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

3068 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 6, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 46 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 578-0763

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
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
Chris Gawronski
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.
Private party contact
events@acantochicago.com: (312) 372-4001

Location
18 South Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603
Neighborhood
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. Every day we offer a discounted parking rate of $18 rate for parking for up to 12 hours. Please see our host stand for parking discount vouchers. $32 valet parking is also available at the University Club, 76 East Monroe Street.
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 - Alto-Adige, Part 2: Reds
$30.00 per person
Feb 8, 2023 only
Our crowd-favorite series of wine classes kicks off once again with classes every Wednesday from 5:30 – 6:30pm. 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. We continue our trip through the Alps, discovering the pockets of Alto-Adige that are remarkably warm and sunny, allowing for wonderful examples of indigenous and international red wines! Join us for a wonderful discovery of elegant cool-climate reds from one of Italy's less-understood regions. Includes tasting of 4 wines. After class, stay for dinner and enjoy a complimentary glass of your favorite wine! Class will take place on Acanto’s covered and temperature controlled patio.
Learn to Speak Italian - Alto-Adige Pt 3 Sparkling
$30.00 per person
Feb 15, 2023 only
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. At the crossroads of northern Italy, lots of cultural influence has affected the food and wine of Alto Adige; we wrap our Alpine class series with an exploration of the interesting historical odds and ends in the mountains, from Champagne-style sparkling to unique Eastern-European-influenced rosé and orange wine, and more! Includes tasting of 4 wines. After class, stay for dinner and enjoy a complimentary glass of your favorite wine! Class will take place on Acanto’s covered and temperature controlled patio.
Learn to Speak Italian - Blind Taste Pt1 Structure
$30.00 per person
Mar 1, 2023 only
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. The only people that say "wine is subjective" are people that don't understand how to taste wine analytically! Join us for a three part series on the practice of Blind Tasting, and learn to sort the myth and poetry from the chemistry and science! Part one: Structure focuses on the chemistry behind the texture of wine, and how to understand its variations. Includes tasting of 4 wines. After class, stay for dinner and enjoy a complimentary glass of your favorite wine! Class will take place on Acanto’s covered and temperature controlled patio.

Popular dishes

Mixed Olives$5.00
garlic, rosemary, orange
Tomato Bruschetta$5.00
fior di latte, basil, balsamic, olive oil
Prosciutto Bruschetta$7.00
truffled ricotta, balsamic
Margherita Pizza$12.00
fior di latte, marinara, basil
Spicy Calabrese Pizza$14.00
fireball sausage, fior di latte, chile pomodoro sauce
Mushroom Pizza$14.00
truffled ricotta, roasted garlic, parmesan

What 3,068 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
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago
Italian

