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

This restaurant now offers Takeout

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China Live

4.6
4.6
2151 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
10:30 PM
Booked 105 times today

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 2,151 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. FF

    FriendlyFood

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    We mentioned at the beginning we were vegetarian but unfortunately our noodle dish came with chicken
  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing all the way around!
  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! So creative
  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food! Great service and got the food so fast
  5. BC

    BomiC

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    We did not have the same experience as Dec 2021. Little disappointed with the taste and quality of food. May be the restaurant was too busy.
  6. DD

    DetroitDiner

    Detroit

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unbelievably good! Kinda pricey, but it might be the best chinese food I've ever had. Will go back every time I am in San Francisco.
  7. EC

    EmilieC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience, food, and service - highly recommend!
  8. KD

    KristenD

    Dallas

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal and excellent service. The food was outstanding and the quality was reflected in every part of the experience.
  9. PB

    PamB

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    The waitress was so sweet but I think she had too many tables! We had spotty service. The booth was dirty when we arrived and the table was broken at back of the seat. The food was very good but the only thing that was great was the crab spring roll. The beans were mushy. The Mai tai was fantastic.
  10. s

    smdom97

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2022

    overall3food5service2ambience2
    Took a really long time for anyone to even address us. We were seated with a pencil and menu with no instructions. We figured it out but it took another 25 minutes before anyone came and took the order. Once we ordered food came out in a reasonable time. Good didn’t seem super hot and we were outside so could have added to the issue. After we were done again took an exorbitant amount of time to clear plates and ask if we wanted dessert. At that point we just wanted to get going.
  11. H

    Hahayu

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    This is a hugely disappointing experience. At the place that we seated, there are two flies hovering around all the time. One of our order item was mixed up and they forgot about put in the order for another item. The food is kind of street food stand quality and this place dare to call themselves “upscale Chinese cuisine”. What is more, the place includes a mandatory 20% service charge. I was speechless about the 20% tip after got such bad service. This place is a completely joke and is a tourist trap. Strongly recommend to avoid China Live.
  12. J

    Jeff

    Baltimore

    26 reviews

    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Excellent service. Appetizers the best part of the meal, especially the dumplings. Noodles okay, not much protein in the entree.
  13. JW

    JesseW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a fun dining experience! Our two school aged kids loved trying many new things on the menu. One of the owners came by with fun practice chopsticks for the kids when he saw they were practicing using chopsticks. Service was attentive and the food amazing!
  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Whole staff was amazing and food was delish! Fun atmosphere.
  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s our favorite go-to! Always a great experience dining there.
  16. e

    eddieeeee

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Kiyoshi was amazing and attentive. Staff was very friendly. Definitely going back.
  17. B

    Brad

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 22, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Pretty Americanized. And expensive. Loved the space. But otherwise not impressed. And my wallet hurts.
  18. 1

    1966mg

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great as always
  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    We love China Live and have been there numerous times. This time was very different. Our server did not serve our drinks until our meal was half way over. Contacted the manager and although he gave us a free round, he seemed like this kind of situation was status quo. A huge disappointment for our evening Please get it together!!
  20. TI

    TIffy

    San Antonio

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service, beautiful atmosphere, and awesome tasting food! Can’t wait to go back!
  21. l

    lizo

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great vibe, amazing food, friendly staff. We sat at the counter at the noodle and rice kitchen areaa. Loved watching the crew crank out delicious dishes.
  22. AC

    AlejandroC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    Muy caro de precio y la mesa estaba fuera de mi solicitud
  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every dish we ordered was so delicious! Great service, great atmosphere and cool vibe! Love this restaurant and highly recommend it.
  24. M

    Michael

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Super not worth it. It's Chinese food made by people who have no idea what good Chinese food tastes like.
  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    Poor service. We really had a hard time calling a waiter even if the restaurant isn’t busy. We had to go to the cashier/counter to call their attention. We were very hungry at the time and the food took too long and served in small servings. We didn’t get the value of our money. Won’t recommend this if you’re hungry. Not the best Chinese restaurant in SF there is.
  26. CC

    CarrieC

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall1food1service5ambience3
    My mother and I got sick after eating there
  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience3
    Great food and drinks!
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious and our server, Mike, was extremely personable and attentive. It was also the best value of any of the meals we had all weekend on our trip to SF.
  29. Q

