Bonsai Cafe: Evanston, IL's All-Encompassing Asian Culinary Gem

Bonsai Cafe Introduce

For residents across the Illinois region, particularly those in the vibrant community of Evanston, Bonsai Cafe stands out as a true culinary gem, offering far more than just a typical Japanese restaurant experience. While it proudly serves fresh and delicious sushi, Bonsai Cafe distinguishes itself with a remarkably broad menu that spans the best of Japanese, Thai, and Chinese cuisines. This diverse offering ensures that every palate can find something to savor, making it a go-to spot for individuals, couples, and families alike who are seeking authentic and flavorful Asian dishes.

Bonsai Cafe has consistently earned enthusiastic praise from its patrons, who frequently describe their meals as "wonderful and amazing." The overarching sentiment revolves around the freshness and quality of the food, with reviews highlighting that dishes "hit the spot" and are prepared with "high-quality ingredients." Whether it's the melt-in-your-mouth sushi, the comforting flavors of Pad See Ewe, or the savory kick of cashew chicken, customers are consistently delighted by the taste and execution of their chosen meals. The restaurant's ability to seamlessly blend multiple Asian culinary traditions while maintaining high standards is a significant draw.

Beyond the delectable food, Bonsai Cafe is also celebrated for its exceptional value and service. Patrons frequently comment on the "great prices" and the generous portions, making it an affordable option for quality dining. The staff is consistently described as "friendly and accommodating," ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience. From quick lunches with comprehensive combos to satisfying dinners, Bonsai Cafe has cemented its reputation as a reliable and highly recommended destination for Asian cuisine in Evanston, inspiring many to become repeat customers.

Location and Accessibility

Bonsai Cafe is conveniently situated at 2916 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Evanston's charming Central Street district, a bustling area known for its local businesses and community-oriented atmosphere. Central Street is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, making the restaurant easily accessible for residents across Evanston and neighboring communities in Illinois.

The restaurant's setting within a vibrant commercial area typically means that there are convenient parking options available nearby, which is a significant advantage for diners arriving by car. For those who prefer public transportation, Evanston is well-served by both Metra and CTA 'L' lines, along with various local bus routes that operate along Central Street, further enhancing its accessibility to a broader audience. This combination of a prominent address and easy access makes Bonsai Cafe a convenient and appealing choice for fresh Asian cuisine.

Services Offered

Bonsai Cafe provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to offer maximum convenience and flexibility to its diverse customer base in Evanston, Illinois.

Dine-in: Guests are welcomed into a cozy and quaint restaurant environment where they can enjoy their meals. Reviewers mention it's a great place to eat in.
Takeout / Carry-out: For those who prefer to enjoy their food at home, Bonsai Cafe offers efficient takeout services. Online ordering is available directly through their website for scheduled pickups.
Delivery: Bonsai Cafe partners with major third-party delivery platforms, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. They offer reliable and often early delivery, making it a convenient option for enjoying their diverse menu from the comfort of your home. Delivery fees vary by distance, with options from within 3.5 miles up to 10 miles.
Online Ordering: The restaurant provides a user-friendly online ordering system through its website and mobile app. This allows customers to easily browse the extensive menu, customize orders, and even save delivery information for future use.
Catering: Bonsai Cafe offers catering services, making their delicious and broad menu an excellent option for parties, gatherings, and corporate events in the local area.
Gift Cards: Gift cards are available, providing a thoughtful way to share the Bonsai Cafe experience with friends and family.

Features / Highlights

Bonsai Cafe stands out in the Evanston, IL, dining landscape with several key features and highlights that consistently earn it high praise from local patrons.