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Filters

r
randeen
Chicago
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent experience from the time we entered to our departure. Food and drinks/wine were very good and our service was impeccable. Never felt pushy or rushed. Complimentary Prosecco for our anniversary and after dinner drink! Will definitely be back. Thank you.
CG
CourtneyG
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to eat before a show at the CSO!
D
Deirdre
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always - Outstanding!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
They have great food options outside of what was available for restaurant week. They have smaller portions but I was satisfied by the time dessert came. I think they are a tab overpriced for what you get but that's fine dining. The cocktails were absolutely perfect. My waitress wasn't very forthcoming with menu or wine options but I was pleased with what I ordered. It was quiet enough to talk over dinner without feeling like you were too loud.
KV
KathrynV
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and very attentive service. Love this place.
T
Terry
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for a relaxed lunch.
c
chevre
Chicago
48 reviews
vip
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food / pasta was delicious and the atmosphere is cozy, lit with real candle lights.. I’d definitely go here again
PG
PastaGem
Chicago
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just off the busy-ness of Michigan avenue, Acanto is like a gentle escape from it all complete with top notch service and delicious food.
BM
BryantM
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food. Billie Lawless and team deliver once again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an incredible time with my friends! Our waitress was amazing!
DC
DebC
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
outstanding onion soup; food very good but a bit rich for my tastes
l
lydia
Chicago
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a lovely dinner last night. We ordered off of the main menu because we went to a concert after dinner and needed a clean plate meal, no food waste. We loved the kale salad and the mushroom risotto. The sommelier suggested a wine that we loved. The staff was unobtrusively attentive and fun to talk to. The acoustics are good. Dining is food plus conversation. Thank you Acanto!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
It was an okay environment. Staff was very friendly but the food was very mediocre. The establishment is very old and has an ancient 1930’s aesthetic.
EK
EmilyK
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, will be back again! Amazing French onion soup and pasta were so great!
e
eatalot
Chicago
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience2
I thought the food was very good as was the service. We were there for lunch. The noise in the main restaurant was deafening. We went out to the heated porch but on a day about 30 degrees it was very cold but quiet. We ate with our coats on. My friend says it's less noisy for dinner.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent experience, as always. Thank you!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
always fantastic!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really fantastic service and delicious sophisticated (but approachable!) food served in healthy proportions without being fussy. The dining room was cozy (but not “rustic”!) making it a perfect romantic date night spot. All around a wonderful meal
SE
SusanE
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food, great pairings and excellent service. Truly a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. Acanto is our new “go-to” place for special occasions and every day dining!
KH
KHoran
New York Area
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great place to during Restaurant week
SH
SeanH
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely the most amazing anniversary dinner experience in Chicago. We originally had planned to eat somewhere else tonight but plans changed and came across Acanto. We were also not aware that restaurant week was in the city and were pleasantly surprised to see the menu. The restaurant ambiance is immaculate, the lighting is moody and the tables are spaced apart enough. The wax candles at each table add a very nice vibe. The waitstaff are extremely friendly and will double check if you have a special occasion marked in the reservation. We came on a busy night (Saturday) but never had to wait long for their friendly service. The menu was for restaurant week and featured alpine specialties like the onion soup, fonduta and other Italian classics. We opted for the fonduta and onion soup to start, gnocchi and lamb for entree, and the tiramisu and cake for dessert. The gnocchi dish as a whole was the best I’ve ever had. Period. The gnocchi is so soft, and all the elements of the dish complemented each other and had their own identities. The lamb was cooked beautifully and was so tender. There are not enough words in both my and the English dictionary to fully describe how amazing the meal was. Perfection. If you need an Italian meal in Chicago near millennium park, go to Acanto.
KU
KariU
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and service great too!
C
Cass
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall4food4service2ambience3
The restaurant week menu online was totally different than in person. We planned to go because of the online restaurant week menu. It was also extremely slow service.
SJ
SallyJ
Detroit
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food. Great service. Cozy inside and low noise level that made it easier to hold a conversation. I appreciated that the restaurant was able to accommodate one our guests gluten allergy.
TO
TimO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was perfect! Conveniently located In walking distance of theaters and hotel
N
Nicole
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Acanto was great! Wine selection and food was great.
s
steve
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a joy. Thank you.
DK
DianeK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a great evening at Acanto. The food was great, service was wonderful. I would definitely recommend it.
DN
DennisN
Chicago
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this restaurant so much. Obsessed with the piccata.
S
Sara
Chicago
164 reviews
vip
5.0
164 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely place for lunch (or dinner). Lunch for my friend and I was a great beet salad with grilled shrimp. Very nice dry Rose' and we shared a Tiramisu for dessert. YUM So nice to have a meal that is good, nice ambiance and great service. Pricey
b
bellmari
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent hand made pastas, attentive service and lovely atmosphere
MY
MariaYVK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Genuinely loved this place! Food was excellent, and considering how picky I am with food I was pleasantly surprised I was able to choose a random food and enjoy it. Ambience was great, staff was pleasant, 10/10 would come back here again.
H
Happy
Chicago
145 reviews
vip
5.0
145 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our party of 4 arrived after the Bears game and had a wonderful experience. We were seated at a table as requested and our oats checked. We started with a delicious rose prosecco and a couple of appetizers plus the cheese and meat plate. We then each had 4 perfectly prepared meals. The pasta is made in house and cooked al dente. We had a wonderful nebbiola wine which our server decanted. Following the meal we had gelato which is made in house. Our meal took 2 hours and we never felt rushed. The pacing of the courses was spot on. Acanto is a terrific restaurant for lunch or dinner.
M
Magoly
Chicago
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Somehow I goofed up our reservation and reserved for 8 PM rather than 5:15 before the Symphony. So we sat in the enclosed out door area. It was pleasantly heated most of the time but the heat cycles and there was one point where it got chilly but then it cycled back to warm. The food was excellent. The portion size for the veal osso bucco was ridiculously small, however. About 3 ounces of meat for $48. The branzino was excellent, very tasty, a decent portion and the price was more reasonable at $35. Our waiter couldn’t have been better, and other managerial help were available and helpful for the staff. Bussers cleared the table quickly. Kudos to the bartender as well. The classic negroni and a mezcal with pineapple drink were delicious and robust.
K
Katie
Chicago
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
My friends and I made an impromptu dinner reservation at Acanto to celebrate my birthday before heading to the Chicago symphony orchestra a couple blocks away. The ambience was lovely. A very small and quaint space. Service was good albeit a tad bit slow. Food was phenomenal! Thanks for a great also. Reasonably priced though small portions. Would definitely go back.
SG
SueG
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
We’ve been to Acanto many times and really like this place. Celebrated my daughters birthday and overall it was a lovely experience, except we made the mistake of ordering shaved truffles on our entrees. The cost of the truffles was NOT worth it AT ALL. And, given the fact we didn’t know how much they were, only added to the feeling that we were fleeced. But, jokes on me and I should have known, but, didn’t realize till it was too late. The servers happy reaction to our order should have tipped me off to this. Lessons learned. In the end, it left us with feeling used.
BB
BruceB
Chicago
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We go to Acantaoon night when we have CSO tickets. We find it just elegant enough without being stuffy and the food quite good. What's to dislike?
GS
GandS
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent meal and service in a really pleasant atmosphere.
MC
MaryC
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated my 60th birthday with Acanto with family and friends. It was a wonderful experience. Our server was on point and the food was delicious. Will definitely return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love dining at Acanto. I got the Kale salad with Chicken, which was delicious. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a nice lunch date or is meeting up with a friend.