    Quincrusher

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun, cool, hip atmosphere with a great menu for sharing and super friendly service! Highly recommend for a night with friends!
  30. b

    brentf

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Good place. Service was good...a little slow getting food out to us but the food itself was very good. Portions were very small and very expensive, but that's pretty much what you get in SF these days. btw. Too much pork on the menu...very little chicken which wasn't great for us. Would be good if there was more beef and chicken as options vs Pork and Duck.
  31. F

    Foodforever69

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience1
    We were sat in the shop side which seemed to be overflow for tables and it was extremely hot. There was food missed in our order, water was left unfilled and lack of check in. We love China live so it was sure a bummer after we hyped it up to our friends.
  32. MM

    MelbaM

    San Antonio

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I have dined at fabulous restaurants around the world, from Michelin starred establishments to hidden gems frequented by locals. While many of those establishments were exceptional, China Live far exceeded our expectations and set a new standard that will be hard to beat!! Our party of 4 visited China Live to celebrate the upcoming marriage of our friends, and our experience was more than what I imagined it would be. The staff is exceptional, all the way from the General Manager, Brian Basmajian, to the manager, Michelle Lu, and our wait person, Ian Torres, every single employee was absolutely phenomenal! We were promptly seated at our reservation time, and Ian took the time to explain the menu in detail and made several wonderful recommendations. Ian was incredibly attentive to our table and exuded professionalism. He was patient, demonstrated exceptional product knowledge, and made sure our needs were met the entire time! We had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Lu, the manager, who truly went above and beyond to make sure we celebrated our friends' to the fullest! She highlighted the Chef's specialties and even gave us a tour of the restaurant, including their famed Eight Tables! Lastly, we met Brian Basmajian, the general manager, who was equally kind and shared more of China Live's history and the restaurant's philosophy, which we greatly appreciated. It is so rare to meet managers who take the time to engage with patrons, and thanks to Brian and Michelle we left China Live truy feeling like a part of the China Live family. It goes without saying that the food was AMAZING, and the service was an added bonus! We cannot wait to visit again the next time we are in San Francisco!
  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Mexico City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mis vacaciones en San Francisco cerraron con broche de oro, es un lugar muy bonito, la comida deliciosa y el servicio espectacular!!! Volvería sin dudarlo, el precio justo para lo que recibimos!
  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Second time in. It was a wonderful experience. We’re visiting from Florida and a few different folks told us to hit China Live and we couldn’t be more happy and satisfied.
  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was absolutely amazing. Service, food - FANTASTIC!
  36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience4
    They rushed us the second we sat down to eat. I booked this reservation over a week in advance for 9 pm. If they close at this time they need to not book reservations at this time if they do not want to service at this time. We had five minutes to pick our selections and I have never dined here before and was not able to take time to pick what we wanted to eat. We never got offered a drink and for the high prices we left feeling like we got ripped off since we could not take out time or enjoy the food.
  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Venue is quiet unique which makes for a special experience. The food was so tasty. A bit pricey for the type of food it is but still a nice experience.
  38. N

    Nope

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service and delicious food! We can’t wait to come back!
  39. A

    Angela

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    The food never disappoints. This review is solely on service, though our waiter wasn’t bad, we saw him all of 3 or 4 times throughout our entire dinner. When we needed something the busboy helped us at random segments in our meal. We sat and watched another waiter in our section zipping back and fourth to each of his table really taking care of his customers. The restaurant automatically include 20% tip, we weren’t happy paying it but we did anyways. Didn’t care to spend the energy to argue a mute point after a happy meal. But if your wait staff is not going to provide service please do automatically add that to our check.
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall1food5service1ambience5
    Let me start by saying our server, Mike, was fantastic! Also, this is probably the 15th time we’ve been to China Live over the past few years and the food always holds up. That said, tonight we had a horrible experience that was worth reviewing. After waiting 30-40 minutes between our appetizers and main course(s), two individuals (which presented themselves as management) came up to us as we were finishing the food on our plates (and had 1/2 of a liter of wine left) and told us we had to leave because they had a party waiting for the table. The second manager went as far as beginning to wipe down the table as we were finishing eating.. he also stood directly next to us staring as we swallowed the rest of our wine because of how uncomfortable the situation was. Let’s also note that we were a party of 4 that was sat at “the only big table in the restaurant.” This wasn’t by request. This was incredibly rude and ruined what would’ve been a very nice meal. It was so bad that multiple waiters came up and apologized us for the actions of the two managers.

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 2151 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 105 times today
Google Map for China Live

644 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94133

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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