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  5. Downtown / Loop

Acanto

4.8
4.8
3213 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 69 times today
Experiences are available.

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

  • 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

  • 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 - Lambrusco

    $30.00 per person

    May 31, 2023 only
    Lambrusco - Misunderstood, Maligned, and Magnificent - It's a heartbreaking truth that one of the most delicious wines on the Italian peninsula has been reduced to a 1980's marketing jingle in the U.S.A., associating the wine only with the worst example of itself. Join us for class to learn about the wide, wild world of Emilia-Romagna's pride, and all of the styles and colors that make up the best summer wine you can find!
  • Learn to Speak Italian - Roma, The Whites of Lazio

    $30.00 per person

    Jun 7, 2023 only
    Destination Roma, Part 1: The Whites of Lazio - History and cuisine collide in our Passaporto series as we take off to the beating heart of central Italy: Rome! Join us for a two-part exploration into the underrepresented and unknown wines of Lazio, focusing this week on Rome's regional white wines!
  • Learn to Speak Italian - Roma, The Reds of Lazio

    $30.00 per person

    Jun 14, 2023 only
    Destination Roma, Part 2: The Reds of Lazio - Part two in our Passaporto visit to the vineyards around Italy's capitol, join us for a deep-dive into the rare grapes still grown in the hills around Lazio, and a fascinating look at the roots of Italian wine!

Popular dishes

What 3,213 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago

    Italian

Sort by

  1. JefferyW

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really good food. Love the bruschetta most. The spicy calabrese is also very tasty!
  2. DeepakshiB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I loved being there and celebrating with my friend. It was such a beautiful evening with great food and fantastic service. This will definitely be a must visit for me whenever I am in Chicago.
  3. MyLT

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food1service3ambience5
    It’s a hot tourist spot, 5.5/10. The food was very very salty, the vibes were ok only good thing about it was the location. Wouldn’t recommend the fish it’s salty and fishy smelling. The rigatoni/pastas were good.
  4. NancyL

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food with convenient location near Art Institute and Chicago Symphony. Apple wood smoked Old Fashioned cocktail interesting twist.
  5. chunte

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding experience! The food was fantastic. Preparation, presentation and just simply delicious. Service was also exceptional. Loved the ambience and little details. Can’t wait to return in the future!
  6. MargueriteK

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Exceptional food, cocktails, ambiance, and service!!!
  7. Jeff

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    very attractive space and ambience. Food was well prepared and delicious and service was prompt. Highly recommend for pre-concert or date night.
  8. angela

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My companion said she felt like a grown-up at Acanto’s Happy Hour. And, she was just so right. It felt both comfy and elegant. Music was a bit jarring for the atmosphere, but all in all, you can’t go wrong here.
  9. GregB

    New England

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Very authentic menu. Great location and atmosphere
  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a must dine restaurant.. staff was wonderful, food delightful and a great wine list.
  11. ChicagoTraveler

    Chicago

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was amazed at how good the food was given the touristy location - it was delicious, can't wait to go back! Service was amazing.
  12. DremainM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    I always enjoy my meals at Acanto, making it one of the restaurants I frequent most often with business associates. I had a very well-prepared branzino entree at my last visit - boneless with perfect texture. Unfortunately, as it was a business lunch, I could not partake of a glass of white wine on the side!
  13. JanetD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding waiter Ken made the evening so enjoyable. Wonderful food and ambiance
  14. LoopDweller

    Austin

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant.
  15. MichaelC

    Orlando

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We arrived on time for our reservation and were seated immediately and were offered to either sit outside or inside. We chose to sit inside at the patio seating is right on Michigan Ave. The service staff was attentive and took our drink orders right away. They did a great job keeping our water glasses full. The food arrived quickly and was very fresh and tasted very good. It's a great choice for fresh Italian food if you're in the area.
  16. MarciaH

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food; our waitress, Hannah, was awesome and we will ask for her again..
  17. allisong

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a favorite place to take clients....love Acanto!
  18. kama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience! Food was delicious and menu had a lot of good options :)
  19. AnthonyP

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food fantastic service and recommendations.
  20. JoshM

    Tampa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food and the vibe was great. Did not like that they tried to sneak a hidden fee on my bill at the end of dinner. I asked what the fee was for and the server said the restaurants increased cost. Ridiculous. They did remove it after I asked.
  21. Pippa72

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was great! He made wonderful recommendations. Food was awesome!
  22. RheannaS

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Delicious food, great wine, and good service! Love coming for dinner or lunch.
  23. Beth

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, huge wine list, highly recommend
  24. TamaraH

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the moment we walked in until we left, we were in awe, especially of the remarkable saffron risotto with pan seared scallops. Service was impeccable and the drinks were tasty. I highly recommend this venue for any outing!!
  25. Allsn

    Austin

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely lunch spot near Millennium Park. Would definitely go back!
  26. NorthfieldVic

    Chicago

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My home away from home when I visit the city. Fabulous food, terrific service, convenient location.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience5
    Host was extremely rude to us and made us feel insignificant right when we arrived
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely. The food is consistently amazing. A favorite for a special dinner after work.
  29. TonyC

    Dallas

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was very good. Nice atmosphere. Loud, but could still carry on a conversation. Service and staff did an excellent job.
  30. meganh

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was all wonderful and the food was amazing and well worth the value. I wanted to try a glass of wine but I don’t usually drink wine and had no idea where to start. The waiter gave me an excellent recommendation that I very much enjoyed. The waiter also gave great recommendations for my dinner and suggested I added prosciutto to my butternut squash pasta, and it was so delicious I think that’s how it should normally be served!
  31. RamonG

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The beet salad and the branzino were two of the best dishes I've ever had.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was brilliant! Thank you thank you! Bija
  33. JerseyJoe

    Baltimore

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Italian restaurant across from Millenium park. Indoor and outdoor dining. Fresh pasta made in house and was excellent. Food and service were excellent. Very nice wine list that was reasonably priced. The tiramisu was excellent for dessert. I would definitely eat here again.
  34. JasonR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Spectacular service and really special food. Great option in the loop near tourist attractions but a pleasant respite.
  35. RobinE

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Can’t beat Acanto for a delicious evening and calm ending to a busy day. Highly recommend!!
  36. LovieL

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was wonderful and to make it even better our waiter, Gavin, was the best! We had the meatballs, chicken piccata, and short rib rigatoni, all excellent. Nice ambiance, great service, excellent food.
  37. BarbaraR

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience3
    Disappointed after coming for several years that size of appetizers is much smaller than in the past, and that there was a surcharge on the bill. Very expensive meal overall
  38. manonk

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    always a nice meal. We like to sit inside since the decor is so charming and cozy. The fried appetizer is always good yesterday it was shrimp and slices of fennel with a spicy sauce. Sicilian wine feature yesterday lovely glasses of red and white wine. Had the meatballs with bucatini in a red sauce delightful. Tasty deserts all good.
  39. Abrushcadabrush

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow! My date (my wife) and I loved every aspect about Acanto. The pumpkins ravioli and short rib pasta were as great as the steak and lamb. Add great wine. Perfecto!
  40. JamesP

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    always great -- the food is terrific and the service is attentive and helpful

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 3213 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 69 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Acanto

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

  • 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

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