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China Live, San Francisco, CA
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

View Takeout menu

China Live

4.6
4.6
2208 Reviews
$30 and under
Chinese
Top Tags:
China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
  • Logo image for Postmates
  • Logo image for Uber Eats

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Chinese, Asian, Chinese (Sichuan)

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (415) 788-8188

  • Website

    http://www.chinalivesf.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Owned/operated by

    Asian and Pacific Islander

  • Executive chef

    George Chen

  • Catering

    We offer delivery via multiple Delivery Services (i.e. DoorDash, Caviar, GrubHub, etc), plus Zesty & Moby Dish. If interested in learning more please email events@chinalivesf.com

  • Private party facilities

    China Live can host everything from intimate parties of 10 people to large reception-style events for up to 825 with multiple sensory experiences.

  • Private party contact

    Nicole White: (844) 860-7139

  • Location

    644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

  • Neighborhood

    Chinatown

  • Cross street

    Stockton & Grant (@ Powell)

  • Parking details

    In addition to Street Parking, there are also several public parking options: North Beach Public Parking @ 735 Vallejo St. and Vallejo Parking Garage @ 766 Vallejo St.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 2,208 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Sort by

Filters

  1. NC

    NicholasC

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Worth every step of the stroll from our base in Fisherman’s Wharf. Great reception from the hosts and servers, well choiced menu, great tasting and well presented food. A must if you really love Chinese quisinne
  2. CL

    CLOTILDEP

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good! We loved the food and the atmosphere ☺️
  3. N

    Neal

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Everything was great except the price of the crab... $99??!! I think that's a little steep. Other than that, it was fantastic. Check in person was very accommodating and the server was great.
  4. R

    Riquita

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service1ambience4
    The food was delicious! Food came out fast. Our server was TERRIBLE! First, we waited at least 15 minutes before our server came, and that was after he helped another table that came after us. Our main course came, we ate it, and we saved room for dessert. We told our server that we wanted dessert, and he was surprised to hear it. We ordered the carrot cake, the Mandarin chocolate brownie, and the sesame soft serve with mango shave ice. He left, and he was nowhere to be found for another 15 minutes. We finally saw him and flagged him down, and we told him that we never got our dessert. So, he came back with the carrot cake and melted Lychee soft serve (that we did not order). First, we told him that we did not order the Lychee soft serve. He told us that the Lychee soft serve that was on our table was the Shaved ice dessert, and I told him that it was NOT! I felt like he was thinking I wouldn't know the difference. Then he told us that the chocolate brownie was sold out! He did not say this when we placed our order. He placed the order for the shaved ice and gave us the half melted lychee soft serve for free. The shaved ice came out in less than 5 minutes so I don't know why it took 15 minutes when we ordered the dessert the first time. This restaurant already adds on 20% service fee AND a 5% SF employer mandate, and they still want you to add tip. I guess this server feels like he doesn't have to work hard because he's going to get a tip anyway. The food was good but San Francisco has thousands of other restaurants with delicious food and exceptional service that are more deserving of the automatic 20% service fee.
  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Whenever we go to SF we always try new places to eat. China Live is our first spot in SF that we revisited. This past weekend I surprised my wife for our 20th anniversary with a quick trip to SF (we live in LA). We sat at the bar watched the chefs chef and the fire blaze. The duck buns and the green beans are a must but everything is good. If you eat pork the pork bellies are also a must. (The only downside is the service charge on top of the SF city fee - I guess the main waiter doesn’t tip out the back staff so there’s a line for additional tip but not sure how the breakdown works)
  6. CG

    CarolG

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Disappointing Every dish was over sauced. Dungeness crab was expensive and overcooked, totally dry. Our outside table was so small it couldn’t hold all the dishes. Service very slow, waited over half an hour for a glass of wine.
  7. s

    special

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious! Everything we tried was incredible! The service is excellent! Great vibe too!
  8. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love China Live! Food was delicious
  9. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service1ambience4
    Horrific service.
  10. R

    Rensanceman

    Orange County

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    Imagine sitting in a CVS with dining tables instead aisles of products. Couple that with playing Led Zeppelin at full volume in your enclosed bathroom. Bingo! That is China Live. I left with jangled nerves but with passable Chinese food. NOT your typical Chinese restaurant ambiance. Sorry
  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Inside is much nicer but it’s loud.
  12. SB

    ScottB

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best dumplings ever! Service was over the top and love the store.
  13. i

    idontcook

    San Francisco

    72 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    72 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    China Live has changed its ordering process since our last visit. You now check off selections on a menu. Though our server was friendly, she was not always available and when she came to our table and heard we had questions, practically ran away saying "I'll give you a few more minutes." Food was generally good, with the pork ribs and Peking Duck the two best items we chose. The shrimp/scallop dumplings were average. The garlic chicken was disappointing, both in flavor and presentation (the chicken was literally hacked into pieces). We're not fans of restaurants that bundle the gratuity into the bill. We believe service should be left to our discretion as diners. The restaurant's acoustics aren't great. A (young) member of our party was born with a hearing disability, and it was very difficult for us all to communicate due to the loud noise level.
  14. D

    Dave

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Fantastic food but because of tips/tax etc expensive.
  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyable atmosphere with lovely food! Would highly recommend when in San Francisco!
  16. DA

