This has become my go-to canteen-style Chinese restaurant in Irvine — I literally know the menu by heart at this point! My coworkers and I often come here for dinner after work, and everything always hits the spot.
⭐ Grilled Skewers: Don’t underestimate their BBQ! It’s hard to find good skewers in Irvine, but these are legit — juicy, smoky, sizzling when they arrive. Must-tries: lamb skewers, chicken cartilage, and wings. I also love their nostalgic Chinese-style sausage (淀粉肠) — so good!
⭐ Stir-Fried Dishes: I’ve pretty much tried them all and none disappoint. Every dish has real wok hei (that smoky “breath of the wok”). Favorites: scallion beef, fish-flavored eggplant, and sweet & sour ribs (tastes like Hong Kong-style “sweet-sour pork”). Perfect with a bowl of rice.
⭐ Mini Hot Pot: No explanation needed — go for the spicy beef or golden soup beef pot. Big portions, packed with flavor, and super satisfying.
⭐ Chicken Soup Noodles: I order this every single time. The broth is rich and flavorful, with tender poached chicken and plenty of veggies. Comforting and delicious!
⭐ Dessert Discovery: Tried their Mango Sago Lava Bun for the first time — so good! Warm, creamy mango-coconut filling with chewy coconut bits. Not too sweet, just perfect (but be careful, it’s hot inside!).
The menu is huge — from northern to southern Chinese dishes — and everything we’ve tried has been great. The cold appetizers are also worth exploring. We came with five people, ordered a full table, and still had leftovers. Around $25 per person — definitely qualifies as an “Irvine Canteen” spot in my book!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Trinidad
I had one of the worst dining experiences. Upon entering, I was told to sit anywhere, which initially felt welcoming. However, after receiving my menu, it seemed like the staff forgot I existed. They appeared miserable and uninterested in providing any assistance.
After waiting about ten minutes, I finally decided what to order. Unfortunately, I found myself getting up repeatedly to get basic items like a straw and napkins, as no one was there to help. Each time I needed something, I had to confront the inconvenience of getting up and asking.
The only time I received attention from the staff was when the bill was served, and they stood there expecting a tip for this lackluster service. Overall, I left feeling dissatisfied and frustrated. I won't be returning anytime soon.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Olivia
I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The service was great and super fast, making the visit really enjoyable. The portions were incredibly generous, and I was thrilled to see so many vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. The paper menu was much clearer and easier to read than the online menu, which was a nice touch. Plus, the prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heesang “Scott” Ryu
The fatty beef was way too salty. and you will throw them away as I did after a single bite (I love salty food tho). Rice? I don't know when they made it but it's all stoned.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Sean R
Ordered beef hotpot that had many other ingredients not listed in the menu. Server did not understand I was looking for a beef broth based soup
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
David Yang
Great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maxim Ivchenko
This place is definitely worth your while! Their food is good, they are open late, the prices are reasonable. They have some interesting options on the menu. It’s a place you wanna come back to to try something else from the menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Civan Orakcilar
Update: I hope the management sees this. It would be great if you could offer appetizer portions for your hot&sour soup and wanton soup so I can enjoy that and order other entrees. I alone cannot finish a large soup and additional entrees. My original review below still stands.
Original review: Regular customer here. I mostly come for the soups (wonton and hot&sour), garlic broccoli sauté, and orange chicken. Always hits the spot. #comfortfood
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alice Carter
So far, my dining experience here has all been takeout. But the food I have ordered all tastes great. I’ve had the spicy wontons and a lot of their side dishes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Alena Tam
This place is my emergency headquarters whenever I crave something spicy, hot, and tasty. The food tastes like grandma secretly works in the kitchen, and the service is so good I half-expect them to tuck me in for a nap afterward😂😂
Terrible customer service !! I went in at night around 9pm soon as I get to the register they act as if I’m not supposed to be there I felt unwanted and also uncomfortable . I placed a to go order when the food was done nobody let me know the food was ready or anything . they walked to give other people thier to go orders and everything the people at the register were rude and rush you to order . Instead of waiting a minute for me to order the guy just walked away without saying anything.I hope the owner or manager sees this what a terrible place will not be coming back !!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sherry
I wish I could keep this Chinese restaurant a secret because they're getting TOO busy. I rarely say this, but every single thing we ordered blew us away.
They serve affordable comforting Chinese dishes with huge portions, like a dish that's literally called the Big plate chicken, and it comes with noodles too! Highly recommend the Soup dumplings and Pork ribs dry pot.
If there's one appetizer you MUST get, it's the 3-item combo--trust me. You can mix-and-match your favorite apps from the cold bar.
As for entrees, the House special cold noodles and Sesame pancakes are INSANE. By far, one of the best cold noodles I've ever had, and the Sesame pancakes came out piping hot and was so pillowy and fluffy…perfect carby goodness in every bite.
I promise this restaurant will not do you wrong with anything you get, it is AMAZING.
Thanks for reading! ^-^
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin Ho (jho)
Beef roll is a classic dish must try and is beyond great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jen Y.
Northern cafe is one of my go to Chinese restaurants. Everything is good, it's all really legit, price is reasonable, and you feel good ordering a huge feast with plenty to take home for leftovers. I love the pig ear salad, but everything is solid.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cold Plate Appetizer
Mehdi Jazayeri
Excellent Chinese food. Good service. Our favorites are eggplants in garlic sauce, and sautéed string beans. The soup dumplings are also tasty. Actually everything we have tried has tasted great. It is now our go-to Chinese restaurant. Plenty of parking. If you want to sit outside you can get your order to go and sit at the center tables. They are also happy to give you service outside but not to take your orders.
