Northern Cafe

11468 South St, Cerritos, CA 90703, United States
$$$ Chinese restaurant
(296 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re on the hunt for an authentic Chinese eating experience in Cerritos, look no further than Northern Cafe. Nestled at 11468 South St, this charming restaurant immerses you in the vibrant flavors of Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold spices and hearty dishes. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Northern Cafe has earned its reputation as a beloved dining spot for locals and visitors alike.

The menu is a delightful exploration of rich flavors and comforting textures, featuring popular dishes such as the Hot & Spicy Prime Beef Noodle Soup (麻辣肥牛麵) and the House Special Beef Noodle Soup (清湯牛肉麵), both of which are adored for their savory depth and generous portions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Braised Beef Rib Noodle Soup (秘制牛大骨面) for a hearty meal that is sure to warm your soul. Every spoonful is a testament to the chef's dedication to traditional recipes, crafting dishes that echo the culinary heritage of China.

Not to be missed are the Juicy Pork Dumplings (小籠包), perfectly steamed and bursting with flavor, alongside the crispy Green Onion Pancakes (蔥油餅) which have garnered rave reviews for their flaky texture and aromatic taste. The vibrant and bustling atmosphere enhances your dining experience, making it ideal for both casual meals and celebratory gatherings with family or friends.

Many customers rave about their experiences at Northern Cafe, with one reviewer, Katherine Zhang, praising both the “stellar service” and the impeccable food quality, contrasting it against similar eateries. “Prices were unbelievable for the area,” she mentions, highlighting the value you receive with each generous serving. Similarly, Michael Sierra recalls enjoying a delightful meal with his favorites, chicken fried rice and pork soup dumplings, all for an incredibly reasonable price. Such testimonials underscore the great combination of value, service, and taste that Northern Cafe consistently delivers.

For those who crave heat, Russ Lacuata enthusiastically shares his love for the mala spicy prime beef noodle soup, emphasizing the compatibility of its flavor profile with a variety of spicy dishes. The staff’s attentiveness also stands out across various reviews, illustrating their commitment to providing you with a satisfying dining experience from the moment you walk in. Whether you are a local or just passing through, Northern Cafe promises a genuine taste of Sichuan that is as mouthwatering as it is inviting.

With each visit, you’ll discover why Northern Cafe is quickly becoming a favored gem in Cerritos, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking an authentic Chinese culinary adventure.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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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 - 9:30 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

296 Reviews
Katherine Zhang

03 Sep 2025

Stellar service and delicious authentic food. I went as a solo diner and the server was incredibly kind and attentive without disturbing me at all! The food was good, a bit heavy and salty for most but absolutely what I expected from a Sichuanese restaurant. The server also informed me of this beforehand. Prices were unbelievable for the area. $15 for a large, deep, noodle bowl with perfectly cooked noodles, fresh bok choi, and perfectly stewed chunks of beef. Everything served piping hot. I will definitely be back!

Michael Sierra

21 Aug 2025

Came on a Saturday night before closing, and we were sat right away. We ordered the chicken fried rice, orange chicken, house beef noddle soup, and pork soup dumplings. The fried rice and dumplings were our favorite. This place can get packed because it is small so it just depends. All this food was $59.22

MK

09 Aug 2025

First timer to this local chain of restaurants with several in SoCal. Very popular reviews with taste, quantity, and value. We ordered based upon recommendations of reviews and were not disappointed overall. The noodle bowls were well assembled and flavorfull. The dumplings were quite descent as a side to noodle bowls. The green onion pancakes were insufficiently onion sprinkled and lacked flavor. Service was efficient and fast. Complete a paper check box order sheet with reference to a pictured menu and not much needed for a waiter person. Overall, Northern Cafe is worthy of return visit. The Cafe was busy with a cue outside for dinner.

Russ Lacuata

23 Jul 2025

Green onion pancakes are crispy, flaky, and fragrant. Dry crispy pork spare ribs with spices, amped up with chopped garlic and jalapenos. My favorite every time mala spicy prime beef noodle soup, tasty sauté of mushroom medly with Chinese celery - a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes and their house special Spicy noodles for those of us who like it hot! I'm so glad they have good service and consistently delicious dishes!

Bev Lazo

20 Jul 2025

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Northern Cafe in Cerritos, and it’s quickly become a new favorite! The food was absolutely delicious—flavorful, authentic, and well-prepared. The portion sizes were huge, perfect for a family meal, and everything we ordered was spot-on. The service was also top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff that made the experience even better. Highly recommend this place if you're in the area and looking for great Chinese food. Definitely coming back!

Google Account

30 Jun 2025

Didn’t expect much when I came in. The taste truly amazed me, tastes almost identical to what I had back in Beijing. Great portion, awesome taste, chill servers. It’s got it all. Definitely will come back. Totally worth it.

Feng Yu

06 Jun 2025

Having tried three different Northern Cafe in LA so far the Cerritos one is the best! The beef roll was hot crispy on the outside and flavorful beef inside. The short rib noodle is fantastic!

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