Northern Cafe

Chinese restaurant · University Park

Northern Cafe

Chinese restaurant · University Park

3

2904 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007

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Northern Cafe by null
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Northern Cafe by null
Northern Cafe by null
Northern Cafe by null
Northern Cafe by null
Northern Cafe by null
Northern Cafe by null
Northern Cafe by null
Northern Cafe by null
Northern Cafe by null
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Northern Cafe by null
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Highlights

Authentic Chinese comfort food like dumplings, noodles, and crispy chicken  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Grub Street

2904 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 Get directions

northerncafe.us

$10–20 · Menu

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2904 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 Get directions

+1 213 741 9050
northerncafe.us

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 18, 2025

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@eater

Best Los Angeles Restaurants for Takeout and Delivery, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"While the San Gabriel Valley is still undoubtedly the best destination for Chinese food in Los Angeles, Northern Cafe presents a compelling option for familiar dishes like orange chicken and scallion pancakes in Hollywood and Downtown LA. With ample portions, it’s easy to feed a group of friends or a family without breaking the bank here. For something with a little more kick, try the Chongqing crispy chicken, and make sure to round out orders with dumplings, beef roll pancakes, and Lao Gan Ma noodles. Order pick-up or delivery on DoorDash." - Rebecca Roland

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-los-angeles-takeout-delivery-food-restaurants
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@eater

Where to Eat Around USC and the LA Coliseum | Eater LA

"Northern Cafe is the spot for those in the mood for a dumpling feast close to campus. Definitely try an assortment of the xiao long bao, potstickers, and spicy wontons. The beef roll pancake and scallion pancake are standout shareable bites, and the beef noodle soups come with ultra-tender meat and a soothing, umami broth. Northern Cafe also serves a variety of Chinese and Taiwanese classic wok-fired dishes, including a favorite of Sichuan cuisine — the Chongqing crispy chicken." - Cathy Park

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-usc-la-coliseum-natural-history-museum
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@eater

14 Best Places to Pack Your Freezer With Frozen Dumplings in LA | Eater LA

"Northern Cafe has expanded to multiple different locations over the years, but the Beverly Grove location remains among the busiest in the chain, particularly now for frozen dumplings." - Farley Elliott

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-frozen-dumplings-restaurants-los-angeles-map
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Scott L

Google
Northern Cafe – Bold Chinese Flavors at USC Located right near the USC campus, Northern Cafe is a beloved spot among the large Asian student population around the University Park Campus. Known for its authentic Chinese cuisine, it’s a go-to place for both quick solo meals and group dining. Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, Northern Cafe follows a fast-casual format: customers order via self-serve kiosks, grab their own drinks, and food is brought to the table. Despite the efficient setup, the interior decor stays true to its roots, with traditional Chinese elements creating a cozy yet cultural vibe. Seating is a mix of small tables for individuals or pairs, and several spots can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups. It’s flexible and welcoming for both solo diners and friend gatherings. The menu is loaded with flavorful options: • Beef Pancake Roll: A must-try. Crispy on the outside with juicy slices of beef, cucumber, and cilantro rolled inside. You get six generous pieces, perfect for sharing. • Braised Beef Noodle Soup: A classic. Soy sauce–based broth with tender beef and chewy noodles – comforting and satisfying. • Chongqing Crispy Chicken: Intensely crunchy, deep-fried chicken tossed with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Fiery and addictive. • Boiled Beef in Chili Sauce: For spice lovers. The beef is tender, swimming in a rich, spicy broth packed with numbing heat. • Boiled Fish Fillet in Chili Sauce: Another spicy favorite with delicate, flaky fish and a punchy chili-oil base. • Sautéed Bok Choy: A solid veggie side – simple, garlicky, and fresh. • Garlic Spare Ribs: Deep-fried pork ribs topped with garlic and scallion – rich and aromatic. While flavors are authentic and bold, be aware that many dishes are quite oily or heavily spiced, which may not suit those who prefer lighter or milder cuisine. Stick to vegetable dishes or non-spicy options if you’re unsure. Service is minimal, as expected for a self-service model. Staff mainly bring food to the table and clear used dishes, but don’t expect much additional assistance. Parking is available in the back, though the entrance can be easy to miss for first-timers. Look for a small back door that leads directly into the dining area. ⸻ Verdict: Northern Cafe delivers hearty, flavorful Chinese dishes in a fast-casual setting perfect for USC students and visitors alike. It’s not fine dining, but if you crave authentic mainland Chinese flavors at reasonable prices, this place hits the spot. Just come hungry—and maybe bring a group to share the spice and the variety.

