T5 has mostly grab-and-go; Tuscany Cafe is the sit-down play
In Terminal 5 at O'Hare, Tuscany Cafe stands out because most of the food nearby runs fast-casual or pure takeaway. This is a full-service Italian spot, with actual tables and a wine list, on the international side of T5 after security. If you have a long layover before a BA, LH, or QR flight out of Terminal 5, this is one of the few places where you can park for a full meal instead of hovering over a bar stool.
The menu leans classic Italian-American: think pasta, salads, and panini. Expect mains in the $18–$28 range, with appetizers typically under $15. You’ll see standards like penne with tomato sauce, chicken dishes, and at least one seafood option on most days. Portions tend to run larger than the typical airport sandwich shop in T5, so a shared starter and one pasta can work for two people who aren’t starving.
Tuscany Cafe sits past passport control in Terminal 5, so it only works if you’re already checked in and cleared for an international or T5 departure. It’s a single-room dining area, so you can keep an eye on gate screens within a few steps. Service pace matches airport reality: you can be in and out in about 45 minutes if you order quickly, but aim for 60–75 minutes if you want a sit-down meal before an evening long-haul.
Drinks are a draw here: expect standard domestic beers, a few Italian labels, and a short list of wines by the glass in the $10–$15 range. Coffee service runs espresso-based, and a cappuccino usually lands around the $5 mark. Dessert isn’t the main event, but grabbing a shared tiramisu or slice of cake can be an easy way to stretch time while watching your gate.
Tip: If you’re tight on time in Terminal 5, grab a seat immediately and ask for the check when you order; that small move can save 10–15 minutes when boarding starts earlier than posted.