Large colorful mural next to dining table

Couple sitting at bar next to restauant seating

Mindful Mediterranean Cuisine

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A Houston restaurant In the Seafaring tradition

At Safina, we pay homage to the Mediterranean’s rich history of mercantilism, craftsmanship, and innovation by creating wellness-driven food for today’s mindful eater.

Daily Hours

Breakfast | 6:30 - 10:00 AM

Lunch | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dinner | 5:00 - 10:00 PM

Happy Hour | 4:00 - 7:00 PM (weekdays)

*At this time, the Naturalist Café & Lounge Bar has been converted to a pop-up Grab and Go service accommodating for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Please see Naturalist hours of operation*

Restaurant seating with mural in the back

Beautifully Presented

“The food was delicious and unique, beautifully presented.” - – Sarah C., Yelp reviewer
Definitely recommend

"Had a fabulous 3-course lunch. The scallops were perfect. Definitely recommend." - Keith W., Facebook
Wonderful Addition!

"What a wonderful addition to the Texas Medical Center. Safina is a beautifully sleek and swanky restaurant and bar within the newly built InterContinental Hotel." - Linda M., Facebook
Everything was delicious!

"My family of five had dinner and dessert here. We all had a different entree, recommended by our waitress Andrea. Everything was delicious! And the desserts are so unique, an explosion of color and flavors, yes. we tried them all! For ambiance and amazing food, this is the place." - Lisa G., Facebook review

Menus

Heartfelt Flavors

From rich, creamy hummus to fresh, succulent fish prepared in true Mediterranean fashion, our chefs allow the amazing flavors of food and drink to sing.

Carry Out

Coffee Bar

Fuel Your Morning

We have your perfect start to the day at Safina Mediterranean. Our Houston Medical Center coffee bar features six delicious brews on tap and plenty of tasty grab-and-go options.

The Naturalist

Refined Flavors

Mix and mingle at The Naturalist Café & Lounge, our wellness-driven hub for drinks, snacks, flatbreads and more.

Private Dining

Colorful Corners

Give your gathering a touch of intimacy in a customizable, private dining area defined by clean lines. The open space exudes an airy feel with seating for up to 18, a full-service bar, and a relaxing ambiance.

424 SQ. FT. | 18 GUESTS

Private Dining Room

We offer a flexible private dining area with a television and plenty of space for a business lunch meeting or family get-together.

Request information

Private dining table next to colorful mural

3,500 SQ FT | 130 GUESTS

Full Restaurant Buyout

Make Safina your own with a full restaurant buyout. From custom menus to signature cocktails, we are at your service.

Request information

Save the date

Happy Hour

monday - friday

An extensive wine menu, creative cocktails, and a selection of draft and bottle beer makes our happy hour your designated happy time. Join us from 4PM - 7PM every week!

Meet Our Magicians

Carl Allaz

General Manager

As a General Manager, Carl upholds a managerial style that’s both approachable and hands-on with an exceptional understanding of both the front of the house and the back of the house.

Carl Allaz

As a General Manager, Carl upholds a managerial style that’s both approachable and hands-on with an exceptional understanding of both the front of the house and the back of the house.

Born in Lebanon, Carl discovered his passion for the restaurant and hospitality industry at an early age, beginning his career in Houston along a journey that would lead him around the United States from Tennessee, Colorado, Missouri to abroad in Saudi Arabia and his roots in Lebanon before making a return to the city of Houston. With a keen eye for detail and unyielding commitment to quality and customer service, Carl upholds a managerial style that’s both approachable and hands-on with an exceptional understanding of both the front of the house and the back of the house.

Meet Our Magicians

Eric Yudell

Bartender

As a bartender at the Naturalist Café & Lounge, Eric Yudell brings his signature culinary flair to the crafted cocktail.

Eric Yudell

As a bartender at the Naturalist Café & Lounge, Eric Yudell brings his signature culinary flair to the crafted cocktail.

Eric Yudell started his career at the age of 18, growing up in Katy, Texas and later working in Galveston, Texas as a self-described "shot-and-a-beer guy" who thrived on delivering a high level of service while "cooking behind the bar.” Soon, Eric became interested in the possibilities of the unexpected presented by unusual spirits, classic mixes and new flavor profiles to design great cocktails to instill within the bar program.

Meet Our Magicians

Tiago Almeida

Chef de Cuisine

Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, Tiago knew from an early age that he wanted to cook. His career includes top culinary posts in kitchens from Lisbon to London. Tiago is passionate about fresh produce and North Atlantic seafood and believes “care and hard work are the most important ingredients in every recipe.”

safina homepage team tiago almeida 5d9e11b883577

Find us in the heart of

The Medical Center

We're in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, elevating the Houston food scene with healthy vegan, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Treat your tastebuds to the finest Mediterranean cuisine you've ever encountered.