Northern Cafe

4.2 (457 reviews)

ModerateChinese, Barbeque

Closed • 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Updated 3 weeks ago

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Northern Cafe - Spicy wonton - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Szechuan Mala Pot 麻辣牛油鍋 | IG @moniquedao - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Northern Cafe - Half a Smoked Chicken - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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NORTHERN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

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Casual

Moderate noise

Outdoor seating

Good for kids

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Lisa K.

Huge portion sizes and pretty good Chinese food. I found the chicken fried rice a bit flavorless and the spicy chicken wontons were tasty but the sauce wasn't my favorite and I didn't care for the peanuts on top. The restaurant is spacious but the layout is a bit confusing. They have a cold station inside the restaurant to the right and had nobody at the register so I wasn't sure if we ordered first then sat down or just found a seat. I eventually just sat down because I saw there were QR code menus on the table. Food came out pretty quickly and everyone working here was very nice.

Sharon S.

Came here really hungry! It was wonderful and filling with aromatic plates after plate! Xiao Long Bao - juicy pork with pop of soup 4 stars skin is a bit thick But dumpling is still tasty! Shanghai Rice Cake with Chicken 4 stars Beef Roll 4 1/2 stars Spicy Chicken Won Ton 4 stars Service 4 stars

Pork Spicy E16. Pork Wontons in Spicy Chili Sauce / 鮮肉紅油抄手 (8 Pieces)

Ricardo M.

So first of all wow, I have to say I fell in love with the taste of this place when my sister brought me here for the first time. I have probably come here every time I come down to SoCal. I Would highly recommend to come here if you are looking for great Chinese food.

Alice W.

I love everything we get here but favorites are pickled veggie beef noodle soup and their green beans (always so flavorful!). Also love their chili wontons.

green onion pancakes, pork xiao long bao, spicy wontons in chili sauce, sauteed bokchoy with garlic, heart skewers, sesame balls

Van D.

I have seen multiple locations of Northern Café around and I finally got to try it out for myself. This location is in Irvine, in the Westpark shopping area, near H-Mart, Yuk Dae Jang and The Cut. They welcomed me in to sit at any empty table. There was a QR code at the table to scan, but I think they also go around and take the orders. I already entered the majority of my order by the time someone came by, so I just finished my order on my phone. Since it was my first time here I ordered a lot to get a variety and to-go what I couldn't finish. Charcoal Grilled Chicken Hearts ($3.99) - Comes with 2 skewers, with 4 hearts on each. They overdid it a bit on the seasoning. They brought it out on a whole board when I only got 2 skewers. A bit dry cause they opened up the heart instead of leaving it whole. Sauteed Bok Choy with Garlic ($13.99) - A healthy addition to the meal. I like that there was a generous amount of garlic. Scallion Pancake ($7.99) - Interesting presentation because they put it on a platter where the scallion pancake covered 2/3 of the long plate. It was crispy and tasty, but a tad more expensive than other scallion pancakes of the same quality and quantity served at similar restaurants. Xiao Long Bao | Juicy Pork Dumplings ($12.99) - Comes with an order of 8. Contains peanuts. I don't feel like the peanuts were needed with this plate, but it might be a regional touch. The skin was on the thicker side, but it was as juicy as the name promised. Pork Wontons in Spicy Sauce ($11.99) - Not too excited about these. I usually like the pork wontons in spicy sauce at other places. These were okay but not great. Sesame Balls ($5.99) - I like it. Served with 6 small sesame balls. There was red bean filling. It really hit the spots for my cravings. Overall they were about average tasting compared to restaurants of similar offerings. Service was minimal but of the interactions I had they were positive.

F2. House Special Beef Noodle Soup / 紅燒牛肉麵

Keri N.

Easy to order take out in advance online. When I arrived, it was already ready at the counter. Got the beef noodle soup and it came separated noodles and bok choy from the soup which was nice so that the noodles don't get soggy. Soup had good depth of flavor, soaks into the noodles well. Beef inside was ok, wish it was a little more fatty. Also ordered beef roll that had lots of meat inside and good amount of flavor with the hoisin sauce, cilantro, and green onions. Got the orange chicken since it was rated most popular. Even though it came with a lot of chicken, it felt like it was overcooked since the meat inside was pretty dry and stringy.

Cassidy F.

