Northern Cafe

Northern Cafe is on the relatively short list of “restaurants we want to love, but don’t.” With two locations in Orange County – both in Irvine, across from UCI and in Westpark next to H Mart – this authentic Chinese restaurant’s marketing suggests that it’s focused on xiao long bao soup dumplings (skip them), but delivers middling overall experiences and generally fine to good but very oily meals.

While their menus aren’t huge, they have a variety of Northern and Southern Chinese options: Both locations serve beef rolls, ro jia mo sandwiches, and pancakes, noodle soups, a variety of basic dumplings and wontons, a handful of appetizers, a dozen entrees, hot pots and soups. There are lots of fat- and chili-laden dishes to choose from, ranging from Sichuan mala hotpots and beef noodle soups to Chongqing chicken to sliced beef in chili oil, but also mild and/or vegetarian items including cucumber salad, pineapple chicken fried rice, and sauteed bok choy, green beans, or broccoli. The Westpark location adds a dinner-exclusive selection of Chinese-style grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, as well.