Acanto

4.8

3924 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 2, 2025

March 2025

7:00 p.m.

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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 38 times today

Experiences are available.

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.

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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
Neighbourhood
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
US$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

BruschettaUS$16.00
truffled ricotta, prosciutto san daniele, balsamico
Fritto MistoUS$20.00
crispy fried shrimp, fennel, lemon, pilacca aioli
Mixed OlivesUS$11.00
garlic, rosemary, orange
FormaggiUS$20.00
Cheese: gorgonzola DOP, capra sarda, robiola langhe "tre latte". Accompaniments: honeycomb, grapes, marcona almonds, fig & date cake
Oysters CalabreseUS$20.00
bluepoint oysters, parmesan breadcrumbs, calabrian chili crustacean butter
Sicilian AranciniUS$14.00
roasted pomodoro, parmigiano
Filet of Beef CarpaccioUS$21.00
arugula & herb salad, capers, parmigiano, first-press olive oil
House-Made PolpetteUS$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)US$12.00
seasonal vegetables, fennel sausage, ciabatta, parmigiano
Farro & ArugulaUS$15.00
baby arugula, shaved fennel, puffed farro, pickled red onion, saba, pecorino romano
Burrata & Beets**US$17.00
roasted beets, burrata di buffala, pistachio, mustard seed, red onion
Simple GreensUS$12.00
organic mesclun, shaved parmigiano, truffle vinaigrette
Kale & Apple**US$14.00
bartlett pear, honey crisp apple, baby kale, radicchio, gorgonzola dolce, hazelnuts, cider vinaigrette

Entrate / Entrée

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

Panini

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

Housemade Pasta

Made in-house daily. Gluten-free options available

Short Rib RigatoniUS$27.00
braised beef shortrib, grana padano, garlic breadcrumbs
Meatball BucatiniUS$25.00
slow-braised meatballs, pomodoro, shaved parmigiano
Risotto of the Day
chef's daily seasonal creation
- MP
Lobster FusilliUS$34.00
squid ink fusilli, lobster, scallops, shrimp, san marzano tomatoes, calabrian chili, crispy garlic
CappellettiUS$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

MargheritaUS$18.00
fior di latte, marinara, basil
MushroomUS$20.00
truffled ricotta, roasted garlic, parmigiano
Spicy CalabreseUS$20.00
fireball sausage, fior di latte, chile pomodoro sauce

Contorni / Sides

Bread SelectionUS$9.00
seeded cracker, rosemary and garlic focaccia
Tuscan PotatoesUS$10.00
olive oil, garlic, herbs, parmigiano
BroccoliniUS$10.00
olive oil, garlic, parmigiano

Cocktails

Classics

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

Seasonal

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

Vino

Sparkling

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

White

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

Rosé All May

A month-long celebration of rosé wine

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

Red

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

Birra / Beer

Draft

Peroni - Italian Pilsner - VenetoUS$8.00
Hopewell "Italian Ice" - Tart Lager with Lemon - ChicagoUS$9.00

Bottle

Moody Tongue "Juiced Lychee" - American IPA - ChicagoUS$8.00
Dolomiti Rosso - Lager - VenetoUS$7.00

Zero Proof / Non-Alcoholic

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

What 3,924 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.

