Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » China Live – San Francisco
China Live - San Francisco
Photo from China Live
China Live at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- π₯‘ Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61β$70
mentioned by 158 of the guests
#1986 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#202 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1049
Reviews
61.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant Atmosphere
- Flavorful Food
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Loud Environment
The restaurant China Live is a vibrant Chinese Restaurant located in the bustling North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly unique culinary journey here, highlighted by a great tea selection that complements its diverse menu.
This spot offers an experience that blends traditional flavors with a modern, upscale yet casual atmosphere, making it a trendy destination for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting China Live
China Live offers a vibrant setting, often praised for its stylish ambience and generally well-regarded food. Many guests appreciate the attentive and friendly service, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
However, some find the overall experience can be quite loud and the value proposition, particularly regarding pricing and mandatory fees, often raises concerns. While the culinary offerings frequently receive positive remarks for their unique flavors and presentation, there are instances where execution falls short.
The staff’s helpfulness is a recurring positive, yet occasional lapses in attentiveness or issues with order accuracy have been noted. It seems to be a place with distinct highs and some notable areas for improvement.
Good
6.5
out of 10
1049
Reviews
61.8%
Satisfaction
331
negative
70
neutral
648
positive
China Live holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it in the average category, and its Customer Satisfaction stands at 61.8%, indicating a mixed reception from diners. This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, a significant portion of guests leave with reservations.
With over 1000 opinions, including 648 positive and 331 negative remarks, there’s a clear divergence in experiences. Delving into specific aspects, the Food (6.9) is generally well-received, often described as tasty and flavorful, though some dishes miss the mark.
Ambience (7.6) is a strong point, frequently lauded for its stylish and energetic atmosphere. Service (6.6) is a bit of a mixed bag; while many praise the staff’s attentiveness, others report issues.
The Value (2.9) is consistently the weakest area, with many finding the pricing and mandatory charges to be a significant drawback.
What people like
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Flavorful food
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- High prices
- Mandatory fees
- Loud environment
China Live presents a dynamic dining experience, often celebrated for its lively atmosphere and generally appealing cuisine. However, the significant concerns around pricing and mandatory service charges, coupled with occasional service inconsistencies and a noisy environment, mean it’s not for everyone.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, China Live could be a good choice if you prioritize a vibrant setting and don’t mind paying a premium. If you’re seeking a quiet, intimate meal or are particularly budget-conscious, you might find it less satisfying.
Consider it for a lively group outing rather than a quiet dinner.
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Verdict: Our expert take on China Live
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a score of 6.9 and 67% customer satisfaction, indicating a somewhat positive but mixed experience. Many of the 542 comments praise the great food and delicious meal, with highlights like Peking duck and various dumplings often mentioned. Guests also appreciate the creative cocktails and vegetarian options.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some diners found certain items bland or undercooked, and a few felt the portions could be more generous, especially given the price. There were also mentions of tough meat or no soup inside some dumplings, suggesting an inconsistent experience for some.
Food
542
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
139
negative
40
neutral
363
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, tasty food
- Excellent Peking duck
- Amazing dumplings
What people don't like
- Bland, uninspired flavors
- Inconsistent cooking quality
- Poor dumpling quality
Often praised
- foodThe service was also helpful, friendly, and attentive. The food was tasty. So why the 3 stars?
- dumplingsThe food was really tasty, and the dishes were huge. We tried the baos, the duck, some dumplings, and the kung pao chicken. It's important to note that most of the dishes are a little spicy, so be mindful of that if you're not accustomed to spicy food.
- duckThe food was really tasty, and the dishes were huge. We tried the baos, the duck, some dumplings, and the kung pao chicken. It's important to note that most of the dishes are a little spicy, so be mindful of that if you're not accustomed to spicy food.
- menuIan was very knowledgeable when helping us around the menu, providing details about ingredients and chef techniques.
- Peking duckPeking duck in sesame pockets is unique and toasted well and has good flavor
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant involved a long wait to get inside, but the food was the best Chinese food I had ever had. The atmosphere was nice.
