Stefani Group to Revive Restaurant Space Near Oakbrook Center

The closure of Tuscany, the restaurant from Phil Stefani across the street from the Oakbrook Center shopping center, has left a void in the suburbs since the Italian restaurant shut its doors in March. That ended 26 years in suburban Oak Brook. Now management is set to revive the space with a new restaurant opening later this year. Osteria 22 will meld Tuscany’s Italian favorites with a few new Mediterranean dishes.

While Tuscany’s run was impressive and customers still enjoyed the food, there was room for improvements to attract younger diners. Osteria 22’s menu will feature more seafood and Mediterranean plates, both sharable and small. They’re also redoing the decor, said Steven Hartenstein, COO/CFO for Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants. Instead of keeping the Tuscany name, they decided on a new start. They’re adding a bar and lounge to the space. There’s also a new patio space with a pergola. Live music will also return.

Hartenstein waxed nostalgic for the suburban space at 1415 W. 22nd Street in Oak Brook. He was the one who negotiated the lease for Osteria 22. There really isn’t another space nearby with the caliber of food Tuscany served, he said while vowing Osteria would keep that standard. There’s still a Tuscany location on Taylor Street in Little Italy, and one in suburban Wheeling.

Osteria 22 will fall under the Stefani Signature banner in collaboration with Hartenstein and longtime Stefani executive chef Claudio Ulivieri. Stefani’s projects include Mad Social in West Loop, the Broken English Taco Pub chain, and Bar Cargo in River North. Stefani is a venerable Chicago restaurateur whose children have entered the family business. Meanwhile, look for a late fall or early winter opening for Osteria 22. Check back for updates.