Northern Cafe

324

1354

4388

2 years ago

The reviews looked good, so I thought I'd give them a try. It was very busy when I got here but I was quickly seated. Everything looked so good. I got crispy chicken and crab dumplings. You get eight dumplings that are steamed to perfection. I loved the crispy chicken I could nibble on that all day long. I wanted to order everything I saw other diners eating. Service is very good. There's plenty of parking, and inside and outside dining I will definitely be back. read more

Northern Cafe - Crab dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Crispy chicken - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Frank , Thank you for choosing our restaurant and giving us five…

Helpful 3

Thanks 1

Love this 3

Oh no 0

Dean H.

285

1 year ago

I'll start with the good. The service was great. The people are very nice and engaged with us about the menu. The dining area and the restaurant itself was nice and clean. It felt nice eating here with music from the 90s. As for the food, I'm not going to say it was bad. I'm just saying with wasn't exactly to my taste. I enjoyed the pork belly and beef skewers but those had no seasoning on it. I guess I'm saying I could've made them myself since there was no dry rub on them. The mapo tofu was okay and so was the green bean plate. We also got some sort of beef hot pot and there was very little beef in it. I can't say that I was disappointed since I didn't have any expectations but would I come back? I don't think so. There are other Chinese places I like better. read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Customer Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amy C.

286

1 year ago

The best northern Chinese food in OC! Lamb dumplings and beef pancake are must try! Paired with sour & spicy soup, a perfect lunch. read more

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Customer Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Joseph S.

1 year ago

Severely disappointed....when I went they only served "skewers" (despite a full menu displayed and on gubhub/ubereats) and they were TINY and wildly overpriced. Almost criminal and I bet they know it. Other Northeast Sisters locations have a better menu, but I hope they aren't replacing with this! read more

Northern Cafe - This is my girlfiend;s finger for comparison...note how tiny these are - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Customer Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 2

Ceici H.

4 months ago

Perfect!! i will recommend this for sure. Me and my wife had fun. The food is great and the ambiance is good too

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mandy L.

1 year ago

I was happy to find this place later at night in Irvine. I ordered over the phone and the food was ready when I arrived. I ordered the beef wrap, which was 4/5 star, better than many other places in Irvine that sell the same dish. I also ordered a fried rice. The flavor wasn't bad, but it was swimming in oil. I still ate it but I had to push the rice to one side and tilt the container for over 30 min for the oil to drain. I might give this place another try, but hopefully the rice will be better next time. read more

Northern Cafe - Fried rice soaked in oil. - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Customer Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ingrid L.

126

251

1087

2 years ago

The Chinese food here is a delight, and the speedy service only adds to the experience. Highly recommended! read more

Northern Cafe - Beef roll - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Bok choy - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Fried noodles with chicken - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Ingrid, Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Jennie T.

10 months ago

We asked if we can have another carafe of water, our water said "I'll bring you some later". Then he proceeded to bring another table some containers and chit chat with other employees behind the register. Yangzhou fried rice was soggy and made with spam. Never coming back again. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lisa J.

1 year ago

Ok....The food was horrible. The orange chicken was soft & mushy, the scallion pancake was super thin and hard, the vegetable dumplings smelled horrible, were soggy and even the white rice was bad. I'm super disappointed because we spent $120 and nothing was edible read more

Northern Cafe - Soggy, smelly & tasted horrible - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Lisa Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Kathy K.

441

122

2 years ago

Great place, didn't need to wait although it was packed. Scanned a qr code to order, everything looks delicious.

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Kathy K. Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Oh Trust Me H.

140

282

11 months ago

Food is good but doesn't stand out from the rest. One thing is dislike is the questionable cleanliness and sanitation. They use wood chopsticks. Thousands of mouths have been on those and dishwasher cannot get all the germs on porous material. Staff also doesn't switch gloves after cleaning tables, handling money, etc. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Chris S.

113

616

2187

2 years ago

Bright, openly spacious interior with high ceilings, ample seating inside with some common area outside seating shared with The Cut (great burger spot) next door. Friendly service from start to finish. Fried rice was a tad plain, but the Dan Dan noodles and dumplings were great. Plenty of parking available in a lot shared with Hmart. A few other small details that would knock it back from a full 5 stars but this location is still really new and I'm sure will get better. read more

Northern Cafe - Dan Dan noodles - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - XLB - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Chicken fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Cindy L.

400

2 years ago

Delicious food and speedy service. The food came out really quick and I loved the shrimp fried rice. It was the best I've had in a while.

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Cindy L. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angela C.

693

201

523

2 years ago

I am a huge fan of their price and portions, especially the hot pots. If you like seven grams though don't get their beef roll & golden beef hot pot here, won't be the same. BUT I love coming here for everything else like other hot pot flavors, skewers, entrees. read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Angela C. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nathaniel F.

334

431

222

1 year ago

Walked in 2 hours before closing and they tell us they only have a limited menu available... how hard is it to make fried rice? Serious let down as we drove 15 minutes to get here. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jessica L.

1 year ago

Popcorn chicken taste like tap water. Doesn't taste good and doesn't look good. The box felt super light.. not enough red seasoning. That's why I don't like this location. Can't even making it right. read more

Northern Cafe - Doesn't look appetizing. And it taste like strong tap water. Not enough red seasoning. - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Jessica Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Ashababy N.

9 months ago

I absolutely love this place! Great service, great food, and the prices are amazing for the amount of food you get. Definitely come here!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Zinnia V.

454

436

932

2 years ago

Came back again, and got orange chicken this time (basic asf but I was viciously craving it)...ohhhhhhh mannn it's perfectly crispy and still saucey, even after 30 min it was still crispy with the sauce! I think it was the best orange chicken I've had. Soooo good! I wasn't even expecting it to be that good bc I always thought orange chicken (10/10) was basic but i was impressed! We also got the spicy beef noodle soup (7.5/10), the soup was flavorful and hearty. It warmed my soul during this cold weather. The beef was a little tough, but I can over look it bc the broth was yummy and the noodles were nicely chewy and still sucked up the flavor from the soup. The beef rolls (7/10) were good, however, kinda dry. I wish there was more sauce inside but other than that it was pretty solid. We also got a pitcher of beer, and found out it was BOGO :D! I'm sure it's supposed to be paired with the skewers they have on the menu, bc after all carbs we ate the beer made us so full. Definitely coming back to try more yummies! (I realize my old review was for the other Irvine location! This one isn't self serve, they have servers here, which I prefer more) read more

Northern Cafe - Beef rolls - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Orange chicken - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Beer - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - The spread - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Zinnia，Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 2

Thanks 3

Love this 4

Oh no 0

Danny N.

