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China Live
Chinese Restaurant and Market$$$$
North Beach, San Francisco
"Get the Peking duck!"(6 Tips)
"Duck buns are so good."(3 Tips)
"Great drinks, working hands dumplings are fantastic."(9 Tips)
"The char siu pork buns were delicious!!"(2 Tips)
53 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- cocktails
- desserts
- char siu
- soft serve
- (15 more)
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Kim OswellMarch 4, 2017We tried China Live on the second night it was open. Staff was super friendly and after the delicious dim sum and lobster fried rice, the chef gave us two complimentary desserts. We will be back!Upvoted 4 weeks ago- Rose WangJuly 27, 2017This was one of the best Chinese dining experiences I have ever had. The char siu pork buns were delicious!! The ambiance was just perfect.
Beautiful space, food stations galore, inventive cocktails and absolutely FABULOUS food, from myriad dumplings to meat and seafood dishes. The 📷 panna cotta is surprisingly marvellous.
Christian RennerJuly 30, 2017Amazing concept. The food was really good. It's a open space and you can see the chefs preparing the food for you. Perfect place for a Chinese dinner when your friends are in town.
Ian BMay 19, 2021Tried Mister Jiu but no room, so they recommended this place. Great staff. Fab scallops & black bean in rice wine sauce, ok spicy sprouts, less good veggie pot stickers. Liked the vibe & would returnUpvoted 3 days ago
Caro SchieferMay 8, 2017Great food!! Traditional kitchen prepared in a modern way. As menu changes daily hard to tell what to chose. Chicken in claypot was delicious. Not as hot as Szechuan food is normally.
Jennifer OrrMarch 8, 2017Xiao long bao is amazing! The 8 treasures tea is so delicious. And for dessert, definitely get the shaved ice, best thing ever!
Henna Abbas MerchantNovember 8, 2017Good food, great environment ! Nice for a date or to catch up with friends. Good wine and tea list! Order the Dungeness crab spring rolls and panna cotta!!
S HelmsFebruary 26, 2018What a great place to have dinner, modern Chinese food. The waiter was great at taking care of us and helping us pick a great meal. Everything we had was delicious.
- Fodor's TravelJanuary 9, 2018Earthy toasted sesame soft serve ice cream at China Live is topped with rice powder, mango shave ice, and yogurt-flavored boba for a fun and not-too-sweet treat.
Tim MacalinoJanuary 5, 2018Sichuan dumplings "working hands" (sesame butter, peppercorn chili broth). A crowd pleaser dish!!
- george chenApril 8, 2017Go leave your name if you are going at the peak hours as they don't take reservations. Go over to the retail market try some chocolates or soy sauce etc.grab a fun cocktail and table should be ready
- Tim MacalinoJanuary 6, 2018Get the minched chicken with lettuce wrap. A great appetizer for a small group of four or as a meal if dining alone! 😉
- DavidNovember 11, 2017Great drinks, working hands dumplings are fantastic. Fun atmosphere and reasonably priced for high quality food.
- Bobbie McLellanSeptember 30, 2017Pan fried buns were good but could be a bit juicier. Overall food was good but not great. Flavours definitely lighter than the more local joints. Great space though!
David RJune 17, 2019Modern spot in Chinatown. Get the scallion bread, Shen Jiao Bao, suckling pig, and duck. Rice and noodles aren’t great.- The Taste SheriffFebruary 14, 2019Loved the food, seriously good Chinese! Try the suckling pig and the duck buns.
Sean NiuMay 21, 2017Just overall very off taste. Too much sugar in all the dishes and I don't know if they even tested the flavour before they open, some of the dishes they are trying to put a new spin on jusy ruined it.
The duck is cooked in a wood stove. Great prices, but no reservations. They'll text you when your table is ready.
Sharon LeeMarch 12, 2017Bamboo yuba was good. SJB also. Clay pot and Peking duck were ehh. Service was shaky but earnest.
Vincent TanJanuary 11, 2019Food is decent enough but the concept and the vibe make the visit worthwhile
Hernan JaramilloMarch 31, 2019Food is very good, but noise acoustics of the place are just terrible. If you go with more than 2 people you will end with a headache
The dessert (soft serve with shaved ice) was the best thing we had. Service was spotty and food was too pricey for what it was. I left feeling a little disappointed 🙁
William NgOctober 1, 2017Do yourself a favor and find a real Chinese restaurant. Everything here is Americanized, subpar, and overpriced. I have no idea why anyone would come here more than once
513 Photos
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China Live is an interactive culinary and cultural destination in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, offering an in-depth exploration of Greater Chinese gastronomy. Our mission is to demystify Chinese ingredients and recipes while educating guests on the rich history and influence.
Closed until 5:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Fri
- 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
- Sat
- 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Sun
- 11:30 AM–9:00 PM
(415) 788-8188
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
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Dinner
Drinks
Wine
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