Northern Cafe

4.0 (510 reviews)

ModerateChinese, Noodles, Hot Pot

Closed • 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

Updated 3 months ago

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Northern Cafe - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - front cashier area - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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

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Northern Cafe - Zha Jiang Noodle - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Northern Cafe Popular Dishes

77 Photos90 Reviews

about 2 months ago

Their beef rolls are also good, lowkey hard to beat in the area. Don't get the hotpot tho u will be disappointed. Ambiance and service are both good, once again my idea of an average chinese restaurant

4 months ago

Our last dine-in experience we got a beef roll, a scallion pancake, crispy chicken, and several other dishes I've forgotten. And last night we got to take out order of popcorn chicken, pan fried dumplings, orange chicken, soy fried...

45 Photos64 Reviews

about 2 months ago

Couldn't tell the orange chicken (brown), from the brown fried rice, to the brown sweet n sour pork. All brown. Like soy sauce covered everything. Immediately had a reaction to all the msg and felt sick.. It was EXPENSIVE and the...

3 months ago

orange chicken good here. typically i'd expect this one to be worse since its at UCI and you presumably have college kids working, but no difference between here and the other irvine location for me.

62 Photos49 Reviews

5 months ago

...it's edible, but it's not what anyone who actually understands Chinese food would expect--especially for dishes like braised beef noodle soup, roujiamo, and hot-and-sour soup. I've been here many times and have ordered big plate...

wouldn't recommend it. I've only come here a handful of times this quarter, and with food like this, a place like this is very easy to stop coming back to. 这作为uci旁边的中餐馆。我只能给到两颗星。即代表能吃，但非正常人类对中餐的理解（对于部分菜品尤其是红烧牛肉面；肉夹馍；酸辣汤）来过这家店很多次。点过大盘鸡，黄焖鸡，金汤肥牛锅，干炒牛河，肉夹馍，酸辣汤，鸡肉面，叉烧包等。黄焖鸡量大管饱，大盘鸡也不错。我尝试过的红烧牛肉面酱油味非常重，谁教你们这么做牛肉面的？叉烧包这种直接Costco或者大华买的预制菜味道确实还不错。但我看你们店员也有很多中国人，谁特么教你们这么做牛肉面的？鸡汤面也很腻能喝但肯定不推荐。这个quarter去这家店的次数屈指可数，这种店的出品极其容易被淘汰。

8 months ago

I hadn't been here in quite some time but was craving Spicy Beef Noodle Soup. I ended up ordering take out on their website which was super easy to use. It says expect 20 minutes but when I arrived in 10 minutes, it was already ready...

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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 groups

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Richard L.

We visited Northern Cafe near UC Irvine with a party of four and had a solid lunch experience overall. Ordering was straightforward, food came out quickly, and it was easy to share dishes family-style. What we ordered: * Cumin Lamb - Great Very tasty with bold cumin flavor and absolutely no lamb smell. One of the standout dishes. * Eggplant with Garlic Sauce - Great Well-cooked, rich, and flavorful. The sauce paired perfectly with the tender eggplant. * Sautéed Green Beans - Great Nicely blistered, savory, and addictive. Simple but done right. * Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs - OK Flavor was fine, but the meat leaned a bit chewy compared to the other dishes. * Popcorn Chicken - Great Juicy and tender on the inside with a crispy exterior. Easy crowd favorite. * Hot & Sour Soup - OK Comforting and warming, though nothing particularly memorable. * Pork Wontons in Spicy Sauce - OK Decent with good heat, but not a standout compared to similar versions elsewhere. * Cold Dish (3 Veg Items) - OK Refreshing and light, a good balance to the heavier dishes. * Rice Standard and served hot--does its job. Overall: This was a solid 4-star experience. Portions are generous, prices and value are great for the area, and the food quality is solid with a few standout dishes. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Conveniently located near UC Irvine on Campus Drive, Northern Cafe is a reliable spot for casual Chinese comfort food, especially when dining with a group.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Arshad H.

Northern Cafe is located at the University Town Center and serves up casual Chinese fare. Ordering is done at the front and then food is delievered to your table. I came with a group of co-workers and we decided to share some items. Chicken wontons - $12 - These were probably my favorite item here. The dumplings had good flavor and quite a bit of chicken. Scallion pancake ($8) - I've had much better elsewhere, and it wasn't as crispy and flaky as most other places. Beef roll ($13) - The beef rolls are wrapped in the same scallion pancakes so that part was disappointing and there was nothing special about the beef in the roll. Fried beef skewers ($6.50) - These skewers were so flavorful with a strong cumin flavor and I would recommend getting these if I revisited. Steamed custard buns ($6) - The buns were a little hard and didn't have as much custard as I had hoped for. Sesame balls ($6) - The sesame balls were a little doughy and had red bean paste. There weren't bad. Chinese herbal tea ($3.50) - Unfortunately this herbal team was served in a can and was extremely sweet. I didn't expect that and would pass on this altogether. Overall the food was just ok. Nothing really stood out and there were some disappointing dishes. There is plenty of seating as well as patio seating.

Rue K.

So this place is kind of confusing. Self serve order at the cashier but you still pay for a tip there's another machine where to go people order. But I was pointed to the to go machine and ordered from wrong spot. If you dine in, you're supposed to order at the cashier. Get own water and leftover box etc So we came at 6 pm on of Sunday night and the wait time was about 10 minutes. Staff will yell your name. They won't text u. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I realize this place is really busy compared to all the casual dining restaurants in the same plaza.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So most people wait five minutes and they leave so even though we're in the fourth spot, we actually got in. Unless you're a big party of five or six, then you'll have to wait longer. So the confusion is in the beginning part. I wouldn't recommend to elderly Asian crowd because I know my mom would definitely be confused. After you get settled in, they will bring you what you ordered. There isn't any server to your table so if you're getting water, you have to get it by yourself if you need an extra bowl, you have to wait till the staff comes to deliver your food and use that time to tell them what you need. This place is really self-serving. The staff only comes to deliver your food and clean up your table. But we still tipped. Food was good. Soup dumplings hit the spot. Black vinegar was essential and available Come here when you need really good food and quick bite [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is not recommended for a date night or business network setting[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I think we would come by if we're in the area. But considering that we're paying tip, I think we would go to the other location when they are full service.

Miranda L.

A fully satisfied food coma after Northern Cafe Food: The golden soup beef is undoubtedly coziness in a bowl after a long work day. The spiciness from the chopped raw chilies and bok choy adds the extra heartiness to each bite of noodle and sliced beef. It's in limbo with Dan Dan noodles especially pork over beef kinda spicy noodle soup day. Next, their orange chicken is delicious (!!!) and the epitome of American Chinese palate but hey it's only a right of passage haha we get it every time as a group and for takeout! Let's talk fiber with veggies now: Sautéed garlic Bok choy and green beans. Need another carb with protein then add in some chicken fried rice. Finally the noodles, I prefer the fried noodle with chicken over the Lao Gan Ma fried noodle with chicken which was more greasy, too much sauce and had less whole fresh veggies. The egg rolls were subpar. Service: They are so FAST for in service and take out ordering. It's a continuous flow of customers and cleaning. Over the past years, always had positive experiences and consistent take out orders replicating sit down quality food. Ambiance: [[HIGHLIGHT]]Spacious for many different parties so social groups or even individual self time![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I appreciate the dimmer lighting for evening and outside patio for more privacy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall: will be back many MORE times with my family, friends and colleagues!

Crystal L.

Food is great. It hits the spot for classic Northern Chinese food (dumplings, XLB, beef rolls/green onion pancakes, and my favorite rice cake) Price is reasonable ($13-$16 for most dishes). You order via an app so no waiting for a waiter. It was hard to get their attention for water/napkins though. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The biggest frustration eating here is the mini fruit flies in the restaurant. I've eaten here a number of times, and always notice 1 or so fruit flies at the table![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Monique D.

Szechuan Mala Pot is my go-to here, especially on cold days. I like that it's served in a boiling pot, nice and hot, and with lots of toppings. Generous portions of beef, way more than what Boiling Point would give you. I do wish it weren't so salty. I find myself pouring some cold water into it to lessen the saltiness. Also wish they had dipping sauces for the meats and veggies. But other than that, it's pretty delicious. I also like the pig ear. It's sliced real thin and spicy. A perfect side dish to the hot pot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a casual dining environment. You order at the counter and they bring it out to you. Easy peasy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Ronald M.

Our night out in Irvine landed us here for dinner, the very first lot we pulled into after leaving the Barclay Theater. And that was originally to find better WiFi reception. But why dillydally around? Northern Cafe seemed just right for dinner. A very busy Sunday night and with a mostly Asian clientele at an Asian eatery, always a great barometer for me. Apparently also quite popular with students from the nearby UC campus. But we were immediately seated after stepping inside. This is an order at the counter establishment, then take your number back to your table, they will bring to you when ready. So we looked over our menus first, the print a bit small, then settled on the Big Big Chicken Plate With Noodles and the Lamb Hot Pot. I guess I just assumed that the order of lamb would be simply that. But my bad, several items included in this dish were things we never eat; crab, shrimp, pork. So on its arrival, the Mrs noticed what I mistakenly had overlooked. I did however, manage to salvage most of the lamb and several quail eggs (a first time trying them for me). The chicken dish we thought was just okay, even less so as a leftover. My wife was totally dissatisfied. But the steamed rice was rather well cooked and we both enjoyed the Thai iced tea. Northern Cafe has locations throughout Southern California. We would return but with totally different menu options chosen next time. Somewhat neutral service but they keep things moving along like a production line.

Chrissy L.

The Juicy Pork Dumplings, Bean Curd Salad, Chicken in Spicy Chili Sauce, and Lotus Root were great. Ordering at the counter was quick and efficient. The two self-service water with lemon stations made it easy to grab a refill.

Miguel R.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Northern Cafe is a solid, middle-of-the-road spot that gets the job done.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the soup dumplings, pan-fried dumplings, wontons with chili, orange chicken, and sesame balls for dessert. Everything was decent across the board, nothing that really stood out, but nothing that disappointed either. It's the kind of place you can rely on when you're craving something quick and satisfying without overthinking it. Not exceptional, but consistent enough to come back to. 4 stars.

Christina G.

We visited Northern Cafe in Irvine last weekend during lunch, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish! Ordering was super easy--we ordered at the cashier and picked any table we wanted. In just about 5 minutes, every dish arrived at our table, which was impressively fast. The Cumin Lamb ($17.99) was very flavorful and one of our favorites. The Eggplant with Garlic Sauce ($14.99) was delicious and perfectly cooked, and the Sautéed Green Beans ($15.99) were very satisfying. The Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs ($16.99) were decent, though the meat was a little chewy. The real standouts were the Popcorn Chicken ($9.99)--crispy on the outside, tender on the inside--and the Pork Wontons in Spicy Sauce ($11.99), which were absolutely amazing! The Hot & Sour Soup ($11.99) was comforting and full of flavor. They also have a nice selection of cold dishes you can pick right at the cashier station. Overall, the food was delicious, the prices were very reasonable, and the service was fast and efficient. We loved the smooth dining experience and will definitely be back to try more dishes--especially their noodles next time!

Came here after seeing this spot recommended in a video. First impression was that we were not greeted at the entrance but every guest after us was, it felt a little unwelcoming. I didn't dwell on that, and still gave the food a shot. The food was alright, it's decently priced, but it upset my stomach really badly. I wasn't sure if it was the old condiments that they had out or the food itself. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Please note that the place had just opened but it felt like the tables hadn't been fully cleaned and the condiments not replaced from the day before.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would love to see this place improve to come back and give it another shot.

Jenny P.

Parking is super easy since it's in Irvine's UTC plaza. You order and pay at the counter -- food comes out fairly fast. 7/10 Spicy Beef Pot ($17). I prefer Boiling Point since they have more variety and I like what they put inside their hotpots more. Wasn't a really big fan of sausages inside. The broth wasn't bland and had some flavor, so I would say it's worth a try.

Alice C.

Service: typical small Chinese restaurant style. You put your name in the electronic tablet. You get seated and you can order using a QR code. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Embiance: feels new, clean and nice[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Food: The braised beef rib soup: the noodles were really salty. The broth had too much cinnamon or star anise. Taste was not balanced. I've had better at Din tai fung and A and J's. Beef rolls: good. The scallion pancakes weren't greasy. Very generous with the cilantro and onions just fyi. The beef slices were extra thin. Bok choy was perfect Soup dumplings were good. The dough part wasn't too thick except at the top where it's bunched up. Also had the chicken cartilage skewers from their grill menu. They were a bit over grilled. A little crunchy snd too much spices shaken on them. Overall not bad for the food here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The servers were nice and the bathrooms and floors were clean so that was good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would eat here again but I'll try one of their hot pot meals.

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Review Insights

Josh T.

Elite 23

397

218

297

4 years ago

I didn't expect much since it is in UTC, but the food here is actually REALLY tasty. It reminds me of the kinds food I can get in the 626. I think its one of the best Chinese restaurants in Irvine. I recommend the Kung Pao Chicken (personal favorite), Chongqing spicy chicken, and the Beef Roll! I definitely will be coming back to try the other dishes. I love the variety you can get ranging from hot pots, noodle soups, to dumplings! read more

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Hannah J.

Elite 24

107

181

3 years ago

Lots of seating space, portion was huge. Noodles had good texture and the broth was flavorful. The beef could've been more tender. read more

Northern Cafe - F2. Beef Noodle Soup - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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thang t.

202

185

4 years ago

Everything is amazing here. Fatty beef. Eggplant. Crispy chicken. Can legit feed 5 people. Also each order of rice can serve 2 people. Next time get green beans instead of scallion. Only 1 fried dish is enough. read more

Northern Cafe - B9. Eggplant with Garlic Sauce - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - C2. Scallion Pancake - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - B3. Chongqing Crispy Chicken - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

Northern Cafe - B5. Fatty Beef with Scallion - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Laura L.

Elite 25

248

3 years ago

This place looks very modern inside--looked different than the other northern cafes I've been to. I got a few dishes including the orange chicken, green beans, Dan Dan noodle, and shrimp wontons. The green beans were cooked perfectly bursting with flavor!! They were my favorite. The shrimp wontons were soft and juicy--just how I like them. The servers were all very friendly. read more

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Madison V.

Thank you for your patronage! We hope to see you again at our…

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Monica S.

Elite 26

293

165

4 years ago

We ordered take out from here for the first time tonight. We got the scallion pancake, juicy pork dumplings (basically soup dumplings), pork wontons and the pork BBQ buns. The wontons and dumplings had really good flavor and were very juicy. The pork buns were tasty and that's my favorite item to try anywhere new so they definitely got a thumbs up. The scallion pancake was fine. More fun than really flavor. We have a go to Chinese restaurant already but Northern may make it as a backup option for us for weekend takeout orders! read more

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Lucio S.

114

243

4 years ago

The food here is very tasty. Price for hotpot is quite affordable. Variety is good too. We can bring dogs to the outdoor area here. The place is usually packed with students. So try to avoid school peak hours. read more

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Daniella B.

2 years ago

Loved the food and had a great experience. The portions were pretty big for the price and I definitely recommend the beef rolls and the big plate with chicken and noodles. Would come again! read more

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Madison V.

Dear Daniella B. Thanks for the 5-star review! We're delighted you…

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Maria D.

2 years ago

Finally we were able to find good Chinese food, in a nice place with outdoor seating, fair prices and big portions. The place is big and has plenty of space, service is very fast. Most of the waiters are nice, some are just cranky. You have to order at the cashier, find a seat and the food will arrive. We ordered pig ear in spicy oil, garlic eggplant, orange chicken and scallion pancakes, everything was delish! Definetly will be back read more

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Madison V.

Dear Maria, Thank you for your wonderful feedback on our food and…

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Liang Yi H.

2 years ago

Excellent find with great menu options. Food was authentic and staff were very friendly.

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James L.

2 years ago

A solid B+ Chinese restaurant in Irvine near UCI's campus. By far their best dish the eggplant in garlic sauce dish, which pair well with either popcorn or chongqing chicken and a veggie (bok choy or green beans). The mapo tofu is also decent, and the xiao long bao, while not the best, is serviceable. It's the closest place to us, so we go quite often. read more

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Madison V.

Dear James , Thank you for your love and praise of our food, we have…

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Zoe D.

Elite 21

4 years ago

Disappointed in everything. I had only ordered one plate beef rolls after hearing about how good they were from multiple people. It took forty (!!!) minutes for me to get them and I had to remind an employee twice. Multiple tables of people had received all their food and finished their meals completely before I even received the single plate of food I had ordered. Once I reminded one employee, she went to check and immediately grabbed a plate. So I'm pretty sure the food had been sitting out for a while. Once I received the beef rolls, everything about it was cold. The beef inside felt like it was straight from the back of the fridge and the pancake was cold as well. It was disgusting. Nothing about it felt warm, nor freshly made. It was as if they made an extra one, stored it in the fridge, and just handed it to me. I asked an employee if it was supposed to be warm or cold and she didn't say anything. She just took my plate to the back, where I saw her place it into the microwave for a minute or so. The beef rolls were decent, but definitely not worth a second try, especially if I'll have to wait another forty minutes and see an employee care so little to just microwave it. read more

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Bin Q.

Hi Zoe. Sorry for the bad experience recently in our restaurant.…

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Shane L.

3 years ago

I ordered DanDan noodles but my order came out cold and noodles were not fully cooked. Don't waste your money here, I would never go back again. I would also tell all my friends to avoid this place. read more

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

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Alex H.

4 years ago

Super under-rated. This restaurant is a gem! Delicious food, wonderfully prepared, served quickly with in well-sized portions in a nice atmosphere. quality chopsticks and flatware adds to the experience. All of that goodness at a great price! Highly recommend read more

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Rachel K.

2 years ago

I love the food here, especially the lapi! I definitely recommend coming here because there is so much selection and yummy food.

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Ken L.

102

2 years ago

Decent Chinese for college campus with reasonable prices. The cumin lamb was very nicely seasoned and well cooked. The pork pancakes were very authentic. Pork spare ribs were fried too long and the meat was tough. The beef hot pot was surprisingly good, a bit too much heat for me but everyone else at the table didn't think so at all read more

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Madison V.

Dear Ken Thank you for your feedback to our restaurant, your comments…

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K Z.

2 years ago

I ordered the pick up based on a friend's recommendation of the establishment. The food did not meet expectations in the following area, 1- the noodles were saturated with sodium (if you have high blood pressure, avoid the noodles), 2- Eggplant with Garlic was over done with oil. The prices were reasonable, nonetheless, they could get more creative overall. Fried Noodles at $13.00, Eggplant w/Garlic at $13.50, Sautéed BOK Choy at $12.50. The portions were adequate, and if you do not consume a lot, the above items were sufficient for two to eat. I visited on 09 March 2024. read more

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Madison V.

Dear K Z. Thank you for your feedback and suggestions, we accept all…

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Damian N.

2 years ago

Big filling portions. Went with a group of friends, and we all enjoyed our meals. None were bad, but none blew us out of the water. Very quick to bring out your food, and reasonably priced for how much they give you. Worth going to! read more

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Uc H.

2 years ago

Wontons are too salty. Other foods I ate are great, such as pot stickers and Chongqing crispy chicken.

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Madison V.

Dear Uc, Thank you for your love and affirmation of our pot stickers…

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Yang Y.

4 years ago

I had a wired experience here.. i took my family there and the front sign suggest we should find a table by ourselves, so I went okay maybe this is a self-serviced quick-eat, so we got seated outside.. But then someone came up and brought us utensils so I get a little confused, but i went okay.. if there's service, I ll just leave the tip on the table before we leave.. but then we were told to order at the cashier. so I went back again thinking okay maybe's no service.. But after I placed order and paid by credit card, the cashier asked me to check service fee, and the minimum I can choose was 15%. We haven't enjoyed any service yet (!! Haven't even seen our food ..) they did serve us until we finished, but the way they ask at front made me so confused and look bad (as if I was intentionally avoiding the tip) I didn't get to experience and made a willing decision on how much and what way I pay .. I know I could be mean by refusing to check the service tip on the invoice upfront, but I didn't have to. It just gave me a bad experience there. The food is okay. read more

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Elisabeth K.

119

4 years ago

My toddler son has a severe allergy to peanuts. Their menu lists items containing peanuts with a peanut icon, except they missed that the eggplant dish has it in the sauce! My son had hives that appeared immediately and I had to Google search what is in the eggplants sauce dish- YouTube showed peanut butter is added to that sauce!!! Not okay! Please update your menus!!! read more

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Bin Q.

Thank you for the review Elisabeth. I am very Sorry for what happened…

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R. H.

295

2 years ago

This was our first time visiting at dinner time, my wife and two children. We seated ourselves indoors but I think it will be great to have lunch outdoors. The dished offered pretty quick, and the Golden Soup BeefPot, Dumplings, Crispy Durian Cake, Beef Roll are excellent. The delicious food is incredible for its price, highly recommended! read more

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Madison V.

Dear Richard, Thanks for the 5-star review! Thank you for your love…

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CJ C.

123

2 years ago

Good food, good portions, good service, good prices, will definitely come back again! Very underrated and one of the best Chinese restaurants in Irvine! read more

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Madison V.

Dear CJ, Thanks for the 5-star review! Thank you for your love of our…

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enrique R.

3 years ago

Ordered the Kung Pao Chicken Togo and when I got home it was swimming in oil. I called about the issue and I was told that's part of the dish. I had to drain the oil just to eat it. I have eaten Kung Pao Chicken in the past and it has never been swimming in oil. Such a disappointment read more

Northern Cafe - General Tso Chicken - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Bin Q.

Hi Enrique…

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Cherry C.

3 years ago

I love the golden beef noodle and dumplings. My kids love broccoli and popcorn chicken. I've been here many times and ordered a lot of food. All is great and authentic! read more

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Madison V.

Thanks for your love, we would love to have you back

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Brandon W.

172

335

4 years ago

Was feeling like some chinese food today and thought i would give this spot a try. Ordered some kung pao chicken and a couple egg rolls and a side of rice. Dollar extra for the rice. Egg rolls were nice and crispy. Kung pao chicken was ok. Just not much flavor. read more

Northern Cafe - Kung pao chicken with a couple egg rolls and some rice - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Andrew Z.

Elite 23

181

334

5 years ago

Among all the above-average Asian restaurants in Irvine, Northern Cafe isn't a restaurant I plan to return to. The service was excellent and the response time from the staff was above average. The issue was the taste of the dishes. The sweet and sour pork ribs were tough and the meat was not tender. The taste was not bad, but overall, it was average. For the eggplant with garlic sauce, another classic, we asked the dish to be made with less salt and oil, which was done! The presentation was excellent. The taste however, was far too acidic. The vinegar to sugar ratio was off by quite a bit. Next, the crab meat XLBs didn't taste fresh. Perhaps I shouldn't compare to JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings or Din Tai Fung, but it's hard not to when there are far better restaurants that serve this dish. The only dish that tasted great was the beef rolls (sliced beef with cilantro wrapped in a flaky scallion pancake). This was delicious and on point. Overall, Northern Cafe is just average in a city with far too many above-average restaurants. read more

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Jenny N.

Elite 24

117

128

5 years ago

I was so happy upon hearing that there was a Northern Cafe in Irvine. I frequently visited the Westwood location but after moving out of LA, I've been missing it ever since. My boyfriend and I loved coming to Northern Cafe for date nights and were so excited to visit the Irvine location! Just like I was hoping, this location also had such a warm and cozy ambiance. Northern Cafe is set up such that you seat yourself, order at the counter, and wait for your food to arrive. We ordered the Lao Gan Ma Fried Noodles, Shrimp Wontons in Chili Sauce, and Chicken Noodle Soup. Lao Gan Ma Fried Noodles (4/5): Very saucy and rich in flavor. Noodles were perfectly chewy. A little bit too many onions for my liking, but my boyfriend didn't mind at all. Solid dish. Shrimp Wontons in Chili Sauce (1/5): I was the most excited to try these but unfortunately was very disappointed by the quality. The wontons were full of cabbage and had one tiny portion of a shrimp. The interior was also very watery and lacked flavor. The sauce was alright. Not good enough to save the dish. Chicken Noodle Soup (5/5): Now this dish (to our surprise) was the highlight of the meal. The noodles were also perfectly cooked and chewy, but the BROTH. The broth was outstanding. So rich and creamy. The chicken was also very tender. This is my first time trying Chinese chicken noodle soup, and I am very glad I did. Overall, I really enjoyed coming here for dinner. The staff is really nice and the food is solid (with the exception of the chili wontons). Now that I know there's a location in Irvine, I'll definitely be back! read more

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Emily V.

Elite 25

182

108

3 years ago

YUM... is all I can say. Parking is relatively easy to find in the lot in front with the spots being 2 hours. My understanding is they do monitor this, but the restaurant borders the lot so you can keep an eye on your car if necessary. My family came here on a busy Saturday night and one of the workers was kind enough to help us move some tables around outside to seat the 6 of us. It was comfortable outside on a summer night. After ordering at the counter, we seated ourselves and our hot food came out incredibly fast with the first dish a mere 3-5 mins after ordering and the last only about 10-15 mins later (fresh bread dishes, so understandable!). We ordered crispy chicken, lamb, the Dan Dan noodles, scallion pancakes, the seasame pancakes/bread, the dim sum red bean seasame balls, and the fatty beef. Everyone agreed it was absolutely delicious - my family is Chinese, white, and my family friend is Viet. We all equally enjoyed it's palatable taste for people unfamiliar with some authentic choices, as well as how well they executed our authentic favorites like red bean and scallion pancakes! My top 3: - Dan Dan noodles: This mild spicy noodle dish includes ground pork and the creamy peanut influence of some Filipino dishes. I'm not a peanut sauce type of girl, but they hit this flavor combo spot on! - Crispy chicken: Popcorn chicken but BETTER. This was really elevated and had a light, crispy batter with juicy chicken inside. Popcorn chicken I've had is usually overly breaded and lacks a lot of actual chicken meat. It had a mild to medium spice but if you bite directly into one of the peppers... good luck. - Seasame pancakes/bread: This ultra thick and chonky bread has a nice coating of seasame seeds and green onions between its doughy layers. It's obviously made fresh to-order. My only critique is I wish it had like 3-4x as many green onions inside! The scallion pancakes are equally as good and have a nice, thin, crispy dough, but I liked the thick pillowy dough of these a bit more personally! All in all a great find and I only wish it were closer to me. As a UCI alum, I sure wish this existed at UTC a few years ago! read more

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Madison V.

Thanks for your appreciation

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Clarissa T.

3 years ago

This place has potential, the ambiance is nice and staff is kind. We ordered orange chicken and pineapple friend rice. I trusted the reviews for the orange chicken but they let me down. The orange chicken lacked chicken. The orange chicken had more fried breading than chicken. We also had pineapple fried rice and that was good. read more

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Madison V.

Thank you for your feedback. We apologize for the bad experience and…

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Kevin N.

3 years ago

Food was food and the vibe is not bad. Spicy beef noodle is on bar with other northern cuisine places that I have tried

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Madison V.

Thanks for your feedback

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Evelyn D.

113

201

3 years ago

the food was so delicious we got gyoza: crispy delicious juicy on the inside dumplings in spicy sauce: soooo good my favorite item it was so savory and the peanuts added an amazing flavor the downside is that it isn't too spicy house special beef noodle soup: it was just okay the noodles itself were really good the broth was okay it also wasn't spicy enough but they do provide chili oil beef roll: so good i dislike onions and cilantro but i didn't taste it at all i definitely recommend getting this juicy beef dumplings: these were really good and super juicy and similar to xiao long bao to me but with a thicker skin which i enjoyed also i will definitely be coming back read more

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Madison V.

Thanks for your love, we would love to have you back

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Joshua L.

5 years ago

This place hits. Orange chicken bomb as hell. Dan Dan noodles bomb as hell. The rice = FIRE. The service insane. The water pretty's good too and it's FREE. read more

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

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Jeremy P.

3 years ago

Me and my wife always eat here. Food is so good with the soup pots and the orange chicken. I recommend for people to try. Prices are still the same since 2021, I believe. read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

Thank you for your patronage! We hope to see you again at our…

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Eddie Y.

2 years ago

Good food, especially the cold dish. Nice place overall but little on the expensive side. Will go again.

Business owner information

Madison V.

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

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Crystal K.

3 years ago

I love this place! My experience was so amazing. The staff was so friendly and helpful. All of the food was delicious and high quality. I will definitely be coming back! read more

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Madison V.

We would love to have you back

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Matt T.

3 years ago

It was so good the beef roll was amazing! It was super yummy. It was delicious the food is fresh to order. It is well priced and for family style. read more

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Madison V.

Dear Matt , Thanks for the 5-star review! We're delighted you had a…

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Armen S.

2 years ago

Started out ok and food tasted decent until we all got food poisoning from this place, so we're never coming back. Nothing worse than an unsanitary restaurant. read more

Business owner information

Madison V.

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

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Maj K.

170

3 years ago

I love this place, easy on-line order. The orange chicken is fantastic and a huge portion. I love to also get some garlic vegetables and rice on the side. Great place to pick up for a laid-back Friday night dinner. read more

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Karah P.

783

3 years ago

the aesthetic of the restaurant is really cute and it's definitely one of the best options at University Town Center if you're looking for an actual sit down place! you order up at the cash register, find a table, and then they'll bring your food to you. i got the popcorn chicken and it was a bit bland - i can get popcorn chicken at Cha right next door for only $4. but the other items on the menu looked great, especially the beef soup and the hotpot! i would come back and try something new next time. read more

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Lidiana W.

5 years ago

I'm so glad this place is open in Irvine area. The located is at UCI shopping center. I came here a lot. They just recently open two weeks ago. I love their foods. They have so many variation It's highly recommended. read more

Northern Cafe - Fatty Beef with Scallion - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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

Northern Cafe - Beef Roll Pancake and Fatty Beef with Scallion - Chinese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Page 9 of 13

4175 Campus Dr
Irvine, CA 92617
Directions
(949) 418-7309
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.northerncafeirvine.com

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.

What time does Northern Cafe close?

Northern Cafe closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Northern Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Northern Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Northern Cafe have catering options?

No, Northern Cafe does not have catering options.

Does Northern Cafe have a drive thru?

No, Northern Cafe does not have a drive thru.

Does Northern Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, Northern Cafe serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Northern Cafe allow dogs?

No, Northern Cafe does not allow dogs.

Does Northern Cafe have TVs?

No, Northern Cafe does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Northern Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Northern Cafe has bike parking.

Does Northern Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Northern Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Northern Cafe have parking?

Yes, Northern Cafe has parking options.

Other Amenities

Is Northern Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Northern Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Northern Cafe have free WiFi?

No, Northern Cafe does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

History

Established in 2004.

Northern Cafe is an traditional Chinese dumplings restaurant established in 2004. Since then we already have over 20 locations in LA. As the first location in Irvine,we are providing the best Chinese food including but not limited to juicy xiaolongbao, handmade dumplings,Chinese style noodles and hot pot!

More Info

Health Score

Northern Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Northern Cafe

Do they take reservations?

When I went a few months ago, they did not take reservations. It wasn't hard to find a table though on the various occasions that I have gone.

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Northern Cafe

Delicious Chinese food and great for family style! Near full house each time I visit but no worries…read more- got seated quick. Casual restaurant with a selection of cold dishes displayed up front. Lemon water in pitcher is provided once you get seated. Order via QR code. A standout dish was the pork pancake, which was layered almost like a savory crepe. The exterior was crispy and slightly oily. Plenty of flavor packed into each bite mmm I also ordered the spicy sauerkraut lamb hot pot. It comes with flames & reminded me a bit of Boiling Point. Lots of napa cabbage in the broth. The lamb was excellently fatty... tender and soft! I've recently had another hot pot place with lean lamb so this was on point. Portions were generous and the price felt very reasonable. My favorite dish of the meal was the fatty beef with scallions. The beef was indeed fatty and rich flavor, with what I think was a nice subtle Shaoxing wine or cooking wine flavor. The natural sweetness of the onions balanced the savory, salty sauce nicely.

This is located in Irvine in the same plaza as H Mart…read more Plenty of parking spaces and open late. They have a QR Code to order online and they will bring the food at your table. We ordered beef noodle soup, shrimp wonton soup & chicken noodle soup. All soup are different, but flavorful. My favorite is the shrimp noodle soup. We also ordered beef wraps and scallion pancakes - it was crispy. Service is excellent - food came put really quickly after ordering.

