Northern Cafe

Northern Cafe is a culinary gem located in Cerritos, CA, that offers a wide range of delectable Chinese dishes with impeccable service. This restaurant provides a plethora of options for diners, from appetizers like Spicy Pig Ears and Steamed Custard Buns, to traditional pastries like Juicy Pork Dumplings and Beef Roll Pancakes, stir-fried vegetables, meat dishes, seafood delights, noodle soups, and special noodles.

One highlight of Northern Cafe is the Dandan Noodles, which boasts a rich and spicy broth with chewy noodles, minced pork, fried egg, and baby bok choy, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Another must-try dish is the Beef Roll Pancake, a perfect harmony of tender beef and savory pancake that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Although some reviews mention service issues and inconsistencies in dish quality, Northern Cafe remains a popular choice for those craving authentic Chinese cuisine in a bustling and lively environment. With its extensive menu and flavorful offerings, this restaurant is a go-to spot for many food enthusiasts in the area. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Northern Cafe has something for everyone. So next time you're in the mood for some comfort food with a twist, make sure to give Northern Cafe a try.

Northern Cafe Menu

Location

Address: 11468 South St Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: (562) 402-9588

🕓 Work Hours
MON 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
TUE 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
WED 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
THU 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
FRI 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
SAT 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
SUN 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Accepts Cryptocurrency
    No
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking, Private Lot Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible
    Yes
  • TV
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    No
  • Happy Hour
    No
  • Alcohol
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes
  • Plastic-free packaging
    Yes
  • Provides reusable tableware
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Lauren A.

    18 December 2023

    We love the spicy wontons, spicy beef noodle soup, mini pork ribs, and green beans. Comfort food.

  • Author: Kristina F.

    17 December 2023

    Okay, so, just so everyone knows, the food here is delicious. I think it's definitely worth the hype. And knowing that there is hype, be prepared to wait a while and have stressed out, hand-off servers (no fault to them, there were like two in a super tight fast-paced space hustling like crazy). If you don't like a lot of attention and are just there to enjoy food, you're in for a treat.

    They've got a pretty solid menu and are perpetually rushing, so you might want to do your research before coming in. We hadn't been seated for more than a minute before they came to pick up our ordering sheet, and urged that we needed to do it quickly. A little off-putting, but fair given the nature of the restaurant.

    We ordered --

    dandan noodles: easily the highlight of the meal. Rich spicy broth with super fresh, super long chewy noodles, with minced pork, fried egg, and baby bok choy, all sprinkled with garlicky nutty chili crunchy bits. The flavor and texture were amazing. IT WAS SO GOOD.

    juicy pork dumplings: the whole reason why we came is because I wanted xiao long bao. And maybe because they came out after we had our minds blown after eating most of the dandan noodles, the dumplings were just good. The minced meat and broth inside was ginger-y but surprisingly mild.

    scallion pancake: the last thing to come out. They were yummy simultaneously crispy on the edges and chewy in the center, but a little lacking on the green onion. My husband regretted us not ordering one of the meat ones -- perhaps next time. Because despite the little mehs here and there, this place was definitely worth it and we will be back.

  • Author: Thrisha S.

    26 November 2023

    Northern Cafe is always one of my go to spots in Cerritos! The food and service is always very quick and good quality! I loved the spicy dry chicken and the chicken chowmein! The wontons in chilli oil are also great! Scallion pancakes are little more fried than I would like but overall good! Expect some wait times for dinner during the weekend but typically get seated pretty fast!

  • Author: Nicklaus Y.

    23 November 2023

    Rating: 3.5/5

    Northern Cafe offers a mix of flavors, with some hits and misses during my recent visit. Here's my Yelp review based on the items I ordered:

    **Juicy Pork Dumplings - 3/5:**
    The Juicy Pork Dumplings were satisfactory, earning a 3/5 rating. While they delivered on the juicy aspect, the overall flavor fell a bit short of expectations. There are better options out there for dumpling enthusiasts.

    **Shrimp Chow Mein - 3/5:**
    The Shrimp Chow Mein, while decent, also earned a 3/5 rating. It lacked the wow factor, and although the ingredients were fresh, the overall taste didn't stand out compared to other chow mein dishes I've tried.

    **Beef Roll Pancake - 5/5:**
    The Beef Roll Pancake was a standout, deserving a perfect 5/5 rating. The combination of flavors, the tenderness of the beef, and the texture of the pancake made it a memorable dish. If you visit Northern Cafe, the Beef Roll Pancake is a must-try.

    **Additional Notes:**
    - **Busy on Friday Night:** Visiting on a Friday night, the restaurant was bustling with activity. The lively atmosphere might be appealing for those seeking a vibrant dining experience, but it's worth considering if you prefer a quieter setting.

    - **Crowded Parking Lot:** One downside is the crowded parking lot, making it a bit challenging to find a space. This inconvenience could impact the overall dining experience, especially during peak hours.

    In summary, Northern Cafe offers a mixed dining experience. While the Juicy Pork Dumplings and Shrimp Chow Mein were average, the Beef Roll Pancake was a definite highlight. If you're willing to navigate a busy atmosphere and a crowded parking lot, Northern Cafe might be worth a visit, especially for the Beef Roll Pancake.

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