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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.

China Live

4.6
4.6
2771 Reviews
$30 and under
Chinese
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


Booked 72 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Chinese, Asian, Chinese (Sichuan)
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 788-8188
  • 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
  • Neighborhood
    Chinatown
  • Cross street
    Stockton & Grant
  • 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

What 2,771 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Chinese

  • San Francisco

    Most Booked

  • San Francisco

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

2,771 Reviews
  1. Kittykat

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Friendly service and amazing food in a homely ambiance

    Is this helpful?

  2. Deelish12

    Los Angeles

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We dined here twice on our trip to SFO, first with 5 people we had 2 vegetarians in our group and there was so much to choose from Cauliflower was awesome and Blistered green Beans on our second visit. Dishes perfectly presented, wait staff knowledgeable and prompt. Don’t miss their ChinaLive Store! Bought dishes and incense.

    Is this helpful?

  3. LauranD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Vibrant environment, great service, and amazing food. Manager asked us about our experience and asked if we were celebrating anything. He gave us a free dessert upon finding out about our anniversary. Exemplary experience!

    Is this helpful?

  4. KevinC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Erica was a fantastic server...very knowledgeable and responsive!

    Is this helpful?

  5. MarEats

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best all the way around! Will be back! Food incredible and large portions. Fun environment and great service!

    Is this helpful?

  6. LarryH

    Central Coast

    19 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall1food1service4ambience4
    Tried three items and was ready to leave. Pork pan fried dumplings. Undercooked on top. Bottom left a burnt taste in your mouth. Pork tasted like a frozen meatball from Costco. Shrimp and crap egg rolls. Came out hot and well executed. They get soggy fast because they shove them down inside a glass cup. The seafood left a terrible odor of old fishy smell in your mouth. They had a terrible odor. Yellow chicken curry. Nice. Simple. It was not spicy like the menu says it is. Basic but the chicken was minimal and tasted old. Nothing like the fresh pulled chicken you would get in any Indian restaurant in the United States. All around. Terrible food. But the concept is cool if you’re into noisy busy restaurants with friends.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Soozh

    San Francisco

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    We were really looking forward to dining at China Live due to the ratings and menu options. While we have given the restaurant an overall rating of 4 stars, there were only 2/6 individual dishes we gave a 4. The other four dishes were each rated as a 3. The service was good but not great. We were delivered a wrong dish which wasn’t such a big deal…it happens. However, on a positive note, the very dry Eastern Legend sake and the pot of Pu’erh tea were exceptional!

    Is this helpful?

  8. geewhiz

    San Francisco

    160 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    160 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really great food and service. Love the Shandong dumplings and the Xiao long bao. Another fave is the cucumber starter. Decent wine list and a fun vibe.

    Is this helpful?

  9. StacieL

    Washington DC

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was awesome- friendly and helpful and made great recommendations. The atmosphere is super fun and lively. The food was delicious. We loved everything we tried. The cocktails were yummy too.

    Is this helpful?

  10. jillw

    San Francisco

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    yes, but there is a commercial aspect to the restaurant...also when it fills up with people, which is often, the noise level is very high. food is delicious. main complaint is that they bring everything you order out at one time, which means some of the dishes get cold before you can eat them... this will have to change.

    Is this helpful?

  11. LeenD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very authentic place, food is amazing and service toplevel ! We will certainly come back !

    Is this helpful?

  12. SfFoodie

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    2.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    High quality food. Mediocre taste. Would not return, just not that good for the high price

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Great place for chinese, it was very busy on our sunday night visit, the service was a little slow, but very kind I would recommend it to anyone looking for a chinese option in San Francisco

    Is this helpful?

  14. DebbieK

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter mICHAEL, was extremely pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful, and giving us assistance in choosing our food selections. Everything we had was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Shell

    Denver

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super fun place with great food. Though a little pricey.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Way overpriced for what is just decent Chinese food. Beef noodle soup was a big flop. Soup dumplings and Peking duck were good, but didn’t wow by any means

    Is this helpful?

