Acanto

4.8

3932 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 8, 2025

March 2025

7:00 PM

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At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 40 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Romantic
Good for special occasions

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.

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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.

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
$45.00 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

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 3,932 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Acanto offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent food and service." The "beautiful ambiance" and "attentive staff" make it perfect for special occasions. Guests rave about the "phenomenal happy hour" and "incredible pasta dishes." Conveniently located near Millennium Park, this "cozy gem" is a top choice for locals and visitors alike.

3,932 Reviews

M
Michael
VIP
Chicago
99 reviews
5.0
99 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A beautiful candlelit restaurant on Michigan Avenue with great Italian food and good wines and beers. The pastas made in house are particularly good.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrew
VIP
Milwaukee
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This has to be my 10th visit to Acanto. Excellent in every way as always!
Is this helpful?
J
Joanne
VIP
Chicago
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of thr best meals in the city. Excellent food and service, lovely room.
Is this helpful?
m
margaret
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was such a nice experience, my friend and I stayed there for 4 hours and the staff made us feel welcome the entire time.
Is this helpful?
B
Bill
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always good. A little pricey, but that is the reality of downtown Chicago these days. Maybe that is why formerly packed restaurants are scraping.
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G
Gladys
New York City
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Service was great but one of the servers kept taking my plate without asking if I was done because it looked like it. The lobster ravioli was disappointing lacked in flavor and the pasta wasn't hot enough and a bit still hard not soft enough. The meatballs were good but a bit dried if you didn't have the sauce with it.
AcantoResponded 5 days ago
Dear Gladys, We're glad that you enjoyed our service overall, despite the issue with the server who cleared your plate without inquiring whether you were still enjoying it. We will address and resolve the issue. We are sorry to hear our lobster ravioli and meatballs were lacking in taste and did not satisfy your palate. Your feedback is very valuable to us and will help us improve. We thank you for taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back soon, as we are looking forward to providing you with an outstanding and unforgettable dining experience. Best regards.
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J
Jurgen
VIP
Chicago
45 reviews
5.0
45 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
In the Loop Michigan Avenue area, this is the best place to dine. Food preparation is consistently fine, the Italian wine-centric wine list is nicely constructed, and service is always outstanding. The pasta dishes here are the highlight, with perfectly executed and thoughtful flavor combinations. You feel comfortable and well taken care of in this charming restaurant.
AcantoResponded 5 days ago
Dear Jurgen, Thank you for the great review and thank you for your patronage throughout the years. We're thrilled to hear that you consider Acanto the best place to dine in the Loop Michigan Avenue area and that you find our pastas and our award-winning wine list satisfying. We're also very pleased that our service met your expectations. Your kind words truly mean a lot to us. We're looking forward to your next visit. See you soon!
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L
Luke
VIP
London
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The best seafood fusilli I have ever had. EVER. ANYWHERE. I ordered this on the recommendation of my charming server. I am limited to 2000 characters on this review which means I cannot do it justice. The presentation - sensational. The taste sublime, other worldly. The tender way in which the lobster was cooked and how it seemed embrace the bisque and envelope itself in the sauce. Let me see if I can try and explain how good the seafood bisque sauce was; the spice was fragrant and tantalized the nose, the taste was long and complex; what was more enthralling? The creamy richness of the sauce, the delicate piquancy of the spice or the creamy richness of the texture. I am not sure - but I think it is worth many more trips to see if I can find out. One other point to note, the maitre d was charming and so knowledgeable about the menu but was genuinely passionate about the food and wine. I do not mean that this enthusiasm was faux or contrived but genuine and heartfelt and really elevated the evening from humdrum to exceptional. Thank you.
AcantoResponded on February 27, 2025
Dear Mr. Williams, We are thrilled to learn that you enjoyed the fusilli and that you had a pleasant evening with us. Thank you for the amazing review! We are looking forward to hosting you again next time you are in town! Best regards!
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G
Gretchen
Chicago
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The dish I ate was bland and made me ill afterwards
AcantoResponded on February 27, 2025
We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your dish, Gretchen. We prepare our dishes with the best ingredients we can source from the various purveyors in town, always striving to provide the best food and greatest experience to our guests. Nevertheless, this time, we have failed you and we sincerely apologize for that. shall you decide to give us another chance, we are glad to invite you back for dinner on us. Best regards!
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D
Deborah
VIP
Chicago
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food is amazing. I always enjoy taking my clients there for lunch. They love it
AcantoResponded on February 27, 2025
Thank you for the kind words, Deborah! We are looking forward to hosting you and your clients again soon! Kind regards!
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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 4.8 stars by 3932 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 40 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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

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

Order delivery or takeout

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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