Safta

- 743 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary journey that is both deeply comforting and vibrantly exciting, Safta stands out as a distinguished Israeli and Mediterranean restaurant right here in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Located on the lively stretch of Franklin Avenue, Safta offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience that transports patrons to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with every plate. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a neighborhood destination for exceptional food, refreshing drinks, and a genuinely warm atmosphere.

Safta, meaning "grandmother" in Hebrew, suggests a cooking style rooted in tradition, flavor, and generosity, and the menu certainly delivers on this promise. The heart of their offering is the captivating array of Israeli and Mediterranean specialties, with a clear focus on high-quality ingredients and complex, balanced seasoning. Patrons consistently praise the incredible freshness and distinct flavor profiles, particularly of the mezze and main courses. The restaurant serves the needs of the community all day, with extensive options for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, and caters to diverse tastes with excellent vegetarian options and robust meat and seafood selections.

Locals appreciate the establishment’s dedication to a full-service experience. Whether you're starting your day with a traditional Israeli Breakfast or concluding it with one of their expertly mixed cocktails and late-night food, Safta provides a consistent level of quality. The atmosphere is frequently described as "chill and relaxed," making it an ideal spot for a date, a family meal—it is notably family-friendly with a kids' menu—or a casual gathering with friends. The full bar, serving alcohol, beer, wine, and hard liquor, further cements its status as a complete dining and social venue in the heart of Brooklyn.

Location and Accessibility

Safta is centrally located at 743 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA. This address places it squarely on a prime, bustling corridor in Crown Heights, one of Brooklyn's most dynamic and accessible neighborhoods. Franklin Avenue is a hub of activity, making the restaurant easy to find and convenient for locals coming from all directions.

The restaurant's location offers excellent connectivity to the New York City transit system, sitting near key subway lines, which simplifies the journey for New Yorkers traveling from other parts of Brooklyn or Manhattan. While street parking is an option, as with much of the city, New York residents typically find public transit or ride-sharing services to be the most stress-free way to arrive.

Inside, Safta provides a comfortable and fully-appointed dining environment. It offers ample seating and table service for a relaxed dine-in experience. Essential amenities, including a restroom and a bar onsite, ensure a pleasant and complete visit. The restaurant accepts various payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, aligning with the convenience expected by modern New York consumers.

Services Offered

• Full Dining Service: Available for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, ensuring a wide window for patrons to enjoy a meal.
• Mezze and Small Plates: Specializing in small, shareable portions like Labneh Za'atar, Babaganoush, Tahini, and the customizable Balagan Platter (pick 5 dips/salads).
• Robust Drink Menu: Offering a full bar with Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Cocktails (like the Devil's Margarita and Arak Mojito), and Hard liquor.
• Café Selections: Serving various Coffee options, as well as several types of tea, including English Breakfast, Green Tea, and Mint Tea.
• Diverse Cuisine Types: Providing authentic Israeli and broader Mediterranean fare, including Organic dishes and a wide range of Vegetarian options.
• Convenience Options: Featuring Dine-in table service, as well as Takeout, Delivery, No-contact delivery, Curbside pickup, and Onsite services for maximum flexibility.
• Late-Night Service: Catering to those seeking a meal or drinks later in the evening with Late-night food offerings.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Mezze Platter: The foundation of the menu, featuring "stunning" and "high quality" dips like Hummus (Original, Mushroom, Beet), Labneh, and Babaganoush, which are perfectly seasoned with unique spices and herbs, as highlighted by customer reviews.
• Standout Main Courses: Signature entrees include the Whole Seabass, described as "fried to perfection" and "flakey and buttery," and the highly flavorful Chicken Shawarma Plate (pargiyot) or Pita Chicken Shawarma sandwich, praised for its rich, unique spices.
• All-Day Israeli Breakfast: Serving traditional breakfast items from morning through the day, such as Israeli Breakfast (eggs, hummus, Israeli salad, labneh, pita), Shakshuka (Classic or Green), and Avocado Toast.
• Full Cocktail Bar Experience: The dedicated bar offers refreshing, perfectly made specialty cocktails and an assortment of wines and beers, making it a great destination for drinks in the neighborhood.
• Family-Focused Amenities: The restaurant is warmly Family-friendly and offers a dedicated Kids' menu with simple options like Kids Pasta, ensuring a comfortable experience for dining with children.
• House-Made Quality: A focus on house-made elements, including House Olives & Pickles, a variety of house dips, and the use of fresh herbs and high-quality extra virgin olive oil throughout the menu.
• Commitment to Comfort: Offering a blend of flavorful, adventurous options and comforting classics, aligning perfectly with the definition of high-quality Comfort food within the Israeli/Mediterranean context.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or placing an order, you can reach Safta using the following contact information:

Address: 743 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Phone: (347) 365-6461

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Safta means opting for an authentic, high-quality Israeli and Mediterranean dining experience that is surprisingly versatile for the demanding palate of a New Yorker. What makes Safta truly stand out is its ability to nail both the simple, traditional preparations and the complex, richly flavored mains, all while maintaining a “chill and relaxed” vibe.

The first thing worth choosing is the mezze platter. It is the undeniable star of the menu and a perfect representation of Safta's culinary excellence. Customers rave about the freshness and the complexity of the dips—from the creamy Labneh Za'atar to the smoky Babaganoush and the varied Hummus options. Starting with a Balagan Platter is the best way to sample the breadth of their flavorful spreads, paired with warm pita, creating a social and delicious introduction to the meal.

For a main course, diners are highly encouraged to explore the signature dishes that showcase the kitchen's skill. The Whole Seabass is a particular highlight, celebrated for its buttery texture and flakey perfection, demonstrating the restaurant's expertise with seafood. Alternatively, the Chicken Shawarma Plate provides a rich and savory meat option, packed with those "unique spices" that customers consistently praise. The inclusion of an impressive selection of seasonal salads, like the Fattoush Salad or the Halloumi Salad, offers a fresh, satisfying counterpoint to the richer mains and mezze.

Beyond the food, Safta's worth is cemented by its all-day flexibility. Where many NYC restaurants specialize in a single meal period, Safta is a reliable choice from morning to night. You can grab a hearty, traditional Israeli Breakfast on a weekend morning, secure a quick and healthy Pita Chicken Shawarma for lunch, or settle in for a full Dinner with Cocktails and small plates. This wide-ranging service makes Safta a true staple for the Crown Heights community—a flavorful, comfortable, and reliable choice for any occasion. It is, quite simply, an essential taste of the Mediterranean right here in Brooklyn.

Safta

743 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA