what to expect having spent 10 years here with Salazar. It’s a bittersweet feeling to be bringing a new concept to life in the same space.”
Safi will have a laid-back atmosphere, with a menu that’s approachable, but still offers some “fancier” dishes, as well as small plates. The menu features dishes like chicken pastilla cigars; slow-cooked lamb shank tagine with made-from-scratch Israeli couscous; an eggplant and tomato compote called Zalouk; and Briwat, a Moroccan almond pastry.
One of the most unique items on the menu will be a caviar “bump” — a trendy way to eat caviar where you put a dollop of sturgeon roe on the back of your hand and eat it all at once. Caviar bumps will be served on a mother of pearl spoon with half a glass of champagne.
Salazar says Safi will also be a spot where you can stop for a nightcap or a glass of wine. Mediterranean wines will be the focus of the wine list, which will feature bottles from countries like Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Lebanon and Morocco. There will also be cocktails and beer.
Cincinnati firm INDIO is creating the new restaurant’s design, with Trade 31 managing construction. When it’s finished, the space will have a sophisticated Moroccan look, featuring moody vibes and terra cotta accents. The former Salazar restaurant mosaic tile flooring has been removed, and the bar top is being turned into tabletops.
Safi’s hours will be evenings only Wednesday through Friday and from noon into the evening on Saturdays and Sundays.