Sohrob H

Google
⭐ 4/5 – Fast, Filling, and Convenient for USC Students Northern Cafe offers a quick, satisfying meal near USC. It’s a great choice for anyone in need of a filling bite on the go, but don’t expect it to be a stand-out culinary experience. 🍜 The Food: 4/5 Decent dumplings and noodles, fresh and filling Portion sizes are large, which makes it a great value for the price Some dishes could benefit from a bit more seasoning, but overall, it’s good for a quick fix 🏡 The Atmosphere: 3.5/5 Small space, usually crowded—not ideal for relaxing, but perfect for a quick bite If you’re in a rush or need something filling, it’s a great option 🛎️ The Service: 4/5 Service is quick and efficient, but there’s little to no personal interaction You order at the counter and your food arrives fast—perfect if you're in a hurry 💰 The Verdict: A Convenient and Quick Option ✅ Large portions for a good price ✅ Quick service, great for those in a rush ✅ Good dumplings and noodles for a quick meal ❌ Not much variety or flavor depth, dishes could use more seasoning ❌ Limited seating, not a great place to relax and dine in Would I return? Yes, for a quick, no-fuss meal. It’s not a destination for a special night out, but it works for a filling stop when you're nearby.

Stephen Lee

Google
My kids' favorite Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles! Update: Quick and delicious! Came for the golden soup beef noodles again! Update: Love this place! Their golden soup beef noodles are on point! This place will probably be the closest thing to authentic Chinese food unless you think Panda is authentic. Portions are very nice, staff is nice, and the place is clean. Highly recommended! Tip our frontline workers more!

Karel Nguessan

Google
The food is great. I am only giving 3 stars because I only got 4 small pieces of meat in my noodles

Playerrr Bottt

Google
I absolutely LOVE asian cuisine. I LOVE Chinese food. It has always been my favorite food. I have to say this food here in Northern Cafe is literally the absolute BEST CHINESE FOOD I HAVE EVER EATEN IN MY 31 YEARS OF LIVING ON EARTH! Everything was delicious! The Ramen was very good. Each of the meat was seasoned differently, and many different flavors. The spice was actually spicy. This is the best Chinese food I have ever eaten. It is a must try if you’re in the area! And fir the price it was well worth it. It was nit overly expensive here- the price is just like any other Chinese / LA prices. But this food here is actually worth the price!!

Derakhsh Fozouni

Google
Went there on a whim because our nephew recommended it and it was delicious speedy and succinct. This is a friendly place and not for first dates. Food is really good and they have no nonsense approach to service. We loved it

Darneé Hunter

Google
Amazing food and 2 person size portions! Very self managed with the bowls and take out containers being out for the customers to use as they please. Food comes out hot and is delivered as it completes so you should order to share. My only complaint is the lack of normal size utensils for the non-chopstick literate.

Baker Hison

Google
I love Chinese food. You can park on the plaza across the street. it’s free.
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Scott L.