    DiannaA

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Liked family style, especially for our group of 8. Staff were great with serving and answering questions. Food was excellent.
  17. JS

    JaimeS

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    The food was good but we were offered the special crab and the server did not mention it was 100 dollars so we were quite shocked when we received the bill. We should have asked before ordering but it did not occur to us it would be so expensive as the rest of the menu was not expensive. The crab was triple the price of the rest of the menu. We were disappointed that the waiter did not express the price when reading the specials.
  18. MH

    MichaelH

    Cleveland

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Modern twist on traditional favorites. Food was very flavorful and the vibe was cool.
  19. R

    Ross

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife, 2 teenage boys and I went for dinner our first night in sf - phenomenal dinner! Lots of different plates and tastes and the whole family loved it. Our server was fantastic - knew the menu inside and out and helped us pick a great selection. Highly recommend!
  20. s

    sfmama

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    China Live is great, and the food is so tasty BUT it is very expensive - even for San Francisco standards. We live in the city, are very used to how expensive it is but were still SHOCKED our bill was $180 (!) for 3 of us. 1 app, 2 dumpling orders, 2 meat dishes, a rice dish and 2 beers. We will go back bc the dumplings and crispy duck are the best in the city, but will mentally prepare for the bill. It’s PRICEY.
  21. JS

    JohnS

    New York Area

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Family vacation started in Rapid City then on to Grand Canyon then Sedona. Arrived San Fran airport late 8:30 and boogied over to you in our car rental arrived 9:30 and were dining on the most e cuisine Chinatown can offer within 10 minutes! Delicious and great service.
  22. d

    devond13

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We order 4 dishes, all were exceptional. Truly the best Chinese food we have ever had.
  23. R

    Rico

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love China Live and go probably about 6 times p/y! It's always good, consistent, and super delicious. Michelle at the door was wonderful in accommodating us with an earlier table, so thank you Michelle! And, Zi our server was awesome. Thank you again China Live, Rico and Kerry
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La visita in questo ristorante ne é valsa la pena. Ristorante moderno, simpatico e tempestivo servizio. Cibo ottimo e abbondante.
  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun spot Great food Cool building
  26. S

    Shida

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The only thing better than the food was the excellent service. Definitely going back!
  27. HB

    HaroldB

    Seattle

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Eater did not disappoint with their recommendation. Excellent menu and wonderful staff. Joshua is on point with checking-in and bringing our orders - even received a list of places to eat while in the city. Doug also stopped by to say hello and verified that our experience is nothing but excellent. Will definitely come back and make room for dessert. This place is a must!
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall1food5service1ambience5
    Was charged extra for a dish we didn’t order or receive. Didn’t notice until credit card was swiped. Waiter (Joseph) then said he couldn’t do anything about it given he had swiped the card. I disputed it and he took the cash out of his own pocket at which point I refused to accept it.
  29. P

    Pete

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Over priced tourist food. We will not be back. Food quality not very good.
  30. v

    valsf

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    my favorite restaurant in SF. the dutch crunch pork buns are a must!
  31. CP

    ChandniP

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a great place for any / special occasions! The staff really understands the menu and super helpful with suggestions and recommendations, in addition to bringing food out in perfectly timed waves. The food is truly the best1
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything was delicious. Be mindful that the portions are large! We did over order but it was completely worth it! Sit inside or at the bars facing the kitchens so you don’t miss the action!
  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really good food!
  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Service was good, good is fair!
  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall3food5service2ambience3
    Great tasting food, however service was slow and crab came significantly after the earlier portion of the meal. Drinks took 30 minutes to come out. Additionally, 20 percent service fee is included irregardless of poor service.
  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing! We loved the restaurant and shop. We will definitely come back if we are ever in SF again and I highly recommend it.
  37. SF

    SuburbFoody

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    All of the food was phenomenal, made fresh, using real ingredients and delicious sauces they make in-house.
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Awesome , one’s the best
  39. M

    Miaa

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and ambience. Super kind and helpful employees who explain menu items we had questions about and gave great recommendations!
  40. f

    foodieinhtx

    New England

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You absolutely must order the duck and any of the dumplings. Everything was delicious but the duck was notable for sure. It has the crispy skin of a Peking duck while having the flavor of a Cantonese roasted duck. Best of both worlds.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from China Live using the Order Online button. China Live also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. China Live also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 788-8188.

China Live is rated 4.6 stars by 2208 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
  • Logo image for Postmates
  • Logo image for Uber Eats
Google Map for China Live

644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Stockton & Grant (@ Powell)

  • Neighborhood

    Chinatown

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Chinese, Asian, Chinese (Sichuan)

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    In addition to Street Parking, there are also several public parking options: North Beach Public Parking @ 735 Vallejo St. and Vallejo Parking Garage @ 766 Vallejo St.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Asian and Pacific Islander

  • Executive chef

    George Chen

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.chinalivesf.com/

  • Phone number

    (415) 788-8188

  • Catering

    We offer delivery via multiple Delivery Services (i.e. DoorDash, Caviar, GrubHub, etc), plus Zesty & Moby Dish. If interested in learning more please email events@chinalivesf.com

  • Private party facilities

    China Live can host everything from intimate parties of 10 people to large reception-style events for up to 825 with multiple sensory experiences.

  • Private party contact

    Nicole White: (844) 860-7139

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