FAQs

Acanto does offer 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 3068 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 6, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 46 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 578-0763

Other options

18 South Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603

Additional information

Cross street
Between Madison St. and Monroe St. across from Millenium Park.
Neighborhood
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
Cuisines
Italian, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
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. Every day we offer a discounted parking rate of $18 rate for parking for up to 12 hours. Please see our host stand for parking discount vouchers. $32 valet parking is also available at the University Club, 76 East Monroe Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Chris Gawronski
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.
Private party contact
events@acantochicago.com: (312) 372-4001

Acanto

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Learn to Speak Italian - Alto-Adige, Part 2: Reds

Learn to Speak Italian - Alto-Adige Pt 3 Sparkling

Learn to Speak Italian - Blind Taste Pt1 Structure

Mushroom

Filet of Beef Carpaccio

Risotto of The Day

Wine

Sparkling - Brut Carricante - Planeta, Sicilia

White - Orvieto - Castello Di Titignano, Umbria

Red - Monica - Argiolas "Perdera", Sardegna

Draft Beer

Menabrea "Ambrato" Piedmonte | Amber Lager | 5.0% ABV$6.00

Peroni | Lombardia | Premium Lager | 5.1% ABV$5.00

Snacks

Mixed Olives$5.00

Tomato Bruschetta$5.00

Prosciutto Bruschetta$7.00

Margherita Pizza$12.00

Spicy Calabrese Pizza$14.00

Mushroom Pizza$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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Filters

FAQs

Does Acanto offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Acanto restaurant rated?

Is Acanto currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information