253

2 years ago

Food is authentic and delicious. The price won't break the bank and the service is great! 5 Stars for affordability, cleanliness, and excellent food! read more

Northern Cafe - Golden hot pot. $16.99 on 01/05/25 - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Danny N. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Christine A.

190

274

2 years ago

I love Northern Cafe! Service is very friendly, and I personally enjoy their beef rolls and lamb dumplings. I typically get takeout and it only takes 20 minutes. Highly recommend! read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Christine A. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Daniel Y.

11 months ago

Authentic food, come for the skewers only available at dinner. They also have cold dishes to go that hit the spot

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Customer Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lauren D.

250

529

720

2 years ago

We live super close to here but only recently checked it out! It's a very popular somewhat new spot for Chinese food. We've ordered takeout a handful of times now and love it. I love that they have xiao long bao here since there aren't a lot of places that have it, and you really want it to be fresh and hot when you eat it! I also love their fatty beef with scallion. Their sautéed veggies are good also but very garlicky. I wish they were a bit cheaper so that a smaller family could order that without spending too much money. We've also tried the garlic pork ribs which were pretty good, but not a lot of meat on them. They come already cut to bite-size pieces so you can eat them with chopsticks, but I feel like ribs are easier to eat whole with your hands (yes I'm white but still). Overall I really like this place and it's definitely in our rotation for takeout nights! read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Lauren D. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jade L.

222

2 years ago

Our new fav Chinese restaurant in Irvine. Food can out super quick and tasted super fresh. Not too much oil was used and not too salty! Will def be back to try other items on the menu! read more

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Kiki J. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Helena O.

178

1 year ago

First time here after my friend mentioned this place. Foods are good and service is quick. Definitely coming back! read more

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Helena O. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Hanna H.

126

1 year ago

I like the food there but it is a bit too heavy for my liking. But they have unique foods like pork ears and beef tripe seasoned with chili oil. I like how I get to eat the food while watching TV and the restroom is clean too. The workers are very patient when we got our orders. Food ratings: Cucumber: fresh and has sesame oil & salt seasoning - 8/10 Black fungus: Uses sweet vinegar seasoning and has some onions - 10/10 Beef roll: Tastes savory and sweet but it's a little greasy 6/10 Pork ears: It uses chili oil and has a gelatinous texture 8/10 Spicy wontons: Not too salty but too greasy for my liking 5/10 Fried rice: It has shrimp and pork bits 6/10 Pumpkin pancake - crispy on the outside, sweet and chewy on the inside. 10/10 read more

Northern Cafe - The fried rice tasted good. Not too salty nor greasy. - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Customer Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Eugene W.

129

2 years ago

Yummy food and great service! We love their beef rolls, dumplings, and cold dishes! Would recommend getting the pig ear and wood ear. read more

Northern Cafe - Juicy pork dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - 3 item cold dishes - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Eugene W. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amy S.

207

2 years ago

This is our new go-to spot in Irvine! Hubby and I come at least once a week to enjoy the soup dumpling, Shanghai rice cakes and sautéed string beans. We have tried almost everything on the menu and have never been disappointed. Service is excellent and it's so easy to order. We are so happy this place is right around the corner from our house. Best Taiwenese/Shanghainese restaurant in the OC! read more

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Amy S. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

G M.

5 months ago

The Beef Roll here is so good I dream about its goodness. Love the lamb and pork belly grilled skewers they serve after 5pm. Hot Pots are loaded with deliciousness and plentiful and I always get their spicy wontons to cap off and complete my belly ride. Can get crowded and close between lunch and dinner service. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sol Y.

170

446

2 years ago

Northern Cafe has been my go to place when I need to get a good hearty meal! Boiled & Pan Fried Dumplings, Spicy Chicken Nuggets, Fried Rice and more. Service through the QR code is easy and staff members are always cordial. Clean and cool environment to keep you comfortable. read more

Northern Cafe - pan fried dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - chili pop corn chicken - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - yang zhou fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - steam dumpings - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Sol Y. Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lin M.

929

2 years ago

Good as usual! One thing to note is their main menu closes at 9:30pm, the barbecue skewers and mini hotpot will continue to supply till they close at midnight. Servers are all well attentive. Good, needless to say, delicious. read more

Northern Cafe - The portion is goood! - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - House special beef noodle soup - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Chicken cartilage skewers, tasty! - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Grilled Skewers menu - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Food menu 1 - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Food menu 2 - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Lin, Thank you for your praise and feedback, we are looking…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

R. K.

2 years ago

Our first time here and glad to find a comfort food restaurant that opens late! They have a large variety on the menu from Taiwanese food, skewers, cold dishes, and hot pots. The food was pretty good and decent price. Will definitely be back. read more

Northern Cafe - Beef roll is huge! - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Spicy hot pot - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear R. K. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kasra B.

1 year ago

Love their eggplant and rice cakes. Their string beans are far better than Din Tai Fung and the portions are massive. Their scallion pancakes are great as well. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Ben L.

1 year ago

Food is awesome, and service is quick. The amount of food you get is decent. The food is very authentic chinese food read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Ben L. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rozheen N.

112

2 years ago

A must try experience with unique food and a wide variety of selection! Don't get me started on the seasoning used for the grilled portion of the food, a unique blend truly. Make sure to try to get a seat closer to the serving area since it is a tight space and you will have people walking into you when they open the door. read more

Northern Cafe - Sour hotpot grilled heart, gizzards & green beans - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Rozheen N. Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jian M.

2 years ago

Very authentic Chinese food, good service, our family enjoyed the dinner here. We ordered rice, noodles, hot pot, bbq. All food is delicious, we will definitely come back in the future. read more

Northern Cafe - Authentic Chinese restaurant, all the food we ordered are delicious. Will come back again. - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Shrimp fried rice - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Fried noodles - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Pancake - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Jian M. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amy D.

2 years ago

It's located next to the HMart, with plenty of parking spot. Service is good, food portion is great, and the price is reasonable. Typo can order by scanning the QR code on the table or ask for menu. read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Amy D. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

nadia m.

2 years ago

Favorite Place for good Hotpot and Wok goods. And All the pancake and Dumplings. Goooddd goood read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear nadia m. Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vincent D.

279

2 years ago

This is a new joint in the Irvine area. I have only visited this Irvine location, so this review is for this specific location only. The place is nice, spacious, and clean! There are plenty of lights, and it's very inviting. People are just busy in and out, between sitting, dining, and ordering to go (pickup), which makes it such a dynamic place! You can see some of the appetizer items in the front, which is very inviting--it makes you wonder and want to try them. Delicacies such as pork ear, intestines, and cold tofu salad, you need to try them if you have never had them! They also have many menu items, so it will take a few tries to find your favorite dish. Otherwise, it is a friendly place with a good food experience. Pricing is also OK for the most part; they are not super expensive, and you can take your leftovers home! read more

Northern Cafe - Pork ear, intestines - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Hot pot - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Business owner information

Madison V.

Dear Vincent，Thank you for choosing our restaurant and giving us five…

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Gian S.

127

197

1 year ago

Quick and efficient service, which is always appreciated! The food was pretty good, though not quite my all-time favorite. Still, it's a solid spot and I'd definitely go back. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 6 of 12

3831 Alton Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92606
Directions
(949) 502-7111
Call Now

Full menu

Hours

What time does Northern Cafe open?

Northern Cafe opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Northern Cafe opens at 4:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

What time does Northern Cafe close?

Northern Cafe closes at 2:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Northern Cafe closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Thu 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 11:00 PMFri-Sun 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Northern Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, Northern Cafe serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Northern Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Northern Cafe allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Northern Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Northern Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Northern Cafe have parking?

Yes, Northern Cafe has parking options. Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Northern Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Northern Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Authentic Chinese food plus authentic Chinese skewer barbecue! We open till midnight everyday!

Northern Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Northern Cafe

Are there gluten free options?

If you order stuff like skewers or the appetizers from the "steam table". There is no noodle or dumplings that's gluten free. Also, soy sauce is used so if you're very gluten sensitive then I would say no.

View question details

View All 7 Questions

You might also consider

EverSpring Modern Chinese

Leaving this review after an almost bad experience to help the restaurant or anyone else that may…read morehave eaten here today. 5 stars for fixing the problem immediately for us. We've been here several times before and what keeps us coming back is the quality of the food. Today, they had a new chef cook our food and it was terrible. Green beans were extremely sour (way way too much vinegar). Mapo Tofu had a ton of oil but not enough sauce, so it was just flavorless except the oil. The fried pork chop was over fried where some pieces you can't even bite through. The rice had too much water in it and was mushy. I rarely return food but this time it was so bad we had to let them know. We returned all of our dishes back to them. They let us know there was a new chef today, and they would remake all the dishes for us with the original chef. The replacement dishes were just as good as all our previous visits and it was excellent again! So thanks to the staff for fixing the problem. I'm not sure if they are training a new chef to take over, or as a backup, but they need to be careful as serving bad quality food like that would drive most people to never come back. We knew the food was good from prior experience, so we knew we could ask why the food quality changed. For first time customers, or those that may have ordered to go - if you had bad food today, it may have been a fluke due to the new chef. Service however was a amazing as usual. For all our visits including today, the staff has been kind and always looking for ways to help out and make sure we were having a good experience. So besides the food being good, I would say excellent service is also huge plus here. Don't be fooled with the automated ordering and robot delivering the food into thinking there is no service. The people behind the counter are awesome! Hope management takes care of this new chef issue quickly since their food quality is the main reason people come here. There was a night and day difference between the original food we got today, and the replacement!

We have eaten at EverSpring many times ever since they opened and my family loved it because it…read moretasted like authentic cantonese dishes. It had been a couple of months since we were last there and my parents and my daughter had been asking to go back and were really looking forward to eating there. However, we were so disappointed when we went back 2 weeks ago! The menu changed a bit, which was fine, and all our usual dishes were still there. We did notice that the cooks have changed and the original Cantonese chef was not there. I think the kitchen staff really changed how the flavors of the dishes for the worst. My 7yo daughter used to love their shrimp fried rice, but as soon as the fried rice came out, the first thing she said was "how come it looks so different from before." Not only did it look different, it was BURNT. It was like they fried the rice in a burnt wok so every grain of rice was coated in tiny black burnt bits. It was essentially inedible. They also just topped the rice with some tastless blanched shrimp instead of actually stir frying the shrimp into the rice. The green onion pancake used to be flakey with layers and expectedly oily for this dish, but the pancake we got this time was essentially a tasteless tortilla. It literally looked and tasted like a tortilla. No layers, flakes or oil at all and was the worst green onion pancake I've ever had anywhere. The fish with black bean sauce was acceptable, but it was definitely not the same. It tasted more like American Chinese flavors instead of the previous authentic Cantonese flavors. The only dish that I thought was still good was the stir fried eggplants, although my parents said it also tasted more Americanized. We are so sad that the food here has changed so much and it was one of the rare places my Cantonese dad actually said tasted authentically Cantonese in the area. The restaurant was full during our latest vist but we did notice that 90% of the diners and people ordering take-out were non-Asians. When we came previously, there was a good mix of Asian and non-Asian diners, so it seems like the clientele have shifted, which might explain the flavor changes or vice versa. The staff is still very nice and friendly, but it seems like the robot server has been laid off. I don't think we will be coming back again unfortunately as the food is no longer what we loved before. However, they seemed to still be doing well so others must still like it.

Crispy Beef. Photo is for demonstration purpose only, not our actual serving size.

Orange Chicken

See all

Dry Chili Chicken

Kuan Zhai Alley

Kuan Zhai Alley is a really solid addition to the local Sichuan scene, I was super excited when…read morethey opened a few months ago. Tucked into the Los Olivos Marketplace, the inside is super modern and clean, making it a comfortable, nice spot to sit down. It's also super convenient that you can just order via the QR code right from your phone or wave down a waiter if you prefer. The food hits all the classic Sichuan cravings and comes out quick. The Laziji (Spicy Fried Chicken) is piled high with dried chilies and has that perfect, addictive crispy crunch. Another massive standout is the Stir-Fried Cilantro Beef--the meat is incredibly tender and tossed with a ton of fresh cilantro and green peppers for a great, fresh kick. If you want a dry pot, the Dry Pot Chicken Wings are awesome. The wings are perfectly seasoned and come tossed with lotus root and crinkle-cut potatoes that soak up all the savory, numbing spices. It's a little pricier than your average strip-mall spot, but the ingredient quality, bold flavors, and clean environment completely justify it. Definitely a go-to when you want authentic Sichuan food in a nicer setting.