Broad and Diverse Menu: A defining characteristic of Bonsai Cafe is its incredibly wide menu, which confidently spans Japanese, Thai, and Chinese cuisines. This extensive selection includes sushi, sashimi, classic rolls, a variety of noodles (Pad Thai, Pad See Ewe, Chow Fun, Curry Noodles), rice dishes (Fried Rice, Teriyaki Fried Rice), and numerous entrees like Teriyaki Chicken, Cashew Chicken, Spicy Kung Pao dishes, and various curries (Panang, Red, Yellow). This broad offering ensures "it is sure to please everyone" and caters to diverse cravings.
Exceptional Food Quality and Freshness: Reviewers consistently highlight that the food is "so fresh and hit the spot," "delicious and made with high-quality ingredients." Whether it's sushi, noodles, or appetizers, the commitment to fresh preparation is evident.
Great Value and Pricing: Patrons are frequently impressed by the "great prices" and report that they "didn't have to break the bank" to enjoy delicious Asian cuisine. Their lunch combos, which often include an appetizer, soup, salad, and an entree, are particularly noted for being "so amazing" and offering substantial value.
Excellent and Friendly Service: The staff at Bonsai Cafe receives consistent praise for being "great" and "friendly and accommodating." This positive service contributes significantly to a pleasant dining experience for both dine-in and takeout customers.
Popular Appetizers: Specific appetizers, like the "awesome" egg rolls and "great" Chinese dumplings, are frequently mentioned as highlights, serving as excellent starters to any meal.
Consistent Quality: Customers note that they "will definitely order from here again" and have "not had a bad meal" over years of patronage, indicating a high level of consistency in food preparation and service.
Convenient Online Ordering: Their user-friendly website allows for easy online ordering for both pickup and delivery, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Promotions or Special Offers

Bonsai Cafe in Evanston, IL, offers several direct and indirect promotions that provide value to its loyal customers.

Online Ordering Discounts: For those who choose to order directly from Bonsai Cafe's website, there are attractive incentives. New customers can receive "10% Off First Online Order," and loyalty is rewarded with "$5 Off Every $100 Spent Online." This encourages direct ordering and provides consistent savings for frequent patrons.
Comprehensive Lunch Combos: While not a limited-time promotion, their lunch menu is essentially a standing special. Reviewers rave about the value, noting that entrees often come with an appetizer, soup, and salad, offering a complete and satisfying meal at a "great price." For example, lunch options like a Sushi Sashimi Combo for $17.00 or a Pad Thai for $13.00, often inclusive of other items, represent excellent value.
Delivery Deals via Third-Party Apps: While delivery fees apply, platforms like DoorDash occasionally offer "no delivery fee on your first order" from Bonsai Cafe, providing an initial saving for new delivery users.

For the most current information on any rotating specials, seasonal menu additions, or specific deals, locals are encouraged to visit Bonsai Cafe's official website or contact them directly via phone.

Contact Information

To experience the delicious and diverse menu at Bonsai Cafe, here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 2916 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
Phone: (847) 866-7498
Mobile Phone: +1 847-866-7498

You can also visit their official website to view their full menu, place online orders for pickup or delivery, and learn more about their catering options.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bonsai Cafe is an exceptionally suitable dining choice for locals in Evanston, Illinois, and the wider North Shore region, thanks to its unique combination of culinary diversity, consistent quality, and outstanding value. Unlike many specialized Japanese restaurants, Bonsai Cafe offers a comprehensive menu that expertly spans Japanese, Thai, and Chinese cuisines. This broad appeal ensures that whether a resident is craving fresh sushi, a hearty bowl of Pad See Ewe, or a comforting cashew chicken, they can find it all under one roof, making it perfect for families with varied tastes or for those who simply enjoy exploring different Asian flavors.

The consistent praise for "fresh food" and "great prices," particularly highlighted in their generous lunch combos, positions Bonsai Cafe as an excellent everyday dining option that doesn't compromise on quality for affordability. Furthermore, the "great" and "friendly" service, combined with the convenience of robust online ordering for both pickup and delivery, seamlessly integrates into the busy local lifestyle. Bonsai Cafe truly offers something for everyone, delivering delicious, fresh, and well-priced meals with a level of service that fosters loyalty. For any Illinois resident seeking a reliable, versatile, and satisfying Asian culinary experience, Bonsai Cafe on Central Street is a highly recommended and cherished local spot.

Bonsai Cafe Sushi

Kid Menu
Set 2: The Bulls US$12.00
Combination of orange chicken, two pieces of chicken satay, streamed broccoli, rice, and fresh fruit.
Set 1: The Bears US$12.00
Combination of chicken teriyaki with rice, two pieces of chicken pot stickers, streamed broccoli, and fresh fruit.
Set 4: The Black Hawks US$12.00
Combination of edamame, California maki, miso soup, and steamed broccoli.
Set 3: The Cubs US$12.00
Combination of steamed noodles with chicken, egg roll, steamed broccoli, and fresh fruit.

