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Cincinnati chef Jose Salazar’s highly anticipated Moroccan-inspired wine bar, Safi, is now open.
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: Safi, the idea of which came to the couple after a trip to Morocco. After returning, they wanted to bring back some of that experience to Cincinnati.
Safi sports 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; Briwat, a Moroccan almond pastry; and the trendy “caviar bump.”
CityBeat was able to get an inside look at the new restaurant, as well as a sample of what’s on the menu. Keep scrolling to see what you can experience at Safi.
Photos by Lydia Schembre
Safi | 1410 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Lydia SchembreSafi | 1410 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Lydia SchembreSafi | 1410 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Lydia SchembreSafi | 1410 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Lydia SchembreSafi’s menu Photo: Lydia SchembreA spread of dishes offered at Safi. Photo: Lydia SchembreA spread of dishes and wines offered at Safi. Photo: Lydia SchembreA traditional Moroccan appetizer: dates, cheese and spiced nuts. Photo: Lydia SchembreA traditional Moroccan appetizer: dates, cheese and spiced nuts. Photo: Lydia SchembreThe grilled octopus at Safi. Photo: Lydia SchembreThe grilled octopus at Safi. Photo: Lydia SchembreTraditional Moroccan chicken pastilla cigars at Safi. Photo: Lydia SchembreTraditional Moroccan chicken pastilla cigars at Safi. Photo: Lydia SchembreSangria Photo: Lydia SchembreSangria Photo: Lydia SchembreSafi | 1410 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Lydia SchembreSafi | 1410 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Lydia SchembreA variety of wines offered at Safi. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia SchembrePart of Safi’s wine collection. Photo: Lydia Schembre