Another amazing meal at Kuan Zhai Alley. We got there on a…read moreFriday night and ordered out usual veggies, shrimp and steak. Tonight we did not need to wait too long. If I can make just a simple suggestion, please expand your menu. Please use Yelp online check in. This place could be five stars.

See all

Northern Cafe

NORTHERN CAFE @ UNIVERSITY CENTER…read more The food was so yummy and it was so convenient to get, love that there was plenty of spots to sit too! The food came out in about 5 minutes and everything was pretty good. Overall 5/5 would get again

Went here for lunch, and it could get packed during lunch time but the service is fast. We ordered…read moreDandan Noodles, egg plant with garlic sauce, yangzhou fried rice, sweet and sour ribs and pork and shrimp dumplings. Dandan noodles is okay, nothing special. Egg plant with garlic sauce is too greasy probably because of they fry the eggplants first. Yangzhou fried rice is okay, lots of shrimp. Sweet and sour ribs is too sweet for me and too saucy that it feels overwhelming already and lastly the pork and shrimp dumplings is just okay, you need to put their dumpling sauce to make it taste better. They do have outdoor seating and we have our dog with us and the tables are clean despite being in a busy street. Overall, the food is just okay, service is fast and place is clean.

Szechuan Mala Pot | IG @moniquedao

Front cashier area

See all

Zha Jiang Noodle

Six Alley Xi’an Biang Biang Noodle

Locally owned & operated

Happy hour specials

I came here around the end of the day absolutely STARVING. We got seated quickly and everything was…read morehandled promptly. The restaurant itself is a bit on the small side so you'll be close to your neighbors not that it was an issue personally. My buddy and I ordered our items and shared with each other for a good full experience. We got the three-in-one noodles medium heat and the Ma Hu Beef noodles with mild heat alongside the cucumbers with medium heat as an appetizer. Cucumbers were very fresh! However, they really were just cucumbers with a little heat on them so they weren't anything too special. Once the main entrees came in, I couldn't stop myself from digging in! I forgot to take a picture until after some damage was done to our meals. Three-in-one was so flavorful and sweet with the noodles becoming incredibly soft after having mixed it all together. The star of the show for me though was the Ma Hu Beef noodles. The beef was remarkably tender and delicious and the noodles had a firmer texture that complimented with the flavors. Oddly enough, the mild heat on the Ma Hu Beef was spicier than the medium heat three-in-one! If you find yourself in the mood for Biangbiang noodles, this is definitely the spot to go to. On a side unrelated note about the parking which did not influence my review; the parking here is rough. It's consistently packed so watch out for that. There is a structure across the street that allows parking for the food court. I parked in the structure but I had a bad experience because since it's also parking for the residents above, the gate was closed on us after 8pm. I had to wait for a vehicle to come out and open the gate for not only just me but for multiple other people that had also parked in the structure!Just something to keep in mind. Hopefully that doesn't continue being an issue for future guests.

Food tastes good. Service perfect! Ambiance good. Comfortable at all! Lucy's service is very good…read more Definitely will come back soon!

Ranked #36 -- Among Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in Orange County 2025

N3. Mahu Beef Noodle

See all

Braised Beef Rib with Oil-Poured Noodle

Crispy Rougamo

Stopped by here to grab a quick dinner and it did not disappoint! The lamb rougamo aka hamburger is…read morewhat caught my initial attention, but everything else was tasty as well. They also have the option for beef and pork if lamb is not your thing. Also tried their wonton soup, which was actually really savory while comforting, as well as their cold and spicy plate of beef and tripe and decided to give their eggplant, potato, and some peppers a try and even the table next to us was curious about the dish bc it looked and tasted so good. Service was very attentive too, making sure everything tasted delicious. Overall, a casual and small group-oriented restaurant that warrants a solid try.

Simple restaurant serving reasonably priced, casual Chinese food. My son and I were on our own for…read moredinner and decided to try something new. This spot was on the way to football practice, so we popped in. Staffing was minimal -- just two servers running the whole place -- and ordering is done through a QR code, which seems to be the norm these days. The ambiance is basic: plain tables and chairs, minimal décor, nothing fancy. We ordered the fried chicken cutlet w/ rice, the crispy rougamo, and the garlic string beans. Everything was solid, but the crispy rougamo was the standout. Flaky pastry packed with strips of peppery steak -- simple but really satisfying.

See all

Meizhou Dongpo

Yummy food. They had such good service. The restaurant was so nice and will come back soon. Water…read morerefills were so quick, waiters were super attentive 10/10.

Highly recommend Food here is hot and good , the server was really nice too ! Would come here…read moreagain !

Fresh seafood prepared in a multitude of ways

See all

Meizhou Roast Duck served with steamed crepes

A & J Restaurant

A&J is an Irvine institution!! Can't even remember how much times I've visited in the last ten…read moreyears because it's probably my favorite Taiwanese spot in the area. It's about time I reviewed them! My number one dish goes to the minced pork rice- it's a pretty simple dish, but it's sooo good here for some reason. I've ordered this dish at other Taiwanese restaurants and nothing compares to the one at A&J- the pork is always SO flavorful, never dry and enough to coat all the rice, the egg is perfection, and all the little garnishes compliment the dish so well. It's also just as amazing takeout which I always appreciate. Other go-tos are the spicy beef noodle soup- the beef in it is always so tender and I love getting the thick noodle option because of the rough texture it adds. Beef roll and pan fried dumplings are always a good option for sharing. Have tried a lot of things on their menu and nothing so far has disappointed!

Went to A&J with a few friends on a Friday night. There was about a 15-minute wait. We checked in,…read moretold them our party size, received a numbered ticket, and were seated shortly after. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the beef noodle soup, minced pork over rice, spicy wontons, fried pork chop, and scallion pancake. At first, the portions looked smaller than we expected, but the prices were reasonable and the food ended up being more filling than it appeared. We actually thought we'd need to order several more dishes for our group of four, but by the end of the meal we were completely satisfied. My favorite was definitely the spicy wontons. The wontons themselves were great, but the sauce was flavorful, slightly spicy, and addictive!

