The glory days of Reza's os certainly over. Only the lamb kabob was good, but still average. The portions are huge, the Shirazi salad was just a mix of cucumber onions and tomato with no real flavor. The soup was canned tomatoes, or at least tasted like canned soup. Service was good. Ambiance is okay, we were the only customers during a busy hour! A bit strange. I'd still say try this place but don't go out of your way thinking that this is best Persian food, it no longer is. read more

This place has been around for a very long time and it used to be an absolutely fantastic Persian restaurant. Sadly, after the owners son took over, it has gone steadily downhill. In fact, the way it's going, it might be out of business soon. Seems like everything is falling apart... The chairs, the tables, the serving utensils . Nothing appears to be maintained.. it seems like they are also cutting corners with the buffet. I wish I could rate it higher, but it's extremely disappointing as this used to be a must go to place when visiting Chicago . When I asked the manager what happened, he just pointed to the picture of the owner on the wall, and said that he's no longer involved in the day-to-day operations. They used to have other locations that have since shut down so now the main one is in Andersonville. I'm not planning to go there ever again ! read more

* Salmon is excellent. Boneless and grounded chicken are also good. Tomato lentil soup is also worth trying and it's included in the meal. * Good service * Pleasant ambiance read more

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We are visiting Chicago from California, the state with the largest Iranian community, and we are over here drooling over the food at this restaurant! The food is absolutely delicious and fantastic! Chicken barley soup was such a hit, Chenjeh came with TWO skewers! Lamb koobideh was awesome. Everything was awesome and tasty, I can't even believe it. The price compare to California at least is cheap. Super large portions which is hard to finish by yourself. We mentioned to the server that we want one of the plates half rice and half salad and he ended up bringing us a "large" plate of salad which was fresh and delicious. Nicholas, our server, was such a sweet guy. I can't say anything negative about this place and the service. Not sure why the review is low, I had the best experience. I will definitely come back next time I'm in Chicago. read more

Reza's Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Not a great atmosphere at all-- zero music was playing. Waitstaff didn't wear masks and stood way too close for comfort as we ordered. We actually went up to the manager to ask the waitstaff to wear a mask, only to find out that the manager wasn't wearing one either. Pretty sure there is an indoor mask mandate now. Overall, It didn't seem like the waitstaff was keen on serving us or trying to garner a good impression of the restaurant. It kind of felt like we were in a cafeteria. The food is a good price for the quantity, but most all of it lacked flavor. (the chicken in the chicken kebab was pretty good, same with the couscous) Overall this restaurant lacks ambiance and, in my family's opinion, is not worth going to again. read more

Reza's Restaurant - boneless chicken kebab with dill rice - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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We always go there for quiet & peaceful diner. Last Sunday evening we went for dinner around 7 pm. They didn't have regular menu, they had only buffet. It was $29.99 for each. Food is good there. Only thing I would say that there was no veggies dish in the buffet. All kebabs & rice. Salad was our rescue. Service was good. read more

This is a great place for Middle Eastern food in downtown Evanston. It is very reasonably priced. I recommend the lentil soup, one of the best I have had. It was not busy the night we were there and the service was excellent. read more

I really enjoyed this meal. This was my first time going to a Greek. The server was very friendly. We went early on a Sunday and there were not many patriots so we had a lot of attention. We tried the items that she recommended, and they were all excellent, highly recommended, and would definitely go again. read more

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Not much diner on a cold Tuesday night. The food is good but I notoced that the rice they served is half of what they used to. They did not have quail for appetizer so i just ordere hummus. The hummus is yummy . I think they only have one waitstaff. Understandably because most resto cant hire a lot of staff because of scarcity of workers. The meat are so juicy and tender. Love them!!! read more

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من از جنوب کالیفرنیا و در حال سفر در ایالت ایلینویز ، از طریق سرچ اینترنتی رستوران رضا رو پیدا کردم ، برخورد خوب پیشخدمت ، چلوکباب گرم و خوشمزه ، ظروف تمیز و محیط آرام بخش . قیمت ارزان برای همه هموطنان در اقصی نقاط امریکای شمالی موفقیت آرزو می‌کنم . read more

Reza's Restaurant - نمای بیرونی رستوران - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Where to start. I've been to Rezas many times in old downtown location before it closed and in Andersonville. All good. But this Evanston location. Has steadimy gone downhill since it opened. Now has bright cafeteria style white lights, even in evening. Institutional feeling. Not comforting at all.. Food is so so. Hit and miss. And space is depressing. Huge space, totally empty. On regular basis. I feel bad for them. read more

