Dropped into Northern Cafe on Figueroa after a game at Crypto.com, totally craving something real, not another sad sandwich. This place delivered. Counter service is straightforward, no fuss, and the staff are surprisingly sharp and friendly, like they actually care you get what you want. Ordered the orange peel chicken and wow - legit酸甜可口, the sauce hits that sweet‑tangy balance without being cloying, and the chicken is外酥里嫩, crunchy outside, juicy inside, not that weird soggy breading you get at random spots. Portion was solid, came out hot, and felt like actual food, not greasy regret. Vibe is simple but it works - you sit, you eat, you're happy. Easy go‑to when I'm downtown and want Chinese that actually tastes like someone tried :) read more

Stopped by Northern Cafe on Figueroa after a quick errand and ended up really impressed. This place is really nice and cozy and the food is amazing here, this is my go to place when I'm near by. I ordered to-go at the counter, and they had my food out in what felt like minutes - fast service, super time-saving, definitely great for takeout when you're in a rush. The noodles had that perfect chew and the broth was rich without being greasy, you can tell they actually care. Portion size is no joke for what you pay, so it's good value too. Staff was chill and efficient, no attitude, just get you fed and on your way. For a quick, comforting meal that doesn't wreck your schedule, this spot just works :) read more

Northern Cafe on Figueroa is legit good value. Walked in with a friend before heading home, just wanted something filling but not crazy expensive, and this spot nailed it. The dumplings were absolute amazing dumplings and really affordable - thin skin, juicy filling, super satisfying, we ended up fighting over the last one lol. Everything felt fresh, nothing greasy or heavy. Also great for takeout: I grabbed an extra order to go and it travelled well, still tasty later that night. Staff were quick, chill, no fuss, food came out hot and fast. Nothing fancy, just solid comfort food that doesn't wreck your wallet :) read more

Good food near usc Good service and space Always come here from usc Would recommend the beef role read more

Northern Cafe - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great food and great seating, that pretty much sums up my visit here. Dropped in with a friend after wandering around Figueroa and ended up staying way longer than planned because it's just such an easy place to sit and chill. Tables are spaced out nicely, no awkward elbow‑to‑elbow situation, and it actually feels comfortable to hang out with your tray and chat. The very convenient kiosk is a win - tap, pick your stuff, pay, done. No weird line drama, no confusion, super straightforward and fast. Food came out hot, tasted fresh, and didn't have that heavy, greasy feel at all, which I seriously appreciate when I'm eating out. Overall, this spot just works - quick ordering, legit tasty food, and a chill space to sit down and enjoy it :) read more

You are better off walking 30 more steps and going to Panda. Restaurant is Mid at most. The environment sucked - we had 2 people come up asking for money and more. Food took forever to get out. Employees attitudes were terrible. read more

Northern Cafe - Orange Chicken, White Rice, Pork Bun (3) 3 - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

First time trying out Northern Cafe and I did it through Uber Eats. And was I in for a great surprise! I got the spicy shrimp Wonton: they were well made and had plenty shrimp. The sauce was garlicky and spicy , I loved this dish. I got the Mabo tofu with rice and I requested it spicy. They threw in some sautéed Serranos in it which I appreciated. Not spicy enough but nonetheless the dish was tasty. I was really happy with my order. Thank you guys! read more

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Fast hot food...clean place to dine... yummy noodles.... friendly services... free parking read more

Northern Cafe - Northern cafe #1 - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I like Northern Cafe. At least I like the one closer to home. Not sure why but I wasn't as enamored by this location as though. Maybe because the other location is newer. Full table service. Not sure. Anyway, ran away from work and came here for lunch with a coworker. Walking in - ordered from electronically via the kiosk stand. Automation is popping up more and more ... grabbed my number and found a seat. My order came out at different times. Maybe that's something else that caught me off guard. Missing is a pic of Chicken. I had already polished off the appetizer and noodles that I didn't even think to grab the last shot. Food was ok. As usual, I enjoyed the mushrooms. The noodle dish was really greasy. I don't mind greasy but this serving was more than I'm accustomed to. The Chicken was standard. No service to speak of other than the order being brought to the table. Self service. Water. Utensils and even the to go containers. Well, I did interact with one staff member to get a bag to carry my to go - as I didn't finish it all. Can't speak for parking as I walked over. But this location is on Fig so unless there's a parking lot out back, you'll have to park on the side streets or in one of the other lots in the area. This location is close to work. But I'll probably stick to the location closer to home. read more

