Bonsai Cafe
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About
Bonsai Cafe — dependable japanese in Evanston. Moves fast, BYOB. "They offered fast, attentive service and the sushi was some of the best" — Bethany Janes
Experience Breakdown
Alec
18 reviews
“The quality of the ingredients and the food at this place is the best”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
I unhappy that I have to give a bad review to a restaurant we have patronized about monthly for about 5 years.
I ordered Szechuan Beef. Says Shitake Mushrooms, Bamboo Shoots, Chili’s so on.
Piss poor excuse for Asian food.
Location
2916 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201
What 132+ diners say about Bonsai Cafe
“I got the Tom Kha chicken soup and the veggie pot stickers.”
I got the Tom Kha chicken soup and the veggie pot stickers. Both were absolutely delicious. Fresh, good portion and solid price! Very friendly service too. I ordered the chicken soup first, then ordered the veggie egg rolls (just for personal preference not for a dietary restriction) but the server thought to check if I wanted the soup to be vegetarian too just in case. So thoughtful! Would definitely come back here!
Kevin Garrett
Sep 2025
“It was tough finding good food that was open late but I'm glad we decided on this place and the...”
It was tough finding good food that was open late but I'm glad we decided on this place and the reviews didn't disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious. I wish we didn't live so far away otherwise id be ordering from here weekly.
Andrew -
Aug 2025
“Bonsai cafe is the best, all around, service food and environment.”
Bonsai cafe is the best, all around, service food and environment. High quality food and great prices. Excellent restaurant and would highly recommend!
Brody Dorken
Aug 2025
“We had a great lunch here.”
We had a great lunch here! Great food and great prices. They have such a broad menu it is sure to please everyone. Service was also great. My wife had sushi and I had beef chow fun. And the egg roll was awesome!
Matt Scarano
Sep 2022
“Wow what a wonderful and amazing lunch.”
Wow what a wonderful and amazing lunch! The food was so fresh and hit the spot! I am glad I followed the other reviews. I will be back. I had pad see ewe and my friend had cashew chicken. Bothe came with a appetizer, soup, salad, and an entree. So amazing!
Nicole K
Jul 2022
“This food was delicious!”
This food was delicious!! The staff was also extremely friendly and accommodating - we came in close to closing time but the still seated us and let us take our time to finish. Everyone loved their food and we left very happy customers!
Christina Wolfe
Jun 2022
“Had the lunch special.”
Had the lunch special. Everything was amazing! Very nice people too
Joseph Dern
Sep 2019
“One of the most underrated and under appreciated restaurants in Evanston, this is our go to spot...”
One of the most underrated and under appreciated restaurants in Evanston, this is our go to spot for Asian cuisine, terrific sushi and appetizers, highly recommend and will be back!
Cole Kelly
Sep 2025
“Bonsai Cafe is one of the hidden gems in the area.”
Bonsai Cafe is one of the hidden gems in the area. Good food + good sushi. I love the BBQ fried rice, Kung Pao beef, Pad Thai chicken, band more. Very cozy and friendly atmosphere, kids friendly,plenty of space for parking,
songsak yamkleeb
Jul 2025
“We’ve been going for years, and they still have the best food.”
We’ve been going for years, and they still have the best food. Could not recommended this place enough.
N. Zodiac
Jun 2025
“We recently ate at Bonsai after having had bad experiences a couple of years ago.”
We recently ate at Bonsai after having had bad experiences a couple of years ago. Wow! We have gone twice in the last couple of months, and both times it was fantastic. Tom Kha Kai soup is as good as I have ever had. Pad see ew and seafood curry were also excellent. Cashew chicken and kung pao chicken are also great. We are so happy to have this old favorite back in its finest form!
David Baker
Mar 2025
“EXCELLENT FOOD!!!”
EXCELLENT FOOD!!!! Fast service for a massive menu, been here over 50 times tried many things and it’s all exceptional. Kungpow beef 10/10 potstickers 10/10. Love this place
Julian Duvall
Sep 2024
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