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China Live

Chinese Restaurant and Market$$$$

North Beach, San Francisco

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China Live

8.4^/10

478

ratings

"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 reviews

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spacious
cocktails
desserts
char siu
soft serve
bubble tea
trendy
good for singles
restaurants
fried rice
steamed buns
spring rolls
chicken
dinner
shaved ice
lettuce cups
suckling pig
sesame
panna cotta
chefs
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EaterJuly 18, 2017
Located in the heart of China Live's massive emporium, Bar Central is a welcome oasis. It's adjacent to the restaurant, and serves sit-down diners, as well as those in search of a cocktail. Read more
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
EaterJanuary 25, 2018
This restaurant offers a stunning survey of regional specialties, including classic Chinese dumplings like standout sheng jian bao, pork dumping fried to crispy perfection on specially imported pans. Read more
Kim OswellMarch 4, 2017
We 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 Dec 13, 2024
Rose WangJuly 27, 2017
This was one of the best Chinese dining experiences I have ever had. The char siu pork buns were delicious!! The ambiance was just perfect.
Wilson Favre-DelerueJune 24, 2017
Been here 5+ times
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, 2017
Amazing 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, 2021
Tried 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 return
Caro SchieferMay 8, 2017
Great 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.
Henna Abbas MerchantNovember 8, 2017
Good 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!!
Jennifer OrrMarch 8, 2017
Xiao long bao is amazing! The 8 treasures tea is so delicious. And for dessert, definitely get the shaved ice, best thing ever!
S HelmsFebruary 26, 2018
What 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, 2018
Earthy 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, 2018
Sichuan dumplings "working hands" (sesame butter, peppercorn chili broth). A crowd pleaser dish!!
george chenApril 8, 2017
Go 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
DavidNovember 11, 2017
Great drinks, working hands dumplings are fantastic. Fun atmosphere and reasonably priced for high quality food.
Tim MacalinoJanuary 6, 2018
Get the minched chicken with lettuce wrap. A great appetizer for a small group of four or as a meal if dining alone! 😉
MariApril 30, 2018
Get some dim sum.
Kevin DulinMarch 17, 2023
Peking duck was very good. A bit expensive.
David RJune 17, 2019
Modern spot in Chinatown. Get the scallion bread, Shen Jiao Bao, suckling pig, and duck. Rice and noodles aren’t great.
Bobbie McLellanSeptember 30, 2017
Pan 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!
Sarah LizMarch 27, 2017
Been here 5+ times
Pan fried dumplings, duck, xiao lon bao
The Taste SheriffFebruary 14, 2019
Loved the food, seriously good Chinese! Try the suckling pig and the duck buns.
D KMarch 31, 2017
XLB are excellent.
Sean NiuMay 21, 2017
Just 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.
An ShengJanuary 14, 2018
Get the Peking duck! And wontons in chilli oil!
Kate CiurejMay 8, 2018
Duck buns are so good. They also have a selection of interesting mocktails.
Chris H.September 14, 2018
The disassembled fried rice is great with the farm egg
Greg MacDonaldJune 10, 2018
Great food (especially the lettuce cups) and great place for groups!
Diana QuinteroJune 11, 2018
Awesome place! Awesome food and awesome wine!!! Friendly staff
Sydney MAugust 24, 2018
Make sure to go early to get a cocktail at the bar upstairs!
Sara WhitakerFebruary 6, 2020
Everything was amazing, but especially the dim sum 😍
David MazzaMarch 2, 2017
Been here 5+ times
The duck is cooked in a wood stove. Great prices, but no reservations. They'll text you when your table is ready.
Bridget GaelOctober 27, 2022
Good Peking duck rolls and cocktails. Eataly vibe.
Sharon LeeMarch 12, 2017
Bamboo yuba was good. SJB also. Clay pot and Peking duck were ehh. Service was shaky but earnest.
timoni westJanuary 12, 2019
Been here 5+ times
Best SJB this side of Shanghai
Penny-Merelle GrayJuly 6, 2019
Stop what you’re doing and go here for dumplings immediately ✋
Diego PinedaNovember 4, 2017
Everything is amazing
Abhishek KonaJune 12, 2023
Still good. Great for groups. Decent veggie options.
Zafer UysalAugust 5, 2023
Clean and nice chinese restaurant. Highly recommended.
Vincent TanJanuary 11, 2019
Food is decent enough but the concept and the vibe make the visit worthwhile
Tim MacalinoJanuary 5, 2018
Pickled cucumbers with chili and garlic....YUM!
Hernan JaramilloMarch 31, 2019
Food 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
Angela Z.April 27, 2017
Been here 5+ times
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 🙁
Giang BJune 28, 2018
Soup dumplings and Peking duck buns!
Michael RebelloNovember 21, 2019
A bit expensive, but very tasty.
William NgOctober 1, 2017
Do 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
Tom WilliamsNovember 27, 2018
Tofu three ways- amazing.
Meaghan HApril 8, 2018
Great spot for Chinese food
Wil SparksDecember 17, 2019
Get the f*cking char siu buns
Doug CollisterAugust 6, 2019
SJB & Peking Duck

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