Acanto

4.7 (4010)

$31 to $50

Italian

18 South Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603

Make a reservation

2 people

May 18, 2025

May 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 35 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Charming
Good for special occasions
Romantic

Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits.

The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Wed 11:00 am–9:00 pm Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 578-0763
Website
http://www.acantochicago.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Troy Jorge
Private party facilities
The intimate dining room is ideal for rehearsal dinners, engagement celebrations, showers and post-wedding brunches, while Acanto’s patio on Michigan Avenue is a dream setting for cocktails. Up to 75 (seated) or 100 (cocktail) guests, inclusive of outdoor space.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
18 South Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603
Neighborhood
Downtown / Loop
Cross street
Between Madison St. and Monroe St. across from Millenium Park.
Parking details
The nearest self-park garage is the Grant Park North Garage. Enter from Michigan between Randolph and Monroe Streets. Exit at the far southwest of the garage (the green section); the exit is steps from our front door. We offer a discounted parking rate for the Grant Park North Garage. Every day, enjoy a $13 rate for parking for up to 12 hours. Please see our host stand for parking discount vouchers.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Learn to Speak Italian Wine Class
$35.00 per person
Multiple dates available
WELCOME BACK TO (WINE) SCHOOL! Our crowd-favorite series of wine classes continues. Enjoy a wine tasting and fascinating lecture with Acanto’s Wine Director Torrence O’Haire, and earn new confidence in the field of Italian wine! TASTING OF FOUR WINES | WEDNESDAYS FROM 5:30-6:30PM **View full class schedule at https://www.acantochicago.com/learn-to-speak-italian-wine Price varies by class

Popular dishes

Bruschetta$16.00
truffled ricotta, prosciutto san daniele, balsamico
Fritto Misto$20.00
crispy fried shrimp, fennel, lemon, pilacca aioli
Mixed Olives$11.00
garlic, rosemary, orange
Formaggi$20.00
Cheese: gorgonzola DOP, capra sarda, robiola langhe "tre latte". Accompaniments: honeycomb, grapes, marcona almonds, fig & date cake
Oysters Calabrese$20.00
bluepoint oysters, parmesan breadcrumbs, calabrian chili crustacean butter
Sicilian Arancini$14.00
roasted pomodoro, parmigiano
Filet of Beef Carpaccio$21.00
arugula & herb salad, capers, parmigiano, first-press olive oil
House-Made Polpette$14.00
beef, veal, and pork meatballs, pomodoro, shaved parmigiano

Zuppa e Insalate / Soup & Salads

Add to Any Salad: chicken $8, shrimp $10, grilled fish MP

Ribollita (Tuscan White Bean Soup)$12.00
seasonal vegetables, fennel sausage, ciabatta, parmigiano
Farro & Arugula$15.00
baby arugula, shaved fennel, puffed farro, pickled red onion, saba, pecorino romano
Burrata & Beets**$17.00
roasted beets, burrata di buffala, pistachio, mustard seed, red onion
Simple Greens$12.00
organic mesclun, shaved parmigiano, truffle vinaigrette
Kale & Apple**$14.00
bartlett pear, honey crisp apple, baby kale, radicchio, gorgonzola dolce, hazelnuts, cider vinaigrette

Entrate / Entrée

Bistecca$70.00
14 oz prime ny strip, favas, marinated tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, salsa verde, grana padano, saba
Chicken Piccata***$26.00
broccolini, capers, piccata sauce
Pesce del Giorno
seasonally prepared
- MP

Panini

Cotechino$16.00
spicy sausage pomodoro, fontina, pickled cipollini, arugula
Whitefish*$17.00
house pickles, arugula, caper aioli

Housemade Pasta

Made in-house daily. Gluten-free options available

Short Rib Rigatoni$27.00
braised beef shortrib, grana padano, garlic breadcrumbs
Meatball Bucatini$25.00
slow-braised meatballs, pomodoro, shaved parmigiano
Risotto of the Day
chef's daily seasonal creation
- MP
Lobster Fusilli$34.00
squid ink fusilli, lobster, scallops, shrimp, san marzano tomatoes, calabrian chili, crispy garlic
Cappelletti$26.00
green pea and mascarpone filling, sugar snap peas, basil and pea broth, parmigiano, lemon

Stone Oven Pizza

Add to Any Pizza: pepperoni $4 | prosciutto $6 | sausage $4

Margherita$18.00
fior di latte, marinara, basil
Mushroom$20.00
truffled ricotta, roasted garlic, parmigiano
Spicy Calabrese$20.00
fireball sausage, fior di latte, chile pomodoro sauce

Contorni / Sides

Bread Selection$9.00
seeded cracker, rosemary and garlic focaccia
Tuscan Potatoes$10.00
olive oil, garlic, herbs, parmigiano
Broccolini$10.00
olive oil, garlic, parmigiano

Cocktails

Classics

Negroni Classico$16.00
engine italian gin, poli bassano rosso vermouth, campari bitter
Martini "Al Acanto"$18.00
panarea sicilian gin, cinzano 1757 dry vermouth, olive
The Acanto "Chinato-Cask" Old-Fashioned$24.00
bull run "edizione all'acanto" bourbon, demerara, bay, apricot, cherrywood smoke
The Spritz$13.00
aperol, prosecco, soda, orange-olive garnish

Seasonal

Tarocco$15.00
vodka, blood orange, martini & rossi fiero, lemon, spiced cranberry
Tre Colombe$16.00
grapefruit-infused tequila, giffard pamplemousse liqueur, aperol salt
Spritz al Rosato$16.00
gin, prickly pear, bitter bianco, sea salt, prosecco rosé
La Regina$17.00
engine italian dry gin, poli "cleopatra" grappa, bitter chestnut honey, lemon, chamomile
La-La-Marsala$16.00
marsala dolce, maker's whiskey, peach, cinnamon, lemon
La Bella Ciao$18.00
ilegal mezcal, poli grappa, honey, espresso liqueur, amaro abano

Vino

Sparkling

Fresh - Brut Grillo - Santa Tresa "Il Grillo" - Sicilia IGT$15.00
Champagne-Ish - Metodo Classico - Barone Pizzini "Animante" - Franciacorta DOCG$22.00
Sweet - Moscato d'Asti - Damilano - Asti DOCG, Piemonte$13.00

White

Minerally - Carricante - Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano" - Etna DOC, Sicilia$22.00
Floral - Zibbibo - Donnafugata "Lighea" - Sicilia IGT$16.00
Curvy - Grillo - Donnafugata "SurSur" - Sicilia IGT$14.00
Smooth & Chardonnay-Ish - Roscetto - Cotarella "Ferentano" - Lazio DOC$18.00

Rosé All May

A month-long celebration of rosé wine

Sparkling Pink - Rosé Metodo Classico - Murgo - Sicilia IGT$18.00
Floral, Crisp - Rosé of Nero d'Avola - Morgante - Sicilia DOC$15.00
Juicy, Wild - Ramato of Malvasia - Zamo "Orange" - Friuli DOC$15.00
Intense, Red Berry - Rosé of Montepulciano - Masciarelli - Abruzzo Superiore DOC$14.00

Red

Sparkling - Lambrusco - Famiglia Carofoli "L'Onesta" - Emilia-Romagna DOC$12.00
Bright - Nerello Mascalese - Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano" - Etna DOC, Sicilia$22.00
Peppery - Nero d'Avola - Donnafugata "Sherezade" - Sicilia IGT$15.00
Juicy - Aglianico - Villa Matilde "Rocca dei Leone" - Campagna IGT$15.00
Jammy - Negroamaro - Masseria Li Veli "Pezzo Morgana" - Salice Salentino DOC, Puglia$16.00
Big - Supertuscan - Altesino, Rosso - Toscana IGT$17.00

Birra / Beer

Draft

Peroni - Italian Pilsner - Veneto$8.00
Hopewell "Italian Ice" - Tart Lager with Lemon - Chicago$9.00

Bottle

Moody Tongue "Juiced Lychee" - American IPA - Chicago$8.00
Dolomiti Rosso - Lager - Veneto$7.00

Zero Proof / Non-Alcoholic

Lurisia Italian Sodas$6.00
chinotto (bitter orange), lemon, or blood orange
Ferrarelle$10.00
sparkling mineral water
Aperitif Spritz$12.00
martini & rossi "floreale" n/a bitter, n/a sparkling, orange

What 4,010 people are saying

Acanto reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Acanto is celebrated for its "exceptional food and service," offering a cozy, elegant dining experience with standout Italian cuisine. Nestled on Michigan Avenue, it's perfect for pre-theater dining or special occasions. The "lobster ravioli" and "pistachio gnocchi" are must-tries, complemented by an extensive wine list.

4,010 Reviews

C
Carla
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I enjoyed the octopus appetizer followed by the chicken piccata. Both were excellent. The octopus was beyond expectation!
Is this helpful?
C
Christine
Chicago2 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff was very friendly. Sat outside so noise was of course moderate to slightly loud. The food was very good. We both enjoyed our dishes. We were not thrilled with the tiramisu type dessert, but just a personal preference. Would definitely visit again.
Is this helpful?
D
Donna VIP
San Francisco103 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service! Wonderful hand made pasta and fantastic baby kale salad!!
Is this helpful?
A
Arijit
Chicago1 review
3.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Exorbitant prices for quality and portion of food.
Is this helpful?
T
Thomas
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really good food. Attentive wait staff. Intimate dining room. Not rushed.
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara
Houston11 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful meal and experience here. Casey was our waitress and she was friendly and professional We had the fried tomato risotto as an appetizer, the lobster ravioli and branzino All dishes were top quality and delicious Would highly recommend if you’re in Chicago
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C
Catharine VIP
Chicago82 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We gathered from disparate regions at a wonderful table that faced the street, had drinks and a delicious dinner and made it to the theater just in time. We are grateful for Acanto.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael VIP
Columbus5 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great small Italian place with good food and ambience.
Is this helpful?
D
Diana
Chicago24 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. Fun wine list- we enjoyed “rosé all day for the month of May.”😉 Service was excellent. We have dined here before and will dine here again. We want to try all the items on the menu. Thank you.
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel VIP
Chicago70 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Best Italian restaurant in the loop area- great for business meals as well as date nights. Inventive food, very good wine list, balanced decor.
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FAQs

Acanto offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Acanto also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 578-0763.

