Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Chinatown
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
2597 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 107 times today

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 2,597 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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Chinese

  • San Francisco

    Most Booked

  • San Francisco

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was great for an after work dinner! Good food, good drinks and great people!
  2. MatthewP

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great but I do not like the automatic 20% service charge.
  3. LauraL

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rafalito, our waiter was fantastic! Helped us order and very knowledgable of what items complimented one another!
  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food. good ambience. Need a better drink selection
  5. MichaelT

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic array of flavors and textures. Definitely a stop to not miss in San Francisco.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    The check-in process was a HOT MESS with the front door person being so disorganized. Instead of tending to the people in line, she was easily distracted by those privileged folks who thought they’d lean in and cut to ask her questions and details about their reservation. She was easily distracted and did not pay attention to those already standing in the check-in queue. It set the tone for the evening. The food was good and tasty. The atmosphere was great. When the bill came, many around us were confused by the automatic 20% service fee thinking it was a tip, however it was a cost on top of the already high food costs so the restaurant could pay its kitchen and wait staff vs it being an operations cost already fixed cost already fixed into the price of the food. It irritated a few people around us as they left minimal tips for the waiter. I think it’s a bad practice. Just present menu costs with a 20% increase vs a separate line item service charge. It just seems very confusing for diners when they are technically paying a high bill with an added 20% service fee plus 20% tip — technically cost plus 40%. The food is not that good to justify that fee. Restaurants need to learn to pay their staff better vs leaving it up to gouging the customer. This also makes me wonder why (recently in the news) that the restaurant owes the landlord $3.4 million in back rent when they’re charging this enormous fee and seem very profitable — booked solid. They also had $1.5M in government PPP Covid Funding during the pandemic. Interesting scenario. Great food. Nice atmosphere. Disorganized check-in. Strange 20% service cost strategy. 50/50 on going there again. But glad we tried it out.
  7. CarissaG

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service2ambience3
    We were told to head up stairs to the bar and wait as our 8pm reservations were not ready. We went up to the bar and had a drink amd then at 8:22pm we received a text that our table was ready. We closed out outer bar tab and headed downstairs where we were told they gave our table away. It took us 6 minutes to close out our bar tab upstairs so how could they give our table away. They sat us at the bar, but very disappointed in how they handled the whole situation. The food was excellent though, but they need to figure out their reservations system. Also they don't communicate when you show up and let you know that even if you have reservations you still have to wait in a lo g line to check in.
  8. jenniferj

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and drinks in a fun atmosphere! Best to come with a group to maximize trying everything. The duck sesame pockets were delicious and the service was excellent.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The kitchen was already closed and we couldn’t eat well
  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Definitely an excellent meal and would highly recommend. Would definitely go back. Also excellent for large petites.
  11. cheryl

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    International guest
  12. LaurieM

    Phoenix

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    The food was really average, nothing memorable. I think that, as time has gone by, and the popularity increased, there is been a status quo reached.
  13. EmilieK

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We’ve dined here many times and it never disappoints! From the time we arrived until we left it was excellent! Thank you !
  14. DeanC

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing atmosphere and the food was excellent. This is not a low budget location, but if you are looking for a great family or group outing, the choices and the quality of the food and service is top notch.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service and amazing food!!
  16. EliM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Incredible Chinese food. Every dish was a winner with flavor, texture, and super fresh ingredients. The sesame ice cream desert is not to be missed!
  17. RLMK

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We sat in the very back in the retail area. It was lovely and much quieter than rest of restaurant which is exactly what we were looking for. Food was delicious really. Service fee of 20% included which is fine bcuz the servers were excellent. We’ll be back!
  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience1
    Really disappointed with the experience. I will say the food was great, but I made this reservation a month ago for family who was visiting, but when we arrived the table wasn't ready for 30 min after our reserved time. That was fine, but then we were sat in the very back of the restaurant in a gift shop? Our waiter then didn't come by for a very long time, and when we asked for something he said "I'll try my best but I have a table of 21 I'm helping right now". I totally get if you're busy but that's not really our fault? It was just a shame after we had waited so long for this reservation and really looked forward to it.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall1food3service3ambience1
    Loud restaurant. Not a good place to have a conversation
  20. Joanna