Extras/Additions
Chicken US$4.00
Beef US$4.00
Vegetable US$4.00
Steam Rice US$4.00
Tofu US$4.00
Noodles US$4.00
Brown Rice US$4.00
Shrimp (2 Pieces) US$5.00

Makimono
Avocado Maki US$9.50
Philly Maki US$11.50
Salmon & Avocado Maki US$9.50
Shiitake Maki US$9.50
Tekka Maki US$9.50
Yellow Tali Maki US$9.50
Asparagus Maki US$9.50
Kappa Maki US$9.50
Futo Maki US$10.50
Vegetable Maki US$9.50
Spicy Tuna Maki US$9.50
Oshinko Maki US$9.50
Salmon Maki US$9.50
Sweet Potato Maki US$10.50
Spicy Salmon & Cucumber Maki US$9.50
California Maki US$9.50
Unagi Maki US$11.50

Appetizers
Grilled Tofu Satays US$8.50
Tender and marinated tofu, grilled and served with peanut sauce and cucumber.
Potato Croquettes US$5.95
Fried crispy potato croquettes served with hoisin sauce.
Pot Stickers US$8.50
Classic pan fried Asian dumpling served with soy ginger dip, sesame mustard (chicken or vegetable).
Thai Herb Calamari US$10.00
Marinated in Thai herb lightly fried served with Thai lemon dipping sauce.
Fried Tofu US$8.50
Fried tofu triangles, accompanied with our sweet and sour sauce that is topped with ground peanut.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps US$11.00
Stir fried chicken, celery served with Boston lettuce, bean sprout with hoisin sauce.
Soft Shell Crab Appetizer US$11.00
Fried soft shell crab served with ponzu sauce and cucumber.
Chinese Dumpling US$8.50
Steamed Chinese dumpling with soy ginger dip and sesame mustard (chicken or vegetable).
Tempura Appetizer US$10.00
Crispy golden shrimp with vegetable tempura served with tempura dipping sauce.
Grilled Chicken Satays US$8.50
Tender and marinated chicken, grilled and served with peanut sauce and cucumber.
Vietnamese Shrimp Roll US$10.00
Shrimps, lettuce, peanut, basil, and pho' noodles warp with rice paper served with lemon dipping sauce.
Crab Rangoon US$8.50
Wonton stuffed with imitation crab, cream cheese and celery served with plum sauce.
Shrimp Shumai US$7.50
Streamed shrimp shumai topped with sesame oil, cilantro served with ginger garlic dipping sauce.
Crispy Egg Rolls US$8.50
Chicken and pork, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms served with plum sauce sesame mustard.

Drinks
Smoothies US$3.00
Soda US$2.00
Hot Tea US$2.00
Thai Iced Tea US$3.00
Fresh housemade ginger ale.
Iced Tea US$2.00
Fresh Housemade Ginger Ale US$3.00

