Northern Cafe in Los Angeles, CA

4.4(815)11.24 - 16.95Los Angeles, CA
True Hidden Gem 💎
Northern ChineseDumplings
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Solid choice

Rated 4.4 stars based on 815 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Families
  • Large groups
  • Budget dining
  • Quick meals
  • Casual dining

Not ideal for

  • Fine dining seekers
  • Romantic dinners
  • Quiet atmosphere

At a glance

Los Angeles, CA • Price 11.24 - 16.95 • 4.4★
Northern Cafe in Los Angeles, California is a top destination for those seeking an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet experience. This 4.4-star rated restaurant, serving over 815 satisfied customers, has mastered the art of authentic Chinese cuisine. The meal was truly delicious, with a particular highlight being the fresh dumplings, perfectly prepared to delight the senses. The noodles were a delightful complement, making for a truly flavorful experience in their casual, cozy atmosphere. Wheelchair accessible and offering various service options, including takeout, dine-in, and delivery, Northern Cafe caters to diverse needs and preferences. Whether a quick solo meal or group dining, this fast-casual Chinese restaurant is a go-to place, blending traditional Chinese elements with a modern, efficient setup.

Good to know

  • Northern Cafe has a listed address in Los Angeles, CA, so visitors can confirm the exact location before going.
  • The page includes a 4.4-star rating from 815 reviews.
  • Hours are listed on the page; verify current hours before making a special trip.
  • Website and phone details are available for checking current menu, hours, or availability.
  • Photos are available on the page to help preview the restaurant before visiting.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages. This buffet provides good value for money.
Address
2904 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA, University Park, Los Angeles, California
Phone
(213) 741-9050
Today
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price
11.24 - 16.95
Rating
4.4 (815 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

👥Friendly service

Attentive and helpful staff

⚡Quick service

No long waits

📋Huge selection

Lots of options to choose from

View reviews →

Before you go

♿Wheelchair accessible

Accessible entrance and facilities

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

🍽️Dine-in available

Eat in the restaurant

🚚Delivery available

Delivery service offered

Signature Dishes

10 popular dishes mentioned by diners

Top picks

Northern Cafe Caters To Diverse Needs×3

Also mentioned

DeliveryDine-InFoodNorthern Cafe CleanNorthern Cafe ConvenientNorthern Cafe Kid-FriendlyPreferencesServiceTakeout

Extracted from diner reviews and FAQ answers.

Solid Quick Option

Score 52/100 · 4 positive signals
Quick bite score52/100
Speed signals
15/30
Grab-and-go
0/25
Budget-friendly
17/20
Time commitment
15/15
Convenience
5/10

What works

  • Quick service noted by reviewers
  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Under $16 per person
  • Ideal for quick meals

Keep in mind

  • No takeout option

Scored from service speed, takeout options, pricing, meal format, and lunch availability.

Traditional Touches 🥢

Chinese regional cuisine · score 30/100
Authenticity score30/100
Authentic

Detected from menu, FAQ answers, and restaurant name.

Trusted Rating

✅ 4.3 weighted · 815 reviews
4.3weighted · raw 4.4 from 815 reviews(↓ 0.05 from raw)
Highly Trusted
Review volume vs. city median815 / 384 median
01,920 (Rock Solid threshold)
Rating spread on Yelp
5★
4★
3★
2★
1★

Relative share of Yelp ratings by star — bar length shows how ratings skew, not exact counts.

The trusted rating blends this place’s raw score (4.4) with the city average (4.23) using a Bayesian formula. Places with fewer reviews are pulled toward the city mean; places with 1920+ reviews carry their rating at nearly full weight.

Photos

1 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Popular Times

See when it's busiest
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

Pricing

Price range 11.24 - 16.95
Price range11.24 - 16.95
Menu items include pricing. See the menu section for item details.

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Accessibility

Wheelchair, parking, and more
Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lotWheelchair accessible restroomWheelchair accessible seating

Amenities

Available facilities and features
RestroomLimited vegetarian optionsValet parking, Validated parkingFree Wi-FiTVDogs Allowed

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualCozyTrendyGood for groups

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
LunchDinnerDessertSeatingLunchDinner

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservationsOutdoor Seating

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Credit CardsDebit CardsN F C mobile payments

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
Comfort foodLate-night foodQuick biteSmall platesVegetarian options

Popular Dishes

19 dishes reviewers mention most
  • Beef Roll 牛肉卷饼$17.5016 mentions
  • Orange Chicken 陈皮鸡$19.508 mentions
  • Pork Wontons in Chili Oil 鲜肉红油抄手$15.507 mentions
  • House Special Beef Noodle Soup 红烧牛肉面$19.004 mentions
  • Dan Dan Noodle 担担面$16.003 mentions
  • Pork & Cabbage Dumplings 白菜猪肉水饺$15.503 mentions
  • Pork Potstickers 猪肉锅贴$16.003 mentions
  • Garlic Cucumber 凉拌小黄瓜$9.503 mentions
  • Beef Fried Noodle 牛肉炒面$18.003 mentions
  • Chongqing Crispy Chicken 辣子鸡$19.503 mentions
  • Green Onion Pancake 葱油饼$12.503 mentions
  • Mongolian Beef 蒙古牛$21.003 mentions
  • Crab Meat & Pork Soup Dumplings 蟹粉小笼包$16.002 mentions
  • Kung Pao Chicken 宫保鸡丁$19.502 mentions
  • BBQ Lamb Skewer 羊肉串$8.502 mentions
  • Chicken Soup Dumplings 鸡肉小笼包$16.002 mentions
  • Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings 花素蒸饺$15.502 mentions
  • Shrimp Wontons in Chili Oil 鲜虾红油抄手$15.502 mentions
  • Lao Gan Ma Fried Noodle with Chicken 老干妈炒面$18.002 mentions

Dishes most frequently mentioned in Yelp reviews.

Full Menu

53 items with prices
  • Pig Ear in Chili Oil 红油猪耳$11.50

    Sliced thin and served cold with chili oil and numbing oil.

  • Garlic Cucumber 凉拌小黄瓜$9.50

    Light and refreshing, dressed with sesame oil, garlic, and topped with spicy red chilis.

  • Garlic Woodear & Tofu Skin 凉拌腐竹木耳$9.50

    Shredded cucumber, carrots, woodear mushrooms, green onion, and cilantro tossed in a sweet and tangy garlicky sauce.

  • Eggroll 春卷$9.50

    3 pieces

  • Chicken Wings 鸡翅$13.00

    7 pieces

  • BBQ Lamb Skewer 羊肉串$8.50

    Marinated and grilled, featuring the distinct taste of lamb combined with cumin and spices; comes with 2 skewers.

  • Seafood Fried Rice with Garlic 避风塘海鲜炒饭$25.00

    Shrimp, scallops, calamari, and crab meat

  • Shrimp Fried Rice 虾炒饭$19.50

    Stir-fried rice with peas, carrots, egg, green onion, and shrimp.

  • House Special Fried Rice 本楼炒饭$18.00

    A hearty mix of Chinese pork sausage, spam, shrimp, peas, carrots, egg, and green onion.

  • Chicken Fried Rice 鸡炒饭$18.00

    Stir-fried rice with peas, carrots, egg, green onion, and chicken.

  • Beef Fried Noodle 牛肉炒面$18.00

    House-made, wok-fried noodles, paired with bok choy, cabbage, carrots, green onion, white onion, and beef.

  • Lao Gan Ma Fried Noodle with Chicken 老干妈炒面 (微辣)$18.00

    House-made, wok-fried noodles, paired with bok choy, cabbage, carrots, green onion, white onion, chicken, and Lao Gan Ma chili oil.

  • Chicken Fried Noodle 鸡炒面$18.00

    House-made, wok-fried noodles, paired with bok choy, cabbage, carrots, green onion, white onion, and chicken.

  • Vegetarian Fried Noodle 素炒面$16.00

    Thick noodles stir-fried with broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green onion, white onion, and egg.

  • Crab Meat & Pork Soup Dumplings 蟹粉小笼包 (8)$16.00

    8 pieces

  • Pork Soup Dumplings 小笼包 (8)$16.00

    8 pieces

  • Chicken Soup Dumplings 鸡肉小笼包 (8)$16.00

    Broth-filled dumplings with ground chicken and green onion filling, wrapped in a delicate dumpling skin; comes with 8 pieces.

  • Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings 花素蒸饺 (8)$15.50

    8 pieces

  • Steamed Pork & Kimchi Dumplings 韩式泡菜猪肉蒸饺 (8)$15.50

    8 pieces

  • Shrimp, Pork, and Chive Dumplings 三鲜水饺 (10)$15.50

    10 piecesPictured: Boiled Dumplings

  • Pork & Cabbage Dumplings 白菜猪肉水饺 (10)$15.50

    10 piecesPictured: Pan-Fried Dumplings

  • Pork & Fennel Dumplings 茴香猪肉水饺 (10)$15.50

    Pork and fennel dumplings. Choice of boiled or pan-fried.Pictured: Boiled Dumplings

  • Chicken Dumplings 鸡肉水饺 (10)$15.50

    10 piecesPictured: Pan-Fried Dumplings

  • Shrimp & Yellow Chive Dumplings 韭黄虾水饺 (10)$15.50

    10 piecesPictured: Boiled Dumplings

Menu sourced from Yelp; items and prices may change.

Reviews

815 reviews

Customer highlights

  • Customers have left 815 reviews, with an average rating of 4.4 stars.
  • Review tags mention dumplings, parking, beef noodle soup, and dan dan noodles.
  • Positive review text points to service, fresh food, buffet selection, and value.
  • Recent positive review text gives this page enough customer detail to compare it with nearby buffet options.

Reviews

Customer reviews available

Loading full reviews...

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

Is the Northern Cafe kid-friendly?

My kids' favorite Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles!

How much does it cost?

A3 Takeout Menu: $450/10,000 pieces

Is the service good?

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.

Is the Northern Cafe clean?

This place will probably be the closest thing to authentic Chinese food unless you think Panda is authentic. Portions are very nice, staff is nice, and the place is clean.

Is the food authentic?

Real Chinese food, not Americanized Chinese food.

Is the Northern Cafe worth visiting?

I love Chinese food. You can park on the plaza across the street. it’s free.

Is the Northern Cafe convenient?

Great food and plenty of dining place.

Is the Northern Cafe worth visiting for its noodles?

Omg the best dumplings I've ever tasted. Each bite flavor just explodes in your mouth.

Show 1 more questions

What is the rating of Northern Cafe?

Northern Cafe has a 4.4-star rating based on 815 customer reviews.

🍜Cultural Food Hub

A vibrant food district with diverse eateries, cafes, and cultural landmarks.

A vibrant food district with diverse eateries, cafes, and cultural landmarks.

Food & Dining
30
Transportation & Automotive
15
Arts & Culture
9
Government & Public Services
8
Recreation & Entertainment
6
Miscellaneous Services
6

100 nearby places across 14 categories

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

102 places nearby (arts & culture, finance, food, government, healthcare)

Museums & galleries

Artwork

Artwork

~0.4 mi
Hecuba, Queen of Troy

Artwork

~0.4 mi
Joe Widney

Artwork

~0.5 mi
Tommy Trojan

Artwork

~0.6 mi
Artwork

Artwork

~0.6 mi

Theaters & performance venues

Schoenfeld Symphonic Hall

Theatre

~0.5 mi
Carson Center

Theatre

~0.5 mi
Eileen L Norris Cinema Theatre

Theatre

~0.6 mi
Newman Recital Hall in Hancock Foundation

Theatre

~0.6 mi

Insurance

Freeway Insurance

Insurance

~0.2 mi

Banking

Chase

Bank

~0.3 miMo-Fr 09:00-17:00; Sa 09:00-14:00; Su closed
+1 213-745-7928Website
Bank of America

Bank

~0.4 miMo-Fr 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-14:00
Website
USC Credit Union

Bank

~0.4 mi
ATM

Atm

~0.6 mi

Restaurants

Northern Cafe

Restaurant

2904 South Figueroa Street

~30 ftMo-Sa 11:00-23:00, Su 11:00-21:30
+1-213-741-9050Website
Carl's Jr.