Reza's Restaurant - Restaurant. - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Service was prompt. The food was phenomenal. Definitely will be making return trips. The waiter was spectacular and was just right with the service. When i ordered water their was no issue. read more

This used to be a great place.. now it has gone down down down. Food was so-so at best. We were told that there was no lunch special even when it was posted on the front door of the restaurant. Server was so rude to us. Soup was mostly just water and missing all but 4 lentils in it. The somak tasted as if it was the cheap kind that is mostly dried up used pomegranate skins mixed in with somak to dilute it. Not pleased at all. We even overheard tables next to us with similar issues. Sad that such h a great legacy of a dining establishment has been run into the ground. read more

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We wanted to try the newly opened 'Reza's Restaurant' in Evanston... Glad they've finally opened this wonderful location in the Northshore! We ordered the nice Tabouleh salad to start and the Chicken Barley soup that came with the main course was outstanding alongside the freshly baked 'naan' that's brought with a feta and herbs platter. Our main courses were the 'Chicken Barg' that was juicy and perfectly seasoned as well as a beef Soltani that was awesome and juicy and flavorful! Their tap beers aren't a go yet! So had the Allagash beer from Michigan. Hope this new Reza's Restaurant receives the support of the Northshore community and continues to settle in and thrive! read more

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Shami shami shami shami hummus shami shami hummus shami falafel shami dolmeh shami. Not necessaarily in that order. I missed Reza's in Andersonville but now that I'm in Evanston I get to have my shami and eat it too! read more

Ordered pickup from Rezas Evanston on Friday 12/6, my wife ordered the shrimp entree and I ordered the kabob combo, I often ordered from the Andersonville location back in the day, and it was always great quality. As soon as we picked up the order and driving home, I said that it smelled fishy and to check to see if she received the right order as it smelled like not so fresh fish!! My wife opened the package and it was shrimp. My wife stated that maybe it was the seasoning, we got home and hoping to enjoy the dish. My wife tried one piece and immediately spit it out, I tried it and it seemed as if the shrimp was spoiled, she called the restaurant and the manager offered to give her another shrimp kabob!! No thanks!! I also had my dish of steak koubideh and chenje and it was so dry!! The restaurant had 2 people eating in there and this kind of food may explain it!! REZAS what happened to your food!! Disappointed !! read more

My wife and I love this place, this was our second time dining here. Food was excellent. The quality of the food was very good. We will come here again and recommend this place to everyone. read more

Reza's is not what it used to be in the day. They should have stayed in Andersonville. Definitely should not have moved into the space after the most beloved steakhouse in Evanston. Kinda dirty and sad in there. (Won't miss you when you close.) read more

I recently used Reza's catering for a funeral luncheon. The food was amazing and the service provided by Muhammad was outstanding. He made sure everything went smoothly from the ordering to the delivery and beautiful setup. I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect. read more

Overall not bad, but not like special. I had the tomato Lentil Soup, and I thought it was fine, but those in my party said it tasted like pizza sauce. But like...I like pizza sauce? So I thought it was acceptable but not exceptional. For my entree I had the kabob combo 2. The meat was GREAT! I ordered it medium and it came a little more medium well but it was delicious. However the couscous was kind of sweet, so that wasn't my forte, but not bad. Service was decent considering only 1 person was serving, and she was very friendly so I enjoyed that. Again, overall not bad, but not like WONDERFUL read more

Reza's Restaurant - Vegetarian Tomato Lentil Soup - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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I couldn't help but be confused when I walked into Reza's, a new Persian restaurant in Evanston. The dining room was opulent, bedazzled in sparkly chandeliers and painted in eye-catching colors. But no one else was there. Empty restaurants are often a bad sign; I wondered why no one else had come. Was the food okay? Luckily for me, I found that every bite was nothing short of spectacular. I tried the herb bread, thin and toasty with fresh feta, radish, onion and parsley on the side. It was tangy and perfectly appetizing. The vegetarian feast was stunningly good. Couscus, cranberries and more feta complemented delectible eggplant and roasted tomato. I couldn't have enjoyed it more. The atmosphere, quick service and outstanding food make this a must-visit restaurant in downtown Evanston. I would return to Reza's in a heartbeat, as each moment of my meal felt special and unique. read more

Good Persian menu. We were brought a plate of feta, parsley, and tomato and plate (called sabzi in mid east/Persia) and size flatbread (lavash) on entry. There are vegetarian options. Entrees come with tomato lentil or chicken barley soup. Nice atmosphere, and service. Tasty kabobs. Easy to converse in large dining room. Although I went twice with 1 other person, I could see that it was good for groups due to size, large tables available.Prices are very reasonable. read more