#151 sliced pork ears w/hot and spicy seasoning, #154 vegetarian delight (gluten puffs, bean curd, and mushrooms)

Interior

See all

Chinese Style Fried Chicken on Rice

Seven Grams

I was introduced here by a couple of friends, and Seven Grams did NOT miss! We were a big group,…read morewhich means we got to try multiple different things out. We waited one hour on my visit, but that is to be expected as the restaurant is quite small. Beef Rolls (5/5): We got two orders of these, and it was our favorite for a reason. Crispy and flaky wrap on the outside and it was packed with flavor. It was very satisfying to eat! Scallion Pancakes (3.5/5): They were plain but that is to be expected, I didn't taste much scallion. It needed the sauce of course! Spicy Wontons (4/5): These are solid and the chili oil does pack a lot of heat. I would say they are on the spicier side, just wish there was a little more depth to it. Seven Grams XLB (4/5): Juicy and flavorful! Not the absolute best I've had, but still worth ordering. Golden Beef Noodle Soup (5/5): This bowl right here was amazing. Green leafy kale paired with the extra hearty soup was what made this bowl a standout dish for me. 100% would order this alone! Mapo Tofu (5/5): Yummy silky tofu cubes with the minced meat sauce were delicious in every bite! I had no other complaints, but this dish gets very filling easily. Seriously, this place is one of my favorite places in Tustin. The service one inside is efficient, and the ambience is a bit noisy and packed, but this place is popular for a reason. I'll definitely revisit this spot when I get the chance.

Been to Seven Grams multiple times, primarily for the delicious Xiao long bao. There is a Yelp…read morewaitlist, and you can also join in person. Seating consider is around 10 tables plus hjgh top stools, so if you are a large group the wait can be long. We stopped by yesterday to try out some new items, which were a mixed bag. First the Cheese Chicken Roll was surprisingly good. Imagine the Beef Roll and swap things around to get something off of a fancy KFC menu. It features a crispy flaky tortilla outside, wrapped around copious chicken (katsu texture), some lettuce for a crunch, some melted cheese, and then a spicy Thousand-Island type dressing. It all pairs well, has a good chicken portion, and texture variation too. My only desire would be for slightly more lettuce and slightly less cheese, otherwise perfect. Crispy Lotus Root Fries are solid, but not a replacement for typical potato fries. The lotus version was not as crispy or crunchy, but would be an Asian version. It comes with ketchup and the same spicy thousand island dressing as the chicken roll. Lastly we were let down by the Pan Fried Shrimp&Chicken Dumplings (Whole Wheat). The whole wheat wrapping had a very slight texture difference, not as chewy as the typical dumpling wrapping. But the inside was the main focus. It seemed like it was a fishball inside, a homogenous color and texture and more reminiscent of fish than of shrimp. It's possible we got the wrong dumpling. Based on this experience we would not order it again. Wheat wrapping would be fine, but the shrimp/chicken filling would be a no.

Wonton With Chili Sauce 6pcs

Inside seating

See all

Pan Fried Shrimp&Chicken Dumplings (Whole Wheat) 8pcs

Xishang Roodle

Met with friends from all over So Cal for an event down South. After the event our friend found a…read morenoodle house in Santa Ana, odd find location but lets go ... Massive parking lot so that was easy, one friend went ahead and let them know we had 10 incoming. They made room and we sat immediately. One of the spots that you scan a menu at the table and you review, order and pay all in the app. I was really not familiar with the line up and went with the "House Special Beef Pot Roodle" (Roodles are their rice noodles). It was a weekend only item and I tried that. The noodles came separate from the soup. Over all it was very tasty. The meat was a bit fatty and the soup had tendons too. I took that part home and my wife loved it. I tend to avoid the fatty meat and tendons are not good to me. 10 of us so some of the appetizers got passed around. The smashed cucumbers are excellent, and my buddy also got some friend potatoes of sorts, reminded me of a fat French fry. Because my buddy and I sat at the same table we scanned the same menu, he ordered a bunch of stuff and also House Special Beef Pot Roodle. That confused the kitchen and they asked me if I meant to order 2, I said no and didn't realize I cancelled my buddy's order. Part of the confusion of a large party and many scanned menu orders. My buddy was struggling to order and our initial waiter seemed to not understand my friend and that took a little bit to work out, young lady came from the back and was able to quickly resolve some of the confusion and get questions answered as needed. In the end he had lot of food to explore. One thing that caught my eye was several couples there and sharing a large soup item served with a tray of various food items for the soup. Kind of a date night visual and something that looked very interesting. Several couples around us had that same dish and its got me more curious. Might have to come back with my wife and try this one.

I decided to give this place a try because I heard their noodles were very authentic, and as…read moresomeone who loves noodles, I was excited to try it. I ordered their most popular dish, the A1 set, but honestly, it didn't really live up to the hype for me. The broth tasted pretty underseasoned overall. From what I understood, you're supposed to mix all the toppings into the soup with the noodles, but even after doing that, I still felt like the flavor was lacking. Yes, they provide seasoning on the side, but personally, I wish the broth already had enough flavor on its own without needing to adjust it myself. Would I come back? Probably not. Nothing really stood out to me enough to return, and it felt more like a one-time experience. Overall, everything was just okay.

We came from all over to meet at this Roodle spot in Santa Ana. Fun times.

Beef Stew Noodle

See all

Devil Chicken | $9.99

Noodle Nest

This is probably the most underrated spot inside Diamond Jamboree. The menu is beautifully diverse,…read moreshowcasing Chinese comfort food and hand-pulled noodles at their finest, with something for everyone. Everything I've tried here has been delicious. The flavors are robust, well-balanced, and consistently satisfying. It's tucked around the corner between some of the more heavily trafficked spots, but in my humble opinion, this place is the real star of Diamond Jamboree. Can't recommend it enough.