Fast Food

2912 South Figueroa

~110 ft
+1 213-747-5801Website
McDonald's

Fast Food

2810 South Figueroa Street

~260 ft07:00-22:00
+1 213-749-1105Website
KFC

Fast Food

2809 Figueroa Street

~290 ft
Website
Domino's

Fast Food

2803 Figueroa Street

~310 ftMo-Th 10:00-01:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-03:00; Su 10:00-01:00
+1 213-746-9999Website
Jamba

Fast Food

2801 South Figueroa Street

~320 ft07:00-21:00
+1 323-709-2500Website
Ono Hawaiian BBQ

Restaurant

3010 South Figueroa Street

~400 ftMo-Su 10:00-24:00
+1-213-745-9888Website
Yoshinoya

Fast Food

3021 South Figueroa Street

~400 ftSu-Fr 10:00-26:00, Sa 11:00-26:00
+1-213-749-3196Website
Momota Ramen House

Restaurant

3019 South Figueroa Street

~410 ftMo-Th 11:30-21:30, Fr-Su 11:30-22:00
+1-213-973-5488
Sputnuts Donuts

Fast Food

3001 South Figueroa Street

~430 ft24/7
+1-213-749-0678Website
Viztango Cafe

Restaurant

3017 South Figueroa Street

~430 ftMo-We 11:00-20:00, Th 11:00-20:30, Fr-Sa 11:00-21:00
+1-213-745-8050Website
Five Guys

Fast Food

530 West 27th Street

~650 ft11:00-21:30
+1 213-749-7710Website

Bars & Pubs

901 Bar & Grill

Bar

2902 Figueroa Street

~50 ftMo-Su 11:30-02:00
Rock & Reilly's

Bar

3201 Hoover Street

~0.4 miMo-Su 10:00-26:00
+1-213-536-5584
The Pearl

Bar

1146 West 30th Street

~0.6 mi24/7

Cafes & Coffee

Starbucks

Cafe

2735 South Figueroa Street

~340 ft
+1 213-618-5477Website
Lollicup Extra

Cafe

3015 South Figueroa Street

~430 ft
Pot of Cha

Cafe

3013 South Figueroa Street

~440 ftMo-Su 12:30-23:00
+1-213-516-1888Website
Cafe

Cafe

~0.3 mi
Ministry of Coffee

Cafe

~0.3 mi
Starbucks

Cafe

3201 Hoover Street

~0.4 miMo-Su 04:30-24:00
+1 213-460-1662Website
Trojan Grounds (Starbucks)

Cafe

~0.4 miMo-Su 00:00-24:00
Cafe Dulce

Cafe

3096 McClintock Avenue

~0.5 miMo-Fr 07:00-22:00; Sa-Su 08:00-22:00
+1 213-536-5609
Starbucks

Cafe

3584 South Figueroa Street

~0.5 miMo-Su 09:00-23:00
+1 213-749-9302Website
Starbucks

Cafe

~0.6 miMo-Su 00:00-24:00

Grocery & Markets

Cal Mart Beer & Wine Food Store

Supermarket

3303 Figueroa Street

~450 ft06:00-12:00
7-Eleven

Convenience

2512 South Figueroa

~0.2 mi
+1 310-862-4401Website
Trader Joe's

Supermarket

3131 Hoover Street

~0.4 miMo-Su 08:00-22:00
+1 213-749-1497Website
Henry's Market

Convenience

2101 Estrella Avenue

~0.5 miMo-Su 08:00-21:00
+1-213-748-3898
Lee's Market

Convenience

~0.6 mi

Postal services

Nupac

Post Box

~1050 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~0.2 mi
FedEx Print and Ship Center

