China Live

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Melissa Eisnervia Google

20 days ago

Fun spot to go with a group and sample all the fun food options on the menu. I loved the soup dumplings and the bao, oh and the green beans were great too! It can get a bit noisy, in case you’re looking for something quiet this is not your spot. Come here and get your hipster vibe on!

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Alyse Grayvia Google

26 days ago

Fantastic food and the best service in SF! We had a great experience at China Live for a NYE dinner. Our waiter was even better than the food—he was so genuine and gave us perfect recommendations. We tried a huge variety: the Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried dumplings), Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Crushed Cucumber Skins, Yangzhou Fried Rice, Kung Pao Chicken, Wok Seared Filet Mignon, and Sichuan Blistered Green Beans. The dumplings and the cucumber skins were absolute favorites, as was the Kung Pao chicken. The filet mignon was delicious, though the portion was a bit on the smaller side. Everything came out incredibly fast! We finished with Cindy’s pineapple walnut spice carrot cake and the Amaretto bread pudding, both of which were highlights of the night. Highly recommend!

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Hannah Koopmanvia Google

27 days ago

This is my favorite Chinese spot in San Francisco. It’s trendy, so be sure to make a reservation. I love bringing friends here when they’re visiting. Sitting at the bar and watching the chefs prepare the dishes at the stations is such a fun experience. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too. It can get a little loud, so if you have a bigger group, ask for a table toward the back near their shop for a quieter experience. For smaller groups or just one friend, the bar seating is a blast. A must-visit spot!

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The Global Gourmandvia Google

3 months ago

This place is a busy institution with a very interesting origin story.Good food and an expensive market right on the edge of chinatown.It's definitely geared to the western palette. Traditional offerings, that were well plated, but a touch off. All of it was good, but a bit bland. The space is massive and a visual feast. That said the acoustics in their main dining room are horrible for conversation. Don't come here to talk. Their duck was very well balanced and perfectly cooked.I would have liked to have had the skin a little crispier, but i'm not mad. Their water dumplings were noteworthy.I really enjoyed those, the carmelization on the bottom was just barely over the line, but i loved them. i'm pretty sure that's their most popular dish. Their soup dumplings were pretty, but the soup ratios were off almost nonexistent.I would have loved to have had chili crisp.Although I know that's not traditional they're dumpling wrappers were a little thin on the bottom, and thick on the top. Even if this dish wasn't relatively expensive, which it assuredly was the execution was a complete disappointment. Their tea selection is above average. their service was super kind, very attentive, but I didn't like being rushed out of there by the manager with five minutes notice due to their next table arriving (-1 star on service). Our server Michael was very attentive, but very busy. I am kind of torn on whether or not to return. The duck was very good, but everything else just kind of fell out of memory.And it was just so loud.I could barely hear myself think. My favorite part about it was definitely all the visual cues coming in. If you go make a reservation

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Olga Nemeshvia Google

4 months ago

China Live is absolutely outstanding! The food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared — even my toddler loved it. The drinks are exceptional and the service is friendly and professional. Everything feels high-quality yet welcoming. One of the best dining experiences in San Francisco. Highly recommend!