Rice
Beef Broccoli US$15.00
Broccoli, mushroom, ginger, garlic in brown sauce.
Seafood Curry US$19.00
Shrimp and scallop, peapod, bell pepper, ginger in peanut coconut curry.
Red Curry Duck US$16.00
Homemade curry with duck, tomato, bell pepper, pineapple, and basil.
Kungpao Chicken US$14.00
Spicy. Chicken, peanut, garlic, and garlic stir fried with baby spinach, blackened chilies with sweet and spicy kungpao sauce.
Chicken Teriyaki Fried Rice US$14.00
Teriyaki chicken fried rice, egg, and fresh Asian vegetables.
Cashew Chicken US$14.00
Mushroom, pineapple, peapod, bell pepper, blackened chilies in sweet tangy sauce.
Snow Peas Chicken & Mushroom US$14.00
Show peas, water chestnut, mushroom stir fried with light brown sauce.
Crispy Orange Chicken US$14.00
Crispy golden chicken tossed with ginger, scallions, bell peppers, fresh orange peels stir fried with citrus sauce.
Teriyaki Beef US$15.00
Kungpao Beef With Green Beans US$15.00
Spicy. Sweet wrinkle green beans, ginger, garlic, blackened chilies stir fries with spicy kungpao sauce.
Salmon Bento Box US$24.00
Choice of salmon teriyaki or shrimp tempura served with three pieces of sushi and California maki and jasmine rice and miso soup.
Crunchy Szechuan Shrimp US$17.00
Spicy. Crispy golden shrimp in spicy szechuan sauce, hot pepper, and bamboo shoot.
Mix Vegetables Tofu US$14.00
Stir fries mix vegetables with tofu, garlic with light brown sauce.
Thai Red Curry Tofu US$14.00
Homemade curry with bamboo shoot, bell peppers, basil.
Thai Hot Basil Chicken US$14.00
Thai herb, peanuts, hot peppers, red onion.
BBQ Pork Fried Rice US$15.00
Traditional BBQ pork, egg, and fresh Asian vegetable.
Spicy Szechuan Beef US$15.00
Spicy. Tender beef with bamboo shoot, hot peppers, garlic, tsao tsing wine in spicy szechuan sauce.
Chinese Eggplant With Black Bean Sauce US$9.50
Chicken, fresh Chinese eggplant, mushroom, hot peppers, garlic, Thai basil with Chinese black bean sauce.
Mongolian Beef US$15.00
Tradition Mongolian beef with mixed mushroom, red onion, bamboo shoot, scallion in brown sauce.
Mild Yellow Churry US$14.00
Choice of chicken or tofu with sweet potato and peas.
Tofu Fried Rice US$14.00
Tofu, egg, and fresh Asian vegetables.
Bonsai Bento Box US$22.00
Choice of chicken or beef teriyaki served with three pieces of sushi and California maki and jasmine rice and miso soup.
Teriyaki Chicken US$14.00
Kungpao Shrimp US$17.00
Shrimp, peanut, garlic, stir fried with snow peas, bell peppers, blacked chilies, and spicy kungpao sauce.
Sesame Chicken US$14.00
Crispy chicken tossed with bell peppers, carrots in sesame tangy sauce topped with sesame seed.
Teriyaki Salmon US$17.00
Served with side of tempura or steamed vegetables.
Chicken Fried Rice US$14.00
Chicken, egg, and fresh Asian vegetables.
Thai Red Curry Chicken US$14.00
Homemade curry with bamboo shoot, bell peppers, basil.
Mu Shu Duck US$16.00
Peking duck with mushroom, carrot, green onion, bamboo shoot, egg, wrap in mushu pancake served with hoisin sauce.
Shrimp Fried Rice US$17.00
Shrimp, egg, and fresh Asian vegetables.
Ginger Seafood Combo US$19.00
Shrimp and scallop, blackened chilies, ginger, mushroom water chestnut in tasty sauce.
Mix Vegetables Chicken US$14.00
Stir fries mix vegetables with chicken, garlic with light brown sauce.

Salad Entrée
Mandarin Steak Salad US$16.50
Cabbage, mandarin orange, crunchy noodles with tender steak served with sesame ginger vinaigrette.
Chinese Chicken Salad US$14.50
Shredded chicken over Napa cabbage, green onion, bean sprout, crunchy noodles, sesame seed with hoisin sauce.
Bonsai Chicken Salad US$14.50
Romaine, rice stick mixed with Asian vinaigrette served with chicken satay or shredded chicken, peanuts dressing on the side.
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Salad US$17.50
Romaine and mixed green, bean sprout, rice sticks with glazed salmon served with wasabi dressing.
Pad Thai Noodles Salad US$14.50
Pad Thai noodle, chicken over cabbage served with Thai dressing.
Crispy Shrimp Salad US$17.50
Fried golden shrimp over romaine and mixed green served with honey mustard.
Grilled Chicken Salad US$14.50
Mixed green, romaine, cucumber, carrot, with grilled chicken and homemade sauce.

Featured Items
Beef US$4.00
Shrimp (2 Pieces) US$5.00
Vegetable US$4.00
Tofu US$4.00
Chicken US$4.00
Noodles US$4.00
Brown Rice US$4.00
Steam Rice US$4.00