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Half a Smoked Chicken

EverSpring Modern Chinese

What a pleasant surprise! We found this little Xi'an restaurant while shopping and ended up having…read moreone of the most satisfying meals we've had in a while. The lamb skewers were juicy and perfectly seasoned with cumin, and the grilled beef tendon skewers had an amazing crispy, chewy texture. The soup dumplings were full of flavorful broth, and the braised beef knife-cut noodles were chewy with large, tender chunks of beef. We also tried the beef paomo for the first time--it was warm, comforting, and packed with rich flavor. The portions were generous, the prices were very reasonable, and after chatting with the staff we learned the owner is from Xi'an, which explains how authentic everything tasted. If you're craving Northwestern Chinese food in Irvine, this spot is definitely worth checking out!

The good: The green beans and staff were amazing…read more The questionable: The crispy beef was flavorful but I have never had it before so not sure if ot was good or not. I guess I thought it would have more meat inside the crispy part. The flavor was great! The bad: the crispy duck was a let down. After waiting g nearly 30 mins for it, it was dry. Like super dry. It wasn't easy to separate the meat from the bone either. I've had lots of duck. This may have been the worst one I've ever had. But because of the good reviews, I will certainly be coming back to try other things.

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

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Dry Chili Chicken

Kuan Zhai Alley

I was very sad when they took over a Taiwanese spot years ago. I thought, oh god, not another spicy…read moreSzechuan restaurant. Boy was I wrong! This place knows what it's doing! Every single dish is just a notch better than your local Szechuan restaurant. I think word is getting around because it gets busier every single time we visit now. I know people like to gate keep restaurants but this truly is one of the best Asian spots in Irvine. Faves are the dry intestines, their stir fried noodles, and their spicy fish.

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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Six Alley Xi’an Biang Biang Noodle

Locally owned & operated

Happy hour specials

Amazing noodles! Great pickup service, ready very quickly. Staff was friendly! Ordered twice during…read morethe weekend I stayed across the street for my son's tournament. Highly recommend!

Amazing Customer service and Amazing food. The workers here are so nice and help and tend to…read moreanything. Food is Amazing and super tasty. Overall an amazing place!

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

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Braised Beef Rib with Oil-Poured Noodle

Crispy Rougamo

I've gotten food from here a couple times. I've had all three rougamo (braised pork, black pepper…read morebeef, and cumin lamb) and enjoyed them all. I've had them delivered and they were still juicy and crispy, buns weren't soggy at all. I liked the mapo tofu I've also had, not much to comment on, standard but tasty! I also tried the shandang spicy chicken. It was incredibly tasty and fragrant, the whole room smelled like it the moment I opened the bowl (which was probably 3 times bigger than the mapo tofu container, very big!). My one issue, I'm used to more "whole" bone-in chicken like legs and thighs etc, but the chicken was butchered into bite-sized pieces with pretty much each piece having bone in it. I'm not used to searching through bite-sized chicken pieces for bone so it was a bit of a chore. I did it anyways because it tasted amazing! But I also would probably just order a much easier-to-eat rougamo next time I'm there.

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.

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Meizhou Dongpo

Food is not as good as it used to be. Waiters are nice and very quick to respond. We enjoy the…read moreambiance as well. But I do wish they can improve on food quality. It was way better before.

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.

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A & J Restaurant

I've found my go-to spot for spicy wonton at A & J Restaurant on Jamboree. What I love about theirs…read moreis how clean and vinegary the sauce is, without any peanut butter flavor. I don't mind the peanut sauce version at other places, but I definitely prefer this vinegary approach. It lets the wonton itself shine through without being overwhelmed by heavy sauce. Quick service, convenient location, and consistently good execution. Highly recommend if you're in the area craving quality wonton. It was a takeout for me but the restaurant looks spacious. I wouldn't mind sitting down for a nice meal next time

A wide selection of menu items that is worth exploring each visit. Came on a weekday night and it…read morewas not busy. The wontons and beef roll were both flavorful in the chili sauce and the beef marination. I enjoyed how all the dishes were not too salty. I did wish though that the beef noodle soup was hotter and it was a little bland. The service was accurate and quick, but as I was about to pay on the card reader, the waitress took the reader away to assist a different table. The inside is bright and there's plenty of seating.

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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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Chinese Style Fried Chicken on Rice

Seven Grams

Had heard good things about this place and was happy I had the chance to try it! I had a party of 2…read morearound 2:30PM on a Sunday. There was a crowd of people waiting outside so I was a bit nervous that it would take really long. But we added our name to the waitlist on the iPad outside and we were sat in less than 30 minutes (when we went on the list, we were party 13). The wait went by super fast! By the time we finished our meal, there were lots of open seats. I first heard of this place as a "copycat Din Tai Fung". I actually think it's better to think of this place as another Taiwanese restaurant that serves similar food to DTF, but not a copycat. Although some of the popular items are the same (XLBs for example) the restaurants are definitely different. Firstly, the service here is SO FAST. And all the servers were really kind! We ordered our food and it felt like everything came out within MINUTES of each other. By the time we had all our savory dishes, I had only taken one bite out of the first dish. That's how fast it was! Haha We ended up ordering: Spicy XLBs, Beef Roll, Golden Prime Beef Noodle Soup, and Taro XLBs for dessert. Everything was DELICIOUS! My husband's favorite was the Beef Roll, while I think my favorite may have been the soup. The Spicy XLBs (4/5) were great! They felt quite large as I ALMOST had to eat them in two bites (but like why would I ever do that). Flavor was great and I thought there was actually very little spice in these. Compared to DTF'x XLBs, I thought these were just as juicy, but less ginger-forward (which made it feel less flavorful), and more sweet. I was personally missing some acid and wanted a bit more salt cuz it was a tad sweet. The Beef Rolls were pretty good too (4.25/5)! Nice and crispy. Even though it's pan fried, it felt light because of the vegetables. And I know this is weird to say, but the combination of beef, hoison sauce, and veggies almost tasted like pho flavors...but crispy? Yummy! I personally again wanted a bit more salt. But I'd definitely order again. Now for my favorite, the Golden Prime Beef Noodle Soup (4.5/5). WOOWWEEE! She's spicy! And I have a good spice tolerance so beware. I really loved the flavor of the broth. It was spicy and also had a really clean flavor. It looked like it would be a watery broth but WRONG! It was so flavorful. I loved the chewy noodles too and even the noodles on their own were spicy cuz they clung onto the broth. A really delicious soup! I'd love to eat this on a cold winter's day or when I'm sick. Delicious! The Taro XLBs (3.9/4) were pretty good too, but skippable. They weren't too sweet, which was nice. They had a lovely consistency and good taro flavor. But compared to everything else, they weren't that special. Overall, a really delicious restaurant! I'd definitely come here if I was craving XLBs/Taiwanese food.

Seven Grams is good for a quick casual lunch bite. The menu feels very snacky with no real stand…read moreout dishes. My kiddo enjoyed the spicy wontons, it's their chili sauce that shines. We also had the golden beef noodle soup. I wish they had a non spicy option because it was too spicy for us. The drinks on the other hand are amazing. I had the passion fruit green tea and really liked it. It had real passion fruit in there, not just powder. Kiddo also enjoyed their matcha strawberry drink. It was very creamy and rich. The drinks were pretty cheap, I think mine was under $5 and the matcha was like $6.50.

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Inside seating

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Wonton With Chili Sauce 6pcs

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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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.

Located in a strip mall in Irvine, this noodle restaurant offers a lot of varieties…read more They offer delicious skewers, handmade noodles and fresh veggies. There were so many options, but I could only order a few since I weren't too hungry. The staff are super friendly and helpful. The dining area is clean. The food was very good and portions were quite large compared to the average Asian restaurant. Great place to visit if you are very hungry or have a large gathering.

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Interior

Beef Roll.

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E6. Dry Fried Cauliflower

Chubby Cattle BBQ

Alex N was an amazing server. Helped us with everything and answered all our questions.read more

There is a reason I come back here. And you can thank Ryan E for that. He's there at any moment…read more Creating a friendship with all guests. Hyping us up to eat stacks of plates of foods. He's very insightful and is THE NUMBER ONE SERVER IS RYAN E!!!!! I have been to chubby cattle multiple times, I am even apart of the chubby club!!!! I hope I get Ryan E everytime I come to visit

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Baekjeong - Irvine

Absolutely love it here! Baekjeong has been a family craving for us ever since we visited almost 6…read moreyears ago:) The service and the food have always been amazing and we will definitely come back again. The quality of the food is consistent and we love all of the small dishes (especially the steam eggs). Love them all!