Yelp
Northern Cafe - Bold Chinese Flavors at USC Located right near the USC campus, Northern Cafe is a beloved spot among the large Asian student population around the University Park Campus. Known for its authentic Chinese cuisine, it's a go-to place for both quick solo meals and group dining. Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, Northern Cafe follows a fast-casual format: customers order via self-serve kiosks, grab their own drinks, and food is brought to the table. Despite the efficient setup, the interior decor stays true to its roots, with traditional Chinese elements creating a cozy yet cultural vibe. Seating is a mix of small tables for individuals or pairs, and several spots can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups. It's flexible and welcoming for both solo diners and friend gatherings. The menu is loaded with flavorful options: * Beef Pancake Roll: A must-try. Crispy on the outside with juicy slices of beef, cucumber, and cilantro rolled inside. You get six generous pieces, perfect for sharing. * Braised Beef Noodle Soup: A classic. Soy sauce-based broth with tender beef and chewy noodles - comforting and satisfying. * Chongqing Crispy Chicken: Intensely crunchy, deep-fried chicken tossed with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Fiery and addictive. * Boiled Beef in Chili Sauce: For spice lovers. The beef is tender, swimming in a rich, spicy broth packed with numbing heat. * Boiled Fish Fillet in Chili Sauce: Another spicy favorite with delicate, flaky fish and a punchy chili-oil base. * Sautéed Bok Choy: A solid veggie side - simple, garlicky, and fresh. * Garlic Spare Ribs: Deep-fried pork ribs topped with garlic and scallion - rich and aromatic. While flavors are authentic and bold, be aware that many dishes are quite oily or heavily spiced, which may not suit those who prefer lighter or milder cuisine. Stick to vegetable dishes or non-spicy options if you're unsure. Service is minimal, as expected for a self-service model. Staff mainly bring food to the table and clear used dishes, but don't expect much additional assistance. Parking is available in the back, though the entrance can be easy to miss for first-timers. Look for a small back door that leads directly into the dining area. Verdict: Northern Cafe delivers hearty, flavorful Chinese dishes in a fast-casual setting perfect for USC students and visitors alike. It's not fine dining, but if you crave authentic mainland Chinese flavors at reasonable prices, this place hits the spot. Just come hungry--and maybe bring a group to share the spice and the variety.
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Brittany C.

Yelp
Food: I order the orange chicken, beef noodles, and white rice. I love the orange chicken. It's zesty and flavorful. The noodles are also very tasty. White is ok. Food is consistent and l keep coming back. Service: quick and easy. You order on the electronic screen yourself. Ambiance: sometimes very busy and loud. Otherwise quiet and not a lot of people. Depends on when you come. Plus size friendly- the tables move at the booths. They also have chairs with tables that look sturdy. Parking: very bad. There is a small lot behind the restaurant but it is unlikely to find a spot there. I have parked across the street on the lot by pasta Roma and have not had my car towed.
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Tanesha C.

Yelp
Northern Cafe's spicy beef soup is my favorite, its rich flavor and comforting heat is what I want for a cold and raining night. The menu features authentic Chinese comfort food, with the beef soup often highlighted as a must-try. I appreciated this place for its quick service and consistent quality, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal. My Fiancé love this spot not to far from USC.   Hard to find parking but it's possible! OKAY!! Love Y'all!! BYE!! and give me a like! Please!
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Sohrob H.

Yelp
Food Quality: *** (Decent, filling, but not spectacular) Service: *** (Efficient, but minimal interaction) Setting: *** (Crowded, not ideal for dining in) Cost: *** (Fair for portion size) Overall: *** (A good option if you're in the area, but not exceptional)** Northern Cafe is a solid choice if you're looking for a filling meal near USC--nothing extraordinary, but it gets the job done. The dumplings and noodles are decent--fresh and satisfying, though lacking in bold flavors. Service is quick and efficient, but you don't get much interaction with the staff, as it's more of a self-serve, counter-order type of place. The atmosphere is small and often crowded, not ideal for a long sit-down meal, but it works for a quick stop if you're in a rush. Overall, a decent place but don't expect anything special. It's fine if you're hungry and close by, but not somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit.
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Erica V.

Yelp
I phone ordered a pickup for my lunch break so it would be ready by the time I walked over. My shrimp fried rice was fresh and ready by the time I showed up. The place looked clean and inviting but I wasn't there too long because the cashier got me out fast. My shrimp fried rice was delicious and didn't taste too salty or make me feel too full afterwards. They even fully cleaned the shrimp! So the cooks win my seal of approval. Can't wait to come back, try more dishes and eat more shrimp fried rice.
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Momo C.

Yelp
We stopped by Northern Cafe craving some good Chinese comfort food, and it delivered--mostly. You order at a kiosk, which is pretty convenient, and the food came out surprisingly fast. We got the pork mapo tofu (spicy and super flavorful), dumplings (juicy but a little thick on the skin), crispy wings (yum), and the seasoned peanuts, which were a great little snack to start with. Everything tasted great and came out hot and fresh. The reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5? Some of the plates were dirty, which was kind of a turnoff. The place could definitely use a bit more attention to cleanliness overall. But the food made up for it, and I'd still come back--with lower expectations on ambiance, but high ones for flavor.
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David M.