- cocktailsThe cocktails were amazing
- dim sumI had dim sum for the first time and it was amazing
- dishesFor our main dishes, we tried the chicken curry and the sauash, both of which were outstanding. Every dish was expertly prepared and full of flavor. China Live truly provides a memorable and delightful dining experience.
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant was really good. The food was approachable and the flavors were unique compared to other Chinese restaurants I've tried in the area. The staff were friendly, and the space inside the restaurant is lovely.
Frequently criticized
- foodDespite never complaining, I finished my meal and paid, feeling scammed by the exorbitant service fee for such low-quality food and service. In short, it's a beautiful restaurant with mediocre food and insane prices.
- portionsIt was overpriced and overhyped, lacking in execution. The portions were marketed as family-style, but they were noticeably small, making it feel like we were stretching every dish for a group of adults. When charging premium rates, the food needs to be both satisfying and well-executed, and this missed the mark on both.
- Peking duckHowever, the Peking duck, priced at $29, was a letdown. It was served cool/cold on hard or stale small rolls with greens, and the duck itself was tough and tasteless. Even the beer was expensive at $9 for a 12 oz draft.
- food qualityI regret not sending the food back, but was trying to save face for my father-in-law's birthday celebration. The food is not good, and the prices are offensive.
- dishtheir dishes (SJB) was packaged and delivered to me completely RAW, COLD, and FROZEN
- duckthe duck was not available
- Diet CokeI ordered a Diet Coke the waiters didnβt serve
- Dim SumThe Dim Sum was the worst Dim Sum Iβve ever had.
- Food1/5 Food β¦ Panda Express would taste better
- dishesdishes on the menu are just the basics with nothing else
If youre looking for a generally tasty and creative Chinese meal with some standout dishes, this place is worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many find the food delicious, there can be some inconsistencies in flavor and portion size. Go in with an open mind, and youll likely find something to enjoy.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.6 and 63% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the staff and waiters, highlighting attentive and excellent service. With 133 positive sentiments out of 211 total, there are definitely shining moments of hospitality.
However, not all experiences are stellar. Some diners encountered inattentive service, upsell attempts, and frustrating waiting time. These 71 negative sentiments suggest there's room for improvement, particularly regarding consistency and avoiding a lack of service.
Service
211
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
71
negative
7
neutral
133
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Long wait times
- Upselling attempts
Often praised
- serviceChina Live does not miss on the aesthetic either; they kept it simple and modern with touches of Chinese culture and vibrant floral features. Not only did they have helpful and friendly servers, but they had fantastic service that came out quick, family-style, and nicely portioned. Out of many experiences weβve had at top-tier restaurants, this one may be my favorite of all time.
- staffWhat an amazing experience! The staff were so nice and really introduced some great food on the menu. The duck was so crispy and fresh and doesnβt have that yucky duck taste.
- ServiceService is always friendly and on point
- waiterThe food here is incredible, and the excellent service truly stood out. Our waiter was incredibly friendly, and the staff even allowed us to sit at our table 20 minutes before our reservation. It was fun to sit at the high top tables overlooking the kitchen, where the staff work incredibly hard and clearly put their best efforts into making tasty food.
- serverUnfortunately, some of the dishes weren't to my taste; specifically, the Peking duck pockets were tough and chewy, making them inedible. On a positive note, we had a great server and the service was excellent otherwise. The atmosphere was also a highlight.
- experienceMy experience at the restaurant was AWESOME! Kiyoshi took such great care of our group and made the experience so fun. We enjoyed the great food and incredible service.
- reservationMy experience at China Live was delightful, focusing on flavorful Chinese cuisine and excellent service. We made a reservation for an early dinner at 5 PM and were seated promptly without any wait. Our waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and guided us through the ordering process, suggesting family-style dining and recommending about four dishes for our group of three.
