Zentli

4.9

81 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood 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.

Additional information

Location
1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone number
(224) 999-7486
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
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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
4.6Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

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!!
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M
Maureen
Chicago6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 March 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.
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G
Gregory
Chicago8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 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.
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k
karen VIP
Chicago35 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Yummy and unique food and cocktails and great service!!
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J
Jamal
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 February 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!
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R
Raye
Chicago3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 February 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.
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D
Daniel
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was great. Perfectly balanced cocktails and delicious meals.
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m
mark
Chicago11 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 February 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.
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R
Robert
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 9 February 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.
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M
Matt VIP
Chicago11 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place. Hidden neighborhood gem with good food and service.
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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 booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 13 times today

1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL 60201

Additional information

Phone number
(224) 999-7486
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
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Zentli

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

What 81 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Zentli offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Zentli restaurant rated?

Is Zentli currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information