Food- good spread of side dishes with some I've never had before…read moreService- pretty fast and nice servers specially Mark Ambiance- good vibes and music

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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!

The food here is always consistently good which I'm glad because most places aren't consistent on…read moretheir quality. I definitely recommend getting the spicy curry over the regular curry since it's not too spicy and just more flavorful. The service is amazing, always refilling our waters without asking, and asking if we needed anything else. Overall, I would come here again and this will definitely not be the last time!

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Habana

Tony was the best! Super attentive, hilarious, and gave us the best experience here!…read more Would definitely come back because of him

Emmanuel was the best, he took care of my family like we were his own! You must come here and…read moreeverything was the great!

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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

Top notch service, amazing quality of food, broth, and an abundance of variety in selection within…read moremeat, seafood, drinks and they have soft serve ice cream. Vanilla flavor only but it was rich and good, not overly sweet. It's nice to know the drinks are inclusive too. Ordering the meat came out in a fast pace, and service was just impeccable! Super clean restaurant, came here during dinner time it was quite busy, but getting a table only took about 10 minutes.

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25 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Dj M.

Elite 26

168

699

2 years ago

My boyfriend and I had the most incredible experience at Northern Cafe Chinese Kitchen located in Irvine! This was my first time visiting, although I'd seen countless mouthwatering photos and videos of their delicious dishes through social media. We arrived promptly at 11 am when they opened, and by the time we left around noon, the restaurant was bustling with customers. Upon entering, we were greeted warmly and promptly placed our order at the counter before finding a table to settle in. There is plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. The service was impressively quick, and our food arrived piping hot, which is always a good sign! For drinks, we indulged in their Thai tea, which was perfectly creamy and just the right amount of sweetness. As for appetizers, the cucumber salad was a delightful surprise with its garlicky, crunchy goodness, and the popcorn chicken was generously portioned and incredibly addictive. Moving on to the main course, everything looked and sounded so enticing that we found it difficult to decide. In the end, we definitely ordered more than enough food for two people, but we were thrilled to have the opportunity to sample such a diverse range of dishes. The beef rolls were a standout, bursting with freshness and flavor - a solid 10/10. The Thai fusion hot pot warmed us up on a chilly day with its rich, flavorful broth. My boyfriend couldn't get enough of the tender and flavorful garlic pork rib, while the pork and crab soup dumplings provided a comforting and cozy indulgence. The pork wontons in spicy chili sauce were a delight, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat. And let's not forget dessert! The sesame balls were a perfect ending to our meal - warm, crispy on the outside, and delightfully soft on the inside with a decadent red bean paste filling. What truly sets Northern Cafe apart, besides its delectable food, is the generous portions and affordability. We departed with leftovers and were already discussing our plans to return as the food was so good. Special shoutout to Skyler, the manager, whose hospitality and helpfulness made our dining experience even more enjoyable. His recommendations and friendly demeanor truly elevated our visit. Overall, Northern Cafe Chinese Kitchen has earned itself a loyal customer in me. I'll definitely be returning for more delicious meals and exceptional service. Highly recommended! read more

Richad G.

138

3 years ago

Northern Cafe Chinese Kitchen is a hidden gem for students seeking delicious and reasonably priced Chinese cuisine. I had the pleasure of trying two standout dishes that left me craving for more. First up, the Spicy Beef Pot was a fiery delight. The tender beef slices were generously coated in a mouthwatering spicy sauce that packed a flavorful punch. The pot was filled with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This dish is a must-try for spice lovers! Next, the Tomato Beef Noodle stole the show with its comforting and satisfying flavors. The rich tomato-based broth was infused with savory beef, creating a hearty and delectable combination. The noodles were perfectly cooked, maintaining a delightful chewiness that complemented the robust flavors of the dish. It's a comforting bowl that won't break the bank. What impressed me the most about Northern Cafe Chinese Kitchen was their commitment to offering high-quality dishes at student-friendly prices. Both the Spicy Beef Pot and Tomato Beef Noodle were reasonably priced, making it an ideal spot for students looking to indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine without straining their wallets. One additional point worth mentioning is that Northern Cafe Chinese Kitchen operates on a self-service basis, allowing for a quick and hassle-free dining experience. Overall, Northern Cafe Chinese Kitchen exceeded my expectations with their flavorful offerings and affordable prices. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or craving a comforting bowl of noodles, this place is a must-visit for students and food enthusiasts alike. read more

Kelly W.

212

2 years ago

If you're craving authentic Chinese cuisine in Irvine, look no further than Northern Cafe. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere. The menu boasts a wide array of dishes, ranging from traditional favorites to modern twists on classic recipes. Whether you're in the mood for dumplings, noodles, or stir-fries, Northern Cafe has you covered. The hand-pulled noodles are a must-try, offering a perfect balance of chewiness and flavor. Additionally, the dumplings are simply exquisite - whether steamed or pan-fried, each bite is a burst of savory goodness. I also highly recommend indulging in their Green Onion Beef Rolls, where tender slices of beef are wrapped around fresh green onions, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. The portions are generous, perfect for sharing with friends or family, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you receive. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable, always willing to offer recommendations or accommodate dietary restrictions. The ambiance is cozy yet vibrant, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. Plus, the location in Irvine is convenient with ample parking available. Overall, Northern Cafe exceeds expectations in every aspect - delicious food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend it to anyone craving authentic Chinese flavors in the heart of Irvine. You won't be disappointed! read more

Jiayao Y.

140

3 years ago

I recently experienced the culinary delights of "Yifeng Garden," and it was nothing short of a gastronomic journey! The ambiance of this restaurant is a perfect blend of warmth and sophistication. As you enter, you're greeted by soft lighting and charming decor, creating an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The spacious and well-lit interior, coupled with thoughtfully arranged tables and chairs, provides a welcoming setting, making you feel right at home. Every table is adorned with exquisite tableware, and the touch of greenery adds a refreshing touch to the dining experience. The attention to detail extends to the artistic decor on the walls, adding an extra layer to the visual feast. It's not just a meal; it's an artful experience. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, contributing to the overall pleasure of the dining process. In summary, Yifeng Garden not only tantalizes your taste buds with a diverse and mouthwatering menu but also captivates you with its inviting atmosphere and excellent service. It's not just a place to savor exquisite dishes; it's a destination for comfort and relaxation. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow food enthusiasts! read more

Michelle E.

857

263

2 years ago

My husband and I had an amazing dining experience at Northern Cafe! We started with drinks, and my husband loved their Thai tea so much he ended up getting two! It's definitely a must-try if you visit. As for the food, we tried a variety of dishes, and each one was exceptional: Shrimp Fried Rice: Deliciously seasoned with perfectly cooked shrimp. Comfort food at its finest, Orange Chicken: My husband's favorite! Crispy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness. Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs: Tender and flavorful, a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Bok Choy: Fresh and perfectly sautéed, a great complement to the richer dishes. Juicy Pork Dumplings: My absolute favorite! Bursting with flavor and incredibly juicy. Scallion Pancakes: Crispy and full of savory goodness. Definitely a must if you get any type of soup or noodles Pumpkin Pancakes: A unique and tasty treat, slightly sweet and very satisfying. Overall, every dish we tried was a hit, and the service was top-notch. We can't wait to come back and try more from their menu. Highly recommend Northern Cafe for anyone looking for delicious Chinese cuisine! read more

David M.

Elite 26

219

707

3040

2 years ago

Northern Cafe Chinese Kitchen blends the casual, cozy atmosphere of a café with the diverse and flavorful dishes. **Menu Variety**: The menu offers a broad range of Chinese dishes, from well-known classics to regional specialties. Northern variations might include: **Dim Sum**: A selection of small, bite-sized portions like dumplings, buns, and rolls, perfect for sharing. **Stir-Fries**: Dishes featuring a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, often cooked with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other aromatic seasonings. **Noodle and Rice Dishes**: From fried rice to lo mein and chow mein, these staples are often customized with locally available ingredients. *Hot Pot**: A communal dish where diners cook their own meat, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth at the table. The service is personable and attentive. Staff really cares about your dinning experience. Overall, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines the comfort and familiarity of a casual dinning with the rich, diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. read more

Tiffany L.

