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Acanto — well-regarded italian in Loop. Old-school in the best sense, with zero pretense. Cocktail menu runs deeper than expected. Joie Devoney: "The Chicken Piccata and the Arancini were truly the best we have ever had"
V W
195 reviews
“The seafood ink squid fusilli was fantastic”
The hostess was not welcoming. She was quick to tell us that we should leave within an hour.
Good place to get racially profiled. The food was good, but the experience was uncomfortable.
Do not eat this place unless you are okay with being disrespected.
18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
“I ate here for lunch and the pizza was delicious.”
I ate here for lunch and the pizza was delicious! Our server was attentive and very pleasant.
Jon French
Jan 2026
“Visiting in Chicago for a couple of days.”
Visiting in Chicago for a couple of days. Did some research on great restaurants and decided on Acanto. We are so glad we did! Acanto is gorgeous — the candles were plentiful and cast beautiful reflections throughout the restaurant. Phillip, our server, was attentive and really seemed to care that we had a wonderful time. The food — absolutely incredible! We started with a couple of items from the happy hour menu — the star was the Aroncini! We have traveled the world and had it in many places from street food vendors to high end restaurants. This was absolutely the best! We then ordered and split the Apple Panzanella — another winner. For entrees I had the Pumpkin Agnolotti, the pasta was amazing and the pumpkin filling so yummy. My husband had the Fusilli which was loaded with seafood. I really enjoyed the Angnolotti and would definitely order it again. We shared dessert, the Torta Barozzi, a flourless chocolate cake, but with a twist — rum caramel! Oh my! It was a lovely way to end the evening. Pic’s of my favorite items are below. We’ll be back!
Pamila Davenport
Jan 2026
“Wow, this restaurant made my trip.”
Wow, this restaurant made my trip! Lovely romantic, cozy vibe paired with phenomenal, high-quality, and delicious food. I originally came to try a dish from the Vegan menu and ended up ordering their Seafood Fusilli dish off the regular menu. This seafood pasta is truly an artisan plate. I'm looking forward to having it again! The waitress Jaclyn was also wonderful. The location can't be beat. I can't wait to visit here again.
Ilene Rothman
Dec 2025
“Love this wine bar.”
Love this wine bar. Every dish was phenomenal and the glasses of wine were well chosen by staff. Beautiful atmosphere. This is such a great find.
Ana Valle
Nov 2025
“Loved, loved, loved my dining experience at Acanto.”
Loved, loved, loved my dining experience at Acanto. We started with the arugula salad which was phenomenal! For a salad it was flavored packed. I had the rigatoni and it was so good, flavorful and hearty. Of course we had dessert which was these Italian like donuts which were oh so yummy. Drinks were good too, orange wine and margarita. The atmosphere was so cozy and romantic. All tables were candle lit (we dined in the evening). This is your next date night!
Judy Grados Ghassemi
Oct 2025
“This was incredible.”
This was incredible! Everything was so delicious! 😍 Sorry for the bad pictures, they don’t so justice to your quality…. 10/10 experience
Andy Vinkenborg
Oct 2025
“Delicious, beautiful, romantic, wide wine selection, fresh pasta and an epic dessert 😍.”
Delicious, beautiful, romantic, wide wine selection, fresh pasta and an epic dessert 😍. I drink a lot of water and I swear they hired a water ninja because my glass was always full. We came here after Cadillac Theatre and it’s the perfect compliment to a great show.
Georgina Kazan
Aug 2025
“I walked into Acanto right as happy hour was starting, and it was exactly what I needed after a...”
I walked into Acanto right as happy hour was starting, and it was exactly what I needed after a visit to the Art Institute. I was solo, but they treated me like a regular—super welcoming and relaxed vibe. I sat out on the patio and ordered the arancino and the burrata with prosciutto off the happy hour menu. Both were excellent—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Perfect portion sizes for a light early dinner. My server, Bree, was awesome—friendly, attentive, and had great recommendations. Even though I didn’t order a full meal, she made sure I had a great experience. This place is a gem if you’re looking for a classy but comfortable spot near Millennium Park. I’d definitely come back—next time, maybe for the pasta!
Dan C (Daydream)
Aug 2025
“My first dining experience at Acanto was absolutely amazing.”
My first dining experience at Acanto was absolutely amazing! I live downtown and have been to so many Italian restaurants around the city. The attention to detail and depth creativity of the cocktail and food menu, the intimate and cozy atmosphere, and the incredibly attentive and impressive staff are unmatched! I had the pleasure of meeting and being taken care of by Emily, who was an exceptional server and very genuine person. She ensured my experience at Acanto was unforgettable! I can't wait to visit again! Cheers!!
Erin Summers
Aug 2025
“Had an amazing dinner at Acanto in Chicago—totally exceeded expectations.”
Had an amazing dinner at Acanto in Chicago—totally exceeded expectations. The food was incredible, especially the pasta, and everything was super fresh and flavorful. The desserts were just as impressive—definitely save room for those. Great vibe, great service. Easily a new favorite spot in the city!
Sudip Patel
May 2025
“Delicious! 10/10 loved this place and their happy hour was a great vibe. Loved the early afternoon...”
Delicious! 10/10 loved this place and their happy hour was a great vibe. Loved the early afternoon snacks and drinks. I got shamed for how I put my napkin on the table but other than that, amazing place
Jon
May 2025
“I'm already planning my next trip just for the hamachi crudo.”
I'm already planning my next trip just for the hamachi crudo! This tiny spot in the heart of millennium park is absolutely outstanding. Nestled in the center of a high-tourist area, I'm wondering if the locals know it exists. The ambiance is superb, the wine list is extensive, and the menu has a variety of starters and dishes to please any palette. The staff is friendly and attentive! Highly recommend for date night or girls' night!
aleks
Apr 2025
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