Stefani's Tuscany Cafe

Stefani's Tuscany Cafe

5600 Mannheim Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018, United States

+1 773-377-7855

Italian restaurant
(1749)
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About This Place

Located conveniently near Chicago O’Hare Airport at 5600 Mannheim Rd, Stefani's Tuscany Cafe offers travelers and locals a delightful slice of authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. This charming Italian restaurant dazzles with a menu that skillfully blends traditional flavors and fresh ingredients, ensuring every dish delights the palate.

The culinary lineup here features classics that are thoughtfully prepared and richly flavorful. Diners rave over the Pollo Alla Parmigiana and the Pollo Con Zucchini, which stands out for its perfectly grilled chicken paired with tender, lightly charred zucchini and a delicate balsamic drizzle that enlivens every bite. The Linguini Scampi Alla Vodka is a luscious, creamy pasta that harmonizes succulent seafood with just the right touch of vodka-infused sauce, delivering indulgence in every forkful.

Pizza aficionados will appreciate the care put into pies like the Regina Pizza, featuring Tuscan sausage, toasted peppers, and mushrooms crowned with bubbling mozzarella, and the elegant Margherita with fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil enhanced by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Each pizza crust strives to balance crispness with tender chew, evoking the spirit of rustic Italian pizzerias.

For those seeking lighter fare, Stefani's Tuscany Cafe presents a variety of vibrant salads—try the Insalata Pera with arugula, pickled red onions, gorgonzola, and candied walnuts, or the refreshing Tuscany Salad, both bursting with textures and bright flavors that awaken the senses.

The rich menu also includes hearty soups like the Red Rock Seafood Bisque, and indulgent pasta dishes such as Ravioli Quattro Formaggi and Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken. For a well-rounded experience, the beverage offerings—from robust coffees and carefully crafted cocktails like the Cosmopolitan to a selection of beers—complement the meal perfectly.

Guests consistently highlight not only the quality of the food but also the attentive, warm service that enhances their dining experience. Whether it’s the friendly and conscientious servers like Vanya and Maribella, or the relaxing ambiance that offers a quiet respite amid the bustle of travel, Stefani’s Tuscany Cafe manages to provide a surprisingly authentic and comforting Italian meal within an airport setting.

Though some have noted that a few dishes like the Chicken Parmigiana noodles could be moister and pizza crust textures may vary, the overall consensus underscores flavorful, fresh preparations and an inviting environment that make it a worthy stop before flights or as a casual Italian meal in Des Plaines.

In essence, Stefani’s Tuscany Cafe is a shining gem for those craving genuine Italian flavors in a relaxed setting. It balances tradition with convenience, delivering satisfying dishes that leave you eager to return.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great cocktails
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Spirits Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments
Children
High chairs

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    05:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    05:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    05:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    05:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    05:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    05:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • LBWilson
    4 week ago

    Stopped here during a layover at Chicago airport. The service was pretty good. My food was very good. My husband had Chicken Parm. The noodles were super dry.

  • Filipe Drumond
    1 month ago

    Stefani’s Tuscany Café is probably one of the nicest restaurants I’ve seen inside O’Hare Airport. I ordered a pizza, which overall was decent, though I was surprised that the crust didn’t have the fresh, puffy texture I was expecting. Mine came out more like a thin crust—even though I didn’t order that style—so it left me unsure whether it was truly fresh or not. That said, the ingredients themselves were good. I also tried a slice of cake, which wasn’t fresh but still tasted fine—an average dessert. Service was friendly, and I appreciated the variety of seating options, which makes it a comfortable spot for an airport meal. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a sit-down meal at the airport. There’s definitely room for improvement, but it’s still one of the better options I’ve come across here. With a little extra care on freshness, this place could easily stand out even more—I look forward to seeing it continue to improve.