2 years ago

This location has been open for two years, but it felt like they were still in a soft opening phase. The service was severely lacking. The restaurant only had one high chair and one booster seat, which is frustrating for families. The female server working the lunch shift on September 2, 2024, was particularly disappointing. She served our table and also helped at the cashier, and in both encounters, her customer service was terrible. She had a bad attitude and was quite rude. Before leaving, I asked for sauce to go with my popcorn chicken, and she barked back, "What sauce?! We don't have sauce for our popcorn chicken." In contrast, the male cashier with glasses was friendly and helpful. He offered different sauce options and provided good service. Overall, the food is pretty good, but the poor service overshadowed the entire experience. It's disappointing that after two years, they're still struggling with basic customer service and amenities. read more

Alan M.

2 years ago

This gem is right across the street from U.C. Irvine in that plaza with In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A. **How to order:** Find a table, check the menu and when ready go straight at cash register with your dish no. Then they will hand you a number to bring back with your table. **Service:** The food comes on a cart and you get it promptly. Everything doesnt come out at once, but all of it is served real quick as you like. **Food Quality:** 10 delicious, satisfying points! Those dumplings are just unbelievable-perfect eaten as is or with a bowl of rice on the side. Dan Dan Noodles: Hello, peanut butter base.deepEqualwest/TCT Mine are a bit fuller with punch and fragrance, but these will do the trick. **Chicken:** Crunchy and tasty. For someone who enjoys the CRISP crunch, this one is most definitely a great order. Overall: Really great addition to available dining options. Just delicious flavours & so much you need to test it out for yourself! read more

Aria M.

394

1 year ago

Northern Cafe at UCI is an absolute gem for authentic, flavor-packed Chinese comfort food. It's my go-to spot whenever I'm craving something bold, savory, and satisfying. The chili wontons are an absolute must--delicate, tender wrappers filled with juicy meat, swimming in a spicy-savory sauce that hits all the right notes without overwhelming your palate. The cumin lamb is bursting with flavor--aromatic, tender, and perfectly spiced. It's one of those dishes that keeps you coming back, bite after bite. And let's not forget the beef scallion roll--crispy on the outside, packed with juicy beef and just the right amount of green onion for a satisfying crunch and balance. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and service is always quick, even during busy hours. It's casual, fast, and consistently delicious--everything you want in a campus eatery. read more

Lucia Y.

602

2 years ago

The Northern Cafe I came to today is right next to UCI. We can have stir-fried dishes, pasta and hot pot, so six of us ordered a large table of dishes. The four big snacks are in the first 100s, and they are also packed. The portions are really sufficient and cost-effective. Although it is a fast food restaurant, the quality is authentic, the food is served super fast, and you can eat it for $20 per person. The service was also very good. At first, we couldn't find a table for six people. The clerk quickly helped us coordinate the table, packing self-service and lemonade self-service, which was very convenient. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seats. When we come out, the indoor seats already need to wait for seats. The parking lot is very large. read more

Chloe C.

130

133

2 years ago

Discover a culinary treasure near UCI, where the extensive menu of hot pot, noodles, stir-fry, and more meets unbeatable value. This cozy spot shines with its generous portions at wallet-friendly prices, perfect for students and anyone craving authentic Chinese flavors without breaking the bank. The hot pot is a communal delight, the noodles boast perfect texture, and the stir-fries are packed with wok-fired goodness. Despite its popularity, service remains quick and friendly, making every visit a pleasure. For a satisfying meal that promises leftovers, this restaurant is a top choice. read more

Mimi D.

190

2 years ago

Today, my family came to this Chinese restaurant to spend the weekend, and man, it was delicious, just like the real deal Chinese food we used to have back in China. The Cold Skin Noodles, the Golden Soup Beef Hot Pot, and the Spicy Chicken were spot on! Every dish was so generous, like, one plate of chow mein and you're stuffed. And the prices? Super reasonable! We couldn't even finish everything and had to take some to go! Also, the dining environment in the restaurant is pretty nice. If I come back for dinner next time, I plan to try the outdoor seating. Seems awesome! read more

Annie D.

1001

3 years ago

My friend and I recently had the pleasure of dining at this establishment, and we were thoroughly impressed with every dish we tried! Among our favorites were the spicy dumplings, flavorful shrimp fried rice, mouthwatering popcorn chicken, delectable scallion beef rolls, and the satisfying hot pot. The service we received was exceptional, and we were impressed by the cleanliness of the restaurant. Needless to say, we are already looking forward to our next visit! read more

Eugene H.

3 years ago

I returned to this place once more, driving 50 minutes from West Covina for dinner. The food here is truly exceptional, especially considering the price. We genuinely appreciate the culinary experience and wish there was a branch closer to our area. Everything, from the delicious dishes to the impeccable service, exceeded our expectations. We're eagerly anticipating our next visit. read more

Alma B.

1 year ago

Northern Cafe offers decent Chinese food, but nothing too special. The dishes are generous in portion, which is a plus, but the flavors felt a bit flat. Service was friendly, but the wait times were longer than expected. Overall, it's a nice spot if you're craving Chinese takeout, just don't set your hopes too high. read more

Kevin H.

107

4 years ago

Just eat here. You will not regret it. I'm from the SF busy area where they have best Chinese food in CA. I moved here 3 years ago and stumbled on this gem by accident. If you want real good quality Chinese food, eat here. Otherwise, don't even bother eating Chinese. read more

Isaac S.

2 years ago

A++ will be returning in the future with more KYT Dental Services staff members to enjoy the fantastic food, outstanding service, and inviting ambiance. Our entire team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and looks forward to coming back to Northern Cafe! read more

J T.

4 years ago

Did not let me know when my food was ready, so I was waiting over an hour for pick up! Also, my chicken noodle dish only came with a few pieces of chicken, so while the rest of the dish was great, it was severely lacking in this respect. read more

Shelly L.

530

2 years ago

Flavors and everything was spot on! I will be back soon! Get their cumin lamb since I still think about it! Also their noodles are really good too! Close to UCI Instagram: Missmichelleluu read more

Laura C.

3 years ago

A7,8,9 B6, B9, C1, D6 no chicken, B1 Orange chicken. B3 sometimes, G1, && #3. I've always wanted to just watch gossip girl and eat Chinese food or watching suits eat Chinese food read more

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Northern Cafe - chinese - Updated July 2026

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Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodles

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A friend dragged me out to this catering spot in Irvine and wow, totally worth it. The freshly…read moreboiled bone broth was insane - super rich, clean flavor, you can literally taste the long simmering. Very authentic Yunnan flavor too, not the watered‑down "fusion" stuff you see everywhere. Portions were generous, loads of toppings, and overall great value for money. We were all slurping in silence for a minute like... dang :) Definitely bookmarking this place for the next gathering!

Best late night spot in Irvine! I love how they close at 1:30 AM so you can satisfy your late night…read morecravings considering everything in Irvine tends to close early. The soup was flavorful and the noodles are so tender and soft. I went around 11:30 PM and there were still a decent amount of people coming in and out to eat. Parking is a breeze as the lot is large and the service was super quick! The soup is boiling hot and cooked all the ingredients fast and well. I got the original soup with sliced beef. Would definitely be back!

Tang 190

3.8

(1.6k reviews)

•$$

Tang 190 has been an Irvine staple for years, and after a few visits, I can see why so many locals…read morekeep coming back. This isn't the place for trendy fusion dishes or flashy presentation; it's all about hearty Korean comfort food that feels especially satisfying on a cold day. My go-to Korean dishes are Yukgaejang and Bossam. The spicy beef soup is usually my benchmark for any Korean restaurant. Tang 190's version delivered everything I look for: a rich, deeply flavored broth with a satisfying level of spice and plenty of tender beef throughout. It's the kind of soup that keeps me coming back. This last visit, I finally got to try their pork and kimchi platter. The pork itself was tender and enjoyable, but I wasn't a fan of the cabbage. Instead of being lightly pickled with salt, it had been fermented to the point where it resembled white kimchi. I've actually never seen it made like this before. I definitely prefer the fresher, crisper flavor profile to pair with the pork and radish, so this preparation didn't quite work. Service was efficient, and the meal arrived quickly. On any other day, it's usually a 5 star visit, but the bossam preparation was a huge miss for me. While prices have crept up over the years, Tang 190 still does what it does best: serving comforting, no-frills Korean food that consistently hits the spot.

