Some of the best dumplings I've had in Long Beach! Their ramen and noodles are also exquisite and fairly fast service as well. Very clean inside and plenty of seating.

Northern Cafe in Long Beach is a fantastic spot for a late lunch. We arrived after 2 pm and ordered a variety of dishes, including pork wontons in chili oil, house special beef noodle soup, dan dan noodle, crab meat & pork soup dumplings, and beef rolls. The pork wontons in chili oil were definitely the highlight--I'm not usually a fan of spicy food, but these were exceptional, with just the right amount of heat and flavor. The house special beef noodle soup was hearty and comforting, and the crab meat & pork soup dumplings were also quite enjoyable. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the service was excellent. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and accommodating, even giving us the happy hour price for beer, even though happy hour didn't officially start until 3 pm. Overall, it was a great dining experience, with tasty food and top-notch service.

The Crab & Pork Soup Dumplings were a standout--juicy on the inside, delicate on the outside, just full of flavor. The Steamed Vegan Dumplings were also a hit, packed with fresh veggies and wrapped up nicely. The Chongquing Crispy Chicken? Crispy, spicy, and downright addictive. If you're into something a bit milder, the Eggplant with Garlic Sauce was silky and savory, a real comfort dish. The Szechuan Boiled Beef was another powerhouse, spicy and tender, while the House Special Fried Rice was the perfect side, loaded with bits of egg, veggies, and BBQ pork. Speaking of pork, the BBQ Pork Bun was fluffy and sweet, stuffed with perfectly roasted pork.

Such a great experience! All the food was super delicious and it was a great ambiance inside. Great service as well.

Every Northern Cafe offers a different menu and focus and the unique items that I think really shine for this location are the seafood and alcoholic options. They're located right on 2nd street in Long Beach where you can smell the ocean breeze and their modern interior really compliments the area. Our favorites were the Seafood Steamed Dumplings that had a unique filling of scallops, sea cucumber and shrimp (though the dumpling skin could be a bit thinner) and the Fish Filet in Chili Oil.I also thought the presentation for the sake fruit cocktails were very cute! Service was quick and friendly and parking can be found along the street or in the neighborhoods.

Happy Hr menu changed since my last visit. I'm sad they don't have the chongquin crispy chicken on the happy hour menu anymore. Food still good though.

Northern Cafe Chinese Kitchen has finally opened a location in Long Beach! The vibe is casual, with an open atmosphere of a café with the diverse and flavorful dishes. They maintain a similar menu of other locations that offers a broad range of Chinese dishes, from well-known classics to regional specialties. Northern variations might include: A selection of small, bite-sized portions like dumplings, buns, and rolls, perfect for sharing. Dishes featuring a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, often cooked with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other aromatic. From fried rice to lo mein and chow mein, these staples are often customized with different ingredients. Our favorite has got to be the eggplant tofu and the boiled fish. They also serve alcohol here and has mocktails as well. The service is personable and attentive. Staff really cares about your dinning experience. Overall, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines the comfort and familiarity of a casual dinning with the rich, diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine.

This location is much nicer than the Cerritos location. It's a larger dining area, modern furniture and decor, and a bar. I was tempted to order the Lychee Sangria and it was the perfect tasty cocktail with the right amount of buzz. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/northern-cafe-long-beach-long-beach-2?select=fWotRV_Rd6zfVeIezFP4BQ The menu is a bit confusing because they have icons marking vegetarian items. However, items such as "Vegetarian Fried Noodles" didn't contain the vegetarian icon. We asked our waiter for clarification and he explained that the icon is actually for vegan items. (IMHO he didn't seem super sure about that so take his explanation with a grain of salt.) We ended up ordering the Vegetarian Noodles with the egg on the side. This also comes with broccoli, bean sprouts, and wheat noodles. Great flavor! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/northern-cafe-long-beach-long-beach-2?select=Mfx1ST0Zd23EVzLhI6Adbw Sautéed String Beans with Garlic were good. Standard, solid dish. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/northern-cafe-long-beach-long-beach-2?select=CndExH8CDWdUoMRFt4Dk1Q Salt and Tofu surprised me in a good way. Whatever seasoning they use really makes this dish. We think it is 5-spice seasoning. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/northern-cafe-long-beach-long-beach-2?select=0Yxdiy2Pk0tENSwU2at6KQ Steamed Vegetable Dumplings have distinct umami from shiitake mushrooms. Yummy! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/northern-cafe-long-beach-long-beach-2?select=Qz6djiUimafUPnYt9CHcoA I was bummed to see that certain menu items available at Cerritos are not available here. But I'm hoping that the Biang Biang noodles will make their way to this Belmont Shore location.