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October 29, 2025 | Downtown LA | It was fun meeting up w/my friend & his daughter for lunch! He discovered Northern Cafe Chinese Dumpling House while in the area today, as well as ordered for us! What a flavorful find! Shrimp Fried Rice | Shared by 3 | Absolutely delicious! I enjoyed every mouthwatering bite! Plump, juicy shrimp with flavorful rice! I highly recommend this dish! Huge portion as well! Sweet of my friend's daughter(Who calls me auntie) to volunteer to change from chicken fried rice in order to share w/me before I even arrived, because she knows that I like shrimp! Scallion Pancakes | Shared by 4 | Yes, please! Another dish that I highly recommend! Each one was crispy at the crust & flavorful with every bite! Delicious on its own, as well as with soy sauce and vinegar!! Veggie Dumplings | Shared by 3 | Yummy, filled with plenty of veggies and flavor! My friends also ordered the meat soup dumplings, which they enjoyed! Green Beans | Shared by 4 |Tasty with every garlicky & onion flavorful bite! Yum! Parking | Free, a few spaces behind the restaurant! Overall | Yes, I would easily try this restaurant again, as well as try other items on the menu! I would also order some of the same items, as they were definitely memorable! read more

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Northern Cafe on Figueroa is clutch. Fast service, like actually fast - ordered, grabbed some water, and my food was already hitting the table. Super time‑saving and honestly great for takeout too. Classic taste, nothing weird or overly fancy, just solid flavors that feel familiar and comforting. For downtown, it's good value - portions are fair, prices don't make you cry, and you walk out full but not wrecked. Staff keep it moving, no attitude, just efficient and chill. Easy spot to keep in the rotation when you want something quick and satisfying :) read more

They have removed sesame noodles from the menu. Their fish in chili oil good, scallion pancakes superb

They use cheap meats and ingredients and the food looks totally different from their display photo on the menu. I'm not a picky eater but it tasted so disgusting that I had to throw away the whole dish after having first bite they don't refund money or offer other options when asked why the quality is so different. They just said it's same meat! Saying "it's the same meat" is such an absurd excuse when the photos clearly show neat, thick slices of lean beef and what you actually got was low-grade, chewy scraps drowning in oily broth. Even if it were technically beef, quality, cut, and execution matter! read more

Northern Cafe - Sour Cabbage Soup - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Good food and service! Very helpful servers and we really enjoyed the dumplings, especially the pork ones. read more

Northern Cafe on Figueroa is such a clutch spot. Walked in between classes, already starving, and they had my order in so fast it almost felt like drive‑thru speed lol. Super fast service, really time‑saving, which I love because I hate wasting half my break sitting around. I grabbed everything as takeout and it traveled well - nothing spilled, still hot when I opened it at my desk, definitely great for takeout. Flavors are that classic taste, very "this is what I'm craving" comfort food, nothing weird or overly fancy, just done right. Portion vs price is solid too, good value for downtown LA. Staff moves efficiently, no chaos, no drama, just in, out, eat, happy :) read more

Hey... Sometimes you gotta drive waaaay South to get to the Northern Cafe...so that's what we did... In a few min and having left Los Angeles ... we were able to reach this place on a Saturday afternoon in less than 30 min...just shot straight down the 110 going South... straight south... It's not often we have a Chinese Co Production with American and Chinese filmmakers showing at the San Pedro Starlight Terrace Cinemas... That's right... Swallowtail and Dragonfly directed by Julia Jay Pierrepont is screening across the street from this wonderful Chinese Restaurant so we thought we'd stop here for a bit and gorge ourselves with some delicious dumplings... Boy are we glad we did... Now we're full and satisfied and ready to undergo some epic Shanghai history...the true story of artist and painter Xiao Lianxia... Hand made shrimp cabbage dumplings; scallion cakes; beef rolls; and pork won ton soup please... you can taste the freshness of the pasta... the ingredients are different yet delicious... more Northern.... Perhaps I hear a falcon squeaking in the distance ... or a yak mooing... ok maybe we're not THAT far North...but I can taste the art of this place.. the colors are all in my mouth... But if you don't come and see for yourself you won't know exactly how North we went! And how great an artist dumpling maker we have here in the heart of San Pedro! We'll be back ! And so should you..!! read more