Yelp
Ultimate Chinese comfort food can be found at Northern Cafe in Los Angeles near USC They maintain a similar menu like other locations that offers a broad range of Chinese dishes, from well-known classics to regional specialties. variations might include a selection of small, bite-sized portions like dumplings, buns, and rolls, perfect for sharing. Dishes featuring a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, often cooked with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other aromatic. From fried rice to lo mein and chow mein, these staples are often customized with different ingredients. Our favorite has got to be the mapo tofu and the shrimp fried rice! This is self service concept so you order at the kiosk or with the cashier. Then you will grab your own utensil and plates and drinks. The prices are very affordable especially for students. The staff is personable and attentive. They really cares about your dinning experience. Overall, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines the comfort and familiarity of a casual dinning with the rich, diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine.
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Ari W.

Yelp
Northern Cafe was a whole vibe. I had the wonton soup, and it came in hot with flavor; savory, comforting, and honestly, kind of like a spa day for my taste buds. A salty spa day, though. Not too wild, but enough to make me notice and immediately double-fist my water like a champ. Still, the broth was rich, the wontons were everything, and I was full and happy. 4 stars because it was delicious, just needed a tiny chill pill on the salt. Would absolutely slurp again!

Andrew W.

Yelp
Came here on a Saturday night. The food was amazing, the servers were nice and friendly, they were quick. We tried the beef noodle soup, ox tail noodle soup, soup dumplings, beef wrap(?) and some other sides. All delicious, and it makes you want to come back to try their other dishes. It was still loud, busy, bustling at 9pm, which also added to the charm of the place. I don't understand why this place isn't rated higher. Definitely will be back :)
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Pantea M.

Yelp
We went there for lunch and immediately fell in love. Cute and cozy place with flavorful dishes and great price. Highly-highly recommended
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Deborah B.

Yelp
Tasty, I really enjoyed it, it was so very delicious. Everything tasted so fresh full of flavor and did I say it was tasty.
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Randy F.

Yelp
Very busy and efficient dumpling and noodle stop perfect for USC students. The dumplings are solid with the crab and pork getting the vote from me. Noodle soups was very average. Rice dishes and other carbs seem to be a good value for student diners. Very busy but seating turns over quickly and the place does lots of to-go orders. Order via kiosk or via a cashier. Seating is open seating and waiters will bring you the food when ready after you order at front. Seating is indoor and credit cards are accepted.
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Alan M.

Yelp
Excellent food! I like the Figueroa St location much better than others I've visited. The flavors seemed more authentic and less Americanized. Didn't like their old Pasadena location at all.
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Christine J.

Yelp
True authentic northern Chinese food. YUM! I was so excited to finally try the food here as I wanted to try it the last time I visited. Wanted the Jajangmian but they didn't have it at this location. Strange. So I got the pan fried shrimp leek potstickers, and the egg/chives pockets, as well as the woodear cucumber salad. The app is huge for $5. All other tables ordered their popular beef scallion pancake as a starter and it looked divine (& huge portioned) All were delicious and the right flavors. The skin on the chive pockets were a bit dry and on the hard side, they can def do better but I still appreciate the fact they offer chives pockets (an authentic Northern Chinese comfort food). Love that black vinegar is on the table without having to ask. I'd def go back and try alllll the other items like noodle soups and baos and other dumplings.
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Yael F.

Yelp
I came here for lunch with some friends on a Thursday afternoon; the food was delicious and really hit the spot. You order on a touch screen and never really interact with any of the staff, which I don't love. Additionally, it was pretty loud despite there not being a lot of people. The kitchen is at the front of the space and there is a lot of noise coming from there. We sat in the back where it was a bit quieter, but the music was playing loudly. You grab a table number at check out and get your own silverware, plates, and napkins. The food was delivered to our table quickly and everything was hot; they brought it out as it was ready. The scallion pancake, chicken dumplings, and house fried noodle were excellent. Three of us shared these for lunch and it was plenty of food.
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Stephjoy P.

