Acanto

Name: Acanto
Address: 18 South Michigan, Chicago, IL, United States, 60603
Telephone: (312) 578-0763
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

3878 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

25 Jan 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 56 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
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
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
4-Course Valentine's Day Prix Fixe
USD 120.00 per person
14 Feb 2025 only
Toast to love this Valentine’s Day with a 4-course prix fixe menu for $120 with optional sommelier selected wine pairings. *Regular menu not available

Popular dishes

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

Entrate / Entrée

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

Panini

CotechinoUSD 16.00
spicy sausage pomodoro, fontina, pickled cipollini, arugula
Whitefish*USD 17.00
house pickles, arugula, caper aioli

Housemade Pasta

Made in-house daily. Gluten-free options available

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

MargheritaUSD 18.00
fior di latte, marinara, basil
MushroomUSD 20.00
truffled ricotta, roasted garlic, parmigiano
Spicy CalabreseUSD 20.00
fireball sausage, fior di latte, chile pomodoro sauce

Contorni / Sides

Bread SelectionUSD 9.00
seeded cracker, rosemary and garlic focaccia
Tuscan PotatoesUSD 10.00
olive oil, garlic, herbs, parmigiano
BroccoliniUSD 10.00
olive oil, garlic, parmigiano

Cocktails

Classics

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

Seasonal

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

Vino

Sparkling

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

White

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

Rosé All May

A month-long celebration of rosé wine

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

Red

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

Birra / Beer

Draft

Peroni - Italian Pilsner - VenetoUSD 8.00
Hopewell "Italian Ice" - Tart Lager with Lemon - ChicagoUSD 9.00

Bottle

Moody Tongue "Juiced Lychee" - American IPA - ChicagoUSD 8.00
Dolomiti Rosso - Lager - VenetoUSD 7.00

Zero Proof / Non-Alcoholic

Lurisia Italian SodasUSD 6.00
chinotto (bitter orange), lemon, or blood orange
FerrarelleUSD 10.00
sparkling mineral water
Aperitif SpritzUSD 12.00
martini & rossi "floreale" n/a bitter, n/a sparkling, orange

What 3,878 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 offers an "amazing dining experience" with "fabulous food and service." Guests praise its "cozy atmosphere" and "wonderful ambiance." The restaurant features "authentic Italian cuisine" with highlights like the "chicken piccata" and "calamari." Patrons appreciate the "attentive staff" and "great wine list," making it a perfect spot for special occasions.

3,878 Reviews

L
Lisa
Columbus
64 reviews
5.0
64 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. The waiter was very good and attentive and the atmosphere was very upscale and cozy. I didn’t know what the restaurant would look like since I had only passed it from the street. Loved everything about our lunch.
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M
Michele
VIP
Chicago
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious, good service, quiet & dignified experience
Is this helpful?
K
Kate
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Looked fwd to going here last night and tried ordering carbonara, you know, the thing any Italian restaurant offers? was told they could not make any and they had no spaghetti pasta?! I had to settle for some thick noodles with cubed chicken bits in a tomato sauce that tasted like it was out of a can, the food came very fast, too fast. It was embarrassing having a dinner date here and I actually apologized to my date. Thanks, but cannot recomend it.
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C
Carol
VIP
Chicago
33 reviews
5.0
33 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Good food. Excellent service. Tables are right on top of each other.
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J
Jon
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was great, ambience was really nice, service was outstanding. Just a really nice experience. Glad we found Acanto before going to the CIBC Theater.
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V
Voula
VIP
Chicago
18 reviews
3.0
18 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
After the Art Institute, we usually head over to The Gage for lunch. This time, I changed it up and we tried Acanto. We were given a great table in the back corner. Unfortunately it was right next to the toilets so people were walking past us. Normally doesn’t bother me but 75% of the restaurant was empty; so, we could’ve been seated at least one table away from the toilets. This wasn’t an issue at the time but in hindsight it would’ve made sense to give patrons their best tables. We ordered drinks. When the waiter served me my drink, I immediately knew it was wrong. I asked if a specific ingredient was in there and he stated “no, we don’t have it.” So then what did you make?!! Strike one. We order our lunch and he suggests a wine. Strike two. The wine was awful. I couldn’t bring myself to return another item. Didn’t want to be that person. However, after we were served, I heard another table’s lunch was comped because they didn’t enjoy their meal. I could understand why. My branzino had a greyish color sauce (mushroom?) that looked unappetizing but I actually enjoyed it unlike the other patrons who complained about it. The restaurant has the potential to be really great but doesn’t meet the level.
1 person found this helpful
C
Cynthia
VIP
Chicago
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a delightful dinner. The wine was excellent, the pastas were delicious, and the service was very good. We always enjoy this little restaurant when we are in town.
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E
ELIZABETH
VIP
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I enjoyed my December visit to Acanto so much I was back again! Acanto has a great vibe. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. The service is great, FOH is very attentive to their guests. The food is fantastic, Chef Troy Jorge and team do an amazing job! On our first visit we tried the Octopus, Hamachi Crudo, Pear Salad, Rigatoni, Lobster Ravioli, Torta della Nonna Sfiziosa & La Ciliegina Sulla Torta, which we enjoyed immensely. This time we went with the Octopus again (I love good octopus so it was a must), Mussels, Baby Kale Salad, Risotto, Pistachio Gnocchi, Branzino (a current special on the menu that I would highly recommend), Lingue dei Gatti, and Affogato and we loved it! We will definitely be visiting again!
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J
Jeffrey
VIP
New York City
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A great dining experience from start to finish. Delicious and creative food, well rounded wine list, solid cocktail selections and fantastic service - and my dessert was incredible !
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C
Cammie
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything excellent! The cauliflower side had amazing texture and was so flavorful , as was our pasta main courses . Staff were on top of everything . Will be back to try more .
1 person found this helpful

