Northern Cafe DTLA in Los Angeles, CA

4.3(88)Los Angeles, CA
True Hidden Gem 💎
Northern ChineseDumplings
CallDirectionsWebsite
Solid choice

Rated 4.3 stars based on 88 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

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

Not ideal for

  • Romantic dinners
  • Quiet atmosphere

At a glance

Los Angeles, CA • 4.3★
Northern Cafe DTLA, a renowned Los Angeles, California Chinese restaurant, offers a Chinese buffet experience like no other. Located in the heart of the Financial District, this eatery is a perfect spot for dinner and date nights. With its easy access location, right across from the metro station, it's an ideal destination for those seeking great northern Chinese food. The restaurant's commitment to providing top-notch quality food is evident in their offerings, including veggie rolls, mapo tofu, and veggie steamed dumplings. Their all-you-can-eat buffet ensures that guests can indulge in a variety of dishes to their heart's content.

Good to know

  • Northern Cafe DTLA has a listed address in Los Angeles, CA, so visitors can confirm the exact location before going.
  • The page includes a 4.3-star rating from 88 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
725 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA, Financial District, Los Angeles, California
Phone
(213) 278-0054
Today
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Rating
4.3 (88 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

👥Friendly service

Attentive and helpful staff

📋Huge selection

Lots of options to choose from

🌟Nice atmosphere

Pleasant and welcoming environment

View reviews →

Before you go

♿Wheelchair accessible

Accessible entrance and facilities

🍺Alcohol served

Beer, wine, and cocktails available

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

Signature Dishes

5 popular dishes mentioned by diners
**Mapo Tofu****Veggie Rolls****Veggie Steamed Dumplings**No OtherPopular Dishes

Extracted from diner reviews and FAQ answers.

Traditional Touches 🥢

Sichuan regional cuisine · score 30/100
Authenticity score30/100
BBQ

Regional dishes detected

Mapo TofuSoup Dumpling

Detected from menu, FAQ answers, and restaurant name.

Early Evening Only 🌇

Score 31/100 · 3 positive signals
Full night out score31/100
Late-night hours
0/30
Drinks on premises
0/20
Nightlife nearby
25/25
Entertainment
6/15
Weekend potential
0/10

What works

  • 5+ bars and nightlife venues within walking distance
  • Cinema within walking distance
  • Entertainment nearby

Keep in mind

  • No alcohol — you'll need to go elsewhere for drinks

Scored from closing hours, on-premises drinks, nearby nightlife, entertainment, and weekend hours.

Trusted Rating

🆕 4.2 weighted · 88 reviews
4.2weighted · raw 4.3 from 88 reviews(↓ 0.06 from raw)
Newly Discovered (Low Confidence)
Review volume vs. city median88 / 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 (4.3) 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 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Popular Times

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

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Accessibility

Wheelchair, parking, and more
Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities

Available facilities and features
RestroomLimited vegetarian optionsValet parking, Validated parkingFree Wi-FiTVCurbside Pickup

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualTrendyGood for groups

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
LunchDinnerSeatingTable serviceLunchDinner

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservationsOutdoor Seating

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Credit CardsDebit Cards

Highlights

Special features
Fast service

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
AlcoholBeerCocktailsComfort foodHappy hour drinksSmall plates

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

88 reviews

Customer highlights

  • Customers have left 88 reviews, with an average rating of 4.3 stars.
  • Review tags mention price, soup dumplings, chinese dumplings, and steamed.
  • Positive review text points to value, buffet selection, service, and crab.
  • 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

What are the popular dishes at Northern Cafe DTLA?

The Pork Soup Dumplings 小笼包, Steamed Lamb Dumplings  羊肉蒸饺 , Pork Bun 猪肉包子, pan-fried Shrimp, Pork, Chive Dumplings 三鲜水饺煮/ 煎, and Veggie Rolls are all definite MUST-TRYS!!

How much does it cost to eat at Northern Cafe DTLA?

7$ gets you a huge bowl of soup.

Is Northern Cafe DTLA good?

The food is delicious, and the portions are generous.

🏙️Business District

Surrounded by offices and banks — ideal for a lunch break or after-work dinner.

Surrounded by offices and banks — ideal for a lunch break or after-work dinner.