When I told my daughter that this place has scallion pancakes and beef rolls, she wanted to come…read morehere instead of Kura. We came for early dinner and the place was pretty empty so I was able to get a full video clip of the restaurant. We ordered our usual beef rolls, scallion pancakes, and beef noodles. The beef noodles with eggs was the first dish to show up. It's slightly salty for my taste, otherwise it's decent. The scallion pancakes were very layered, probably one of the best looking ones we've ordered. The beef rolls were also one of the nicest presentations I've seen. They were perfectly wrapped and not a single green onions or cilantro fell off. Service was excellent. Granted there was only one wait staff but he was very attentive and observant. I saw a black dot on my plate, he immediately went to get a new plate for me without me asking. He constantly came to check on us and add more water. Overall, it was OK. It does have a huge variety of selection. Next time I would like to try more dishes and maybe skewers too.

E6. Dry Fried Cauliflower

Interior

Beef Roll.

See all

Chubby Cattle BBQ

Josh was a wonderful cook! Helped us grilling and his service was amazing! Def will come back :)read more

The meat is just tooooo good here, we came near closing but they workers were welcoming and made…read moresure we got all the goods event with the limited time. Our server Vincent was amazing! He frequently checked up on us and gave us grill changes multiple times without us having to ask, he also helped me sign up for the membership

Wagyu Otoro Uni Caviar Handroll / 和牛金枪鱼大膜手卷

Sukiyaki soup

See all

Wagyu Uni Caviar Nigirl

Baekjeong - Irvine

We came on Friday night because we're craving for good and high quality meat. We waited 20mins for…read morethe table. First time here and Mark made us feel welcome and answered all of our questions. Definitely come back and highly recommend this place!!!

Ordered the beef combo and did not have to lift a finger to cook anything. Had a great meal and…read moreservice from Mark and Don. Very friendly and welcoming. Thanks, Mark and Don!

See all

Hako

We ordered their signature dish, eventhough I am not a fan of Japanese curry. The cooking and…read morepresentation are very executed and most importantly, tasted great!

guys... my fiancé loves katsu and he says he would truly d word for this place bc he loves it SOOO…read moremuch!! like WOW. and ofc i mean that as the highest compliment!!!! ‍ hako is tucked away in an irvine center that has tons of parking, but it can still be pretty packed so keep that in mind! the restaurant itself isn't too large either, so the wait times can be high if you don't get there outside of peak hours. they do have a yelp waitlist though, so utilize it!! the restaurant is always clean and in order, and service is always so quick, kind, and on top of it. here's what we tend to order: - hamburg beef katsu: my meat of choice will always be beef, and the beef katsu here is SO juicy and flavorful. it's my favorite and i dream about it LOL - hire katsu: my fiancé's choice! a nice pork katsu, it's always cooked to perfection, nice and tender, and just wow.. NO NOTES. on top of the katsu itself, the salad is always delicious (love the dressing!), miso soup is heartwarming, i love the pickled onions/jalapeños and radish, and the DIPPING SAUCE??? i need the recipe!! ok i'm done but pls just know: LOVE THIS PLACE DOWNNNN. will be back soon!!!! :-)

See all

Habana

Highly recommended!! The food was great, flavorful variety. The atmosphere and service was amazing,…read morethanks to Many Ramirez, our server!! Definitely coming back to enjoy more of what this pkace has to offer!!.

Emmanuel Ramirez amazing service very nice guy. Always right on time. Made us feel like at home.read more

See all

All That Shabu

Oh my goodness this place is so good i ripped my hair out 10/10 come here they have the best hotpot…read moreand service is amazing im coming here very often so they should have a table just for me lol anyway i love this place

All That Shabu ALWAYS hits the spot. For comforting, filling, quality shabu..look no further cuz…read morethis is your place! My fam & I always love coming here when we crave meat and fresh veggies. For the $39.99 AYCE dinner price, you really can't go wrong. My fav lately is mixing the spicy beef broth & miso. #trust It's not uber spicy & super flavorful. Everything is fresh and plentiful. The atmosphere is chill. And service is great! Still our fav, go-to Shabu in Irvine!!! RxFoodie recommend!

See all

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

38 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

obama

2 years ago

. Ambiance and Service: The restaurant offers a comfortable and clean environment with both indoor booth seating and an outdoor patio. The ordering process is straightforward, with a walk-up counter where patrons place their orders before seating themselves. Service is generally efficient, though some patrons have noted that it can feel a bit rushed during peak hours. Menu Highlights: Northern Cafe's menu features a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, with several standout items: * Dumplings: The house soup dumplings are praised for their juicy pork filling and flavorful broth, though some find the skin slightly thick. Pan-fried shrimp, pork, and chive dumplings are also highly recommended. * Noodle Dishes: The tomato beef noodle soup and golden soup beef noodles are popular choices, offering rich and hearty flavors. * Skewers: Cumin lamb skewers and other grilled items are favorites among patrons, providing a tasty complement to the main dishes. * Vegetable Dishes: Sauteed green beans and eggplant with garlic sauce are notable vegetarian options that have received positive feedback. Customer Feedback: Reviews are generally positive, with many customers appreciating the authentic flavors and variety of the menu. Some patrons have mentioned that certain dishes, like the garlic pork ribs, can be a bit salty, and the spicy shrimp wonton may not appeal to everyone's taste due to its unique preparation. Overall Experience: Northern Cafe provides a satisfying dining experience for those seeking authentic Chinese cuisine in Irvine. Its proximity to the University of California, Irvine, makes it a convenient spot for students and locals alike. While service can be brisk during busy times, the quality and taste of the food make it a worthwhile visit. read more

Anna W.

105

27 days ago

I recently visited this Northern Chinese restaurant and had an excellent dining experience from start to finish. The restaurant has a warm, inviting ambience that strikes a perfect balance between modern elegance and traditional Chinese charm, making it a great place for both casual meals and special gatherings. The staff were exceptionally friendly, attentive, and welcoming. They were happy to explain menu items and provided thoughtful recommendations, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The food was the highlight of the visit. The dumplings were outstanding--freshly made, authentic, and packed with flavorful fillings. Every bite showcased the quality and craftsmanship that Northern Chinese cuisine is known for. The skewers were perfectly seasoned and grilled, offering a delicious smoky aroma and tender texture. The hotpot was equally impressive, featuring a rich, flavorful broth and a wide selection of fresh ingredients. It was comforting, satisfying, and ideal for sharing with family and friends. The noodle dishes were expertly prepared, with a wonderful chewy texture and deep, authentic flavors that transported me straight to Northern China. I also appreciated the variety of cold dishes, which were refreshing, well-balanced, and full of vibrant flavors. They provided the perfect contrast to the heartier hotpot and grilled items. Overall, this restaurant delivers an authentic Northern Chinese dining experience with delicious food, beautiful ambience, and outstanding service. Whether you're craving handmade dumplings, flavorful skewers, comforting noodles, or a satisfying hotpot meal, this place is definitely worth a visit. I look forward to returning soon. read more

Alice L.