This has become my go-to canteen-style Chinese restaurant in Irvine — I literally know the menu by heart at this point! My coworkers and I often come here for dinner after work, and everything always hits the spot.
⭐ Grilled Skewers: Don’t underestimate their BBQ! It’s hard to find good skewers in Irvine, but these are legit — juicy, smoky, sizzling when they arrive. Must-tries: lamb skewers, chicken cartilage, and wings. I also love their nostalgic Chinese-style sausage (淀粉肠) — so good!
⭐ Stir-Fried Dishes: I’ve pretty much tried them all and none disappoint. Every dish has real wok hei (that smoky “breath of the wok”). Favorites: scallion beef, fish-flavored eggplant, and sweet & sour ribs (tastes like Hong Kong-style “sweet-sour pork”). Perfect with a bowl of rice.
⭐ Mini Hot Pot: No explanation needed — go for the spicy beef or golden soup beef pot. Big portions, packed with flavor, and super satisfying.
⭐ Chicken Soup Noodles: I order this every single time. The broth is rich and flavorful, with tender poached chicken and plenty of veggies. Comforting and delicious!
⭐ Dessert Discovery: Tried their Mango Sago Lava Bun for the first time — so good! Warm, creamy mango-coconut filling with chewy coconut bits. Not too sweet, just perfect (but be careful, it’s hot inside!).
The menu is huge — from northern to southern Chinese dishes — and everything we’ve tried has been great. The cold appetizers are also worth exploring. We came with five people, ordered a full table, and still had leftovers. Around $25 per person — definitely qualifies as an “Irvine Canteen” spot in my book!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had one of the worst dining experiences.
Upon entering, I was told to sit anywhere, which initially felt welcoming. However, after receiving my menu, it seemed like the staff forgot I existed. They appeared miserable and uninterested in providing any assistance.
After waiting about ten minutes, I finally decided what to order. Unfortunately, I found myself getting up repeatedly to get basic items like a straw and napkins, as no one was there to help. Each time I needed something, I had to confront the inconvenience of getting up and asking.
The only time I received attention from the staff was when the bill was served, and they stood there expecting a tip for this lackluster service. Overall, I left feeling dissatisfied and frustrated. I won't be returning anytime soon.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The service was great and super fast, making the visit really enjoyable. The portions were incredibly generous, and I was thrilled to see so many vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. The paper menu was much clearer and easier to read than the online menu, which was a nice touch. Plus, the prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The fatty beef was way too salty. and you will throw them away as I did after a single bite (I love salty food tho). Rice? I don't know when they made it but it's all stoned.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Ordered beef hotpot that had many other ingredients not listed in the menu. Server did not understand I was looking for a beef broth based soup
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is definitely worth your while! Their food is good, they are open late, the prices are reasonable. They have some interesting options on the menu. It’s a place you wanna come back to to try something else from the menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Update: I hope the management sees this. It would be great if you could offer appetizer portions for your hot&sour soup and wanton soup so I can enjoy that and order other entrees. I alone cannot finish a large soup and additional entrees. My original review below still stands.
Original review:
Regular customer here. I mostly come for the soups (wonton and hot&sour), garlic broccoli sauté, and orange chicken. Always hits the spot. #comfortfood
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So far, my dining experience here has all been takeout. But the food I have ordered all tastes great. I’ve had the spicy wontons and a lot of their side dishes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
This place is my emergency headquarters whenever I crave something spicy, hot, and tasty. The food tastes like grandma secretly works in the kitchen, and the service is so good I half-expect them to tuck me in for a nap afterward😂😂
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Terrible customer service !! I went in at night around 9pm soon as I get to the register they act as if I’m not supposed to be there I felt unwanted and also uncomfortable . I placed a to go order when the food was done nobody let me know the food was ready or anything . they walked to give other people thier to go orders and everything the people at the register were rude and rush you to order . Instead of waiting a minute for me to order the guy just walked away without saying anything.I hope the owner or manager sees this what a terrible place will not be coming back !!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I wish I could keep this Chinese restaurant a secret because they're getting TOO busy. I rarely say this, but every single thing we ordered blew us away.
They serve affordable comforting Chinese dishes with huge portions, like a dish that's literally called the Big plate chicken, and it comes with noodles too! Highly recommend the Soup dumplings and Pork ribs dry pot.
If there's one appetizer you MUST get, it's the 3-item combo--trust me. You can mix-and-match your favorite apps from the cold bar.
As for entrees, the House special cold noodles and Sesame pancakes are INSANE. By far, one of the best cold noodles I've ever had, and the Sesame pancakes came out piping hot and was so pillowy and fluffy…perfect carby goodness in every bite.
I promise this restaurant will not do you wrong with anything you get, it is AMAZING.
Thanks for reading! ^-^
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beef roll is a classic dish must try and is beyond great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Northern cafe is one of my go to Chinese restaurants. Everything is good, it's all really legit, price is reasonable, and you feel good ordering a huge feast with plenty to take home for leftovers. I love the pig ear salad, but everything is solid.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cold Plate Appetizer
Excellent Chinese food. Good service. Our favorites are eggplants in garlic sauce, and sautéed string beans. The soup dumplings are also tasty. Actually everything we have tried has tasted great. It is now our go-to Chinese restaurant. Plenty of parking. If you want to sit outside you can get your order to go and sit at the center tables. They are also happy to give you service outside but not to take your orders.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: House Soup Dumplings
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