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Such a disappointed meal.... We've frequented the Andersonville location many times back in 2007-2013, when I was in college at Loyola so I had high hopes when this opened up in Evanston. Pros: -fairly easy parking on the street -plenty of seating inside Cons: - two waitstaff at noon, they do everything from set the table to seat you, bring your beverages and meals... too many jobs to be attentive; had to ask three times for sumac and she also spilled the water on our table trying to set food down. Also waited about 10 minutes for to-go containers and the ticket... when she had three tables total.... Horrible service - was given the dinner menus at noon.... When I asked for the lunch menu, she was like "oh yeah we have those too" - asked for iced tea, got hot tea; she never refilled the iced tea again and the waitress was always busy, even though at Noon, there were literally three tables with guests - bread that comes with the feta cheese,radish and parsley... is basically a big tortilla, unlike the Persian bread that should be served with the appetizer. - they up charge you $6 for the steak kebab, we got 6 quarter sized pieces and two of them were all fat/tendon; all was under seasoned - kashkbodemjun was okay, nothing particular good about it, had way more kashk then it should have - beef kubideh lacking in general seasoning, tasted like just straight ground beef with salt/pepper.... Needed a lot of sumac to give it flavor - dill rice was lacking in dill - white rice was oily, lacking in salt and not sure what kind of basmati rice they use but it's definitely a lower quality... I have to add, I'm half Persian and know what things should taste like, nothing tasted authentic They didn't have a soup container, and I asked her three times for a container to take my soup home. She brought me a to-go drink up. The didn't have straws and she didn't offer a spoon for my mom to stir the sugar and lemon into her iced tea. It was literally as hot as it is outside and it is inside... so if you need A/C, they Defn skimp on good A/C, and you'll be sweating and miserable the whole meal. read more

Reza's Restaurant - Ground beef and sirloin steak kebabs; Kashkeh Bodemjan Appetizer - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Not sure why this restaurant only has three stars. The food is amazing and portions are great. It's also quiet spacious and staff are friendly. I had the eggplant steak which was perfectly seasoned. It puts eggplant parm to shame. They charbroil the eggplant so it's got a nice smoky flavor and the tomatoes and ingredients they use are so fresh. You could easily taste it. The whitefish I got Persian style and I highly highly recommend it. It was enormous and perfectly seasoned and crisped. Veggies and dill rice were also really good. I highly recommend checking this place out! read more

Reza's Restaurant - Whitefish plate. Incredible - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Ordered for pick up, most food was either cold, stale or both. Service was *fine*, and ambiance is usually quite empty/quiet (I pass by there often). read more

I will never eat here again!!! My best friend saw a mouse enjoying crumbs near the table behind/across from us and didn't tell me until a few days later that we're never going there again. He said something to the waitress but she didn't seem too surprised. When rodents are bold enough to come out where people are around it means their rodent problem is severe!! Gross!!! No wonder why they keep the lights so dim, they're hoping people aren't paying attention and don't see the problem. Sadly we've been customers for over 35 years from when they had the original location on Clark Street. That location went down the drain a few years ago and that one had roaches in the ladies room and I had quit going there and switched to the Evanston location but clearly it's just as bad!! NEVER AGAIN I only gave the one star because I was forced to in order to post my review!! read more

Absolutely disgusting! Ugh. Went for Mother's Day - expecting a similar experience to the Andersonville location, received anything but. The food was cold - I mean cold. Very small buffet, ants on the soup table - lots of them. The floor was sticky and the the table cloth has stains and food stuck to it. The bathroom's were dirty with no paper towel. Definitely not the white glove service we receive in other locations. I'm so sad that this was our experience, we have spent many holidays at Reza's and always loved it. We spent well over $100 for the meal and it was absolutely not worth it. We will not be back. read more

Everything about this place was a disappointment . When we first walked in there was someone playing the piano terribly and really loud. It turns out it was a customer who was quite drunk. The pita and 'flat bread' which was actually a tortilla was cold, like taken out of the refrigerator cold. My salad was over dressed and wilted, the shrimp I ordered extra well cooked were slimy and under cooked. My boyfriends meat kebabs were mealy and frankly put, gross. The service was painfully slow and inconsistent. And the ambience was super tacky Please proceed with caution or better yet, don't go read more

