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    Northern Cafe

    3.9 (439 reviews)
    ModerateNoodles, Chinese, Izakaya
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Northern Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Northern Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    NORTHERN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Northern Cafe

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    Pork Wonton in Spicy Sauce(8pcs) /Beef Roll /Braise Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
    Meimei F.

    Food was so good and authentic. I had the braised beef spicy noodles ,the beef roll and the spicy pork wonton. Service was nice and friendly ambience is clean. Will definitely come back and try more food on the menu !

    Beef, Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice.
    Shik P.

    Stopped by Northern Cafe Bar & Grill for lunch sometime on a weekday. Plenty of parking spots available to park. Inside the eatery was bright and plenty of tables available for dining. We were greeted right away by the hostess and she also sat us down. Excellent customer service from the moment we came into the establishment until we left. We tried their famous Chongquing Crispy Chicken along with the Beef, Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice. It was yummy. Definitely glad we stopped by to try their food. The servings for both the entree and mixed fried rice were plentiful. We can't wait to comeback to try other food items on the menu. Another eatery worth frequenting in the San Fernando Valley.

    Marie C.

    Nice and clean local spot. Plenty of seating and friendly service. The staff were attentive yet the restaurant was freezing. I ordered orange chicken and shared dishes with friends at my table. We shared fried rice and braised green beans. The portions were decent. The food was fine no issues just for what the prices were I expected a different approach to Chinese food. Price: $$

    House entree menu
    Eric P.

    First time here and it looks like a nice place to eat. There were plenty of seating and the parking lot is fairly big. We had an easy time getting a spot. we tried the Yang Chow Fried Rice and the Chongqing Crispy Chicken. Fried rice was good. Soft and not dried out. It was delicious. The Chongqing Crispy Chicken was spicy and savory. A tad salty for my taste buds but it paired well with the fried rice. I would definitely return to try the other items. The staff was helpful and friendly. The menu was clear with pictures. Love how they have allergens marked for the items. Thank you!

    Shrimp fried rice
    Melissa O.

    Had lunch here today on a whim. I ordered shrimp fried rice and a side of cucumber salad with a passion fruit green iced tea. Everything was great! The portions are pretty big, I ended up taking more than half of the fried rice to go. I've had their soup dumplings and noodles before and everything has always tasted great. Service was very friendly and the ambiance was lovely.

    Menu
    David M.

    This was our second time at Northern Cafe. Wow, great service, great food. We went with two couples. We ordered the hand-cut noodles, stir-fried with shrimp. Outstanding. The appetizer was their juicy pork dumplings. Just wonderful. Service was super friendly, efficient, and organized. They also reworked the menus, which are much better organized than the old ones. This place is great.

    Braise Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
    Adonis M.

    Ordered takeout from the place because the food presentation was good online. I haven't been to the physical location but I live a mile out and its raining - so I can't speak to the ambiance or service in store. I ordered the Spicy Braised Noodle Soup which was a bit of a disappointment. There were three beef slices with one being pure ligament which was inedible. The broth didn't have any flavor, it tasted like hot water with chili oil. What I did like were the thick cut noodles and its texture but they still missed something that I can't quite figure out. We also ordered orange chicken which had a good flavor but the texture was mushy rather than having an enjoyable crunch. We also ordered chicken chow mein which was decent. Overall, for the price I paid, I was expecting more. The portion sizes are good though. If you try them out I hope you have a better experience than me.

    Shrimp Wonton in Spicy Sauce(8pcs)
    Adriana G.

    Welcoming, spacious restaurant with plenty of seating and great parking. Our server was really kind and explained the menu since it was our first time. We really enjoyed the shrimp wontons with spicy sauce -- delicious! And the beef roll, which was my favorite! Great spot to check out in Northridge!

    beef roll
    Jessica G.

    I was craving a beef roll and happened to stumble upon Northern Cafe while looking for nearby spots. They have a small parking lot and the space itself is spacious. My sister and I were greeted right way and got to choose our booth. There were a few people dining in, but they still had plenty of seating available. Our server was super kind and attentive. I ordered the beef roll and was pleasantly surprised by the portion size. It tasted great and the chili sauce on the table made it even better. By the time we were leaving, it started to get busier. Good spot to check out if you like beef rolls and wontons in spicy sauce!

    Sautéed String Beans
    Kevin P.

    I ike this Northern Cafe food location food way better then the one that use to be LA that changes it name to IHome Kitchen Chinese Dumpling House. Which still serves that same food. Anyways. This was was our second visit during lunch hour and both time the food has been consistent. Their portions for each dish is good enough to share for 2-3 people and the prices are very reasonable. We ordered the following this past two visits. Sautéed Green Beans. Chongqing Crispy Chicken. House Special Beef Noodle Soup. Pork and Crab Dumplings. Shrimp Pork Egg and Green Chives Pan Fry Dumplings. Sauerkraut Beef Noodle Soup Everything was good and tasty and made fresh to order. Service was quick and friendly. Until our next visit.