- wait timegot seated about 45 minutes early thanks to the front desk
- KiyoshiKiyoshi was AWESOME! He took such great care of our group
- excellent servicewhat really stood out to me here was the excellent service
Frequently criticized
- serviceAs a pescatarian, I ordered one dish that never arrived. We all starved all night with really bad service, receiving wrong or missing items. I sat with an empty plate for nearly 90 minutes before they realized my order was missed.
- waiting timewaiting to be served at the counter for the past 10mins
- experienceGood food doesn't matter if there's no service. This was the most pathetic experience, and none of us will return.
- managerI did overhear what Iβm assuming was a manager speak rather rudely to one of the employees
- serverMaybe it's because of this self-ordering method and the automatic tip that the service in the restaurant has gotten so bad. After taking our order, our server never once checked in to make sure our food came, asked how the food tasted, or asked if we needed anything. Nothing.
- serversserver are to high end in their own action
- staffThe food was great, but the service was very weak. The staff was inattentive and borderline negligent. They did not bother to mention that service is included in the bill.
- waityou will have to wait for around 20+ minutes
- wait timemiscommunication about the wait time
- waitressThe only service we received here was the waitress taking our order.
If youre seeking a place with potentially great service, its worth a try, as many find the staff attentive and helpful. However, be prepared for the possibility of inconsistent experiences, including longer waits or less attentive servers.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! Guests frequently praise the atmosphere, highlighting a friendly and vibrant ambiance, often featuring cool open kitchen layouts and stylish spaces. With 144 positive remarks out of 186 total, its clear that most diners enjoy the setting, contributing to a solid 77.4% customer satisfaction and a good score of 7.6.
However, its not always a quiet affair. Some visitors found the environment to be quite noisy and crowded, with tables sometimes feeling a bit too close. These 29 negative comments suggest that while the energy is often a plus, the loud atmosphere can sometimes detract from the experience.
Ambience
186
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
29
negative
13
neutral
144
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Open kitchen layout
- Stylish, modern design
What people don't like
- Excessive noise level
- Crowded dining
- Close tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe barbecue was the way to go, and our server was great. Even just walking around the restaurant was fun, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere.
- vibeIt's been a long time since I last visited, but the food was excellent and the restaurant was crowded on a Friday night, creating a great vibe! The sweet and sour cauliflower with pecan was surprisingly good.
- spaceThe space transports you to 90s Hong Kong
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambiancethe ambaince is soooo nice and cool and chic
- restaurantDespite never complaining, I finished my meal and paid, feeling scammed by the exorbitant service fee for such low-quality food and service. In short, it's a beautiful restaurant with mediocre food and insane prices.
- dining experienceThe service itself was super friendly and exceptional, with the chef even stopping by to check on us. We had such a great dining experience and will definitely be back! And the sesame mango shaved ice is a must-try; it tasted as beautiful as it looked.
- placeClassy place with a decent set of options
- ambienceliked this restaurant - food and ambience
- big groupGreat spot for a big group
Frequently criticized
- atmospherea lot of people, a lot of noise, isn't good for a romantic date
- noise levelMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! While it can be loud and chaotic at times, the service was OUTSTANDING and the food was INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS. I highly recommend you run, don't walk, to go there β it's so worth the experience!
- louditβs soooo loudβ¦ our heads hurt
- tableOur Peking Duck was mediocre, though a generous portion of duck. Our table was never wiped down after our dishes were cleared, and the waiter brought dessert to a messy table. It was a total waste of $100.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- acousticsthe acoustics in their main dining room are horrible for conversation
- crowdedLittle too crowded for my choice
- decibel levelThe decibel level was dangerously loud
- decorsuch a kitsch to display
- dinnerI hear that dinner is very busy and gets loud inside
If youre seeking a lively, stylish space with a bustling energy and an engaging open kitchen, this restaurants ambience is definitely worth experiencing. Just be prepared for a potentially noisy and crowded environment, especially during peak times, which might not suit those looking for a quiet, intimate meal.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
While the overall score for value is a low 2.9, indicating significant concerns, it's interesting to note that customer satisfaction still reaches a good 73%. A small number of guests found the prices reasonable, feeling the gratuity was worth it for premium experiences, and considered it a visit well worth making. They appreciated the good portions and acceptable prices, finding it well priced.
