Acanto

4.7

3971 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

18 South Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 7, 2025

April 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 48 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.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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

Easter at Acanto
Apr 20, 2025 only
Join us in celebrating Easter Sunday with an all day menu + celebratory specials. Menu and reservations at acantochicago.com/easter

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 3,971 people are saying

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 delights with "wonderful food and service" in a cozy, elegant setting. Located perfectly for pre-theater dining, it offers "amazing" Italian dishes with seasonal menus and an "expansive wine selection." Guests praise the "attentive staff" and "delicious desserts." Ideal for special occasions, Acanto is a standout Chicago gem.

3,972 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Acanto is an excellent restaurant, but it is not inexpensive. The cuisine is as good as in Italy, quite rare in the US. It does have a creative turn, and it works—e.g. a deconstructed buffala in a caprese (liquid representation). The staff is helpful and courteous. Unlike Italy, American staff is endlessly circulating and taking plates—unnecessary but part of the cultural context here. In sum, excellent local, food, service—expensive and, for my taste, a much too busy atmosphere. I would definitely return.
Is this helpful?
Y
Yuliya
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our family’s favorite restaurants in downtown. It offers great Italian cuisine, an elegant atmosphere, and wonderful service. Just steps away from theaters and museums. Highly recommended!
Is this helpful?
F
Frank VIP
Chicago11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We are CSO subscribers so are in the neighborhood ten Saturday nights a season. Acanto has never disappointed and the menu gets regular refreshes. We're major foodies and have adapted some of their cuisine ideas at home. Apologies for stealing. Within winter walking distance of Orchestra Hall we've lost Trattoris #10, Nick's Fish Market beneath the First Chicago concourse, several French joints, Park Grill, two out of the three offerings at Italian Village - there are more I can't remember, I'm sure. COVID really did in any marginal places but some closed simply because the owners have aged out of what is a challenging calling. Glad the energy behind Acanto, Gage and the others with common ownership seems pretty strong.
Is this helpful?
N
Nina
Chicago5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful food in a great location! Make sure to save room for dessert!
Is this helpful?
J
Joffrey
Chicago3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This wS a nice romantic experience and the food and service was wonderful.
Is this helpful?
l
leslie VIP
Chicago9 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite Chicago restaurants! Noisy inside on a Saturday, but lovely on their covered, heated patio. Delicious salad and seafood! Excellent wine, cocktails. Yummy flourless chocolate cake and other gluten free selections for those who needs must (like me).
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P
Patrick
Chicago6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Acanto was an overall great experience starting with directions to parking and reduced cost parking voucher. The service was excellent, not rushed, but attentive. The food and drinks were great. Prices were expensive but not unreasonable.
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E
Earl VIP
Chicago14 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Acanto is our go-to place for great food and service before we attend a concert at Chicago Symphony Center. Always great.
Is this helpful?
J
James
Atlanta2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful expertise. Food was top notch and served very attentive.
Is this helpful?
C
Collette VIP
Chicago14 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and service were excellent. The torta della nonna was amazing.
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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 3971 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 7, 2025

April 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 48 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.
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
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

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Acanto

Make a reservation

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Additional information

Easter at Acanto

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

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