Where flavors meet
Welcome to Northern Cafe
Northern Cafe, nestled near the USC campus, is a popular fast-casual dining spot celebrated for its authentic Chinese cuisine. With a menu featuring fresh, flavorful dumplings and hearty noodle dishes, it caters perfectly to the bustling student life. The generous portion sizes offer excellent value, making it a go-to for quick, satisfying meals. While the atmosphere is casual and no-frills, the food steals the show—each dish bursts with bold flavors that evoke the essence of traditional Chinese cooking. Whether dining solo or with friends, Northern Cafe promises a delightful culinary experience worth savoring amid the urban hustle.
Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Mapo Tofu (7-8 People)
Sauteed String Beans (3-4 People)
Huge Plate Braised Chicken
Garlic Spare Ribs
Inside the Experience
Northern Cafe
Welcome to Northern Cafe, a hidden gem nestled near the bustling campus of USC. This eatery has quickly become a favorite among students and locals alike, offering a delicious array of authentic Chinese dishes in a fast-casual setting. With its dedication to bold flavors and generous portions, Northern Cafe promises a satisfying experience that caters to both the hurried student and the leisurely diner.
The allure of Northern Cafe lies in its fresh dumplings and noodles, which have been praised for their flavor and quality. Customers rave about the golden soup beef noodles, a dish that seemingly captivates the heart of many food lovers. Each bowl is served piping hot, tantalizing the taste buds with an explosion of taste that feels lovingly crafted. If you’re looking for a meal that is both filling and affordable, Northern Cafe indeed delivers with its large portion sizes, ensuring that no one leaves hungry.
However, the Northern Cafe experience is not solely about the food. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, catering to a diverse clientele, particularly the vibrant student community that frequents the area. Some reviews mention a no-nonsense service style that prioritizes efficiency over formality. While this can sometimes lead to a less-than-ideal interaction, many agree that the flavors are what truly matter here. The energetic environment may not be ideal for romantic dinners, but it certainly sets the stage for a fun and casual meal with friends.
As you navigate the bustling crowd, keep an eye out for the self-serve area stocked with takeout containers and utensils. This setup allows for a unique, hands-on experience that aligns well with the fast-paced lifestyle of students. However, be mindful that chopsticks dominate the scene, so non-chopstick users may need to get creative.
In summary, Northern Cafe is much more than a simple eatery; it’s a vibrant part of the community that thrives on bold flavors and convenience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before class or enjoying a laid-back meal with friends, Northern Cafe is a place where authentic Chinese cuisine meets a youthful spirit. Don’t just take my word for it; come taste the delightful offerings that have made this cafe a beloved spot in Los Angeles!
Words from Visitors
Guestbook
“ ⭐ 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. ”
“ The meal was truly delicious. I especially enjoyed the fresh dumplings; they were perfectly prepared. And the noodles were a delightful complement, making for a truly flavorful experience. ”
“ 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. ”
“ Amazing food and 2 person size portions! Very self managed with the bowls and take out containers being out for the customers to use as they please. Food comes out hot and is delivered as it completes so you should order to share. My only complaint is the lack of normal size utensils for the non-chopstick literate. ”
“ Went there on a whim because our nephew recommended it and it was delicious speedy and succinct. This is a friendly place and not for first dates. Food is really good and they have no nonsense approach to service. We loved it ”