Noodles
Garlic Shrimp Noodles US$17.00
Spicy. Golden shrimp, fresno peppers, peanuts, ginger, garlic, scallion with Chinese egg noodles.
Pad See Ewe Chicken US$15.00
Stir fries wide noodles with broccoli, egg, and garlic in brown sauce.
Pad Thai Shrimp US$17.00
Spicy Basil Noodles US$15.00
Wide noodles, shrimp, and chicken, grape tomatoes, peppers, Thai herb mixed with tasty sauce.
Pad See Ewe Beef US$15.00
Stir fries wide noodles with broccoli, egg, and garlic in brown sauce.
Bonsai Noodles Salmon US$18.00
Stir fries thin noodles with Napa cabbage, egg, and garlic with brown sauce top with salmon teriyaki.
Panang Curry Noodles Chicken US$14.00
Weide noodles, chicken in peanuts coconut curry, peapod, fresno peppers.
Pad See Ewe Shrimp US$17.00
BBQ Pork Chow Fun US$15.00
Roasted pork wide noodles, bell pepper, bok choy, mushroom, bean sprouts.
Pad Thai Chicken US$15.00
Rice noodles egg bean sprouts peanuts scallions cilantro and cabbage.
Pad Thai Salmon US$18.00
Thailand's most famous dish, rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, peanuts, scallion, cilantro, and cabbage.
Pad See Ewe Tofu US$14.00
Stir fries wide noodles with broccoli, egg, and garlic in brown sauce.
Kungpao Noodles Chicken US$14.00
Chinese egg noodles, ginger, and garlic, peanuts blackened chilies with spicy kungpao sauce.
Ginger Beef Chow Fun US$15.00
Wide noodles lightly browned in the wok, tossed with beef, peppers ginger, and garlic.
Kungpao Noodles Tofu US$14.00
Chinese egg noodles, ginger, and garlic, peanuts blackened chilies with spicy kungpao sauce.
Thai Curry Beef Noodles US$15.00
Our homemade Thai yellow curry tossed with Chinese egg noodles, beef, peanuts, peapods, and peppers.

Small Specialties
Seaweed Salad US$7.00
Marinated seaweed with sesame seed, tangy flavor.
Szechuan Green Bean US$9.00
Spicy. Wrinkled and sweet green beans, red pepper and bamboo shoot stir fried with spicy szechuan sauce.
Spicy Peanut Noodles US$7.00
Noodles tossed with peanut sauce served with cucumber and cilantro.
Cucumber Salad US$6.00
House Salad US$7.00
Edamame US$6.00
Boiled soy beans, lightly salted.

Popular Maki
Special Philly Maki US$16.00
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, topped with avocado tempura crumb.
Spider Maki US$14.00
Soft shell crab, masago, avocado with unagi sauce.
Shrimp Tempura Maki US$14.00
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, masago, and spicy tuna.
Rainbow Maki US$17.00
California maki topped with assorted fish.
Mexican Maki US$14.00
Yellowtail, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and hot sauce.
Dragon Maki US$17.00
Shrimp tempura topped with unagi and avocado, unagi sauce.
Sakekawa Fuji US$14.00
Spicy. Fried salmon skin, cucumber, tempura crumb with spicy mayo.
White Dragon Maki US$17.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber and spicy mayo topped with super white tuna and avocado.
Manhattan Maki US$14.00
Ebi, cucumber, avocado with spicy mayo.
Red Dragon Maki US$17.00
Spicy tuna maki topped with tuna and avocado, spicy mayo.

Sushi & Sashimi
Hamachi US$4.50
Yellow tail.
Super White Tuna US$4.50
Tako US$4.50
Octopus.
Kani US$4.50
Carb.
Ebi US$4.50
Cooked shrimp.
Smoked Salmon US$4.50
Tamago US$4.00
Cooked egg.
Spicy Scallop US$4.50
Inari US$4.00
Tofu.
Unagi US$4.50
Fresh water eel.
Tai US$4.50
Red snapper.
Masago US$4.50
Smelt roe.
Wasabi Tobiko US$4.50
Suzuki US$4.50
Stripped bass.
Maguro US$4.50
Fresh tuna.
Sake US$4.50
Fresh salmon.
Ikura US$4.50
Salmon roe.
Tobiko US$4.50
Fly fish roe.
Saba US$4.50
Mackerel.
Black Tobiko US$4.50
Ika US$4.50
Squid.