Yelp
Traveling into town and Northern Cafe is my absolute favorite restaurant and go to stop. However I'm honestly truly disappointed as this location did not carry my favorite dishes on their menu. Additionally, it's more of a self served fast food compared to the regular sit and "fine dine" I'm used to. The portions were much smaller & the flavors tasted as if I just had Panda Express. I wish I knew prior to coming to this location that it's completely different from the other 3 locations I've been.
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James N.

Yelp
The review should really be 3.5 stars. You order and pay from a touch screen and sit down. Makes it feel more like a McDonald's than a sit down restaurant. Food comes out fairly quick. It's self serve for your water and utensils, yet the prices seem higher than the other locations with full sit down service. We hit this spot after an ACFC game, so it was like good, but the parking was weird, the service was like a fast food place but the food came quickly and it did its job. I usually go to the Irvine or El Segundo locations so I will only come here if I am at the BMO for an event.
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Jeff R.

Yelp
Super disappointing. Was looking forward to trying out the kung pao chicken but it had absolutely no spice to it at all and was quite bland. Only reason for 3 stars is the lady that was helping me with my to-go order was very friendly and helpful. The food was sadly one star.
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Deon B.

Yelp
Very enjoyable, with quick service right by USC. I ordered the Spicy Pork Dumplings and the Chicken Fried Rice and enjoyed both of them. I thought the Dumplings were absolutely delicious. I would order everything again. Took my order to go and it was ready in under 20 minutes, so perfect for quick service. Overall, good experience and will order again soon!

Tim L.

Yelp
I ordered the house fried rice and dan dan noodles. The fried rice was pretty good; you can't really go wrong with that. I couldn't eat the dan dan noodles though. The noodles were mushy and the sauce was bland. I tried to save it with hot sauce and chili oil, but this one wasn't it. I wanted to go back and return my food for a refund but I'm already at home with it. Hopefully this review is helpful for others
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Melinda B.

Yelp
Was let down this visit. The kungpao chicken was very bland. My Dan Dan noodles were alright, kind of salty. The green beans were soggy. The cold potatoes were tasty! It was expensive for food that was just sort of - so-so. I guess some menu items are just hit or miss.

Sonia R.

Yelp
I found this place on TikTok and was so excited to give it a try with my daughter. We both LOVE dumplings! I decided to drive a whole hour just to give it a try :( which makes it even more sad. First of! No Thai Tea!?!? What!!! okay no worries.... We ordered the cucumbers (terrible btw) They were very salty and because of the way they are cut it makes it extremely hard to grab them with chopsticks .... The Beef and broccoli was very greasy :( I ordered Spicy Pork Wontons(8) and they had a weird taste and felt extremely greasy as well. I only ate one and couldn't finish the rest tbh. I asked the guy working the counter if I could get a refund for them since I didn't eat them and I was not going to take them home with me. He mentioned he couldn't make any decisions and that I had to wait for his manager to come back from his break. My daughter ordered Chicken Potstickers, she said they were okay. At this point I didn't even bothered trying the chicken potstickers . Her noodles needed more flavor as well. I drove a whole hour just to be disappointed. On a good note, the restaurant was very clean.

Katia G.

Yelp
Food was amazing. Service was prompt. Restaurant is clean and ambiance was also impressive. Very well worth it. Would highly recommended

Derek W.

Yelp
Probably one of the best beef rolls I've had. Would be 5 stars but their bathroom needs to be cleaned more often.
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Crystal B.

Yelp
* beef rolls * ample space inside * little wait line compared to others Lunch time - and there is only one worker at the cashier and service. And three cooks. There's no wait to get inside and be seated but ... wow it took forever to eat. One person is cleaning the table, setting the tables, getting the food out, cashier and to go orders, refilling water cups, and everything else. It took over 15 minutes from getting seated to get my orders in ... I wouldn't want to come here again during the lunch rush hour due to slow service and lack of workers. The food was okay not memorable to come again next time.
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Shania W.