3,924 Reviews

L
Luke
VIP
London
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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 3 days ago
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 5 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The dish I ate was bland and made me ill afterwards
AcantoResponded 3 days ago
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 5 days ago
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 3 days ago
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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S
Sheila
VIP
Chicago
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent as usual. Meredith is the greatest server and knows her wine.
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O
Octavio
VIP
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and dishes. Phillip was very patient when one in our party was delayed. Never a bad experience at Acanto
AcantoResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for the kind words, Octavio! Best regards!
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k
katie
VIP
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food here is delicious and the ambience is beautiful. The servers and staff are very accommodating and observant. I was here once before, and one of the staff remembered me from months ago! The happy hour is phenomenal overall, but especially for downtown Chicago! I look forward to coming back!
AcantoResponded 3 days ago
Thank you, Katie! We will take "phenomenal" as a compliment any day! We are looking forward to your next visit! Kind regards!
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C
Christopher
Edinburgh
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A very quiet lunchtime on Presidents Day. I came for my favourite Fusilli. My first couple of bites were quite spicy (I don't recall it being as spicy on previous occasions) and I began to choke. Staff were very helpful, offered to replace with a less spicy version but I didn't like the thought of food being wasted. My cough settled down, I enjoyed the Fusilli as I always do (resolved to ask for less spicy next time). They brought me a second glass of wine on the house so that solved everything. This is a VERY CLASSY restaurant with tasty and interesting food. I come every year in February and always visit Acanto ....
AcantoResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for the great review, Christopher! For as much as we pursue for quality and consistency, sometimes we just do not achieve the perfection we strive for. Thank you for your feedback! We are glad to hear that the complimentary glass of wine resolved the issue. We would have been happy to remake fresh fusilli for you a little less spicy. We will do so next time you come to visit us! Sincerely
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A
Angela
VIP
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food, ambience and service were all excellent. Very convenient location to The Harris Theatre, Art Institute, and other theatres . We will definitely go back.
AcantoResponded 3 days ago
Thank you, Angela! We are looking forward to your next visit! Best regards!
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J
Jeff
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an absolutely wonderful evening at Acanto! The ambiance, service, food and wine were all excellent! I proposed to my (now) fiancée and they went above and beyond to ensure that we had a perfect romantic experience. Thank you Patti, Cassandra, and the rest of the staff for your help making this a great memory we will always have!
AcantoResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for the great review, Jeff! Cassandra and Patti are thrilled to know you had such a great time with us! Acanto's staff comes together to congratulate you and your wife to be! We are honored that you chose us to celebrate such an important day in your lives! We are looking forward to hosting you again! Best regards!
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N
Nicole
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible experience! Staff was lovely and very efficient. Food was amazing and came out very quickly. We can’t wait to come back and try more of the menu.
AcantoResponded 3 days ago
Thank you, Nicole! We are looking forward to hosting you again soon! Best!
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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 3924 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 38 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.
Neighbourhood
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

BruschettaUS$16.00

Fritto MistoUS$20.00

Mixed OlivesUS$11.00

FormaggiUS$20.00

Oysters CalabreseUS$20.00

Sicilian AranciniUS$14.00

Filet of Beef CarpaccioUS$21.00

House-Made PolpetteUS$14.00

Zuppa e Insalate / Soup & Salads

Ribollita (Tuscan White Bean Soup)US$12.00

Farro & ArugulaUS$15.00

Burrata & Beets**US$17.00

Simple GreensUS$12.00

Kale & Apple**US$14.00

Entrate / Entrée

BisteccaUS$70.00

Chicken Piccata***US$26.00

Pesce del Giorno

Panini

CotechinoUS$16.00

Whitefish*US$17.00

Housemade Pasta

Short Rib RigatoniUS$27.00

Meatball BucatiniUS$25.00

Risotto of the Day

Lobster FusilliUS$34.00

CappellettiUS$26.00

Stone Oven Pizza

MargheritaUS$18.00

MushroomUS$20.00

Spicy CalabreseUS$20.00

Contorni / Sides

Bread SelectionUS$9.00

Tuscan PotatoesUS$10.00

BroccoliniUS$10.00

Cocktails

Classics

Negroni ClassicoUS$16.00

Martini "Al Acanto"US$18.00

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

The SpritzUS$13.00

Seasonal

TaroccoUS$15.00

Tre ColombeUS$16.00

Spritz al RosatoUS$16.00

La ReginaUS$17.00

La-La-MarsalaUS$16.00

La Bella CiaoUS$18.00

Vino

Sparkling

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

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

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

White

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

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