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Main dining room - Acanto, Chicago, IL

Acanto

4.8
4.8
3935 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 57 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.

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
  • 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.
  • 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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Learn to Speak Italian Wine Class

    USD 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
    Learn to Speak Italian Wine Class photo

What 3,935 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

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Acanto offers a delightful dining experience with "delicious food," "wonderful atmosphere," and "attentive service." Located on Michigan Avenue, it features a cozy patio perfect for "people watching." Diners rave about the "phenomenal pistachio gnocchi" and "creative menu." Ideal for pre-theater meals, it remains a "must-stop" for locals and visitors alike.

3,935 Reviews
  1. Kathleen

    Chicago33 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It was a wonderful dinner - just very hectic, so a little hard to be heard in conversation. The service, food and ambience were all exceptional - cannot wait to return! Highly recommend!

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  2. Mary VIP

    Chicago299 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent bolognese, pear salad, chicken piccata and focaccia! Service was also terrific. I would not sit in the porch in the future as the street traffic noise was horrible and it was cold most of the time.

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  3. Jennifer VIP

    Chicago13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Outstanding dining experience. The food was fantastic, the wines were wonderful and well selected, the service was lovely and the dining room is warm and lovely. We love Acanto!

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  4. Gina VIP

    Los Angeles20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a lovely evening. Everyone was happy with their dinner, including our 11 yr old granddaughter who ordered a pizza (not on the menu). We felt extremely accomodated, well taken care of. When next in Chicago we will return.
    AcantoResponded 3 days ago
    Hello Gina, Thank you for choosing Acanto for your dining experience. We're thrilled to hear that everyone in your party enjoyed their dinner. It's wonderful to know that you felt our team provided a lovely evening. We strive to make every visit a memorable one and your feedback is a testament to our efforts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Chicago in the future. Best Regards!

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  5. Michael VIP

    Chicago100 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 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.
    AcantoResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Michael, We are very happy to learn you enjoyed our house-made pasta offerings! Thank you for the great feedback!

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  6. Andrew VIP

    Milwaukee18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 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!
    AcantoResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Andrew, We are very happy to know you are an Acanto aficionado and we would like to thank you for your amazing review! We are looking forward to your next visit! Best regards!

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  7. Joanne

    Chicago17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 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.
    AcantoResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Joanne, Thank you for the great review! We are looking forward to hosting you again soon! Kind regards!

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  8. margaret

    Chicago6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 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.

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  9. Bill

    San Francisco7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    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.
    AcantoResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Bill, Thank you for the amazing review. We strive to bring the best quality ingredients to your table! We are looking forward to your next visit! Best regards

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  10. Gladys

    New York City5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    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 on 3 March 2025
    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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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 3935 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 57 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Acanto

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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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.
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