331

8 months ago

The Go-To Comfort Spot in Irvine Northern Cafe has been my comfort food favorite since my college days. Their menu is huge, and no surprise--they've expanded with more locations and are always busy. I visited the Irvine branch on a weekday, and the dining room was packed, with a steady stream of people picking up takeout. Here's what we tried: Golden Soup Beef Pot Mildly spicy and so comforting--perfect for cooler weather. The broth was flavorful, loaded with ingredients, and even included these adorable "cat paw" fish balls. So cute and satisfying! House Special Charcoal Grilled (available after 5 PM) They use an open flame to grill these skewers, and the Pork Belly Skewers were fantastic. The grilled oysters, scallops with vermicelli, and chicken cartilage were also delicious. Eggplant with Garlic Sauce The eggplant was melt-in-your-mouth tender and soaked up all the savory sauce. An absolute must-order! Juicy Pork Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) The wrappers were thin, and the filling was juicy and flavorful. So good, I didn't even need dipping sauce. So satisfying to pop one in your mouth! Shrimp, Pork&Chive Egg Dumplings Fresh-tasting filling with a nice chew to the dough. The combination of pork, chives, and shrimp was perfectly balanced. Beef Roll Generous portion with a crispy, golden wrapper. The braised beef inside was tender, the scallions were fresh, and the slightly sweet sauce had soaked through--so tasty! Northern Cafe delivers big portions, fast service, and a solid dining experience--no wonder it's considered a cafeteria-style staple for so many Irvine locals. Always reliable, always satisfying! read more

Leo C.

135

111

1 year ago

Northern Cafe in Irvine stands out as a commendable destination for authentic Chinese cuisine, often surpassing its sister locations in quality and service. Patrons frequently praise the restaurant's flavorful dishes and efficient service, contributing to its solid four-star reputation. The menu features popular items such as juicy pork dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), Dan Dan noodles, and spicy beef pots, all prepared with attention to authenticity and taste. The beef roll, in particular, has garnered positive feedback for its generous filling and well-balanced flavors. The restaurant's casual and inviting atmosphere, combined with reasonable pricing, makes it a favored choice among locals and visitors alike. While some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in service, the overall dining experience at this Irvine location is often deemed superior to other branches. For those seeking a satisfying meal that embodies the essence of traditional Chinese cooking, Northern Cafe in Irvine is a noteworthy option. read more

Ethan Z.

2 years ago

Northern Cafe Review Northern Cafe is a hidden gem for anyone who loves authentic Chinese food. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared dishes and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The food is absolutely top-notch. The dumplings are perfectly crafted with thin, delicate wrappers and flavorful fillings--seriously some of the best I've ever had. The beef noodle soup is another standout, with tender beef, hand-pulled noodles, and a broth that's rich and deeply satisfying. Don't miss their spicy wontons and scallion pancakes--they're heavenly. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality. The staff is friendly and efficient, even during busy times. While the seating can be a bit limited, especially during peak hours, the food is well worth the wait. If you're a fan of authentic Chinese cuisine or just looking for a place to enjoy comfort food that hits the spot, Northern Cafe is a must-visit. Highly recommended! Rating: read more

Hayley T.

Elite 25

1 year ago

We stumbled upon this spot while craving dumplings, and it did not disappoint! Ordering was super convenient--we just scanned a QR code, which made the process quick and seamless. We got the mala noodles, beef noodle soup, and pork dumplings, and everything was absolutely delicious. The beef noodle soup had a wonderfully clear, flavorful broth, and the noodles had the perfect chewy texture--so satisfying! My husband loved the mala noodles, and after taking a sip, I can confirm they pack a serious kick. If you enjoy spice, this dish is a must-try. The pork dumplings were a standout. The broth inside was rich and flavorful, so much so that I didn't even need any sauce--they were perfect on their own! On top of the great food, service was impressively fast. Everything came out quickly and fresh, which made the experience even better. Overall, an amazing meal, and we'll definitely be back. Highly recommend if you're looking for authentic and delicious flavors with quick and easy ordering! read more

Linda B.

2 years ago

If you're craving authentic, mouthwatering dumplings, Northern Cafe is the place to be! Nestled in a cozy spot downtown, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite for dumpling lovers in the area. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with soft lighting and a minimalist decor that keeps the focus on the food. The menu is a dumpling lover's dream, offering a variety of fillings and styles that range from classic to more inventive options. Each dumpling has a thin, slightly chewy wrapper that has just the right bite and bursts with balanced, delicious flavors. The service was attentive without being intrusive; the staff were knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations based on your preferences. Prices were fair for the quality, and I felt that every bite was worth it. Whether you're a longtime dumpling fan or a newcomer, Northern Cafe delivers a delightful dining experience. It's a must-try spot for anyone in town looking to indulge in delicious, handmade dumplings. read more

Richad G.

138

2 years ago

I recently dined at Northern Cafe in Irvine and had a delightful experience. The Pork Belly Skewers were a standout with their tender, flavorful meat that wasn't too spicy, making it a great start to the meal. The Charcoal Grilled Squid was another highlight, cooked to perfection with a mild spice that added just the right amount of kick without overwhelming the natural flavor of the squid. The Spicy Beef Pot was rich and satisfying, with a generous portion of beef that was both tender and well-seasoned. If you enjoy a bit of heat, this dish is a must-try. The Beef Roll was a pleasant surprise, offering a nice balance of savory beef wrapped in a crispy exterior. It was both filling and delicious. To wash it all down, I had a Diet Coke, which was served chilled and refreshing. Overall, the variety and quality of the dishes made for a very enjoyable dining experience. I'll definitely be coming back to try more from their menu! read more

Xiaolin G.