Food & Dining
30
Transportation & Automotive
18
Retail & Shopping
12
Government & Public Services
12
Professional Services
11
Healthcare & Medical
7

119 nearby places across 12 categories

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

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

Museums & galleries

Abstract Wall

Artwork

~220 ft
Gallery 1927 at the Fine Arts Building

Gallery

~380 ft
Goddess Wall

Artwork

~630 ft
7+FIG Art Space

Gallery

~730 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~770 ft
Corporate Head

Artwork

725 South Figueroa Street

~840 ft

Theaters & performance venues

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Cinema

700 West 7th Street

~230 ft
+1 213-217-9027Website

Banking

Wells Fargo

Atm

~380 ft
Wells Fargo

Bank

707 Wilshire Boulevard

~400 ftMo-Fr 09:00-17:00
Banc of California

Bank

~420 ft
Bank of America

Bank

~560 ft
Website
Chase

Bank

~770 ftMo-Fr 09:00-17:00; Sa 09:00-14:00; Su closed
+1 213-624-1403Website
KPMG

Bank

550 South Hope Street

~900 ft

Restaurants

The Counter

Restaurant

West 7th Street

~60 ft
Jollibee

Fast Food

~90 ft
Restaurant

Restaurant

700 South Flower Street

~130 ft
Sweetfin

Fast Food

~140 ft
Joey

Restaurant

700 West 7th Street

~150 ft
Website
DISTRICT

Restaurant

700 West 7th Street

~160 ft
Website
Marugame Udon

Fast Food

~200 ft
Qwench

Fast Food

700 South Flower Street

~220 ft
JINYA Ramen Bar

Restaurant

700 Wilshire Boulevard

~240 ftMo-Su 11:00-22:30
Website
Hatch Yakitori

Restaurant

~250 ft
Big Mama's & Papa's Pizzeria

Restaurant

~270 ft
The Flame Broiler

Fast Food

~280 ft

Cafes & Coffee

Marie's Coffee & Deli

Cafe

731 West 7th Street

~100 ftMo-Fr 07:00-15:00
+1-213-622-5283Website
Starbucks

Cafe

700 West 7th Street

~160 ft
+1 213-200-8397Website
85°C Bakery Cafe

Cafe

700 Wilshire Boulevard

~260 ftMo-Fr 07:00-18:00
sandcouch cafe

Cafe

555 West 7th Street

~670 ft
Website
Starbucks

Cafe

735 South Figueroa Street

~750 ft
+1 213-488-9902Website
Philz Coffee

Cafe

801 South Hope Street

~780 ft
Velo Coffee

Cafe

735 South Figueroa Street

~880 ft
+1-323-815-7749Website
Nice Coffee

Cafe

515 South Flower Street

~940 ftMo-Fr 07:00-16:00
Website
It's Boba Time

Cafe

508 West 7th Street

~950 ftMo-Su 10:00-22:00
Corner Bakery

Cafe

~0.2 mi
Gregs Deli

Coffee

~0.2 mi

Bakeries & Desserts

Sweet Lady Jane

Pastry

612 South Flower Street

~350 ftMo-Fr 08:30-16:30; Sa 09:00-16:00; Th-Sa 19:30-01:30
+1 213-685-1550Website
Sprinkles Cupcakes

Bakery

~820 ft

Bars & Pubs

Dublin's Irish Whiskey Pub

Pub

815 West 7th Street

~370 ft12:00-02:00
+1 213-905-8713Website
Elevate Lounge

Bar

811 Wilshire Boulevard

~450 ft
+1-213-623-7100Website
Library Bar

Bar

~560 ft
Public School 213

Bar

612 South Flower St

~590 ft
Website
Casey's Irish

Pub

~720 ft

Postal services

United States Post Office

Post Office

~150 ft
FedEx Office

Post Office

~340 ft
City National Plaza Station Los Angeles Post Office

Post Office

~0.2 mi

Public facilities

Public restroom

Toilets

~230 ft
Public restroom

Toilets

~0.2 mi

Waste management

Waste bin

Waste Basket

~550 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~670 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~0.2 mi

