ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Loop
Master Critic Review
Acanto
8.3
A Michigan Avenue dining room that leans modern-rustic with a serious pasta-and-wine backbone. The best meals here are built around one composed pasta (rigatoni or cacio e pepe) plus a crisp starter, then finished with a classic dessert so the pacing stays clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni, Arancini, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A refined Loop Italian that pairs pasta craft with a strong wine-bar sensibility.
Who should go: Couples and work diners who want polished Italian.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or pre-theater, early seating.
What to order: Rigatoni, arancini, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Go pasta-first; add one starter, then stop—keeps the table tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Michigan Ave / Millennium Park area parking—best move is a nearby garage (Millennium Park Garage or Grant Park South) and a short walk; street parking is limited and tough after 5pm. If you’re driving for dinner, plan 10–15 extra minutes for traffic and garage entry lines.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Jeans are fine if they’re clean and paired with a nicer top/shoes, but the room leans polished—especially during lunch and pre-theater dinner.
Noise level: Moderate and date-friendly—lively dining room energy but you can still hold a real conversation without leaning in the whole time.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation (longer in peak 7–8pm windows).
Weekday lunch: 0–15 min most days; 15–25 min during the busiest corporate lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta and starter options can work vegetarian, and the kitchen is used to accommodating.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—expect a couple of workable options with modifications (marinara-based pasta, vegetable-forward starters). Ask about butter/cheese in sauces before committing.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—usually at least one or two naturally gluten-free mains/starter paths and the kitchen can often adapt, but this is not a dedicated gluten-free pasta house. Flag it clearly to your server.
Best For
Better for: A clean, modern Loop Italian that nails the pasta-and-wine night—great pacing, polished service, and a vibe that works equally well for business lunches and date nights.
Consider Alternatives If: You want classic red-sauce comfort, huge portions, or a loud, high-energy family scene. Also skip if you need a deep vegan or dedicated gluten-free menu—choose a more specialized spot.