First time here and brought me and my team (about 22 of us). About 2 weeks before my planned visit I called and made a reservation for a Sunday 1pm. They typically don't take reservations on the weekend but they were able to accommodate, which I'm insanely grateful for. Staff was very nice about it and confirmed the reservation with me a few times too! Once arrived, they already had the tables set up and sat us right away. It's not the biggest restaurant. Maybe able to accommodate about 50 people at once? So we ended up taking almost half of the restaurant! We were split into 3 different tables and food came out very fast. We could order from the QR code or order with a server. Food was so so good and hot when it came out. I especially loved the sesame cold noodles and spicy wontons but you honestly could not go wrong with any of them. Overall, we had a really great experience. Parking was easy, staff was super nice, food was delicious! I loved it here! Again I've never dined in at Northern Cafe before but I'll be sure to come back and come back soon.

Kaylee L.

I have been here twice to pick up food to go and the food and service has been very good. For the pork dumplings I was disappointed it didn't come with ginger. Instead, they provided black vinegar which ended up leaking out of its container. Other than that, the dumplings are good with soy sauce and sesame oil if you have any at home. The Sautéed Bok Choy has a good amount of garlic and is good on its own or with a side of extra white rice. The Garlic Pork Ribs is very flavorful and is well fried. It is cut into small pieces and has a bit too many bones though. I would recommend this place for good Chinese food! Depending on the time of day, parking is plentiful and there are spaces exclusive for pick up only.

Fiona T.

In the Irvine or South OC area and looking for an affordable weekday Chinese lunch combo? Northern Cafe has you covered with 15 stir-fry dish options starting at $15, and each combo comes with soup and a drink. Portions are generous -- honestly enough to share or save for to-go. If you're craving something lighter, their dumpling special starts at just $7, with 6 pieces. Highly recommend the juicy lamb dumplings and juicy mala beef dumplings -- flavorful and rarely found. Also recommend the stir-fry pork if you love spicy IG: socalhkfoodies

Jack H.

Nice spot for Chinese comfort food! Food is great quality and pricing is very reasonable. Highly recommend the combo (select three items at the counter), beef noodle soup and beef roll. The waitresses working here are pretty nice and you order by scanning the QR code and selecting your items via your phone. I like the self service model but I can see why some people would appreciate more engagement/recommendation from the staff.

Green onion pancakes, lamb skewers, chongqing chicken, cold dish (cucumber, potato, beef)

Chanson Z.

Rating: 8.5/10 Our go to restaurant for reliable Chinese food in Irvine. The inside has many seats, and you sit down then order on the QR code. The interior is lively and has sports/Chinese food videos playing on the tv. The lamb skewers are very tasty but the pieces are very small so make sure to order 10. Chong qing chicken is amazing, chicken pieces are big and seasoned perfectly. Cold dish section has a variety of choices, and they give huge portions. All dishes are pretty authentic Chinese food, but nothing mind blowing, overall 8.5/10

Angeleats D.

Northern Cafe now offers skewers during dinner. We arrived around 7pm and it's packed! Restaurant is known for their carb dishes like xiao long bao, dumplings soup noodles, fried rice and Chinese pancakes. Cold dishes are only $14.99 for combination of 3. Portions are huge! No wonder everyday is getting them. Spicy cold chicken uses dark meat and is tender and flavorful. We came here to try their skewers: Lamb is the best! Also got chicken cartilage, scallops, Cali flowers, corns and fish tofu Beijing style pancakes has beef filling inside the crispy skin Pork ribs with string beans in hotpot is highly recommended They hire a lot of staff! Service is great!

Diana R.

We've been here several times and it never disappoints. We came on Christmas Eve and got lucky with the last table and didn't have to wait. Some servers are more friendly than others. We got lucky again and was greeted by a nice one this time! We both ordered different dishes we have tried yet. We both enjoyed our dishes. Next time if I want hot pot though, I will stick to the spicy beef hot pot instead of the Golden Soup beef pot.

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Erick M.