Government offices

Southern California Regional Rail Authority

Government

900 Wilshire Boulevard

~850 ft
Website
Southern California Association of Governments

Government

900 Wilshire Boulevard

~940 ft
Website

Pharmacy & medical supplies

Walgreens

Chemist

617 W 7th St

~270 ftMo-Fr 06:30-23:00; Sa, Su 08:00-22:00
+1-213-694-2880Website
Walgreens

Pharmacy

~310 ftMo-Fr 08:00-21:00; Sa 09:00-18:00; Su 10:00-18:00
Website
CVS Pharmacy

Pharmacy

812 South Grand Avenue

~1030 ft
+1-213-627-7925Website

Hospitals & clinics

UCLA Health

Clinic

~310 ft

Specialists

Eyes on the Bloc

Optometrist

~330 ft
Sunglass Hut

Optician

~820 ft
L.A. Optical Gallery

Optician

~0.2 mi
Website

Other services

Los Angeles Community College District HQ Office

Yes

~160 ft
The Loft Company

Yes

~920 ft
Website
I Los Angeles Bankruptcy Attorneys

Laywer

510 West 6th Street

~1040 ft24/7
Website
Brass Ring Consulting Group

Yes

515 South Flower Street, 18th Floor

~0.2 mi
+1 323-850-1812Website

Hair services

Drybar

Hairdresser

700 West 7th Street

~250 ft
Logunova Beauty Salon

Hairdresser

607 South Olive Street

~0.2 miMo-Sa 08:00-19:15
+1 213-338-2332Website
Supercuts

Hairdresser

645 West 9th Street

~0.2 mi
+1-213-488-1154Website

Legal services

HKM Employment Attorneys LLP

Lawyer

700 South Flower Street

~150 ftM-F 8am-6pm, Weekend 8am-4pm
+1-213-769-6522Website
Ghozland Law Firm

Lawyer

626 Wilshire Blvd

~360 ftMo-Fr 08:00-18:00
+1-213-334-4570Website
Barnes Law

Lawyer

601 Figueroa Street

~970 ft
+1-213-294-3006Website
Fisher & Talwar: Los Angeles Car Accident & Eminent Domain Attorneys

Lawyer

801 S Grand Ave, 11th Fl

~990 ftMo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa,Su off
+1-213-891-0777Website
Blair & Ramirez LLP

Lawyer

515 South Flower Street

~0.2 mi24/7
+1-213-568-4000Website

Professional services

Alta Planning + Design

Consulting

617 West 7th Street

~340 ft
Website
MGAC Los Angeles

Consulting

707 Wilshire Boulevard

~480 ftMo-Fr 08:30-17:30
+1 213-417-7525Website
The Collection

Coworking

~750 ft
Gensler

Architect

~0.2 mi
Boston Consulting Group

Consulting

515 South Flower Street

~0.2 mi
+1 213 621 2772Website

Financial & accounting services

H&R Block

Tax Advisor

~0.2 mi

Parks & amenities

Bench

Bench

~560 ft
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi

Other recreation & entertainment

Recreation & entertainment venue

Picnic Site

~0.2 mi

Clothing & fashion

Uniqlo

Clothes

700 South Flower Street

~190 ft
Victoria's Secret

Clothes

~880 ft
H&M

Clothes

735 South Figueroa Street

~900 ftSu 10:00-20:00; Mo-Sa 10:00-21:00
+1-855-466-7467Website
Zara

Clothes

725 South Figueroa Street

~910 ftSu 11:00-19:00; Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-21:00
+1 833-247-2473Website
Nordstrom Rack

Clothes

~970 ft

Specialty stores

Paper Source

Stationery

~230 ft
MAC Cosmetics

Cosmetics

~840 ft
L'Occitane

Cosmetics

~850 ft
The Library Store

Gift

~0.2 mi
Website
Royals Cigarette

Tobacco

~0.2 mi
LA Jewelry mart

Jewelry

~0.2 mi

General retail

Macy's

Department Store

750 West 7th Street

~500 ftMo 07:00-22:00; Tu, We 10:00-21:00; Th, Fr 10:00-22:00; Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 11:00-20:00
+1-213-628-9311Website

Gyms & fitness centers

LA Fitness

Fitness Centre

700 South Flower Street

~230 ft
Gold's Gym

Fitness Centre

735 Figueroa Street

~1030 ft
CorePower Yoga

Fitness Centre

831 South Hope Street

~1040 ft
Pure Barre

Fitness Centre

~0.2 mi

Sports facilities

Los Angeles Athletic Club

Sports Centre

431 West 7th Street

~0.2 mi

Vehicle rentals

Metro Bike Share

Bicycle Rental

~120 ft
Figueroa & 8th

Bicycle Rental

735 South Figueroa Street

~850 ft
Website
Metro Bike Share

Bicycle Rental

~860 ft
Hope & 6th

Bicycle Rental

557 South Hope Street

~870 ft
Website
Olive & 8th

Bicycle Rental

729 South Olive Street

~0.2 mi
Website
Avis Budget

Car Rental

~0.2 mi

Public transportation

Taxi service

Taxi

~210 ft
Taxi service

Taxi

~660 ft

Parking facilities

Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~250 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~310 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~390 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~400 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~420 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~450 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~460 ft
Street Rack

Bicycle Parking

~480 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~490 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~510 ft