We like Reza and have been to Clark street and had great service. We went to Evanston and the server was ok and took our order when she dropped our order she never returned the order was wrong we finished our dinner and asked for the check which took a long time. The check was wrong overcharged. When we brought it to her attention she was rude. She removed the extra charge and then made a rude comment. The error was her fault we did not send it back she never returned to check on us. Not a good experience. read more

I am SO EXTREMELY disappointed with my order today. I called to place an order for pickup, went to the restaurant and they didn't have it because the number on their Google page is linked to another location. Fine, the lady at the front was kind enough to take my order there. I was told it should be a 5 minute wait, which was great! 15-20 minutes later I receive my food and walk back to my job (I was on my lunch break) only to realize part of my order was missing. So, I had to go back and get the rest of my order after all of this being an inconvenience. They gave me some baklava on the house, but really, I will not be ordering from here again. The food (boneless chicken wrap) is a 4/10 (super bland). I really wanted to like this place :/ read more

Reza's Restaurant - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Rezas was really good. My recommendations: Beef koubideh Chicken kabob Chicken barley soup Chenjeh (filet mignon) Will be back for more. So glad they opened in Evanston. read more

The food at Reza's in Andersonville is always solid and now they are in Evanston in the space that once housed Pete Miller's. The food doesn't disappoint and neither does the ambiance! Our server was Nick, prompt and attentive and quite knowledgeable of the menu. Reza's is a great addition to downtown Evanston! read more

My friend and I tried this restaurant for the first time on 7/30/2024 - the food was delicious: fresh, well seasoned with generous portions.

Delicious meal! Everything from the soup to the Persian salad to the entrees. Plus, enough to take home leftovers for another full meal. Also, the service was excellent. read more

I hate to leave a 1-star review, but here goes. Most people would agree that the Rezas of the 90s was phenomenal. Now - not at all. The food was not fresh. The rice was bland, soft, and not aromatic. The bread was old and tired. The kabobs had a faint repugnant odor. Bottom line - nothing was fresh. Not even the grilled veggies. Everything was served room temperature. Including pictures of our unfinished food as an indication of our sadness. Please don't support this establishment. When you go to a kabob restaurant without a lot of middle eastern people... that tells you something! read more

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We've dined at Reza's for over 20 years and noticed the quality diminish steadily. Quality of the meat, rice, vegetables, have all gone down. We kept trying and trying hoping they'd come back. We tried the Oakbrook location and the Chicago location & now Evanston, just in case it was a geographical issue. But it's been pretty consistently declining. Unfortunately, this is our last attempt. The lamb looked like someone had chewed it or tried to flatten it out. I asked for well done on our filet kabobs, they were not pink but RED in the center (that's not well done). All vegetables were mushy. The white rice had some sort of cheese in it as something stringy and slimy stretched as we grabbed a spoonful. It also had the faint smell of raw meat. The dill rice was probably the only thing that was fair enough to be edible. 5 entrees and and over $130 down the drain. Goodbye rezas.its been a good initial 10 years. read more

Food is great. Portions are large. Service is good. Look and feel of the place is nice.

Food, wine and drinks are amazing! If you were a former fan of Pete Miller's you need to look beyond the graffiti paint and focus on the excellent food and authentic service. The grilled chicken kabobs, lamb kabobs, homemade hummus and spicy margs were excellent. Similar to Pita Inn only better. read more

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We ordered delivery from Reza's tonight. The online system advertised a 15% discount for online orders, which we didn't receive. The online system quoted $0 for delivery, then 8 minutes after completing the order I received an email telling me my order was increased by $8 for delivery. That's two counts of false advertising. The order quoted a 60- minute delivery time to a location 2.5 miles away and we got it 10 minutes late. When we got our order, one item was quoted as out of stock; instead of calling me to ask if I wanted to substitute, they presumptuously substituted on their own, charging me for something I didn't want or like. One entree advertised that it came with vegetables, but there were no vegetables. Another entree was a beef dish and the beef was almost entirely fat. The food wasn't very good. We're done with Reza's. read more

Hmm, have always loved Rezas, both in Andersonville and Ohio. Had a couple of great holiday memories with the family - good food, good service. Not sure what's changed but the food still had good flavor; cleanliness was in question; appetizers and soup fresh tasting and good; meat felt dry/ potentially reheated and the service was ok, but inattentive, slow and strangely paced, especially because the restaurant was almost completely empty. We will try again and hope it was a fluke. No other choices for Persian food in the north suburbs. Crossing my fingers that the management/ owner gets its act together. An average experience, but I know Rezas can do better. read more