Bonsai Cafe

4.3 ( 123 reviews )
$10–20
2916 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
+1 847-866-7498

Bonsai Cafe, nestled at 2916 Central St, Evanston, IL, is a cherished gem in the realm of Japanese cuisine and Pan-Asian dining. With over 50 visits from loyal patrons like Julian Duvall, the cafe’s extensive menu shines, boasting excellence across the board. Standout dishes include the sensational Kung Pao beef and potstickers, which merit a perfect 10/10 rating. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it an ideal spot for solo diners or groups alike.

Heather Kristan’s experience highlights the cafe's adaptability to dietary restrictions, as she enjoyed a delightful Panang Curry noodle dish customized to her needs. This level of care from the staff enhances the overall experience, affirming the restaurant's commitment to customer satisfaction. David Baker's praise of the Tom Kha Kai soup and a variety of other entrees echoes this sentiment, emphasizing a culinary renaissance for a spot that has regained its footing in the community.

Regulars like Cat Vielma consistently enjoy the steaming hot tempura and shrimp shumai, emphasizing the freshness and reliability of the offerings. With easy online ordering available, Bonsai Cafe stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone craving delicious Pan-Asian flavors. If you haven't yet dined here, you're missing out on an exceptional culinary journey.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • No-contact delivery
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • Comfort food
    • Healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Small plates
    • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Catering
    • Dessert
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
  • Crowd
    • Groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Parking

Reviews For Bonsai Cafe

Julian Duvall
Jun 18,2025
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
Heather Kristan
Jun 14,2025
I went here a few days ago while in the neighborhood. I got the Panang Curry noodles. I can’t have garlic or onion, so I wasn’t sure if they’d be able to make it, but they did and it was so good! The staff was all so nice. I went here by myself to read, and it was such a nice comfortable atmosphere. I wish I lived closer! Will definitely have to come back next time I’m in the area.
David Baker
Jun 9,2025
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!
Cat Vielma
May 28,2025
Great local spot for reliable pan-asian dining options.... I'm a regular for the tempura, shrimp shumai, and the pad see ewe noodles which are delicious! Food is always steaming hot and clearly freshly made. I've been ordering from them since we moved in December 2021, but wanted to shout them out. It's been a tough season for restaurants. If you're looking for something new, try them out! Online ordering is super easy for pick-up, but I have not tried delivery.
N. Zodiac
May 18,2025
We’ve been going for years, and they still have the best food. Could not recommended this place enough.
Nicole K
May 11,2025
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!
Matt Scarano
Apr 15,2025
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!
Alec
Apr 4,2025
Richie is very nice and always attentive. He is very knowledgeable about all the items on the menu. The quality of the ingredients and the food at this place is the best! Better than many other places in the area selling the same thing. The Pho Soup was absolutely amazing. The Pad Thai was also delicious! It cost 12.50 and it can serve two people at least. Whoever makes the food here is the best and deserves a raise! The food always tastes fresh. It's never frozen or microwaved. I will be coming back here very often. The only downside I can say is that I wish I could get a little more in the lunch special. I will come back here to try everything on the menu.

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