However, the overwhelming 92 negative comments out of 110 total opinions highlight significant issues. Many felt the restaurant was overpriced with small portion sizes and expensive dishes. The mandatory service fees, often 20% or 25% gratuity, along with additional surcharges, were a major dealbreaker, leading to feelings of being overcharged and a lack of value for money.
Value
110
Reviews
7%
Satisfaction
92
negative
10
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Premium experience
- Worth a visit
What people don't like
- Mandatory service fees
- Overpriced, small portions
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- priceYup a bit pricey but worth every dime
- pricesFortunately, the portions were good and the service was good. The prices were acceptable.
- gratuityI've read complaints about China Live because of the inclusion of gratuity on their bill. In my opinion, the 20% gratuity is worth every penny based on the service we received, so much so that we left a little more than 20%. Thank you, China Live personnel.
- premium experiencesdo deliver premium experiences with care, creativity, and real value
- reservationDefinitely worth making the reservation
- visitHowever, the crispy duck was a letdown, as it lacked taste, and the sesame bread was too hard for my preference. Despite this, the experience was completely worth a visit.
Frequently criticized
- pricefor the price, it feels a bit too expensive for what we got
- service feeThe food SUCKED so much. Plus, there's a mandatory 20% service fee, bruh. Hell no.
- service chargeI think it's better suited for groups rather than just a couple. The service was attentive, but I find it questionable that they still have a line for tips when a 20% service charge and a 5% surcharge are already included. If you only look at the total on the receipt without checking the details, you'll end up double-paying for tips.
- pricesEverything we had was really good, and the presentation felt pretty upscale with reasonably authentic flavors. I'd maybe consider coming back here for a special occasion, as other reviews mention the prices are high compared to other restaurants in the area. Overall, it was a solid and memorable experience that I'd recommend.
- bill625% added on to the already inflated prices charged. The service during our recent visit was not very good, and they made a mistake on our bill to boot, which they corrected after I informed them. Goodbye China Live!
- expensiveFairly expensive
- overpricedis very overpriced
- 20% gratuitySince sometime around or after the pandemic, the restaurant started using a "sushi style" menu where you are given a menu and asked to check off the items you want to order, including cocktails and beverages. The restaurant also automatically adds a 20% gratuity to the bill, which our server never mentioned. Maybe it's because of this self-ordering method and the automatic tip that the service in the restaurant has gotten so bad.
- tourist trapItβs certainly a tourist trap π
- $85felt like i got robbed for $85
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for potentially high costs and mandatory service fees that many find excessive. While some appreciate the premium experience, the consensus is that the value for money is often lacking, making it a place where you might feel overcharged.
How are the prices at China Live?
Youβre looking at roughly 62 $ per person β reported by 158 diners. That puts it in the $61β$70 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, itβs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 62 $, the price distribution shows a wide variety, with many guests spending less and a good number opting for more premium experiences. This suggests a diverse menu catering to different budgets.
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 158 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the range of pricing options available, from more accessible dishes to higher-end choices, we believe the pricing offers good flexibility. For a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, this feels fair, especially if the quality matches the different price points.
Customer Reviews: what people think about China Live
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Chinese Lunch with Terrific Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic for lunch, offering excellent Chinese cuisine. The dim sum entrees were really good, fresh, and well cooked. The hot entrees were also great.
I highly recommend the blistered beans and the fried pork dumplings. The quantities are large, providing a lot of good food. The service was terrific.
- dim sum entrees9
- hot entrees8
- blistered beans9
Price per Person
- $61β$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6β15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Decent Food, High Price
My experience at this restaurant was decent, though I felt the overall value was lacking for the price. The roast pork was a standout, featuring wonderfully crunchy skin without being overly crispy, and the meat itself wasn't too fatty. However, the pecking duck was a miss for me, as the thick breading overpowered the duck's flavor.