Acanto is rated 4.7 stars by 4010 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Booked 35 times today

Experiences are available.

18 South Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603

Additional information

Cross street
Between Madison St. and Monroe St. across from Millenium Park.
Neighborhood
Downtown / Loop
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Wed 11:00 am–9:00 pm Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
The nearest self-park garage is the Grant Park North Garage. Enter from Michigan between Randolph and Monroe Streets. Exit at the far southwest of the garage (the green section); the exit is steps from our front door. We offer a discounted parking rate for the Grant Park North Garage. Every day, enjoy a $13 rate for parking for up to 12 hours. Please see our host stand for parking discount vouchers.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Troy Jorge
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
http://www.acantochicago.com/
Phone number
(312) 578-0763
Private party facilities
The intimate dining room is ideal for rehearsal dinners, engagement celebrations, showers and post-wedding brunches, while Acanto’s patio on Michigan Avenue is a dream setting for cocktails. Up to 75 (seated) or 100 (cocktail) guests, inclusive of outdoor space.

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Acanto

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Learn to Speak Italian Wine Class

Short Rib Rigatoni

Lobster Fusilli

Chicken Piccata

Antipasti / Appetizers

Bruschetta$16.00

Fritto Misto$20.00

Mixed Olives$11.00

Formaggi$20.00

Oysters Calabrese$20.00

Sicilian Arancini$14.00

Filet of Beef Carpaccio$21.00

House-Made Polpette$14.00

Zuppa e Insalate / Soup & Salads

Ribollita (Tuscan White Bean Soup)$12.00

Farro & Arugula$15.00

Burrata & Beets**$17.00

Simple Greens$12.00

Kale & Apple**$14.00

Entrate / Entrée

Bistecca$70.00

Chicken Piccata***$26.00

Pesce del Giorno

Panini

Cotechino$16.00

Whitefish*$17.00

Housemade Pasta

Short Rib Rigatoni$27.00

Meatball Bucatini$25.00

Risotto of the Day

Lobster Fusilli$34.00

Cappelletti$26.00

Stone Oven Pizza

Margherita$18.00

Mushroom$20.00

Spicy Calabrese$20.00

Contorni / Sides

Bread Selection$9.00

Tuscan Potatoes$10.00

Broccolini$10.00

Cocktails

Classics

Negroni Classico$16.00

Martini "Al Acanto"$18.00

The Acanto "Chinato-Cask" Old-Fashioned$24.00

The Spritz$13.00

Seasonal

Tarocco$15.00

Tre Colombe$16.00

Spritz al Rosato$16.00

La Regina$17.00

La-La-Marsala$16.00

La Bella Ciao$18.00

Vino

Sparkling

Fresh - Brut Grillo - Santa Tresa "Il Grillo" - Sicilia IGT$15.00

Champagne-Ish - Metodo Classico - Barone Pizzini "Animante" - Franciacorta DOCG$22.00

Sweet - Moscato d'Asti - Damilano - Asti DOCG, Piemonte$13.00

White

Minerally - Carricante - Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano" - Etna DOC, Sicilia$22.00

Floral - Zibbibo - Donnafugata "Lighea" - Sicilia IGT$16.00

Curvy - Grillo - Donnafugata "SurSur" - Sicilia IGT$14.00

Smooth & Chardonnay-Ish - Roscetto - Cotarella "Ferentano" - Lazio DOC$18.00

Rosé All May

Sparkling Pink - Rosé Metodo Classico - Murgo - Sicilia IGT$18.00

Floral, Crisp - Rosé of Nero d'Avola - Morgante - Sicilia DOC$15.00

Juicy, Wild - Ramato of Malvasia - Zamo "Orange" - Friuli DOC$15.00

Intense, Red Berry - Rosé of Montepulciano - Masciarelli - Abruzzo Superiore DOC$14.00

Red

Sparkling - Lambrusco - Famiglia Carofoli "L'Onesta" - Emilia-Romagna DOC$12.00

Bright - Nerello Mascalese - Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano" - Etna DOC, Sicilia$22.00

Peppery - Nero d'Avola - Donnafugata "Sherezade" - Sicilia IGT$15.00

Juicy - Aglianico - Villa Matilde "Rocca dei Leone" - Campagna IGT$15.00

Jammy - Negroamaro - Masseria Li Veli "Pezzo Morgana" - Salice Salentino DOC, Puglia$16.00

Big - Supertuscan - Altesino, Rosso - Toscana IGT$17.00

Birra / Beer