Yelp
Northern Cafe always hits the spot wheneverI want Chinese food around USC. I honestly think it's super solid in its dishes, and I always leave this place feeling content. I've ordered a handful of their dishes over the years, including the Shrimp Fried Rice, Sautéed String Bean, Sautéed Bok Choy, Juicy Pork Dumplings, Spicy Pork Wontons, Beef Roll Pancake, Scallion Pancake, Dan Dan Noodle, and Braised Beef Noodle Soup. All of these dishes were yummy and filling, and the portions were generous as well. However, I write this review as a warning for one of their dishes--the Pickled Pepper Beef Noodle Soup. This dish is SO SPICY. I have a good spice tolerance, and I was struggling so much while I ate this. I was dripping sweat and tearing up; that scoop of pickled pepper literally killed me. Using the restroom hurt the next day. Honestly, I would just stick with the normal Braised Beef Noodle Soup and add chili oil or something. That being said, I usually do take-out, but eating at the restaurant is also pretty nice. It's super clean and brightly lit, and the service is usually pretty good. They also do have a parking lot in the back.
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Gisselle M.

Yelp
Food was pretty tasty. Loved the fried rice, chicken fried noodles, garlic broccoli and the orange chicken was good. Staff were amicable and the place was toddler friendly. Restaurant is buzzing with good energy and good food everyone too busy to mind a toddler meltdown, would definitely visit again. Oh! And their Milk Tea is a hit.

J. T.

Yelp
Fantastic! Seems to be the last Northern Cafe, with original & expanded menu AND reasonable prices. All our choices delicious & authentic. Braised Beef noodle soup was exceptional.Other locations have changed to iHome Dumpling House with over inflated prices and cost cutting changes. Looks like lots of take out and delivery traffic at this location next to USC but atmosphere was clean & pleasant. Service was fast & friendly. Definitely Worth a try! Parking difficult.
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Rose L.

Yelp
Filing meal! Ordered the noodles with double protein and noodles and it was enough for two people. The noodles were okay-- tasted like spice and vinegar. The XLB was very meh-- barely any soup and lame meat. The rolled up beef in pancake was fire though, loved the crisp outside. Probably the best dish.

RJ M.

Yelp
It's good, above average. The food has an authentic taste, their Dan Dan noodles is excellent. My issue overall is their food - as mentioned in another review- is much too salty. This is ofc subjective, you may enjoy it. If you are more health conscious, the food generally is greasy, too salty, has many "mystery" ingredients... all in the service of making the food taste good, and what's more authentic than that? Chinese restaurants taste great, but you leave wondering what it is you've put in your body. There's a review below bemoaning they dont have Thai ice tea.. lol. Next time I go to McDonalds I'll complain why they dont serve Horchata. PS. The place is surprisingly clean, the various condiment dispensers are wiped down, no fingerprints, etc. Service is good.

alexus y.

Yelp
Super good. I did a too go order and tried the soup dumplings and fried rice. Love how they have a small Portion for the soup dumping and the rice was good not the Best. They took kinda long to make the food but that's how you know it's fresh. The host was super nice.
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Howard Z.

Yelp
Exceedingly disappointed with everything. I told them to make very mild as I was feeding my two young grandkids. It was not mild at all. If they had said no we can't do that fine. Then I go somewhere else. They said no problem. They eat Asian all the time and it's not an issue at other places. I ask for some fortune cookie s for the kids as every other Asian restaurant does that. They said we only sever those for dine in. I spent $90 and you can't give me two fortune cookies that cost like 1 cent each wholesale?? Fine never coming back and did not bother to call them and say they made the food too hot because they don't care. Lost my business for good as there are plenty of really good Asian restaurants with nice management who care about customers. This place is the opposite. I do not recommend it. Too bad there is no zero star rating.
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Kay Y.

Yelp
This place can never go wrong should one want authentic northern Chinese food. I really like their appetizers and the seasoning in their dishes. Cucumber & Mushroom salad is so good I like their beef rolls a lot too! I was working long 15hr days and literally left my purse in the restaurant and thank god no one took it. I called and the nice staff helped me store it away as I drove back frantically for it. Thanks so much you saved me so much time and grief! T_T
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Aaron S.

Yelp
Absolutely not! Drive far away to eat here and it says open until 11:00 and they're not, so you lost customers again ‍
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Arleene M.

Yelp
It feels so good to be back in LA! After a brief stint in the IE (no offense, but damn!) I am back in the city. This time, I am closer to USC so it's a whole discovery path of new eats for me. Northern Cafe has quickly become a lunch favorite. From the outside looking in, you might think it's a hole in the wall. But once inside, it's actually a very cute cafe looking restaurant. They have noodles upon noodles of deliciousness plus all the favs like egg rolls and dumplings. 10/10
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Marcel A P.