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Northern Cafe's Shrimp & Yellow Chives Dumplings, Chongqing Crispy Chicken, Spicy Crispy Fish Fillet, Mapo Tofu with Pork, Cold Shredded Potato With Chili Oil And Vinegar, Cold Sliced Beef, Steamed Rice, Cold Sliced Chicken in Spicy Chili Oil, Juicy Pork Soup Dumplings, Cold Cucumber in Sesame Oil, and Stewed Spare Ribs with String Beans were delicious. Convenient to place order on kiosk. read more

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Northern Cafe on Figueroa is one of those spots you're just glad exists. Met a coworker there between meetings because we were on a tight schedule, and it delivered exactly what we needed: fast service, no nonsense. Ordered, barely scrolled my phone, and the food was already out - super time‑saving. Classic taste too, that familiar, comforting flavor profile, nothing trying too hard or overly fancy. Portions felt right and the price was surprisingly fair for downtown, so good value for sure. Also great for takeout - I grabbed an extra box to go, and it held up nicely later, still tasty, not soggy. Staff were chill, efficient, kept the line moving without making anyone feel rushed. Easy spot to keep in the rotation when you just want solid food, quick turnaround, and not to blow your budget :) read more

Northern Cafe - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Easy self-service spot with pretty good Chinese food and plenty of seating inside. Tried the dandan noodles, spicy crispy fish, and spicy wontons. My favorite was definitely the wontons! The others were a bit heavy and oily but still tasty. read more

Northern Cafe - Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Crispy Fish Fillet, Spicy Pork Wontons - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Quick and Easy service since I used the kiosks. Food was delicious. Will be coming back.

Filthy filthy toilet to greet us. Kinda turn off and gross out to eat here. We ordered 3 dishes anyway. read more

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Northern Cafe is really a nice and decently priced Chinese restaurant, and I was looking forward to trying it. The limited parking was a drag but thankfully, I was able to find parking in the area after some time. I thought the food options were really yummy, mainly the fried rice and the orange chicken, and I would definitely try out others in the area! read more

Northern Cafe - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Friend dragged me to Northern Cafe after work and wow, Love the food here, fast and quick service :) Dumplings came out piping hot, super juicy, and the noodles were chewy in the best way. Staff is on it, no fuss, no long wait, just eat and go. Totally adding this to my regular spots! read more

Rolled into Northern Cafe on Figueroa between errands, fully in "need food fast" mode, and this place delivered. Service was quick-quick, super time-saving, definitely great for takeout if you're running around downtown. Went straight for the 红烧牛肉面 and yeah, it lives up to the hype - big bowl, classic taste, broth clearly from real bones, super rich and fragrant, beef tender, noodles chewy in the best way. You get that "大骨熬制，料香十足" vibe with every sip. For what you pay, it's good value, you actually feel like you got a proper meal not just a snack. Staff kept it simple and efficient, no fuss, just get your food and go or chill for a bit. Solid spot to have in the rotation when you want something comforting but don't have time to sit forever. read more

Food you can count on to be good every time! I truly love their shrimp fried noodles. Went to Northern Cafe on Figueroa after work with some friends, and Staff is chill, quick with the orders, no attitude, just smooth service. Reliable spot when you want real food, sit down, eat, and not have to overthink it :) read more

