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China Live

China Live

Chinese Restaurant and Market$$$$
North Beach, San Francisco
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8.2/10
479
ratings
  • Tips
    An S.
    "Get the Peking duck!"(6 Tips)
    Kate C.
    "Duck buns are so good."(3 Tips)
    David
    "Great drinks, working hands dumplings are fantastic."(9 Tips)
    Rose W.
    "The char siu pork buns were delicious!!"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon53 Tips and reviews
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  • Eater
    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
  • Eater
    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
    Upvoted Sep 20
  • Kim O.heart icon on user image
    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 2 weeks ago
  • Rose W.heart icon on user image
    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 F.heart icon on user image
    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 R.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Caro S.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Jennifer O.heart icon on user image
    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!
  • Henna A.heart icon on user image
    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!!
  • S H.heart icon on user image
    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 Travel
    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.
  • Ian B.
    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
  • Tim M.heart icon on user image
    Tim MacalinoJanuary 5, 2018
    Sichuan dumplings "working hands" (sesame butter, peppercorn chili broth). A crowd pleaser dish!!
  • george c.
    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
  • Tim M.heart icon on user image
    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! 😉
  • Davidheart icon on user image
    DavidNovember 11, 2017
    Great drinks, working hands dumplings are fantastic. Fun atmosphere and reasonably priced for high quality food.
  • Mariheart icon on user image
    MariApril 30, 2018
    Get some dim sum.
  • Kevin D.heart icon on user image
    Kevin DulinMarch 17, 2023
    Peking duck was very good. A bit expensive.
  • Sarah L.heart icon on user image
    Sarah LizMarch 27, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Pan fried dumplings, duck, xiao lon bao
  • Bobbie M.heart icon on user image
    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!
  • David R.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • The Taste Sheriffheart icon on user image
    The Taste SheriffFebruary 14, 2019
    Loved the food, seriously good Chinese! Try the suckling pig and the duck buns.
  • D K.heart icon on user image
    D KMarch 31, 2017
    XLB are excellent.
  • Sean N.
    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.
  • Kate C.heart icon on user image
    Kate CiurejMay 8, 2018
    Duck buns are so good. They also have a selection of interesting mocktails.
  • An S.heart icon on user image
    An ShengJanuary 14, 2018
    Get the Peking duck! And wontons in chilli oil!
  • Chris H.heart icon on user image
    Chris H.September 14, 2018
    The disassembled fried rice is great with the farm egg
  • Greg M.heart icon on user image
    Greg MacDonaldJune 10, 2018
    Great food (especially the lettuce cups) and great place for groups!
  • Diana Q.heart icon on user image
    Diana QuinteroJune 11, 2018
    Awesome place! Awesome food and awesome wine!!! Friendly staff
  • Sydney M.heart icon on user image
    Sydney MAugust 24, 2018
    Make sure to go early to get a cocktail at the bar upstairs!
  • Sara W.heart icon on user image
    Sara WhitakerFebruary 6, 2020
    Everything was amazing, but especially the dim sum 😍
  • David M.
    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 G.heart icon on user image
    Bridget GaelOctober 27, 2022
    Good Peking duck rolls and cocktails. Eataly vibe.
  • Sharon L.heart icon on user image
    Sharon LeeMarch 12, 2017
    Bamboo yuba was good. SJB also. Clay pot and Peking duck were ehh. Service was shaky but earnest.
  • timoni w.heart icon on user image
    timoni westJanuary 12, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    Best SJB this side of Shanghai
  • Penny-Merelle G.heart icon on user image
    Penny-Merelle GrayJuly 6, 2019
    Stop what you’re doing and go here for dumplings immediately ✋
  • Zafer U.
    Zafer UysalAugust 5, 2023
    Clean and nice chinese restaurant. Highly recommended.
  • Diego P.heart icon on user image
    Diego PinedaNovember 4, 2017
    Everything is amazing
  • Abhishek K.heart icon on user image
    Abhishek KonaJune 12, 2023
    Still good. Great for groups. Decent veggie options.
  • Vincent T.heart icon on user image
    Vincent TanJanuary 11, 2019
    Food is decent enough but the concept and the vibe make the visit worthwhile
  • Tim M.heart icon on user image
    Tim MacalinoJanuary 5, 2018
    Pickled cucumbers with chili and garlic....YUM!
  • Hernan J.
    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.heart icon on user image
    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 B.heart icon on user image
    Giang BJune 28, 2018
    Soup dumplings and Peking duck buns!
  • Michael R.heart icon on user image
    Michael RebelloNovember 21, 2019
    A bit expensive, but very tasty.
  • William N.
    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 W.heart icon on user image
    Tom WilliamsNovember 27, 2018
    Tofu three ways- amazing.
  • Meaghan H.heart icon on user image
    Meaghan HApril 8, 2018
    Great spot for Chinese food
  • Wil S.heart icon on user image
    Wil SparksDecember 17, 2019
    Get the f*cking char siu buns
  • Doug C.heart icon on user image
    Doug CollisterAugust 6, 2019
    SJB & Peking Duck
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