    Michele L.

    This was our first time at this location. They didn't have some menu items that we have seen at other locations. It's a nice big open place with plenty of seating. Be aware of the tables where the air blasts down on it. They had plenty of staff. Good customer service. The best thing was the pork dumplings, which did come hot! Tastes delicious with soup inside. The fungus salad was a little too vinegar tasting. The seaweed salad was a good size. Tastes crisp and yummy! Chongqing Crispy Chicken was very spicy, even at medium heat!! Eat with rice...the perfect combo!!

    Menu 1/3 10/22/25
    Hannah L.

    A solid spot when I'm craving chinese beef noodle soup or soup dumplings in the valley. - Braised Beef spicy noodle soup $14.99: this time, could've used more beef slices and spice. Knife cut noodles have a nice al dente chew but are a little harder to eat since they're uneven/harder to use chopsticks with. Will opt for the large or flat noodles next time. Def shareable between SO and I. - Pork Dumplings $11.99: flavorful, soupy bites with the hint of ginger and mix of vinegar/soy sauce/chili oil to dip in? count me in coach, yummy!! - Oolong Tea $2.99: strong taste - will def be coming by more for these!! Since the last time I've been here, they've taken off the skewers as well as the option to order using the phone. They have added an authentic tea menu which I really like! There's usually little to no wait when I come here and there's ample parking. Service is nice, friendly, and quick.

    Braise Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
    Emily P.

    Everything was good, service was fine. Braised beef soup 4/5, takoyaki 5/5 I like the vibes, everything is clean and spacious.

    Chicken chow mein.

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    2 months ago

    Everything was great , pot stickers, dumplings and the noodles are fresh, amazing food

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    Page 1 of 11

    Ask the Community - Northern Cafe

    Hi. Do you serve alcohol?

    yes,we sell beer in our store.

    Do they have Mao Xue Wang?

    I thought this place CLOSED for good. Is it open again?

    Yes, we have reopened. Everything is the same. Now add the handmade noodles. Small hot pot. Skewers

    Do they serve dim sum all day or during a specific time?

    They have dumplings all day.

    Do it take reservations?

    I do not think they have reservations but you can call and ask them they would know better than me

    Do you serve beer snd wine?

    They serve beer but not wine.

    View All 10 Questions

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    IZAKAYA OSEN

    IZAKAYA OSEN

    4.3
    (2.2k reviews)
    18.5 mi
    $$$
    Kid friendly
    Wheelchair accessible

    This is by far the best and freshest sushi spot I've ever been to. The restaurant decor makes you…read morefeel like you're transported to Japan. Service is also a 10/10. Definitely worth it.

    Izakaya Osen is a charming restaurant in Silver Lake specializing in sushi and an array of…read moreizakaya-style dishes. The cozy interior features rich wood accents and traditional Japanese design influences, creating an intimate and inviting ambiance. Our server was kind and attentive, frequently checking in throughout the meal to make sure we had everything we needed. We ended up ordering from the lunch menu, which included complimentary miso soup and a small side of vegetables as a thoughtful touch. **Lunch Sushi & Sashimi: 5/5** This lunch special offered generous portions, featuring a chef's choice assortment of sushi and sashimi alongside a maki roll. While the spicy tuna roll was enjoyable, the nigiri and sashimi were easily the highlights. The salmon and yellowtail nigiri had exceptionally smooth, buttery textures that practically melted on the tongue. Each slice of sashimi was delicate and remarkably fresh, with a clean flavor and no hint of fishiness. **Salmon Ikura Don: 4/5** This donburi featured salmon sashimi and ikura served over rice with avocado and a spring salad mix. The salmon was tender and silky, pairing beautifully with the ikura, which provided bright bursts of brininess and a satisfying pop with each bite. Underneath, the rice was perfectly cooked, while creamy slices of avocado complemented the richness of the fish. My only complaint was the spring salad mix, which felt somewhat out of place among the other ingredients and didn't contribute much to the bowl. With well-executed dishes and warm hospitality, Izakaya Osen delivered an incredible dining experience that left a lasting impression. The combination of exceptional quality and excellent value makes this a restaurant I'd happily return to.