Signature Maki
Shogun Maki US$15.00
Sweet potato tempura, cream cheese, unagi sauce, wasabi mayo, green onion and tempura crumb.
Chicago Crunchy Maki US$19.00
Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, lettuce, cucumber, avocado, red tobiko and tempura crumb topped with wasabi mayo and unagi sauce.
Samurai Maki US$17.00
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cream cheese, masago, unagi sauce, wasabi, mayo, green onion, tempura crumb.
Boston Maki US$19.00
Shrimp tempura, crabstick, avocado top with unagi sauce and spicy mayo.
Las Vegas Maki US$20.00
Soft shell crab, cream cheese, lettuce, spicy mayo topped with unagi and avocado.
Ocean Breeze Maki US$16.00
Ebi, cucumber, unagi topped with hamachi and avocado with wasabi mayo sauce.
Evanston Maki (No Seaweed) US$16.00
Salmon, crabstick, masago with spicy mayo.
Alaska Night Maki US$19.00
King crab, scallion, avocado, spicy mayo topped with super white tuna, unagi sauce, green tobiko.
Blossom Maki US$16.00
Shrimp tempura topped with tamago, ikura and spicy mayo.
Godfather Maki US$20.00
Unagi, asparagus, green onion, salmon topped with black tobiko and sweet sauce.
Ruby Maki US$17.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber topped with avocado, salmon, red tempura crumb.
Bonsai Maki (No Seaweed) US$17.00
Avocado, tuna topped with salmon, assorted tobiko.
New York Maki US$17.00
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and crab stick topped with masago and unagi sauce.
Sunset Maki US$16.00
Crab stick, cucumber avocado topped with spicy tuna.
Green Turtle Maki US$17.00
Unagi, cucumber topped with ebi, avocado, and green tobiko.

Bonsai Sushi Platters
Sashimi Platter US$24.00
Chef's choice of 12 pieces assorted fish.
Salmon Lovers US$24.00
Two pieces of salmon sushi, two pieces of salmon sashimi with with one salmon maki and one salmon salad.
Bonsai A US$23.00
Three pieces of tuna sushi and three pieces of salmon sushi, three pieces of tuna maki and three pieces of salmon maki.
Sushi (For 2) US$24.00
Two pieces of tai, two pieces of tuna, two pieces of hamachi and spicy tuna maki.
Bonsai B US$23.00
Combination of asparagus maki, shiitake maki, avocado maki, and seaweed salad.
Sushi Platter US$24.00
Chef's choice of 12 pieces assorted fish.
Tuna Lovers US$24.00
Two pieces of tuna, two pieces of tuna sashimi with tuna maki and spicy tuna salad.
Bonsai C US$23.00
Three pieces of hamachi sushi and three pieces of super white tuna sushi and spicy California maki.

Soups
Miso Soup US$5.50
Soy bean based soup with tofu, seaweed and scallion.
Vietnamese Chicken Noodles Soup US$8.50
Shredded chicken, rice noodles, herbs, and peppers.
Chicken Dumpling Noodles Soup US$8.50
Chicken or vegetable dumpling, egg noodles, bok choy topped with sesame oil.
Tom Kha Shrimp US$9.50
Lemon grass, Thai herbs and chicken in coconut milk broth mildly spicy.
Tom Kha Chicken US$8.50
Lemon grass thai herbs and chicken in coconut milk broth mildly spicy.
Shrimp Wonton Soup US$9.50
Shrimp wonton, bean sprouts, scallion, and sesame oil.
Tomyum Chicken US$8.50
Tomyum Shrimp US$9.50
Tradition hot and sour broth, herbs, lemon grass, lime leaf.
Tomyum Tofu US$8.50

Sushi Lunch Special
Roll Set 6: Spicy Salmon & Spicy Shrimp Maki US$13.00
Roll Set 3: Yellow Tail Maki & Unagi Maki US$13.00
Roll Set 1: California Maki & Tuna Maki US$13.00
Roll Set 4: Avocado Maki & Sweet Potato Maki US$13.00
Roll Set 2: Tuna Maki & Salmon Maki US$13.00
Sushi Deluxe Lunch US$16.00
Five pieces of chef's selected sushi with one of tuna maki.
Sushi Sashimi Combo US$17.00
Three pieces of chef's selected sushi, three pieces of chef's selection sashimi and one roll of California maki.
Roll Set 5: Salmon Avocado Maki US$13.00

Lunch Menu
Lunch Bento Box US$15.50
Combination of one roll maki and one entrée. Miso soup and side salad are included.
Lunch Special US$14.50
Combination of one appetizer and one entrée. Miso soup and side salad are included.

