Northern Cafe

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

I stumbled upon Northern Cafe while driving through the area on my way to The Container Store, and I'm so glad I did! The chicken noodle soup and beef house noodle soup are absolutely amazing--perfectly savory and satisfying.The ambiance is wonderful, with a choice of tables and booths, and plenty of space to spread out. We walked right in and got seated immediately since it wasn't too busy.The service was fantastic, and my nine-year-old daughter especially loved the kids' menu, which was anything but ordinary. They offer a really great selection for both kids and adults. Highly recommend this place for a delicious and family-friendly dining experience!

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!

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.

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.