Yelp
Great food! Though disappointment when I saw the cook, preparing my food without wearing gloves, and on top of it sneezing into his elbow. I think gloves should be worn all the time when handling food.
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Mariana G.

Yelp
This café has been that I come back at least once a month. This time I happened to bring a friend to try it and she enjoyed it as well. The kitchen seemed to be busy so we went ahead and put our order into the kiosk. We got some spicy wontons, I felt like with this rainy weather and the ambience of getting some spicy noodle soup and it sure helped, The first couple bites in I started sweating. My friend went ahead and tried the crispy chicken and as well got some spicy wontons. We chatted, enjoyed our food and left with a full stomach. I'll be coming back with my daughter for our usual noodle date.
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Ashley T.

Yelp
Ordered XLB, spicy crispy fried fish, and pork cabbage dumplings pan fried (not potstickers, but pan fried dumplings). Would pass on the crispy fried fish, photos looked good but it's really oily and the fish pieces were small so with the batter it's really dense. Xlb were good but dumplings were amazing! Dumplings are the must get here. Interested to try the noodles next time too.
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Viviana S.

Yelp
I Love Northern Cafe come here when u are carving a good dumplings. People here are great and they are very within their job which great .The place is very cleaned as well and there much room for a big family.
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Milly H.

Yelp
Arrived here at opening time (11am), food came out super fast considering I was one of the few people there. I typically order the Braised Beef Noodle Soup but I tried out the Golden Noodle Soup as suggested by the woman taking my order. I was not disappointed! If you are a fan of spicy soups, I highly recommend this. The noodles are cooked perfectly, there is a generous amount of meat and veggies, and the portions are huge. My only complaint is the music is way too loud. But I would definitely come back & bring my friends next time.
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Stephen P.

Yelp
This is the 2nd Northern Cafe I've visited. This visit got me annoyed. I used the self order kiosk to order the beef with pickled cabbage noodle $14. They brought me beef noodle soup which is a classic...I should have just eaten it. Instead I swapped it for my original dish. And it was inedible. It's not marked as spicy on the kiosk, but is on the menu. They got to fix that. Look how much red hit chili peppers I fished out of my bowl.

Bex V.

Yelp
BEST location in DTLA , i am obsesseddd with everything we had and beyond , greattttt staff and so many great drinks

Ray L.

Yelp
been to Monterey Park and San Gabriel locations and we prefer San Gabriel for ease of parking. Found the food good at both locations. Been numerous times and the juicy pork dumplings are tasty but a couple times they were over-steamed and skin became too soft and juice escaped before served. Wish they included some veggies with the noodles in soup but overall very good. Open late too til 11pm
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Anhvy T.

Yelp
Came here with a friend and got their spicy beef noodle soup, soup dumplings and crispy fried chicken. I found the food to be lackluster and would probably not come back. The beef noodle soup was salty and the soup dumplings had too much dough surrounding it.
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christopher a.

Yelp
The place is amazing the staff help me chose a drink also the place was amazingly clean
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Kyros C.

Yelp
there was small rock in the food... Simple lunch could've turned into dental disaster... Super salty chili fish fillet
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Carolina C.

Yelp
I absolutely appreciate the fact that they have a kiosk option, it makes the ordering process much easier! The service is quick and efficient, and I love the seating area. It varies and has lots of space, and the food is very good. The chili sauce especially, it goes incredibly well with everything. I got the juicy pork dumplings and the meat pie, which we accidentally ordered but it was an amazing accident. The dumplings were indeed juicy as said in the name and tastes delicious on their own. Paired with the chili sauce?? 11/10!! The meat pie was also very delicious!! I recommend :)
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Lawrence H.

Yelp
Food was excellent! Very nice staff. Beef dumplings were very juicy. Beef noodle soup was the best.
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Sandy C.

Yelp
Love this place! They have the best fresh hand pulled noodles in all of South Bay! Here is a list of things we love here: 1) spicy beef noodle soup 2) green onion pancake 3) spicy wontons 4) chicken fried rice 5) garlic cucumber salad. Our boys love the chicken fried rice here! Def one of our favorite spots for good Chinese food!