Elite 23

147

1260

2 years ago

I just visited the newly opened Northern Cafe in Westpark Plaza, Irvine, and it truly is a game-changer for authentic Chinese cuisine! Excited to witness their grand opening and all the culinary delights they brought to the table. This casual, self-serve spot is renowned for its juicy dumplings and hearty noodle soups, but what really stood out this visit were their new skewer options. I believe Northern Cafe might be the only spot in this franchise offering Chinese-style skewers. The lamb and pork belly skewers were absolutely delicious--perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection! I couldn't pass up my all-time favorites either: the Dan Dan Noodles and Jingdong Meat Pancake. Each dish delivered that authentic, robust flavor that keeps me coming back for more. Even though the place was bustling when I visited, the staff provided exceptional service, making sure every guest felt taken care of. read more

Janette N.

295

518

2112

1 year ago

Northern Cafe has been a go-to spot for me and friends since college, thanks to its generous portions, great taste, and affordable prices. I recently visited the Alton location after shopping at H Mart, and wow, it was packed! Thankfully, we managed to snag a table for two. Our server, who was wearing a black shirt around 6:00 p.m. (I didn't catch his name), was incredibly friendly and attentive. I ordered almost all of the recommended dishes and was impressed by everything, but my top picks were the spicy dumplings, orange chicken, and beef rolls. Just look at the photo of the beef roll--it was massive! It's easily my favorite beef roll in OC. Packed with beef and cilantro just like I like it. I left feeling both satisfied and full. If I had to compare Northern Cafe, I'd say it's like a mix of Boiling Point and Din Tai Fung, but with much more reasonable prices. read more

Jack G.

122

221

2 years ago

If you're craving authentic Chinese cuisine in Irvine, look no further than Northern Cafe. From the moment you step inside, the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff are great. The food, however, is where Northern Cafe truly shines. The menu features a wide array of northern Chinese dishes, and each one is packed with flavor and authenticity. The noodles, particularly the hand-pulled varieties, and hot pot are a must-try. What truly sets Northern Cafe apart is its commitment to authenticity. The flavors are bold yet balanced, with dishes like lamb skewers and spicy stir-fries that are reminiscent of northern China's diverse culinary traditions. If you're a fan of Chinese food, Northern Cafe is an absolute gem. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned fan, this spot will not disappoint! read more

Brian W.

Elite 25

295

837

2 years ago

Northern Cafe is a new and popular Chinese food chain that has popped up all over Southern California. This was actually my first time visiting this chain, and this particular chain left a great impression on me! The service was efficient and friendly, and the food was spectacular, as nearly all of the dishes hit the spot for me. I will say the green onion pancakes need to be a little crispier, and the Chongqing Chicken needed a little more flavor, but everything else came out amazingly. The highlight was probably the Hot and Sour Soup, as it was a massive bowl of soup and had great flavor. The Sweet and Sour Pork also hit the spot as I have not had that dish in a long time! Overall, I would recommend Northern Cafe as a casual, traditional Chinese spot to get a quick and good meal. read more

Alan M.

2 years ago

The restaurant has a bright and airy vibe with its high ceilings and open layout, making the space feel really welcoming. Inside, there's plenty of seating, and if you prefer the outdoors, there's a cozy outdoor area that you share with The Cut next door--a burger joint that's definitely worth checking out. From the moment you walk in, the service is friendly and attentive. The fried rice was a bit on the bland side, but the Dan Dan noodles were a flavor explosion, and the dumplings were delicious. Parking is super convenient since the lot is shared with Hmart, so finding a spot is never an issue. There are a few small things that kept this from being a perfect 5-star visit, but since the place is still new, I'm sure it'll keep improving as time goes on. read more

Amber O.

305

2 months ago

My husband and I came here for dinner and honestly ended up enjoying everything we ordered. The atmosphere was really nice and comfortable, which made the whole experience feel relaxed. We tried the eggplant dish, chicken dish, dumplings, orange chicken, and even dessert, and every single thing was surprisingly good. Sometimes at restaurants you'll have a favorite and a couple dishes that are just okay, but this was one of those places where we kept saying, "wow, this is good too." The flavors were really satisfying without feeling overly heavy, and everything tasted fresh. We left saying we definitely need to come back again. read more

Tony Z.

140

6 months ago

Great spot for family dinners or group gatherings. The menu offers homestyle Chinese dishes, hot pot, and BBQ, so there's something for everyone. The Golden Soup Beef Hot Pot was fragrant and slightly sour, very appetizing, with generous beef and a good mix of vegetables. Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs were well balanced and not greasy, perfect with rice. We also enjoyed the Beef Wrap, which had a thin, crispy flatbread and savory filling. BBQ skewers, especially the lamb, were flavorful with good cumin and chili seasoning. Overall, a solid, reliable Chinese restaurant that works well for sharing dishes with friends and family. read more

Iris Z.

1 year ago

Here's an updated review with 95 words: "The order system at Northern Cafe is very convenient and easy to use, making the experience smooth from start to finish. The food is consistently delicious, with the Gold Soup Beef Hot Pot being an all-time favorite. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the ingredients are always fresh. The service is prompt and friendly, and the staff ensures that everything is taken care of efficiently. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends. Highly recommend for anyone looking for authentic and satisfying Chinese cuisine in the area!" read more

Andrew L.

1460

479

3240

10 months ago

I recently visited this restaurant and was disappointed with my visit. Let me start with the positives. The menu offers a wide variety of Chinese dishes, appetizers, desserts, and drinks. The string beans dish tasted good. The restaurant itself is very large with plenty of seating. However, I was very disappointed with the service. You must seat yourself and order on your phone. If you have any questions, you must walk up to the front counter. I was disappointed with how little service you get. At the end, you must pay tip. We expressed our frustration and one employee was nice enough to listen to us. read more

Tanya R.

2 years ago

I recently dined at Northern Café, and it was an amazing experience! The standout dishes were definitely the lamb dumplings, which were incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked. The fried rice was also a delight, rich in taste and a perfect complement to the meal. The all-meat skewers were a highlight as well, bursting with juicy goodness that meat lovers will adore. Additionally, the service was excellent, thanks to Lili, who was attentive and made our dining experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for delicious Northern cuisine! read more

Yanshuo T.

2 years ago

This barbecue restaurant is absolutely fantastic! The meat is perfectly grilled, tender, and bursting with flavor. The marinades and seasoning are spot-on, offering a balance of smokiness and spice that's simply irresistible. The side dishes complement the barbecue perfectly, and the dipping sauces add an extra layer of taste. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a great spot for gatherings or a casual meal. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring an excellent dining experience from start to finish. Highly recommended for barbecue lovers! read more

Alex M.