Acanto

4.8

3855 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 34 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines

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.

Order delivery or takeout

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
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Experiences

NYE 4-Course Prix Fixe Menu
US$140.00 per person
31 Dec 2024 only
Join us this New Year's Eve for a celebratory $140 4-course prix fixe menu, optional sommelier selected wine pairings and complimentary bubbles toast. Delight in the warmth of candlelight as you savor each exquisite dish, creating unforgettable moments in the heart of the city. Buon Capodanno! REGULAR MENU NOT AVAILABLE

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 3,855 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

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Acanto shines with "authentic Italian" cuisine, a "perfect location" on Michigan Avenue, and a "welcoming atmosphere." Guests rave about the "outstanding service," extensive wine list, and dishes like "pistachio gnocchi" and "mushroom pappardelle." The cozy, elegant setting makes it ideal for dates and gatherings, despite occasional noise.

3,855 Reviews

E
Elizabeth
New Orleans
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect! Everything was impeccable. Fresh, creative, and delicious food; friendly, efficient service; and an inviting atmosphere. Thank you for an experience we are sure to recommend to others.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary Jo
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I would give this 5 stars except for the price - a bit steep for lunch -,but the food was amazing except for the risotto which was too sweet for a main course. I have just returned from Italy and I would say this food was very authentic. The calamari was exceptional and I’ve ordered it in a lot of places. I loved the ambiance and appreciated the quietness of the restaurant especially given that so many places thrive on a high noise level. We also enjoyed the music selection.
Is this helpful?
S
Scott
VIP
Chicago
40 reviews
5.0
40 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Acanto is ou favorite neighborhood restaurant. Tonight’s dinner was great, the staff was attentive as always.
Is this helpful?
D
David
VIP
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Acanto never disappoints. The service, ambiance, wine, and food were fabulous! What a great crew! Angelica was the best server ever. The sommelier was knowledgeable and shared her love of wines. The expediting and bus staff were quiet and efficient. All good.
Is this helpful?
M
Matthew
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We got the best server ever, with fantastic recommendations and vibe. It was a wonderful experience
Is this helpful?
T
TJ
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 20 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was outstanding. Only glitch in the service was they never cleared away the appetizer plates.
Is this helpful?
D
Douglas
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful vibes. Great food. Lovely experience. We would go back again and again.
Is this helpful?
T
Todd
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Phenomenal night! Ambience was just perfect for date night with my wife! Food was terrific. Staff was kind and helpful and just wonderful. Alex was the best! Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Is this helpful?
J
Julie
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ambience and service is fabulous- not impressed with the food.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
VIP
Alabama
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is one of our favorite restaurants—and we love taking out-of-towners here. It just makes for a great Chicago experience. The ambiance is lovely—beautiful setting with candlelight, and bustling but still conversation friendly. The wine is fabulous, and the food is good—the branzino is always terrific (and I ordinarily don’t like fish that much). Service is always top-flight, too.
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FAQs

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

Acanto is rated 4.8 stars by 3855 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 34 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.
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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.

Acanto

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

NYE 4-Course Prix Fixe Menu

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

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

Rosé All May

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