1 year ago

My review has nothing to do with the food. The food there is very very good! Which is why I keep coming back. And it's only because of the food that I'm not giving a 1 star review. This review is more about the service and tip demands. 1/26/25 My wife and I came in enjoyed our meal as per usual but basically ignored after all our food was brought to us. Not once did anyone come and ask to take away anything, no refill on water, and didn't even bother to bring us the bill or ask if we needed boxes like they have done the last couple of times I've been here for after waiting almost 20mins and failed attempts to get someone's attention to pay the bill (make an option to pay online to avoid this) I get up and request to pay for my bill because it's cold and getting late. So since there was basically no service outside of them brining out the food I didn't see a reason to tip. Just because you do your job of bringing out someone's order does not mean that's a service I'm tipping for. That being said after signing and declining to tip on the screen the cashier tells me to wait and prints out a 3rd receipt and tells me to "sign" again demanding I tip for the service. Which has never happened and I found to be very rude so I walked away and went about my evening. I don't know where you get such entitled employees that they demand customers tip if they see someone decline they should leave it at that and not pester someone for extra money. That's not at all professional or how it works. I tip based on overall service not on your doing your job. read more

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Madison V.

Dear Erick M. Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

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Annierong L.

2 years ago

I used to visit the one at UCI often. I heard a new one opened in Irvine, and it's closer to my home, so I came here for dinner today. They have BBQ, which I really like. The food here is great, and the prices are very reasonable. The taste is just as good as always! read more

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Madison V.

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

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Nick A.

697

1687

2 years ago

Poor business look here. Some 2 employees who works here smokes and litters. Finished some ok dumplings for dinner until I got this. Also, my friend got sick from how uncooked it is with the pork filling. Avoid this place as lack care. read more

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Madison V.

Dear Nick A. Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your…

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Julia W.

137

2 years ago

Adding this place to our new regular restaurant rotation. Everything was good; a tad on the too salty side except for the pork noodles, but I didn't mind it. Would definitely order the pork noodles and bbq cabbage & broccoli again! Clean, bright, and modern interior too - so a nice place to hang out. Also, fast service. There are QR codes on the table and you order yourself, which saves time! read more

Northern Cafe - shrimp wontons in chili sauce - would skip next time - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Charcoal grilled broccoli and cabbage - one of our favorite dishes here! - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Pork noodles - super good! Not as salty as everything else, so tasted bland in comparison but I actually like it that way - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - pork potstickers - a little salty but juicy and good chewy dumpling skin - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Cold side dishes - also salty but cool they have them. My dad wants to bring his friends for late-night beers and skewers and side dishes. - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Madison V.

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

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Eugene C.

1 year ago

This place exceeded our expectations for Chinese food. We got one of the hot pots which came out steaming hot and had a lot of food packed into it. The beef rolls were enormous and had a nice crispness and good flavor. The spicy wontons were big and juicy and the skin was a good consistency. We also go the pork belly skewer which came with a dry rub and was very tender as well as the classic green beans which were nicely seasoned. Overall, no complaints about this place based on what we had! read more

Northern Cafe - 3. Golden Soup Beef Pot 金湯肥牛鍋 - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Madison V.

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

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Ness G.

1 year ago

We really enjoyed the food the first time we visited--everything from the orange chicken to the fried rice was delicious. However, during that visit, we did experience what felt like discrimination. We're Hispanic, and when we asked to sit in the warmer side booth area, we were told it was only for Japanese guests. That moment was very disheartening, but we chose to set it aside because the food was genuinely great, and we wanted to give the restaurant another chance. We came back excited for another good meal. The hours online showed they were open until 12am, so we arrived a few minutes before 9:30pm. Unfortunately, we were told they were only serving skewers at that time--even though other customers around us were still being served full meals. That left us feeling really disappointed and unwelcome. We hope the management takes this feedback seriously. The food is worth coming back for, but the service and treatment of guests need to reflect the same quality and care. read more

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Yulian H.

2 years ago

This restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from noodles, hot pot, and skewers to cold dishes and stir-fries. has a clean and bright atmosphere, with friendly service. Nice place! read more

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

Northern Cafe - Cold plates - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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

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

Northern Cafe - Pork rib pot - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Madison V.

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Steffan C.

Elite 24

113

154

2 years ago

This place is extremely solid, a great addition to Irvine. Interior is comfortable and clean, service is friendly. The skewers are awesome, dumplings are good, noodles good. Overall its a relaxing place to get some pitchers of beer with skewers. read more

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Madison V.

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Kim N.

