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 (4065)

$31 to $50

Italian

18 South Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 35 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Charming
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.

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.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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. 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, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Learn to Speak Italian Wine Class
$40.00 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 Price varies by class

Popular dishes

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

Entrate / Entrée

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

Panini

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

Housemade Pasta

Made in-house daily. Gluten-free options available

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

Margherita$18.00
fior di latte, marinara, basil
Mushroom$20.00
truffled ricotta, roasted garlic, parmigiano
Spicy Calabrese$20.00
fireball sausage, fior di latte, chile pomodoro sauce

Contorni / Sides

Bread Selection$9.00
seeded cracker, rosemary and garlic focaccia
Tuscan Potatoes$10.00
olive oil, garlic, herbs, parmigiano
Broccolini$10.00
olive oil, garlic, parmigiano

Cocktails

Classics

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

Seasonal

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

Vino

Sparkling

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

White

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

Rosé All May

A month-long celebration of rosé wine

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

Red

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

Birra / Beer

Draft

Peroni - Italian Pilsner - Veneto$8.00
Hopewell "Italian Ice" - Tart Lager with Lemon - Chicago$9.00

Bottle

Moody Tongue "Juiced Lychee" - American IPA - Chicago$8.00
Dolomiti Rosso - Lager - Veneto$7.00

Zero Proof / Non-Alcoholic

Lurisia Italian Sodas$6.00
chinotto (bitter orange), lemon, or blood orange
Ferrarelle$10.00
sparkling mineral water
Aperitif Spritz$12.00
martini & rossi "floreale" n/a bitter, n/a sparkling, orange

What 4,065 people are saying

Acanto reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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 delivers an exceptional Italian dining experience in the heart of Chicago. Guests praise its "great Italian cuisine," "exceptional food and service," and "cozy European feel." With a reputation for "outstanding food and drinks," the restaurant's intimate atmosphere and attentive staff make it perfect for both romantic evenings and business meetings.

4,065 Reviews

L
Lloyd VIP
Chicago / Illinois37 reviews
3.0
Dined today
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
This is the first time we have been back to Acanto in some time. It's a great spot after the Grant Park Music Festival Concert in Millennium Park. The ambiance is good and the wait staff is very attentive. We went with another couple and we all had the Lobster Ravioli. Two of us also had the pear salad as a starter. The pear salad with watercress is very hard to eat. The salad sounds good, but it's too large and does not work well. The Lobster Ravioli is fine, but not great. In general, I would say Acanto is a good restaurant, not a great restaurant. They have some work to do.
Is this helpful?
S
Sherri
Chicago / Illinois17 reviews
4.0
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food is always solid at Acanto. This visit we had the Carpaccio, Burrata salad, both highly recommend, the Lobster Ravioli, and Branzino both delicious although I favored the Branzino a bit more. Our server, Jan was not only helpful with menu selections, but was prompt, attentive but not at all intrusive.
Is this helpful?
D
Dan
Chicago / Illinois5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went here with my mother for brunch. Had the Fusilli which was exceptionally good. An old fashion to go with is also pleasant. Bought a spicy Calabrese pizza to go which was pretty decent, but not out of this world. The servers and waiters were extremely attentive. I'd would recommend definitely for a date night.
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d
daiva VIP
Chicago / Illinois6 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The experience at Acanto was absolutely amazing! The food was fantastic, and the service was top-notch. Our waiter was very friendly, attentive, and made excellent recommendations. Truly authentic Italian restaurant right on Michigan Avenue. Definitely coming back!
Is this helpful?
D
Drew
Chicago / Illinois2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was excellent. Our server gave us excellent recommendations for our meals and dessert. The ambience was perfect considering it is on a bustling Michigan Ave.
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy VIP
Chicago / Illinois22 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious meal. Excellent service from Nick. A very pleasant dining experience.
Is this helpful?
S
Sheri VIP
Chicago / Illinois18 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Acanto is a great spot for lunch or dinner in a perfect location in the city. The service is always excellent and the Italian passport specials, specific to a region in Italy, are incredible.
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C
Christy VIP
Chicago / Illinois19 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We always love coming here. Service is great food is great and everything is always consistent.
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N
Nicholas VIP
Chicago / Illinois8 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very good Italian fare and an excellent wine list. Very good, professional service.
Is this helpful?
G
Guy
Washington, D.C. Area7 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful dinner, wine, service, environment, and company.
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FAQs

Acanto offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 578-0763.

Acanto is rated 4.8 stars by 4065 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 35 times today

Experiences are available.

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
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, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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 reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Learn to Speak Italian Wine Class

Lobster Fusilli

Short Rib Rigatoni

Chicken Piccata

Antipasti / Appetizers

Bruschetta$16.00

Fritto Misto$20.00

Mixed Olives$11.00

Formaggi$20.00

Oysters Calabrese$20.00

Sicilian Arancini$14.00

Filet of Beef Carpaccio$21.00

House-Made Polpette$14.00

Zuppa e Insalate / Soup & Salads

Ribollita (Tuscan White Bean Soup)$12.00

Farro & Arugula$15.00

Burrata & Beets**$17.00

Simple Greens$12.00

Kale & Apple**$14.00

Entrate / Entrée

Bistecca$70.00

Chicken Piccata***$26.00

Pesce del Giorno

Panini

Cotechino$16.00

Whitefish*$17.00

Housemade Pasta

Short Rib Rigatoni$27.00

Meatball Bucatini$25.00

Risotto of the Day

Lobster Fusilli$34.00

Cappelletti$26.00

Stone Oven Pizza

Margherita$18.00

Mushroom$20.00

Spicy Calabrese$20.00

Contorni / Sides

Bread Selection$9.00

Tuscan Potatoes$10.00

Broccolini$10.00

Cocktails

Classics

Negroni Classico$16.00

Martini "Al Acanto"$18.00

The Acanto "Chinato-Cask" Old-Fashioned$24.00

The Spritz$13.00

Seasonal

Tarocco$15.00

Tre Colombe$16.00

Spritz al Rosato$16.00

La Regina$17.00

La-La-Marsala$16.00

La Bella Ciao$18.00

Vino

Sparkling

Fresh - Brut Grillo - Santa Tresa "Il Grillo" - Sicilia IGT$15.00

Champagne-Ish - Metodo Classico - Barone Pizzini "Animante" - Franciacorta DOCG$22.00

Sweet - Moscato d'Asti - Damilano - Asti DOCG, Piemonte$13.00

White

Minerally - Carricante - Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano" - Etna DOC, Sicilia$22.00

Floral - Zibbibo - Donnafugata "Lighea" - Sicilia IGT$16.00

Curvy - Grillo - Donnafugata "SurSur" - Sicilia IGT$14.00

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

Rosé All May

Sparkling Pink - Rosé Metodo Classico - Murgo - Sicilia IGT$18.00

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

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

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

Red

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

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

Peppery - Nero d'Avola - Donnafugata "Sherezade" - Sicilia IGT$15.00

Juicy - Aglianico - Villa Matilde "Rocca dei Leone" - Campagna IGT$15.00

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

Big - Supertuscan - Altesino, Rosso - Toscana IGT$17.00

Birra / Beer