Food: I order the orange chicken, beef noodles, and white rice. I love the orange chicken. It's zesty and flavorful. The noodles are also very tasty. White is ok. Food is consistent and l keep coming back. Service: quick and easy. You order on the electronic screen yourself. Ambiance: sometimes very busy and loud. Otherwise quiet and not a lot of people. Depends on when you come. Plus size friendly- the tables move at the booths. They also have chairs with tables that look sturdy. Parking: very bad. There is a small lot behind the restaurant but it is unlikely to find a spot there. I have parked across the street on the lot by pasta Roma and have not had my car towed. read more

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Clean and many tables, easy to find a seat. You order on a self service kiosk in English or Chinese with pictures, take a number, and they bring the food out to you. I ordered beef roll pancake, juicy pork dumplings, and spicy beef noodle soup for $43. read more

Northern Cafe - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Love this location the best. Food always tastes fresh, the service is always quick, and this place is always packed with students. Great ambiance. read more

Northern Cafe - Orange chicken and pork chow mien. Yummy cucumbers . - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Northern Cafe on Figueroa is kinda slept on, but really solid. Walked in with my boyfriend looking for something quick before heading home, and they had our food out super fast - like sit down, quick scroll on the phone, boom, it's there. Classic taste in the best way, comforting, familiar, nothing weird or overly salty. Price point is very fair for downtown, good value for sure, portions won't leave you hungry. Staff were chill, efficient, no attitude, just get you what you need and keep it moving. Not trying to be fancy, just reliable, tasty Chinese‑style comfort food that actually hits the spot :) read more

My friends dragged me to Northern Cafe after work and wow. Fast service, super time-saving, great for takeout, but we stayed to chill. Noodles had that classic taste, food is always consistent and fresh! Good value, great vibe to bring friends and just hang :) read more

Been going to Northern Cafe on Figueroa for about four years now and this is still my favorite place to get beef rolls, no contest. Classic 牛肉卷饼：经典酱香 - super crispy outside, beef inside is tender and savory with that old‑school, classic taste that just hits every time. Sauce is legit, not too sweet, not too salty, just right. Great for takeout. Staff are chill, they know their regulars, food comes out fast without feeling rushed. If you're craving a reliable beef roll spot, this is the one. Ambiance is also very retro, which I like. read more

Food was good, well seasoned. The service was very fast and it didn't sacrifice in the quality of the food.

Delicious food! I love the ambiance of the area, it's really welcoming and warm. The service is very kind.

I have been going for lunch at least once a week for the past year. Unfortunately I will not be returning. Due to multiple German cockroaches seen about 2 weeks ago. To be fair, food is good. They need to focus on cleaning up the restaurant! read more

Walked into Northern Cafe on Figueroa with a coworker after work, fully in "need real food now" mode, and this spot delivered. Food taste very good! We shared a couple dishes and everything came out hot, fresh, and super flavorful, nothing bland or lazy. Portions are legit, we were both stuffed but still picking at the last bites because it was that good. Staff at the counter were quick and attentive, helped us decide without being pushy, and kept things moving smoothly. Chill vibe, easy place to sit, eat, and just decompress. Definitely one of those spots you start recommending to people without thinking twice. read more

Terrible customer service, stood in line to order. All the workers just walked past everyone for 8 minutes without speaking or greeting. Then the one girl when she does finally speak she wouldn't even look at the customer literally turned her head mumbled 4 more minutes but just standing in front of the register read more

The food was mostly delicious with only a few items that I did not like. The golden soup was sour and lacked flavor and the pork a s shrimp buns were mostly all bun. The shrimp fried rice was probably the best I have ever had. The beef roll is a MUST order. The flavor is amazing. The broccoli was also good. The restaurant is mostly self serve. You order from a screen and your food is brought to you when it's ready. All of your silverware, bowls, water etc are available for you to grab. The ambiance is family style and casual. Parking is seldom available on the street but is provided in the back of the restaurant. read more

Service was amazing and very quick! Additionally the food tasted amazing!! A great go-to spot for a quick and filling meal. read more

Northern Cafe - Inside - Noodles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Great place the noodle soup is amazing, the people are great and the ambiance is great too

Amazing food and service, would come again! Super quick for takeout and really nice for dining in with a warm ambiance.