  • Tabatha Barrett
    1 month ago

    Did not expect this at an airport. Our server was a lovely lady named Vanya. She took very good care of us while we were waiting for our connection. I was really surprised by the presentation and quality of the meal since we were at an airport. My zucchini was cooked perfectly and chicken was nice and tender. My daughter’s pasta was so delicious to her she ate the entire thing. If we ever come through Chicago again we will be eating here.

  • John Drynan
    2 month ago

    Of course airport food is outrageously expensive and often terrible but this place is near the far end of B Concourse (B18) with many tables and a lot quieter than the ones like . Ms Maribella (so nice!) our server suggested the Pollo con Zucchini - very sappari さっぱり fresh and light with grilled chicken, thin grilled zucchini - that I need to add to my backyard pub grill menu! - with balsamy drizzle all over it. Since that was light we also ordered the Calamari Fritti. When I have had calamari it is usually just rings but this included the ika geso - - squid tentacles that I love so much! Both were the perfect combo! I first ordered a Goose Island IPA - alas they are from my homeland - but since they soldout to InBev I had to support the Independents! on my 2nd 20oz so I got a Bells 2IPA. Both really hoppy refreshing for an 84’F Chicago arrival. This was a great decision for a long layover to sit and enjoy ORD from a table in Tuscany!

  • Sreyas Chacko
    3 month ago

    The Pollo Montecarlo and the Tiramisu were delicious. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was quality for a pre-flight dinner.

  • Stacey
    4 month ago

    Best time to go: 3pm - 5pm when your flight is stupid delayed. Make the most of it and come here. Short version: the best Italian restaurant experience I have ever had and the best restaurant experience period. The waiter that served me, Constantine was amazing. But not only just with me, he was so kind with everyone he served. He would be the personable waiter to match the personality to whoever he was serving. It was such a talent and such a gift to see. Someone so passionate about sharing the Italian culture and cuisine. Do yourself a favor and before going in just ask if he’s working that day. If he’s not just come back another day. You would be better off just waiting for him to be your server so you can have the best experience you will ever have. Constantine if you’re reading this ask for the raise you deserve because if I had Jeff Bezo money I would just hire you as my private waiter so you can tell me a story about how good a dish is and why I need to try it and what wine would go best with it and why lol. Longer version: Do not believe any of these negative reviews. I do not understand what all these reviews are on about. What is going on with these people? The prices are expensive? Okay this is an Italian restaurant at an airport and EVEN THEN the portions are MASSIVE. The star dish (salsiccia con peperoni) when served to you looks small right? You are wrong. Underneath that pasta are 3 huge massive sausages (lol I know). And it would be a challenge for anyone to finish. I came there starving and I wish I could have finished it or at least taken it home with me. Constantine is so good he will also recommend the best wine pairing for any dish you order and actually walk you through why. And as much as you may be skeptical, the man knows his stuff and he is right! I’m not even a huge wine person but that wine + that dish made such a big difference in my experience. Oh my god and then there’s the desert. I have had Tiramisu in the past and it was always like “eh it’s okay”. When I had the one here I was absolutely blown away. Like into another dimension. Constantine was upset the espresso machine they have was broken that day and his Italian soul just couldn’t handle me having it without it and needing to have it with “regular” coffee but even that coffee was super strong lol. And paired with that Tiramisu? It was out of this world. And the price for all of this? Half of what I expected to pay at an airport. Truly. And for the service from Constantine? That’s just priceless. There’s only 1 Constantine and if he ever doesn’t work there they need to have something called the “Constantine special” and know that you missed out on a legend.

  • Jenna Carlson
    4 month ago

    Best experience at an airport restaurant ever. Found quiet seating in the back by the window during an almost 4 hour delay while the airport was crazy (govt shutdown— nearly every flight was delayed today). I had a delicious Italian meal and good wine while I waited. Had been on the brink of going to Chili’s. So glad I happened across Stefani’s. Constantine is incredible at his job. Thank you for making the time fly!

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