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 3878 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

25 Jan 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 56 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
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

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

Learn to Speak Italian Wine Class

4-Course Valentine's Day Prix Fixe

Short Rib Rigatoni

Lobster Fusilli

Chicken Piccata

Antipasti / Appetizers

BruschettaUSD 16.00

Fritto MistoUSD 20.00

Mixed OlivesUSD 11.00

FormaggiUSD 20.00

Oysters CalabreseUSD 20.00

Sicilian AranciniUSD 14.00

Filet of Beef CarpaccioUSD 21.00

House-Made PolpetteUSD 14.00

Zuppa e Insalate / Soup & Salads

Ribollita (Tuscan White Bean Soup)USD 12.00

Farro & ArugulaUSD 15.00

Burrata & Beets**USD 17.00

Simple GreensUSD 12.00

Kale & Apple**USD 14.00

Entrate / Entrée

BisteccaUSD 70.00

Chicken Piccata***USD 26.00

Pesce del Giorno

Panini

CotechinoUSD 16.00

Whitefish*USD 17.00

Housemade Pasta

Short Rib RigatoniUSD 27.00

Meatball BucatiniUSD 25.00

Risotto of the Day

Lobster FusilliUSD 34.00

CappellettiUSD 26.00

Stone Oven Pizza

MargheritaUSD 18.00

MushroomUSD 20.00

Spicy CalabreseUSD 20.00

Contorni / Sides

Bread SelectionUSD 9.00

Tuscan PotatoesUSD 10.00

BroccoliniUSD 10.00

Cocktails

Classics

Negroni ClassicoUSD 16.00

Martini "Al Acanto"USD 18.00

The Acanto "Chinato-Cask" Old-FashionedUSD 24.00

The SpritzUSD 13.00

Seasonal

TaroccoUSD 15.00

Tre ColombeUSD 16.00

Spritz al RosatoUSD 16.00

La ReginaUSD 17.00

La-La-MarsalaUSD 16.00

La Bella CiaoUSD 18.00

Vino

Sparkling

Fresh - Brut Grillo - Santa Tresa "Il Grillo" - Sicilia IGTUSD 15.00

Champagne-Ish - Metodo Classico - Barone Pizzini "Animante" - Franciacorta DOCGUSD 22.00

Sweet - Moscato d'Asti - Damilano - Asti DOCG, PiemonteUSD 13.00

White

Minerally - Carricante - Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano" - Etna DOC, SiciliaUSD 22.00

Floral - Zibbibo - Donnafugata "Lighea" - Sicilia IGTUSD 16.00

Curvy - Grillo - Donnafugata "SurSur" - Sicilia IGTUSD 14.00

Smooth & Chardonnay-Ish - Roscetto - Cotarella "Ferentano" - Lazio DOCUSD 18.00

Rosé All May

Sparkling Pink - Rosé Metodo Classico - Murgo - Sicilia IGTUSD 18.00

Floral, Crisp - Rosé of Nero d'Avola - Morgante - Sicilia DOCUSD 15.00

Juicy, Wild - Ramato of Malvasia - Zamo "Orange" - Friuli DOCUSD 15.00

Intense, Red Berry - Rosé of Montepulciano - Masciarelli - Abruzzo Superiore DOCUSD 14.00

Red

Sparkling - Lambrusco - Famiglia Carofoli "L'Onesta" - Emilia-Romagna DOCUSD 12.00

Bright - Nerello Mascalese - Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano" - Etna DOC, SiciliaUSD 22.00

Peppery - Nero d'Avola - Donnafugata "Sherezade" - Sicilia IGTUSD 15.00

Juicy - Aglianico - Villa Matilde "Rocca dei Leone" - Campagna IGTUSD 15.00

Jammy - Negroamaro - Masseria Li Veli "Pezzo Morgana" - Salice Salentino DOC, PugliaUSD 16.00

Big - Supertuscan - Altesino, Rosso - Toscana IGTUSD 17.00