  17. HeatherM

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience2
    The food at China Live is fantastic, and the staff is wonderful (attentive without hovering, providing good recommendations). We enjoyed that aspect of the restaurant. However, we were there with an elderly couple, and the noise level made it nearly impossible to have a conversation. Still, I'm glad we didn't miss the delicious food.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Soup dumplings are delicious. The duck was delicious too, would have preferred the pancakes to buns.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Food here has honestly gone kind of downhill - disappointed and brought in people from out of town so definitely wish I had gone somewhere else.

    Is this helpful?

  20. Chris

    Melbourne

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great vibes, killer menu, and service that's on point. Seriously, don't miss out!

    Is this helpful?

  21. BonnieS

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service. Fun and festive spot to celebrate a birthday!

    Is this helpful?

  22. tonyt

    San Francisco

    29 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience5
    IF you arengoing to include the servoce charge/yip in the total...then the patrons should be told....inexcusable...great food doesnt excuse this slight....

    Is this helpful?

  23. Cwong

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    The food was so so ! Spareribs are dry ! Panfried buns and bbq pork Buns over cooked and dry ! Sesame soft serve was the best!

    Is this helpful?

  24. Kblovesgoodfood

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at China Live! Food, atmosphere, service, everything was great.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Carolina

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place, amazing food and wonderful staff! I will recommend this place, for sure!

    Is this helpful?

  26. PascalD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    We really enjoy our meal. The door was opened and it was a bit cold (windy) to our liking. Except that, it was a very good experience.

    Is this helpful?

  27. KBorg

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food very good to excellent. Restaurant is clean. Service is excellent. BUT you should be made aware that a 20% service charge is applied automatically. Ours was a group of 3.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall1food1service5ambience4
    Stomach pain right after eating food. Had pain for 5 hours

    Is this helpful?

  29. MichelleP

    Denver

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was an amazing meal and one of the best we have had in San Francisco as well as anywhere else. The Hong King Noodles, Green Beans, soup dumplings and other dishes were well made, hot, and wonderful to share and eat with friends. The atmosphere is great for a large or small group and lively.

    Is this helpful?

  30. ChristinaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a wonderful place, our server was the absolute best

    Is this helpful?

  31. ReubenJ

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderul spot to try different delicious Asian cuisine ~

    Is this helpful?

  32. jenniferl

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and delicious food!. Fun atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  33. SaquibR

    Toronto

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    This seems like an amazing place, but really need to sit inside for the full experience

    Is this helpful?

  34. GregH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall3food5service4ambience4
    The food was great, but the vibe was off. Because of the brutality of the owners replacing staff with robots. I cannot return or encourage anyone else to go until the robots are removed. Disgustingly, it looks like management wants to expand the proportion of work done by robots. Shame on you and your greed

    1 person found this helpful

  35. DelilahC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall3food1service5ambience5
    It came highly recommended only to disappoint 😞 food was tastless and expensive, when I asked what they'd recommend they seem to be short of words, my fried rice full of canned shrimp and bland kung pao chicken full of green bell pepper and green onions with raw peanuts

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was yummy, Michael was quite attentive. However Michael failed to mention there was already a 20% tip Included. We were in a hurry to make a performance and did not notice and with our friends we added another 20% tip. Good experience overall but we wish he had told us 20% was already included. That part does not feel right!

    Is this helpful?

  37. LaurenR

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything we had was really good. Great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  38. AnthonyP

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was excellent for a casual Chinese restaurant with all orders made to order. I will definitely go back on my next trip.

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great service and atmosphere. Skip Peking Duck chopped salad. The dumplings are 5 star as is the Duck with sesame pockets. Don't miss the shaved ice dessert one of a kind. We would return w/o hesitation

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Felt quite rushed and not really a relaxed atmosphere for an expensive meal

    Is this helpful?

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 2771 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


Booked 72 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for China Live

644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Stockton & Grant
  • Neighborhood
    Chinatown
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 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
  • 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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