Post Office

929 West Jefferson Boulevard

~0.5 miMo-Fr 07:00-22:00, Sa 08:00-20:00, Su 10:00-20:00
+1-213-746-4234Website

Waste management

Waste disposal

Waste Disposal

~0.2 mi
Waste disposal

Waste Disposal

~0.3 mi

Public facilities

Drinking water

Drinking Water

~0.4 mi
Drinking water

Drinking Water

~0.4 mi

Government offices

Department of Motor Vehicles

Government

3615 South Hope Street

~0.5 miMo-Fr 08:00-17:00; We 09:00-17:00
+1-800-777-0133Website

Pharmacy & medical supplies

CVS Pharmacy

Pharmacy

~940 ft
Website

Specialists

Figueroa Optometry Center

Optician

~0.2 mi
USC Roski Eye Institute

Optician

~0.4 mi
Ocean & Land Corp

Optician

3465 South Main Street

~0.6 miMo-Fr 09:30-16:00
+1-323-985-6700

Hospitals & clinics

Orthopaedic Institute for Children

Clinic

403 West Adams Boulevard

~0.3 mi
+1 213 741 8330Website

Other services

Fountain

Fountain

~0.4 mi
Tap Two Blue

Yes

2234 Figueroa Street

~0.4 miTh-Su 15:30-23:30
+1-213-275-1711Website
Fountain

Fountain

~0.5 mi
Fountain

Fountain

~0.5 mi
Shelter

Shelter

~0.6 mi
Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute

Research

Downey Way

~0.6 mi

Beauty & spa

Glamorous Nail Spa

Beauty

3011 South Figueroa Street

~460 ftMo-Fr 10:00-19:00, Sa 9:00-18:00
+1-213-746-3054
Fruit and Candy

Beauty

~0.4 mi
FaceHaus

Beauty

3201 Hoover Street

~0.4 miMo-Su 10:00-20:00

Hair services

Workshop Salon & Boutique

Hairdresser

3131 Hoover Street

~0.4 mi10:00-19:00

Sports & recreation

Swimming pool

Swimming Pool

~0.2 mi

Other recreation & entertainment

Recreation & entertainment venue

Outdoor Seating

~0.4 mi
Recreation & entertainment venue

Outdoor Seating

~0.4 mi
Recreation & entertainment venue

Park

~0.4 mi
Recreation & entertainment venue

Outdoor Seating

~0.4 mi

Parks & amenities

Picnic area

Picnic Table

~0.4 mi

Places of worship

Our Saviors Chapel

Place Of Worship

~0.3 mi
Central Church of Seventh Day Adventists

Place Of Worship

~0.5 mi
First Presbyterian Church

Place Of Worship

~0.5 mi
Divine Providence Convent

Place Of Worship

~0.6 mi

General retail

Target

Department Store

3131 Hoover Street

~0.4 miMo-Sa 07:00-22:00, Su 08:00-21:00
+1 213-275-3149Website

Clothing & fashion

Lululemon

Clothes

~0.4 mi
Kaitlyn

Clothes

~0.4 mi

Sports & outdoor

Sole's Bicycles

Bicycle

~0.4 mi

Social facilities & assisted living

St. John's Cathedral-Hope Net

Social Facility

514 West Adams Boulevard

~890 ftSu[1,3] 12:30-13:30
+1-213-747-6285
Los Angeles Central City Seventh-day Adventist Church

Social Facility

650 West 21st Street

~0.5 miTu[3] 12:00-14:00
+1-213-749-9646Website

Gyms & fitness centers

CorePower Yoga

Fitness Centre

3131 Hoover Street

~0.4 mi
+1-704-946-7931Website
USC Village Gym

Fitness Centre

929 West Jefferson Boulevard

~0.5 miMo-Fr 06:00-24:00; Sa 10:00-22:00; Su 10:00-24:00
+1-213-764-7940

Parking facilities

Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~930 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~950 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~960 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.2 mi
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~0.2 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.2 mi
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~0.2 mi
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~0.3 mi
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~0.3 mi
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~0.3 mi

Vehicle rentals

Metro Bike Share

Bicycle Rental

~0.3 mi
Metro Bike Share

Bicycle Rental

~0.3 mi
Metro Bike Share

Bicycle Rental

~0.4 mi

Other transportation

Felix Chevrolet

Car

~0.3 mi
Zip Car

Car Pooling

~0.3 mi

Attractions

Tutor Campus Center Piano

Attraction

~0.6 mi

Storage & lockers

Amazon Hub Locker

Parcel Locker

3096 McClintock Avenue

~0.4 mi