Zentli

4.9

81 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space.

Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite.

We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(224) 999-7486
Website
https://www.eatzentli.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201
Neighborhood
Evanston
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 81 people are saying

Zentli 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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Best Food
Chicago / Illinois
Mexican
North Suburbs
Best Overall
North Suburbs
Best Food
North Suburbs
Best Service
North Suburbs
Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Zentli enchants with "wonderful, unique food," and "amazing ambiance." Authentic Mexican dishes are served in a "beautiful space," with standout items like "blue corn tortillas" and "scrumptious tacos." Guests appreciate the "friendly service" and "artistic decor." Consistent favorites include the "mezcal margarita" and "incredible" ceviche.

81 Reviews

a
annc
Chicago3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our table was ready when we arrived. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and made great recommendations. The food is really amazing and the prices are very reasonable!!
Is this helpful?
M
Maureen
Chicago6 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful dinner this evening at Zentli. We like to eat early so the restaurant was quiet. The food was delicious and the service friendly and attentive. The tres leche cake is not to be missed! I highly recommend this restaurant.
Is this helpful?
G
Gregory
Chicago8 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Distinctively high quality especially considering the price point - excellent value. Definitely plan to return soon.
Is this helpful?
k
karen VIP
Chicago35 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Yummy and unique food and cocktails and great service!!
Is this helpful?
J
Jamal
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always, we had great food, drinks, & service. One of the best Mexican restaurants in Chicagoland, and certainly the best in Evanston. A treasure!
Is this helpful?
R
Raye
Chicago3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Server very good descriptions of the dishes, very helpful. Food is delicious. Guacamole and enchiladas mole excellent.
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was great. Perfectly balanced cocktails and delicious meals.
Is this helpful?
m
mark
Chicago11 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I came to Zentli when it first opened a couple of years ago, and while there were some growing pains, overall it was good. My experience this time was outstanding! The restaurant is beautiful with interesting artwork and comfortable seating. The server was kind, knowledgeable and did a great job of making sure we were enjoying the experience. Cocktails were delicious and the specials were all very tasty.
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on February 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very good cocktails and food. Service excellent, staff friendly and helpful. Definitely will return.
Is this helpful?
M
Matt VIP
Chicago11 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place. Hidden neighborhood gem with good food and service.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Zentli offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (224) 999-7486.

Zentli is rated 4.9 stars by 81 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201

Additional information

Neighborhood
Evanston
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin American, Regional Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.eatzentli.com/
Phone number
(224) 999-7486

Zentli

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 81 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Zentli offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Zentli restaurant rated?

Is Zentli currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information