Skip to content
312 Eats
Evanston · Mexican · $

Zentli

4.8288 reviews ·Opens at 5 tomorrow
there aren’t many places around north side that has authentic mexican food but this place has some of the best
RyeRye · 201 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Zentli — one of Evanston's strongest mexican spots. Order the Enfrijoladas. If you drink, start at the bar, and good for vegetarians. "I always love when chips come out hot and fresh" — Rye [$]

🌱Vegan & vegetarian friendly — real options, not one sad pasta.

What 288 diners keep saying

Great valueFast serviceFamily runCozyGreat cocktailsQuick bite
Plan your visit
Reserve on Resy
1813 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60201
Evanston
Today5-9PM
Sun11AM-3PM, 5-9PM
MonClosed
Tue–Thu5-9PM
Fri5-10PM
Sat11AM-3PM, 5-10PM
Own Zentli? Claim this page · Spot an error? Suggest an edit

What 288 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Jacques
May 2026

Amazing food and drinks every time I’ve gone. The mezcal tamarind is my favorite mezcal cocktail, so flavorful. The vegan pescado taco is now my favorite menu item (right after the mezcal tamarind) The vegan and vegetarian options are amazing. So often those options are an after thought on a menu, but here, those dishes are their own unique creations, making them very special options. Paired with super friendly staff and an amazing display of art, I’d recommend this hidden gem to anyone looking for tasty, high end and flavorful Mexican food.

Jacques

Jacques

78 reviews on Google

Review photo by Milan Dave
Feb 2026

Great experience. Amazing service. Ensalada Zentli was so much fresh.

Milan Dave

Milan Dave

39 reviews on Google

Review photo by Maeve Smith
May 2025

The vibe of this restaurant is so cool, with gorgeous artwork and ambient lighting. The staff were very friendly, our food came out so quickly, and the food was delicious! I got the alambre and al pastor tacos, and a margarita.

Maeve Smith

Maeve Smith

21 reviews on Google

Review photo by Joel Purcell
Mar 2025

12/10. Best spot in Evanston. Reserve your table. Great service, Michelin dining.

Joel Purcell

Joel Purcell

96 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ary Alvaréz
Mar 2026

The food was phenomenal. We ordered the ceviche and corn for appetizers. Flautas and sandwich not sure what it was called. Such depth and bold flavors. The ambiance was vibrant, inviting, and beautiful. The reason for not having 5 stars. After dinner was finished we waited for the waitress to return and ask if we wanted to order dessert. Unfortunately didn't happen. I waited to see how long it would take. After 30 minutes I just decided to get the check instead. You might be thinking maybe they were busy. It was not, there were only 2 other tables there. Just ruined the experience.

Ary Alvaréz

Ary Alvaréz

33 reviews on Google

Jul 2026

Most excellent mexi/indigenous food. Great Margheritas too. Highly recommend.

John Mayer

John Mayer

11 reviews on Google

Jul 2026

The tinga chicken was delicious, maybe the best I’ve ever had. I loved the blue corn tortillas and the mezcal cocktails. The art work is very interesting and adds to the uniqueness of the place. I would recommend Zentli to anyone.

Kathryn Rhodes

Kathryn Rhodes

10 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

Tucked behind the door of an unassuming storefront just east of the corner of Dempster and Dodge in Evanston lies a treasure to behold. Zentli! The dishes are exquisite, with each sauce telling a different story. The artful decor enhances that deliciousness, making you feel as if you have been transported to Mexico, and out for a special occasion. The staff are gracious and considerate and seem to genuinely care. We will make a point of visiting again soon and you should too!

Nat Rahn

Nat Rahn

3 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

Great food and great service. Plenty of gluten free options.

Alexis Hoffman

Alexis Hoffman

31 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

Much much much more cute inside than outside. Especially loved the local art and Pride installations.food and service were great.

heather clancy

heather clancy

115 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

Excellent flavors, great vibe, delicious cocktails, good service. Everyone has their preferences for mole. I love mole that emphasizes the peppers a lot more than their chocolate, which is exactly what Zentli does. The tacos are all unique & burst with flavor.

Max Kuecker

Max Kuecker

93 reviews on Google

Jun 2026

Really nicely decorated place. Lots of art on walls and the skull behind the bar is awesome. I would say a bit pricier than expected, but then we did have a bunch of delicious margaritas with our meal. The service was great and the waitress explained the menu and answered questions on details. Food was delicious, to say the least. I would say creative and more elevated deliveries of the classics. Portions also large.. So back to the fact that well worth it. Will be back for sure.

0verfiend 4 Ever

0verfiend 4 Ever

127 reviews on Google

Sounds like your kind of place?

Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.

First Bite

One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.

More Mexican in Chicago

See the ranking →

In the same lane · Mexican, budget

If it's packed, walk to…

More good rooms in Evanston, minutes away.

Keep exploring