Acanto

Great Eats Award Winner

Situated at 18 South Michigan Avenue, directly across from Millennium Park, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar offers an authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of Chicago's Cultural Mile. The name "Acanto" is derived from the Italian word for "Acanthus," a plant motif frequently found in Roman architecture and featured in the terracotta ornamentation of the restaurant's historic building facade . Acanto is renowned for its approachable yet refined Italian cuisine, encompassing dishes from both Northern and Southern Italy. The menu features handcrafted pastas, stone oven pizzas, and daily specials, all served in a conversation-friendly atmosphere .

The story behind acanto.

Acanto is part of the Gage Hospitality Group, which also operates notable Chicago establishments such as The Gage, The Dawson, and Coda di Volpe . The restaurant has garnered numerous accolades, including a “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator and a three-star rating from World of Fine Wine magazine, recognizing its extensive wine list that features over 700 selections from Italy’s 20 regions .

What should you Try?

Acanto’s menu offers a variety of Italian classics and contemporary creations:

Handcrafted Pastas: Including options like Spaghetti and Lobster, showcasing fresh ingredients and traditional techniques .
Stone Oven Pizzas: Featuring a selection of pizzas baked to perfection in a stone oven, offering a crisp crust and flavorful toppings .
Desserts: Executive Pastry Chef Kymberli DeLost-Cuschieri presents contemporary twists on Italian classics, such as the Torta della Nonna Sfiziosa and Torta Barozzi .

The restaurant also caters to various dietary preferences with dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus .

Location and Contact Information

Address: 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312) 578-0763
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.acantochicago.com
Instagram: @acantochicago
Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Acanto offers a discounted parking rate at the nearby Grant Park North Garage. Guests can enjoy a $13 rate for up to 12 hours; vouchers are available at the host stand .

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