1 year ago

We came here for lunch. We ordered a couple cold dishes (bean curd noodles, cucumbers, and peanuts with anchovies)and some hot dishes (beef scallion rolls, xlb, pot stickers, and beef tomatoe soup). For dessert, we had some custard buns. Our kids loved the bean curd noodles and peanuts with anchovies. My favorite was the xlb, pot stickers, and the beef scallion rolls. The xlb were nice and juicy and the wrapper was not too thick. The pot stickers were also juicy with a nice crisp on the outside. The cucumbers, peanuts with anchovies, and the beef tomatoe soup could be better. Overall, we had a decent lunch and wouldn't mind coming again. read more

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Madison V.

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Melanie C.

476

2 years ago

The garlic pork ribs and dan dan noodles are bomb! The service is super quick too :) Good for a quick lunch break and cheap prices!

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Madison V.

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Rossanna L.

152

2 years ago

Came for dinner last night at 6pm and there is no wait. But within 10 mins this place is full. We ordered the golden beef soup pot, beef skewers and some side dishes. They are all so delicious! Especially the beef skewers, so tasty! Service is excellent. Will sure come back soon to try Other food on the menu. read more

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Madison V.

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

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Nadia B.

2 years ago

I normally visit the other Irvine location but wanted to try this Alton location. It's an easy process to scan and order on your phone. Portions are really good for a reasonable price and everything is delicious! Highly recommend. read more

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Madison V.

Dear Nadia B. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are very…

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James S.

1 year ago

The food is good and the price is very worth it. The restaurant is clean and the there is a lot of room between seats. read more

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Madison V.

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Lily L.

2 years ago

We have been going to Northern Cafe for a very long time, at both the UTC and Alton locations. Their service is always amazing and welcoming. The food is pretty authentic and tasty. At both locations, they have a cozy ambiance and they're clean. Would definitely recommend. read more

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Madison V.

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

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Trevor G.

Elite 24

2 years ago

My friends and I ordered the orange chicken, dumplings, and some random chicken dish that I had no idea what it was. The orange chicken was so good that I said "hot diggity dog" out loud in this fine establishment. There's 3 TVs in this restaurant. One of them was showing this middle aged Asian woman farming corn in her backyard (if I had to guess it was China), one showed a 65+ year Asian old woman selling goods in a market (looked like it could be Thailand), and the final tv was showing a 1980 baseball game (looked like it was in New York). All around some strange entertainment during dinner. Made me laugh. read more

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Madison V.

Dear Trevor，thank you for your five-star praise and feedback, the…

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Alice L.

2 years ago

My favorite Chinese BBQ in California (I'm from the SF Bay Area)! Love the lamb skew. Perfect bite size with even distribution of meat/fat, seasoned to perfection. Every time I'm in town I come here for several times.... Maybe considering a No Cal branch? read more

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Madison V.

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S C.

100

1 year ago

Nice place for authentic Chinese food. The service is fair, the place is pretty clean. Price is not too high for a noodle place and it's pretty crowded. Definitely suggest try their flavorful side dishes although it may seem a bit expensive considering them "side dishes" recommend and would return! read more

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Madison V.

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Binh D.

2 years ago

The food here is so good, I always like coming here at least 2 times a week. I would come more often if I could!

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Madison V.

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Geri Kate P.

2 years ago

Food is yummy for the price. Service is fast and ambiance is cohesive to the theme of the restaurant.

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Madison V.

Dear Geri Kate P. Thank you for your five star rating, and we are…

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Xu A.

2 years ago

Food is really good and in large portion Very Tasty and the service is good too. Highly recommend! read more

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Kelly S.

104

134

2 years ago

Some of the best kung pao we have ever had! The menu has a lot of variety and everything we ordered was delicious!! read more

Northern Cafe - Steamed Pork Dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - Menu 2 - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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

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Northern Cafe - Menu 1 - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Madison V.

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Jw C.

108

2 years ago

So good we came back. I've been to several Northern Cafe and this is my favorite. The place can get busy and the wait times can get long. Lamb hotpot is my favorite. It can get too spicy! read more

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Madison V.

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

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michelle l.

2 years ago

I have to say northern cafe has high standard with reasonable price. The food is always consistent and love the grill charcoal skewers.

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Madison V.

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Jacob M.

2 years ago

Great food and it came out extremely quickly. You order from your phone and they bring you the food. I look forward to trying the different foods they have! read more

Northern Cafe - Hot and sour soup, orange chicken, yangzhou fried rice, house special beef noodle soup. - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Madison V.

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HE X.

2 years ago

The ambiance is great. We ordered the braised chicken hot pot and bbq, also the appetizer combo has a lot of choices. Good quality of food and fast service. Will come back again! read more

Northern Cafe - Chicken pot pie - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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

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Madison V.