    Photos
    IZAKAYA OSEN
    IZAKAYA OSEN
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    Outdoor
    Taberu

    Taberu

    4.0
    (333 reviews)
    21.8 mi

    Definitely would not recommend coming here, especially if you are in a bigger party. We had 9…read morepeople here for a birthday celebration - food and drinks were really slow and came out staggered. Almost 1.5 hours before all the dishes finally came out. And service was also not great - the server brought out a drink that we didn't order by mistake, told us we could have it on the house, but ended up charging us for it anyway. Had already left when we noticed it. Also told us cake fee was $10, but ended up charging us $20. Food-wise, very hit or miss. The unadon, hamburger steak, and curry udon were all really good, but the yakitori skewers tended to be disappointing. The Tsukune was dry, the Negima was quite bland. The Miso Black Cod was also quite overdone, became quite rubbery when served and also was cold. Overall, I would not come back again, or recommend it. Given the price point, I expected that the food and service left much to be desired.

    Taberu is no longer Taberu…read more With new management, a new kitchen, and a completely new menu, it honestly feels like a totally different restaurant--and I think they should consider changing the name because it's pretty misleading if you're expecting the old experience. The menu now leans much more toward fine dining, and the prices definitely reflect that. As someone who's more of a casual diner and really enjoyed the previous menu, this new direction just wasn't for me. The staff were very kind and took the time to explain all the changes, which I appreciated. However, we ordered about six dishes and were surprised at how small the portions were. On top of that, most of the items were unfortunately pretty bland. Sadly, I won't be returning, and I really miss the old menu.

    Photos
    Tan Tan Ramen in peanut butter miso sesame soup
    Tan Tan Ramen in peanut butter miso sesame soup
    Hōjicha Pudding
    Hōjicha Pudding
    Tiramisu

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    Tiramisu
    Tsubaki

    Tsubaki

    4.1
    (510 reviews)
    19.9 mi
    $$$

    My precious friend Amelia G. treated me to dinner at Tsubaki for my 40th birthday last month. I…read moreloved this place went I went before kids and pandemic, apparently almost a decade ago. It was as good as I remembered, and probably even better. I can't imagine letting another eight and a half years pass without going back. The only negative is that parking is either difficult or $15, which feels bad in a pretty quiet residential area. Better to take a car in any case, so you can enjoy the extensive selection of sakes. We shared a full-sized bottle, I forget which but I think it was a junmai daiginjo, and it was lovely. Tsubaki is such a nice, welcoming little izakaya. Service is great, the atmosphere warm and easy. You just want to sit back and drink at a leisurely pace. The food is excellent, with a robust menu of creative Japanese food. We shared everything, starting with a stellar kanpachi crudo with ume ponzu, shiso, sweet onion and habanero pickles, and furikake. My favorite dish of the night was the tsukune katsu. I love tsukune, the tare-glazed chicken meatballs you'll find in any yakitori place. This was my first time having them in katsu form, panko-fried and served over cabbage with Kewpie mayo and tonkatsu sauce. The chawanmushi was delicious, silky steamed egg custard topped with Dungeness crab, truffle salt, and mitsuba. Likewise the kinoko tempura, an array of maitake, shiitake, and enoki mushrooms fried light and crispy, with yuzu shichimi and tentsuyu for dipping. We got a skewer of bonchiri from the yakitori menu, delightfully chewy bites of charcoal-grilled jidori chicken tail. Finally, a plate of yakisoba, pan-fried noodles with house-cured Peads & Barnetts char siu, pickled green garlic, and cracklin. We got the hojicha parfait, and it was more or less my ideal dessert. Roasted green tea soft serve with sesame black sugar burnt miso and candied walnuts with cornflake dust. Cold, light, sweet. I could eat a whole one by myself pretty much any time. After nine years in business, Tsubaki feels like an Echo Park institution, and the kitchen is as strong as ever. This was a wonderful dinner, one I hope to repeat soon, with more sake, more yakitori, and more hojicha parfait.

    I did have the most amazing Caesar salad at tsubaki, maybe it's because of the little fish…read moreingredients they are adding to the salad. It's not fishy at all tho, but there's just the flavor from the sea that really elevates the salad. The whole time I'm looking for the fish lol, but in the end I just finished the leaves with great satisfaction. The skewers are pretty tasty but too pricy when I know that at the same price Nan Ban Kan in Sawtelle just does it with 20% better flavor, 30% less wait time and maybe 10% cheaper. Didn't like the fried rice at the end. It'd be better if only they kept the braised beef with the sauce. The fried rice is way too dry to enjoy on its own. Living on the west side, I'm definitely in no time to visit again

    Photos
    Tsukune - chicken meatballs
    Tsukune - chicken meatballs
    Fruit tomato kimchi
    Fruit tomato kimchi
    Tsubaki

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    HATCH

    HATCH

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    20.7 mi
    $$

    The food and service was so good. So many fun and unique flavors and the staff is super kind. Love…read morehow lowkey it is. Will be returning.

    PLEASANTLY SURPRISED! 4.8…read more Hatch is located on the ground level of The Bloc, an open-air shopping center in downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the lovely green turf and provides tall heaters for cooler evenings. My husband made lunch reservations here and told me it was just a quick 10-15 minute walk from our hotel, The Ritz-Carlton. We crossed a few intersections to get there, and it was well worth the walk. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a warm and welcoming host. The ambiance is light and airy, featuring high ceilings, light-colored walls, and light wood furnishings. The overall aesthetic is clean, modern, and very inviting. We stopped in for a late lunch and ordered the "Eggcellent Lunch" prix fixe, which included the following: *Tuna Tataki Handroll ~ seared wild caught tuna, tomato & shallot salsa, rayu chili oil, ponzu, micro cilantro *Seaweed Salad ~ w/minced garlic. Served alongside the Tuna Tataki Handroll *Squid Ink Karaage ~ 2-day brined fried chicken thighs, squid ink, house pickles, grilled lime, black garlic ranch *Chicken Breast Skewer ~ char siu marinade, black sesame *Bacon Shishito Skewer ~ applewood smoked bacon *Chicken Meatball Skewer ~ sous vide egg yolk & tare dip Bottom line, everything had visual appeal and was packed with flavor! If we lived locally, we would definitely return for dinner. I have no doubt the rest of the menu would be just as tasty, and I can only imagine the restaurant coming alive in the evening with a lively crowd, happy diners, and a well-stocked bar.

    Photos
    HATCH.  Modern, clean lines.
    HATCH. Modern, clean lines.
    HATCH.  Tuna Tataki handroll.  Delicious!
    HATCH. Tuna Tataki handroll. Delicious!
    Soft shell crab taco

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    Soft shell crab taco
    Izakaya Tora

    Izakaya Tora

    4.4
    (559 reviews)
    13.8 mi
    $$$

    Wow the food is so good!! Recommended by a friend that this place was like Izakaya Osen several…read moreyears ago. Chirashi - the fish is QUALITY. 2 types of each fish, so it's still shareable with a friend. Standouts: their Uni was so creamy and fresh. Also loved the kanpachi pieces - firm and flavorful. Hamachi was also so buttery and fresh. The Miso Chilean Seabass skewers were the best. So tender, soft and grilled and marinated perfectly. What a nice thick satisfying chunk. This is a must order. Pressed sushi - these are hard to find outside of Vancouver so it was a delight to see them! We had the salmon and hamachi version. Loved that the Hamachi had a delicious spicy kick to it! The matcha mochi chocolate cake was so soft, gooey with strong matcha flavor! Great way to end the meal. It's on a poppin street on West Hollywood. We walked to Dayglow for matcha and the Pacific Design Center for inspiration.

    10/10 Experience!…read more We stumbled upon this spot since it was within easy walking distance of our hotel, and we are so glad we did. It has the warm, welcoming feel of a family-owned business. We ordered the Kiss of Fire roll, spicy tuna roll, and a selection of nigiri (I've attached photos of all of them). Everything was delicious and clearly made with very high-quality fish. On top of that, it's incredibly well-priced compared to nearby alternatives. Excellent value for the quality. We will definitely be returning!

    Photos
    Izakaya Tora
    House dessert
    House dessert
    Scoop of Heaven

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    Scoop of Heaven
    kodo

    kodo

    4.3
    (568 reviews)
    22.6 mi

    The inside is low lit & gives an elevated ambiance. Service was fantastic and very attentive. We…read morestarted with the pacific oysters & spicy tuna crispy rice. The pacific oysters are a good size and I really enjoyed the yuzu-kosho ponzu sauce on it. The spicy tuna crispy rice have a good amount of spicy tuna on top & I loved how crispy they made the rice underneath. The Kodo trio comes with uni, toro, & wagyu and the Toro sampler comes with o-toro, chu-toro, akami. All of these handrolls were phenomenal & just left you wanting more. The Wagyu katsu you cook on a hot stone at the table which I liked as an interactive dish. The Wagyu cheeseburger was dripping with juice but still had those crunchy edges. The Uni pasta was beautiful & delicious. The Chimichurri prawns I could eat multiple plates of- the shell comes sliced down the middle so you just have to peel it off. For dessert we ordered the Kodo basque cheesecake & Miso chocolate torte. I love a basque cheesecake & the sesame crumble added great texture. The miso chocolate torte made me wish I ordered my own. Everything from start to finish was amazing, it's hard to pick favorites. Parking- valet $13

    I really enjoy eating here because service is fast and friendly. You get a lovely meal and every…read morestaff member you meet is always so friendly. Food is delicious, drinks are good, and parking isn't hard to find if you're willing to walk a little. The design kinda dark inside, but the patio is always nice. The best part? I can be in and out in less than an hour if I wanted!

    Photos
    Inside Dining Area
    Inside Dining Area
    Toro carpaccio
    Toro carpaccio
    Entrance Seating

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    Entrance Seating

    Northern Cafe - noodles - Updated August 2026

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