Popular Maki
Sakekawa Fuji US$12.00
Spicy. Fried salmon skin, cucumber, tempura crumb with spicy mayo.
Rainbow Maki US$17.00
California maki topped with assorted fish.
Shrimp Tempura Maki US$14.00
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, masago, and spicy tuna.
Dragon Maki US$17.00
Shrimp tempura topped with unagi and avocado, unagi sauce.
Spider Maki US$14.00
Soft shell crab, masago, avocado with unagi sauce.
Red Dragon Maki US$17.00
Spicy tuna maki topped with tuna and avocado, spicy mayo.
Manhattan Maki US$14.00
Ebi, cucumber, avocado with spicy mayo.
White Dragon Maki US$17.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber and spicy mayo topped with super white tuna and avocado.
Special Philly Maki US$16.00
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, topped with avocado tempura crumb.
Mexican Maki US$14.00
Yellowtail, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and hot sauce.

Small Specialties
Spicy Peanut Noodles US$7.50
Noodles tossed with peanut sauce served with cucumber and cilantro.
Edamame US$6.50
Boiled soy beans, lightly salted.
Seaweed Salad US$7.50
Marinated seaweed with sesame seed, tangy flavor.
House Salad US$7.50
Cucumber Salad US$6.50
Szechuan Green Bean US$9.50
Spicy. Wrinkled and sweet green beans, red pepper and bamboo shoot stir fried with spicy szechuan sauce.

Appetizers
Chinese Dumpling US$8.50
Steamed Chinese dumpling with soy ginger dip and sesame mustard (chicken or vegetable).
Soft Shell Crab Appetizer US$11.00
Fried soft shell crab served with ponzu sauce and cucumber.
Pot Stickers US$8.50
Classic pan fried Asian dumpling served with soy ginger dip, sesame mustard (chicken or vegetable).
Vietnamese Shrimp Roll US$10.00
Shrimps, lettuce, peanut, basil, and pho' noodles warp with rice paper served with lemon dipping sauce.
Fried Tofu US$8.50
Fried tofu triangles, accompanied with our sweet and sour sauce that is topped with ground peanut.
Crab Rangoon US$8.50
Wonton stuffed with imitation crab, cream cheese and celery served with plum sauce.
Crispy Egg Rolls US$8.50
Chicken and pork, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms served with plum sauce sesame mustard.
Grilled Chicken Satays US$8.50
Tender and marinated chicken, grilled and served with peanut sauce and cucumber.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps US$10.50
Stir fried chicken, celery served with Boston lettuce, bean sprout with hoisin sauce.
Grilled Tofu Satays US$8.50
Tender and marinated tofu, grilled and served with peanut sauce and cucumber.
Tempura Appetizer US$10.00
Crispy golden shrimp with vegetable tempura served with tempura dipping sauce.
Thai Herb Calamari US$10.00
Marinated in Thai herb lightly fried served with Thai lemon dipping sauce.
Shrimp Shumai US$9.50
Streamed shrimp shumai topped with sesame oil, cilantro served with ginger garlic dipping sauce.
Potato Croquettes US$5.95
Fried crispy potato croquettes served with hoisin sauce.