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Reina S.

341

1 year ago

Truly the BEST food we have tried in Irvine. It is a must have and highly recommend the dumplings, beef soup, orange chicken

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Madison V.

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Shami E.

170

1 year ago

Food was very good! Went on a Friday night it was really busy but the food came out quickly!

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Glo D.

Elite 24

100

2 years ago

I came to Northern Cafe to Munch on comfort dishes, and dine on delicious dumplings. There were handmade, and tastes like your Grandma made it. I saw a beautiful displayed cold dish appetizers, yummy yummy come to me, flat clear noodle " Lapi" OMG. I am in food Heaven, I will be back. read more

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Madison V.

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Fei H.

2 years ago

Great food, great service! Personal hot pot is amazing, i only realized this is the new location from UCI afterwards

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Madison V.

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Taylor S.

564

1 year ago

Awesome spot. Overall cool vibes. Recommend heavily. Food is on point and it's overall a great spot

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Madison V.

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JT F.

2 years ago

Went here here for lunch with my co worker on a weekend and the pork wontons in spicy chili sauce was delish and the beef roll was good but had too much cilantro so you can always ask to put less in it. This place is nice and clean read more

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Madison V.

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Philip N.

2 years ago

So exciting to have a skewer place nearby. I think the items are reasonably priced for the portions and flavor. The sauerkraut lamb pot is really good and tastes as good as the hot pots from boiling point. read more

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Madison V.

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Danielle C.

1 year ago

Came here for dinner on Monday night and was seated immediately. The service was so quick and the food was delicious. Would definitely come back here again. 5/5 rating! read more

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Madison V.

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Realtor® Gerson S.

1 year ago

They are open late though most of their menu is unavailable a couple hours prior to closing though I did not see that posted anywhere online to let us know before we drive over. Looked good but I was in the mood for what was not on option at the time I went. I will have to go back and try again now I know and will redo my review. The staff was very friendly too and that always is a plus read more

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Madison V.

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Tania K.

2 years ago

Really great that this location opened close by. The popcorn chicken and hot pot was amazing. read more

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Madison V.

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Adrianna D.

2 years ago

Love the soup it's really good. Always get hot and sour! Everything has been good. We share most items b

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Madison V.

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Erdong C.

2 years ago

Great portion sizes for the price. Give this place a try. Dumplings were good. Cold dish meats are solid read more

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Madison V.

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David C.

2 years ago

My wife and I tried Northern Cafe at the shopping center at Alton and Culver for lunch today. We arrived about 11:30. Just over a dozen tables which seat 4 each inside. Some can be moved together for parties of 8. Seating outside also. Steady steam of eat-in and take out customers. Wife order the Chicken Hot Pot and I ordered a Tomato Beef and Fried Egg soup. Both excellent. Large serving size and reasonable prices. Took some of both home. Highly recommend!! read more

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Madison V.

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

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Jennifer R.

2 years ago

Food is great and service is great but the seating is alright. If you sit in the booths it's great but if you get sit in the middle you are sitting elbow to elbow with another family. Aside from the seating it's a DinTaiFung dupe read more

Northern Cafe - Spicy Wontons and soup dumplings - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Madison V.

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Connie D.

2 years ago

Love this restaurant especially their eggplant, but everything else we get is also amazing. We're slowly trying all the dishes here and it never disappoints read more

Northern Cafe - Orange chicken, eggplant, green bean - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Madison V.

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Page 8 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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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 !

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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!

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Interior

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

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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.

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Inside seating

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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.

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

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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.

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Interior

Beef Roll.

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E6. Dry Fried Cauliflower

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

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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!

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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!!!! :-)

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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

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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!

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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.

Elite 26

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.

Elite 26

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.

Elite 26 All-Star

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.

Elite 26

164

209

605

1 year ago

Northern Cafe in Irvine is a solid Chinese spot that brings something a little different to the table. The portions are generous, the pricing is fair, and the flavors are on point - rich, satisfying, and well-balanced. The service is prompt and efficient, making it an easy choice whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout. While it may not be the most mind-blowing Chinese food in town, it's consistently good, filling, and definitely worth a visit. Overall, if you're looking for solid flavors, hearty portions, and great value, Northern Cafe delivers. read more

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Northern Cafe - chinese - Updated July 2026

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