I also wished for more soup inside the fried bao. The short rib was good, but unfortunately, it was a bit too charred. While most of the food was decent, considering the higher price point compared to other establishments, I expected more.
- roast pork8
- crunchy skin8
- fried bao5
- pecking duck3
- price3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16β30 min.)
7
Delicious food, but service issues
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delicious food and some service hiccups. We booked for 8 pm, but unfortunately, we had to wait outside for almost 20 minutes before being seated. A significant issue was that all our ordered plates arrived at the same time, which meant some of the food was cold by the time we could finish everything.
I recommend not ordering all at once. Besides these points, it's a great restaurant!
- side duck10
- great restaurant8
- wait outside3
- all the plates4
- part of the food4
Price per Person
- $31β$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6β15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Experience with Loud Noise and High Prices
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The decibel level was dangerously loud, making conversation difficult. Adding to the frustration, the tip level was fixed at 20% with an additional 5% for employee welfare, and then an invitation to tip MORE for βexceptionalβ service.
Our entree was a disaster; a rice noodles bowl with protein and veggies that was 97% noodles for $24. The waiter did nothing to warn us about how the dish actually presented versus the puffed-up menu description. Our Peking Duck was mediocre, though a generous portion of duck.
Our table was never wiped down after our dishes were cleared, and the waiter brought dessert to a messy table. It was a total waste of $100. Shame on them.
- Peking Duck5
- decibel level2
- tip level2
- entree2
Price per Person
- $91β$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
5
Busy Institution with Mixed Flavors
My experience at this busy institution, which boasts a very interesting origin story, was a mix of the good and the bland. The food was generally good, though it felt geared towards a western palate with traditional offerings that were well-plated but a touch off, leaning towards blandness. The duck was a standout, very well balanced and perfectly cooked, though I wished for crispier skin.
The water dumplings were noteworthy and enjoyable, with a caramelization that was just barely over the line, making them a potential favorite. However, the soup dumplings were disappointing; they were pretty but lacked sufficient soup, and the dumpling wrappers had an inconsistent thickness. I would have appreciated chili crisp, even if not traditional.
The tea selection was above average. The service was super kind and very attentive, with our server Michael being particularly so, despite being busy. However, the experience was marred by being rushed out by the manager with five minutes notice due to the next table's arrival, which significantly impacted the service score.
The space itself is massive and a visual feast, but the acoustics in the main dining room are horrible for conversation, making it very loud and difficult to hear oneself think. Ultimately, I'm torn on returning; the duck was good, but the rest of the meal faded from memory, and the overwhelming noise was a significant detractor.
- food6
- duck8
- water dumplings9
- soup dumplings3
- manager2
- acoustics2
What China Live offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does China Live offer?
At China Live, you’ll find an atmosphere that is both upscale and casual, with a trendy vibe. Dining options include lunch, dinner, and dessert, with both table service and counter service available. Catering services are also offered for your special events.
Are there options for specific dietary preferences or special occasions at China Live?
Yes, China Live caters to various dietary needs, offering healthy options, vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes. For special occasions or private gatherings, you can reserve a private dining room. Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner.
What is the overall dining experience like at China Live?
China Live generally offers a mixed dining experience, with an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5 and Customer Satisfaction at 61.8%. While the Food (6.9) and Ambience (7.6) are often praised, Service (6.6) can be inconsistent, and Value (2.9) is frequently a point of concern due to pricing.
Is China Live a good option for a quiet meal?
Based on customer feedback, China Live is often described as having a loud and crowded atmosphere. Many opinions mention high noise levels and acoustics that make conversation difficult, suggesting it might not be ideal if you’re looking for a quiet or romantic dining experience.
What are the common concerns regarding pricing at China Live?
Many diners express concerns about the pricing at China Live, frequently describing it as expensive or overpriced. There are also numerous mentions of mandatory service fees and surcharges, which contribute to the perception of poor value for some guests.