Rice
Cashew Chicken US$14.00
Mushroom, pineapple, peapod, bell pepper, blackened chilies in sweet tangy sauce.
Spicy Szechuan Beef US$15.00
Spicy. Tender beef with bamboo shoot, hot peppers, garlic, tsao tsing wine in spicy szechuan sauce.
Teriyaki Beef US$15.00
Tofu Fried Rice US$14.00
Tofu, egg, and fresh Asian vegetables.
Snow Peas Chicken & Mushroom US$14.00
Show peas, water chestnut, mushroom stir fried with light brown sauce.
Mix Vegetables Chicken US$15.00
Stir fries mix vegetables with chicken, garlic with light brown sauce.
Kungpao Beef With Green Beans US$15.00
Spicy. Sweet wrinkle green beans, ginger, garlic, blackened chilies stir fries with spicy kungpao sauce.
Mu Shu Duck US$16.00
Peking duck with mushroom, carrot, green onion, bamboo shoot, egg, wrap in mushu pancake served with hoisin sauce.
Teriyaki Salmon US$17.00
Served with side of tempura or steamed vegetables.
Thai Hot Basil Chicken US$14.00
Thai herb, peanuts, hot peppers, red onion.
Sesame Chicken US$14.00
Crispy chicken tossed with bell peppers, carrots in sesame tangy sauce topped with sesame seed.
Shrimp Fried Rice US$14.00
Shrimp, egg, and fresh Asian vegetables.
Chinese Eggplant With Black Bean Sauce US$9.50
Chicken, fresh Chinese eggplant, mushroom, hot peppers, garlic, Thai basil with Chinese black bean sauce.
Chicken Fried Rice US$14.00
Chicken, egg, and fresh Asian vegetables.
Crunchy Szechuan Shrimp US$17.00
Spicy. Crispy golden shrimp in spicy szechuan sauce, hot pepper, and bamboo shoot.
Mild Yellow Churry US$14.00
Choice of chicken or tofu with sweet potato and peas.
Mongolian Beef US$15.00
Tradition Mongolian beef with mixed mushroom, red onion, bamboo shoot, scallion in brown sauce.
Thai Red Curry Tofu US$14.00
Homemade curry with bamboo shoot, bell peppers, basil.
Bonsai Bento Box US$22.00
Choice of chicken or beef teriyaki served with three pieces of sushi and California maki and jasmine rice and miso soup.
Chicken Teriyaki Fried Rice US$14.00
Teriyaki chicken fried rice, egg, and fresh Asian vegetables.
Red Curry Duck US$14.00
Homemade curry with duck, tomato, bell pepper, pineapple, and basil.
Thai Red Curry Chicken US$14.00
Homemade curry with bamboo shoot, bell peppers, basil.
Ginger Seafood Combo US$19.00
Shrimp and scallop, blackened chilies, ginger, mushroom water chestnut in tasty sauce.
Beef Broccoli US$15.00
Broccoli, mushroom, ginger, garlic in brown sauce.
Kungpao Chicken US$14.00
Spicy. Chicken, peanut, garlic, and garlic stir fried with baby spinach, blackened chilies with sweet and spicy kungpao sauce.
Kungpao Shrimp US$17.00
Shrimp, peanut, garlic, stir fried with snow peas, bell peppers, blacked chilies, and spicy kungpao sauce.
Teriyaki Chicken US$14.00
BBQ Pork Fried Rice US$15.00
Traditional BBQ pork, egg, and fresh Asian vegetable.
Crispy Orange Chicken US$14.00
Crispy golden chicken tossed with ginger, scallions, bell peppers, fresh orange peels stir fried with citrus sauce.
Seafood Curry US$19.00
Shrimp and scallop, peapod, bell pepper, ginger in peanut coconut curry.
Mix Vegetables Tofu US$14.00
Stir fries mix vegetables with tofu, garlic with light brown sauce.
Salmon Bento Box US$24.00
Choice of salmon teriyaki or shrimp tempura served with three pieces of sushi and California maki and jasmine rice and miso soup.

Sushi & Sashimi
Suzuki US$4.50
Stripped bass.
Tobiko US$4.50
Fly fish roe.
Unagi US$5.50
Fresh water eel.
Masago US$4.50
Smelt roe.
Tako US$4.50
Octopus.
Kani US$4.00
Carb.
Ikura US$4.50
Salmon roe.
Super White Tuna US$5.50
Inari US$4.50
Tofu.
Hamachi US$4.50
Yellow tail.
Black Tobiko US$4.50
Saba US$4.50
Mackerel.
Smoked Salmon US$4.50
Sake US$4.50
Fresh salmon.
Maguro US$4.50
Fresh tuna.
Spicy Scallop US$4.50
Ika US$4.50
Squid.
Tamago US$4.50
Cooked egg.
Ebi US$4.50
Cooked shrimp.
Tai US$4.50
Red snapper.
Wasabi Tobiko US$4.50

Bonsai Cafe Details

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

Bonsai Cafe Photos

Bonsai Cafe Location

Bonsai Cafe

Illinois Cook County Evanston Central Street

2916 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201, USA

Bonsai Cafe Reviews

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!
September 19 · Matt Scarano
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!
July 18 · Nicole K
We were driving through the neighborhood and wanted to pick up some sushi to go. We picked bonsai mostly due to proximity. We showed up 30 minutes before they were closing on a Tuesday. The place was empty and they were getting ready to close. We ordered 5 rolls to go. They were delicious! We appreciate the fast service and the food was high quality. Would return!
August 08 · Dana Arnold
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!
March 01 · David Baker
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.
March 04 · Alec