juha lee

Amazing food and quick service! You order, pay, and find a seat first, and then the food comes out. I personally like this system, because I didn’t need to wait after finishing my food to leave. We ordered the pork dumplings, potstickers, shrimp wontons, dan dan noodles, and peking meat pie. All of the food was good, and the dumplings were especially delicious. They also had great chili oil. I would definitely come again.

Meg Torresan

I wish I tried this restaurant earlier! The dumplings are freshly made, you can see them preparing them behind the window. I was also amazed by the big variety of dumplings they had, we got the lamb and and the shrimp and pork ones and the juicy pork ones. The fried rice was really good too. Service was fast. The inside of this small restaurant is also very cute and cozy.

+5

Maybelline Vasquez

Our boss took us here for our Christmas luncheon. Everything we ordered was super delicious. You need to try bacon fried rice, sweet & sour pork ribs, salted lime peanuts, pork dumplings, garlic chicken wings yummy, shrimp won ton, beef wrap, and the pineapple mango lemonade. Must try. It gets busy. Come early. If you see all booths and tables filled there is an extra section towards the rear in a hidden corner where another 16 people can fit. I like how they have plates, napkins, utensils at your reach as well as too go boxes and bags. You dont have to ask for a thing its readily available. I will definitely go again. I loved it.

AW

Had dinner there with friends. It’s a self-service setup similar to a fast-food restaurant, so there isn't much service. Food was good and tasty though.

Ryan Sherman

Food was great and tasted really authentic. Parking behind the restaurant is almost non-existant. The guy who took my order was rude and barked at me that my order was not ready when i was trying to make the order. Staff barely spoke English. They were also blaring loud music.

Scott L

Northern Cafe – Bold Chinese Flavors at USC Located right near the USC campus, Northern Cafe is a beloved spot among the large Asian student population around the University Park Campus. Known for its authentic Chinese cuisine, it’s a go-to place for both quick solo meals and group dining. Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, Northern Cafe follows a fast-casual format: customers order via self-serve kiosks, grab their own drinks, and food is brought to the table. Despite the efficient setup, the interior decor stays true to its roots, with traditional Chinese elements creating a cozy yet cultural vibe. Seating is a mix of small tables for individuals or pairs, and several spots can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups. It’s flexible and welcoming for both solo diners and friend gatherings. The menu is loaded with flavorful options: • Beef Pancake Roll: A must-try. Crispy on the outside with juicy slices of beef, cucumber, and cilantro rolled inside. You get six generous pieces, perfect for sharing. • Braised Beef Noodle Soup: A classic. Soy sauce–based broth with tender beef and chewy noodles – comforting and satisfying. • Chongqing Crispy Chicken: Intensely crunchy, deep-fried chicken tossed with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Fiery and addictive. • Boiled Beef in Chili Sauce: For spice lovers. The beef is tender, swimming in a rich, spicy broth packed with numbing heat. • Boiled Fish Fillet in Chili Sauce: Another spicy favorite with delicate, flaky fish and a punchy chili-oil base. • Sautéed Bok Choy: A solid veggie side – simple, garlicky, and fresh. • Garlic Spare Ribs: Deep-fried pork ribs topped with garlic and scallion – rich and aromatic. While flavors are authentic and bold, be aware that many dishes are quite oily or heavily spiced, which may not suit those who prefer lighter or milder cuisine. Stick to vegetable dishes or non-spicy options if you’re unsure. Service is minimal, as expected for a self-service model. Staff mainly bring food to the table and clear used dishes, but don’t expect much additional assistance. Parking is available in the back, though the entrance can be easy to miss for first-timers. Look for a small back door that leads directly into the dining area. ⸻ Verdict: Northern Cafe delivers hearty, flavorful Chinese dishes in a fast-casual setting perfect for USC students and visitors alike. It’s not fine dining, but if you crave authentic mainland Chinese flavors at reasonable prices, this place hits the spot. Just come hungry—and maybe bring a group to share the spice and the variety.

+3

Sohrob H

⭐ 4/5 – Fast, Filling, and Convenient for USC Students Northern Cafe offers a quick, satisfying meal near USC. It’s a great choice for anyone in need of a filling bite on the go, but don’t expect it to be a stand-out culinary experience. 🍜 The Food: 4/5 Decent dumplings and noodles, fresh and filling Portion sizes are large, which makes it a great value for the price Some dishes could benefit from a bit more seasoning, but overall, it’s good for a quick fix 🏡 The Atmosphere: 3.5/5 Small space, usually crowded—not ideal for relaxing, but perfect for a quick bite If you’re in a rush or need something filling, it’s a great option 🛎️ The Service: 4/5 Service is quick and efficient, but there’s little to no personal interaction You order at the counter and your food arrives fast—perfect if you're in a hurry 💰 The Verdict: A Convenient and Quick Option ✅ Large portions for a good price ✅ Quick service, great for those in a rush ✅ Good dumplings and noodles for a quick meal ❌ Not much variety or flavor depth, dishes could use more seasoning ❌ Limited seating, not a great place to relax and dine in Would I return? Yes, for a quick, no-fuss meal. It’s not a destination for a special night out, but it works for a filling stop when you're nearby.

+1

Karel Nguessan

The food is great. I am only giving 3 stars because I only got 4 small pieces of meat in my noodles

49 minutes for soup — even with a “logged” call. The Counter really was better as a sports bar.

I had an extremely disappointing experience with Northern Café that resulted in an $80 loss and unacceptable customer service. Years ago, when I was a student at USC, I ate at the Northern Café near campus and became very sick afterward. Because of that experience, I made the decision never to eat at that specific location again. Recently, while working in Downtown Los Angeles, I saw that a Northern Café location near my job had strong reviews. I was craving dumplings and placed an $80 pickup order directly through Northern Café’s website (not through a third-party app). I specifically selected the Downtown Los Angeles location near my office and scheduled pickup for 5:00 PM. I even received a confirmation call, during which I confirmed the pickup time. When I arrived at 5:00 PM, I was told the order had been sent to the USC location — the one I intentionally avoid. The menus between the two locations are not even the same, which makes it even more confusing how the order was routed there. I immediately called to explain that I had ordered through the website and selected the Downtown location. I was told the two restaurants are separately owned, essentially operating like franchises, and that I needed to “keep calling.” When I continued trying to resolve the issue, my calls were eventually blocked. The manager at the Downtown location told me to “go through the app” to request a refund — but I did not use a third-party app. I ordered directly through Northern Café’s website, which made that instruction confusing and unhelpful. When I asked to speak to a supervisor, I was refused. At this point: • I lost $80. • I did not receive any food. • I was given inconsistent information. • My calls were blocked. • No one took responsibility. Even though I technically could have driven 30 minutes to the USC location, I would never pick up food there due to my previous experience of becoming ill. What is most concerning is not just the order error, but the complete lack of accountability and customer service. Customers should not have to navigate franchise ownership structures or chase down refunds after ordering directly through a company’s own website.

Lori

Ordered DoorDash. Received the food 2 hours after ordering. After that very LONG wait, one of our two meals was missing, the orange chicken. So, we shared the shrimp fried rice. The rice was HARD, not cooked. We were starving so ate a small portion and threw the rest away! Worst Chinese food. I would give the restaurant less than 1 star if I could!!! Buyer beware DO NOT order from here.

Peilin He

Ordered beef noodles and there’s an entire worm in it with worm eggs disgusting