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabby place and Fabby food - visit every time we are in SF
  21. Carlitos

    Mexico City

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excelente dinner everything was great - the dumplings , Peking duck , chicken , noodles - don’t forget to try the ice cream to finish Special thanks to waitress Cristina - she was exceptional - friendly efficient and knowledgeable…. Thanks - we hada great night
  22. MountainMama

    Denver

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service is a highlight and go with server recommendations - they know what's tasty!
  23. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server gave perfect suggestions. We came very early and had a relatively quiet experience. The food here is outstanding.
  24. MichelleZ

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The host people were amazing and were able to accommodate our group inside vs outside. The food was amazing!
  25. shellebelle

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Our waiter was awesome, the food was fabulous and the experience is great! Out of town friends loved it!
  26. RedLori

    San Diego

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place, we try to come here each time we come to SF. The service is fantastic and the food superb We’ll be back…
  27. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very accommodating staff and delicious food! I will say the chive bread wasn’t as expected
  28. BrotherofPasquale

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good options for diverse tastes. Either spicy or mild, you can get it. Quality ingredients, especially the BBQ Pork Char Siu and Duck pockets.
  29. EricH

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was superb and atmosphere was energetic but not too noisy
  30. CHARLESS

    Palm Springs

    174 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    174 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My daughter and I enjoyed a Sunday evening meal at China live. The restaurant was continually busy during our meal. The service was attentive, and the food came out quickly but spaced appropriately in time. All the food was tasty, and it was nice to have different Chinese sauces at our table. It was a fun and tasty meal on our first dinner at China live.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Some of the best Chinese food I’ve ever. Service was amazing
  32. AndyS

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was great and had a good selection! The Kung pow chicken was great.
  33. DavidS

    San Francisco

    53 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    Lively , at times deafening noise levels, hip, modern design and atmosphere. Good Chinese cuisine. Excellent dim sum. The deserts, however, were lackluster. Service was excellent.
  34. JamesG

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Everything was superb. Brought friends there for first time and they loved everything. Erica was a lovely server and was very personable — and attentive along the way. The only not so good was the short rib dish. A lot of char, chewy… not as desired. Coming from all the flavorful experiences we had with previous selections, ending with short rib was bummer. Overall, a joy and will continue to be back.
  35. Dino

    Los Angeles

    232 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    232 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    I love fried rice - the dry crispness but here it misses. It’s dried but the Yangzhou is veggies & steamed rice - no wonder other table had noodles. Crispy, golden stir-fried noodles. We loved the House Famous Kung also Chicken & the perfectly steamed Shanghai Xiao Long Bao ‘XLB’ Soup Dumplings. The Peking Duck in Sesame Pockets insanely good. It is the Mario Batelli equivalent Eataly for eat in and shop. Very popular and pleasant space
  36. GwenA

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great. Server helpful and advised 3 - 5 dishes per couple. We had 3 which was perfect. We sat at bar. Can recommend scallop dumplings.... delicious. And the broken fortune cookie dessert was delicious and fun.
  37. SKSKSKSK

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    The service was very slow and the food took really long to come ! The food was decent but priced high
  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food was good not amazing. The salad was great (purple cabbage), I forgot the name. Service was quick. There was a line outside when we were leaving. So I guess it’s a popular spot. A bit on the pricey side
  39. KMJP

    Denver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The only reason for my 4 stars instead of 5 is that the accustics is not good for convesation and music is too energetic for dinning. But, all-in-all highly recommend China Live!
  40. BrianC

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. I love the idea of shopping for kitchen goods whilst in a dining room. Brilliant. The host let us go upstairs to have a drink in the whiskey room. That was stunning and the bartender was great. Made delicious drinks. Only drawback is that I had the same drink in the restaurant that I had upstairs and it wasn't nearly as good. Totally not the same drink! But it had the same name. Maybe the bartenders downstairs need some retraining with the bartenders upstairs? It was that disappointing.

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 2597 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 107 times today
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

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo