I visited Stefari tonight, and I was so impressed. I came for their famous burger, and it was absolutely delicious. The macaroni salad was amazing too.
Chef Karla even came out to introduce herself, and she was incredibly sweet and genuine. You can tell she truly cares about the food she’s putting out. The owner, Ken, was also very welcoming and took the time to chat with us, which made the experience feel even more personal. Our server, Kendall, was attentive, kind, and made sure we had everything we needed.
I know some people in the community have been unsure about the recent changes, but my experience was nothing but positive. The food was amazing, the atmosphere felt warm, and the staff went above and beyond. Definitely worth giving the new menu and team a chance. They’re doing great things and I will be back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heather Nelson
Love everything about this place! The food brought me in, the staff keep bringing me back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Madeline Moore
Went here with my mom because we had a gift card, and even though I was initially disappointed by the menu changes, I realized they’re still finding their rhythm. The staff was so nice—multiple people checked on us throughout our meal. I mentioned that I’m vegetarian and that we were mainly interested in appetizers, and Carla went above and beyond by making us fresh guacamole and hummus plates that aren’t even on the menu. You can tell they’re really listening to feedback and putting in the effort. It honestly made me a little sad to see the place so quiet on a Saturday night—everyone should go support them
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melissa Keeble
Best service I’ve had in a very long time. Great personality and warmth. I was definitely not expecting to find this place here. We’ll be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angelina Gear
Stefari West Ave absolutely nailed it! I ordered the Italiano panini to go, and wow, it’s the kind of sandwich that makes you stop mid-bite and just… appreciate life for a second. Layers of prosciutto, salami, ham, melty mozzarella, marinated peppers, artichokes, and that pesto? Pure magic.
It was ready in about ten minutes, perfectly toasted, and came with a fresh mixed greens salad and some chips for good measure. Every bite was flavorful, fresh, and just downright happy-making.
If you love sandwiches that taste like they were made with actual joy, go here. Trust me, your lunch break will thank you. 💚
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sidra Abrielle
Meh… I mean, it’s really pretty inside and the food LOOKS good, but there’s no flavor. Where are the spices?!!! We came with a group of six, and everyone’s food was mediocre—except for the two who ordered the breakfast plate. Two of us had the chicken tacos, and the other two ordered the Chai French toast and a B.E.C. We were honestly embarrassed to have suggested this place for lunch. We will return…but only for the coffee and the ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Ryan Jeffries
I just stopped in for coffee and had a really great experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Stejkowski
This is probably a 3 1/2 star place but you can’t give half stars. Some of our food was excellent, well other dishes were overcooked and could’ve used a little more flavoring. Drinks were very good. we really appreciated the fact that you could carry on a conversation without having to shout. The staff made sure our needs were generally taken care of. Don’t forget their excellent breakfast! Certainly a place we would go back to in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sharjeel Rizvi
My girlfriend and I tried Stefari a few weeks ago and Woww!! I was blown away by how amazing the food, service and ambiance was. I had the butter chicken and it was a culinary explosion of flavor!! I would highly recommend checking this place out! The owner Marci and her staff are wonderful!! Support local always!!
Jonathan Meisenbach
Support local businesses! This was a wonderful find. Delicious food. Personable staff. Had a member of our party that was gluten free and they made all kinds of accommodations for them. Highly recommend!
My wife had the Parmesan Asparagus Prosciutto & Egg toast and absolutely loved it! I had the breakfast plate with arugula, eggs, bacon, toast and avocado and it was pretty good as well. We were seated quickly, it took a bit to place our order, but once we did the food came out real quick. Overall, really good food, super cute place, and perfect ambience. Their chai latte was also really good and both my wife and I enjoyed it.
Heather Harrington
We tried the breakfast sandwich, avocado toast, and pancakes, and it was nice to see a range of options available. The café itself has a creative charm that makes it a great hangout spot. Such a great drink menu as well!
One thing I noticed was that the service felt a bit off during our visit. Coffees sat on the counter for a while, and the team seemed a little distracted. I know how much heart the owners have poured into this place, so I’m hopeful this was just an off day.
I’ll definitely be back to try more from the menu and support a local favorite that brings so much character to downtown Kankakee.
Itchy Boy
Butter chicken is one of the best dishes you can find in Kankakee.
Melissa Nowicki
Delicious fresh goods. Decent drinks. Stopped in for lunch. They were pretty busy for a Friday afternoon. Love they have breakfast or lunch or coffee or wine.
David Massey
Good food, good drinks, just inconsistent if you order a custom margarita on a Friday and go back Saturday, it’s always different, but still tasty.
I visited Stefari tonight, and I was so impressed. I came for their famous burger, and it was absolutely delicious. The macaroni salad was amazing too.
Chef Karla even came out to introduce herself, and she was incredibly sweet and genuine. You can tell she truly cares about the food she’s putting out. The owner, Ken, was also very welcoming and took the time to chat with us, which made the experience feel even more personal. Our server, Kendall, was attentive, kind, and made sure we had everything we needed.
I know some people in the community have been unsure about the recent changes, but my experience was nothing but positive. The food was amazing, the atmosphere felt warm, and the staff went above and beyond. Definitely worth giving the new menu and team a chance. They’re doing great things and I will be back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love everything about this place! The food brought me in, the staff keep bringing me back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went here with my mom because we had a gift card, and even though I was initially disappointed by the menu changes, I realized they’re still finding their rhythm. The staff was so nice—multiple people checked on us throughout our meal. I mentioned that I’m vegetarian and that we were mainly interested in appetizers, and Carla went above and beyond by making us fresh guacamole and hummus plates that aren’t even on the menu. You can tell they’re really listening to feedback and putting in the effort. It honestly made me a little sad to see the place so quiet on a Saturday night—everyone should go support them
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best service I’ve had in a very long time. Great personality and warmth. I was definitely not expecting to find this place here. We’ll be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stefari West Ave absolutely nailed it! I ordered the Italiano panini to go, and wow, it’s the kind of sandwich that makes you stop mid-bite and just… appreciate life for a second. Layers of prosciutto, salami, ham, melty mozzarella, marinated peppers, artichokes, and that pesto? Pure magic.
It was ready in about ten minutes, perfectly toasted, and came with a fresh mixed greens salad and some chips for good measure. Every bite was flavorful, fresh, and just downright happy-making.
If you love sandwiches that taste like they were made with actual joy, go here. Trust me, your lunch break will thank you. 💚
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Meh… I mean, it’s really pretty inside and the food LOOKS good, but there’s no flavor. Where are the spices?!!! We came with a group of six, and everyone’s food was mediocre—except for the two who ordered the breakfast plate. Two of us had the chicken tacos, and the other two ordered the Chai French toast and a B.E.C. We were honestly embarrassed to have suggested this place for lunch. We will return…but only for the coffee and the ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
I just stopped in for coffee and had a really great experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is probably a 3 1/2 star place but you can’t give half stars. Some of our food was excellent, well other dishes were overcooked and could’ve used a little more flavoring. Drinks were very good. we really appreciated the fact that you could carry on a conversation without having to shout. The staff made sure our needs were generally taken care of. Don’t forget their excellent breakfast! Certainly a place we would go back to in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My girlfriend and I tried Stefari a few weeks ago and Woww!! I was blown away by how amazing the food, service and ambiance was. I had the butter chicken and it was a culinary explosion of flavor!! I would highly recommend checking this place out! The owner Marci and her staff are wonderful!! Support local always!!
Support local businesses! This was a wonderful find. Delicious food. Personable staff. Had a member of our party that was gluten free and they made all kinds of accommodations for them. Highly recommend!
Restaurantji Recommends
My wife had the Parmesan Asparagus Prosciutto & Egg toast and absolutely loved it! I had the breakfast plate with arugula, eggs, bacon, toast and avocado and it was pretty good as well. We were seated quickly, it took a bit to place our order, but once we did the food came out real quick. Overall, really good food, super cute place, and perfect ambience. Their chai latte was also really good and both my wife and I enjoyed it.
We tried the breakfast sandwich, avocado toast, and pancakes, and it was nice to see a range of options available. The café itself has a creative charm that makes it a great hangout spot. Such a great drink menu as well!
One thing I noticed was that the service felt a bit off during our visit. Coffees sat on the counter for a while, and the team seemed a little distracted. I know how much heart the owners have poured into this place, so I’m hopeful this was just an off day.
I’ll definitely be back to try more from the menu and support a local favorite that brings so much character to downtown Kankakee.
Butter chicken is one of the best dishes you can find in Kankakee.
Delicious fresh goods. Decent drinks. Stopped in for lunch. They were pretty busy for a Friday afternoon. Love they have breakfast or lunch or coffee or wine.
Good food, good drinks, just inconsistent if you order a custom margarita on a Friday and go back Saturday, it’s always different, but still tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
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