We came here today with a large group, including children. After being seated, it took us some time…read moreto organize and place our order because there were many people in our party and we ordered several dishes. I have always really liked this restaurant, which is why today's experience was especially disappointing. Unfortunately, what happened today was truly awful. From the beginning, our server appeared visibly impatient. When we repeated a couple of dish names to make sure the order was correct, she began speaking to us in an unnecessarily loud and irritated tone. Her voice was loud enough that another employee noticed the situation and offered to take over the order. Instead of accepting the help professionally, our server responded that the other employee would not be able to understand what she had written in Korean. When the other employee later asked her to repeat our order, she read it back very loudly and with obvious anger. The entire restaurant could hear her, and the experience made our whole family feel embarrassed and extremely uncomfortable, especially since we had children with us. Later, she seemed to realize that her behavior had affected us. She brought us a noodle dish "on the house" and briefly said sorry. While we appreciated the gesture, it did not undo the way we were treated in front of the entire restaurant. My question is: if you knew your behavior required an apology afterward, why treat customers that way in the first place? Customers should not be made to feel like an inconvenience simply because they are dining with a larger group or placing a larger order. We came to enjoy a family meal, not to be spoken to with hostility and publicly embarrassed. Unfortunately, this experience completely overshadowed the food.

A & J Restaurant

4.1

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Fast Hot Pot

4.0

(43 reviews)

Really cool concept, as you pick your own ingredients (meats, veggies, noodles) and pay by weight…read moreat $14.99/lb. I recommend the beef bone broth, which was so creamy and delicious and paired perfectly with the tender beef and lamb. They have a massive selection of add-ins like fish balls, wood ear and seafood mushrooms, and lots of noodles from vermicelli, udon, hand pulled noodles, and meats like chicken, beef, lamb pork, fish balls, fish tofu and seafood tempura. The atmosphere is fast-casual/self-service. Only downside was the sauce bar being out of sesame sauce during dinner, but otherwise, it's a great spot for quick and easy hot pot dinner.

Overall (3/5) A convenient and filling malatang option near…read moreUC Irvine that delivers on portion size and price, but falls short on broth flavor and spice. First Impressions (3/5) This was my first visit. Being located at UTC, expectations were moderate. The space is bright, clean, and clearly designed for quick meals. What We Got (3/5) Medium beef bone broth Assorted meats, vegetables, and noodles selected by weight Taste and Quality (3/5) The meat portions were surprisingly generous and better than many malatang spots. However, the broth lacked richness and was not spicy at all, even at medium heat. Flavor was weaker than expected. Service (4/5) Staff were friendly and efficient. The process was quick and straightforward. Space and Atmosphere (4/5) Plenty of seating, well lit, and clean. Easy to dine in without feeling cramped. Was It Worth It (4/5) The price for the amount of food was very reasonable, especially for the location. Filling and convenient for students or late night meals. Final Thoughts Good for convenience and portion size, especially if you do not want to drive far for malatang. If you come, order at least two spice levels higher than usual.

Yonny

4.7

(111 reviews)

Great service and food! Very accommodating; they were able to seat our group of 9! Separate tables…read morebut at least next to each other! Would recommend their snakehead dishes!

I had an absolute amazing experience here. I have not personally really had this type of Chinese…read morehot pot before, with fresh fish and huge flavors in the soup! Wow the staff were really nice, the place was clean! My first time having the Mao Xue Wang, and their signature traditional Laotan Suancai Fish. I love how there was some mala and sourness from the Vege with the fresh fish. I am getting hungry thinking about what I had. You can grab your own chopsticks and napkins from the drawers, you get rice included, and one pot is quite large. Three of us ordered 2 pots and it was already so much! I hope they will open towards the inland empire. I heard that they also have another location in ktown as well as special promos! Can't wait to come back and try some other dishes! Until next time

Shancheng Lameizi Hot Pot

4.2

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Great spot service classic chongqing style hot pot! The restaurant is busy and lively inside…read more If you are not used to sichuan peppers, make sure to ask for extra mild spice for the soup lol (it rekt me), or get the bone broth soup, or half and half. All meats and vegetables are fresh and tasty. Sauce bar and dessert bar are great as well. Moderately priced + great food = amazing value!

first time trying this place as i am a big hotpot fan so i was very excited! went on a friday night…read moreand there was a line so we waited around 30 minutes i got their medium spicy pot and bone broth, the spicy pot was pretty spicy the more you eat and i loved the bone broth soup! my favorite item was their shrimp paste, it was very fresh. their veggies were also pretty good and meat was tender. i do wish they had more options for their sauce/appetizer bar. overall it was a good experience

YUEYAN

3.9

(142 reviews)

Delicious food with friendly staff They had a busy…read morerestaurant and lots of families in the dining area It was a festive and lively atmosphere Bathroom needs more attention regularly. It was a mess in both bathrooms. Cleanliness is important especially around food Overall it is still a good spot to bring people for a meal

We called in same day, to make reservations for our large group, and they were able to accommodate…read more Servers were on top of it. Very friendly service. Easy to use tablets to order food, at each table were helpful too. Ordered string beans, braised eggplant, and mapo tofu without pork. The string beans were so flavorful, and well cooked. The braised eggplant was as expected, good with rice. The mapo tofu had an interesting fruity taste, per the spices used.

Show Hotpot

4.3

(152 reviews)

•$$

Show Hotpot is a convenient hot pot spot inside a food court, especially when you want something…read morequick and warm. This isn't self-serve--you order, and they build the pot for you. The soup base is solid and flavorful, but the quality can be a bit inconsistent depending on the day. Service is fast and friendly, which makes it an easy stop. They're also open later than most food court spots, though not as late as some other hot pot places around Irvine. The food court itself could use a bit more upkeep, but overall it gets the job done when you're craving hot pot without the full sit-down experience.

Located in the food court off Main Street. They are set to open a store in the same strip mall. I…read morestop by here for the lunch special which is a combo of the hotpot and a tea. The staff was friendly and efficient. My food came out pretty quickly. I got the beef hotpot with ramen medium spicy. The soup was tasty on a cod day. The broth is flavorful with just the right amount of spice. It was refreshing to wash down lunch with the passion fruit green tea.

Chic Now Hainan Chicken Rice

4.3

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Amazing hainan chicken rice!…read more This is an establishment combined with other restaurants where you simply pick up your order after placing it via kiosk or app. Service is relatively quick and there are employees to help with the push of a button. We got the combo hainan chicken rice and it's simply delightful! Super juicy chicken combined with their homemade ginger scallion oil, sweet&spicy sauce, and light soy sauce make for an extremely flavorful meal. This place always hits the spot! Highly recommend for those in the area looking for some good ol' hainan chicken rice!

First time getting food at a ghost kitchen. It was a bit confusing to figure out where to pick up…read morethe food and needing to call the business for pick up, but it's definitely a neat idea to have multiple restaurants for pick up at one location! The food itself was good, the chicken was nice and tender and it came with 3 sauces you can dip from. The ginger scallion one was heavier on the ginger and on the salty side, so a little goes a long way. You can choose between skin and skinless options, both which are good! It comes with a few slices of cucumber and a bowl of soup which complimented the meal well! A good option for a quick to go meal!

Karē Japanese Curry

4.5

(112 reviews)

•$$

This place is really good. Overall the food, service and cleanliness of this place was outstanding…read more I'm very impressed and I will be going back again. I would definitely recommend trying this place out. I am always looking for a good katsu place and this is one of them.

Portions are decent. Taste isn't amazing but it gets the job done, especially for being fast and…read morecasual. Katsu: 7.5/10. It was juicy and not dry at all, and the crust was a little crispy. I feel like it lacked a bit of flavor. Would love if it came with more pickled ginger Curry: 7/10. Not enough flavor. It's a bit bland. I thought it was weird you didn't get to pick a spice level, but they give you togarashi on the side. Beef belly: 7/10. Good flavor but really oily Pork belly: 7/10. Also decent but also really oily That said, I appreciate that everything was separated out, including the add ons. Would I come here again? Not if I were looking for the best. But is it convenient and decent portions and decent price? Yeah. For some reason, the system wouldn't let us email receipts because there was no @ button. Not a big deal, but something to note. The place is cute and located at UTC. Plenty of free parking but it gets super busy since it's by UCI.

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Northern Cafe - chinese - Updated July 2026

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