China Live: Exploring the Best Chinese Food in San Francisco

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Are you in the mood for an immersive Chinese culinary experience? Look no further than China Live in San Francisco! This restaurant is much more than just a place to enjoy authentic Chinese dishes. It’s an all-in-one food and drink emporium that brings you the flavors, ingredients, and atmosphere of Chinese cuisine in one location. Let’s dive in and see what makes China Live so unique and beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Menu Highlights

China Live’s menu features a wide variety of dishes that represent the diversity of Chinese cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include:

Appetizers

To kick off your meal, China Live offers a variety of appetizers that highlight traditional Chinese flavors. Start with the refreshing Shrimp and Vegetable Spring Rolls or the savory Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings). For something a bit more adventurous, try the Crispy Pig Ears with Hot Mustard or the delicate Black Mushroom & Bamboo Pith Salad.

Main Courses

At the heart of the menu, you’ll find an impressive selection of main courses that cater to every palate. Indulge in classics such as Kung Pao Chicken or Mapo Tofu, or try unique dishes like Eight Treasure Glutinous Rice or Dry Fried Dungeness Crab. There’s also an array of vegetarian options like Braised Bamboo Shoots and Shanghai-Style Noodles.

Desserts

Complete your dining experience with a delightful dessert. Choose from the delicate Pine Nut Mooncake, the irresistible Szechuan Chocolate Mousse Cake, or the refreshing Chinese Fruit Salad.

Beverages

Tea Selection

As any Chinese dining experience should, China Live boasts an extensive tea selection, offering varieties like Jasmine, Oolong, and Pu’er. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect pairing for your meal.

Alcoholic Beverages

If you prefer something stronger, the restaurant also offers a variety of creative cocktails, such as the Hong Kong Mary, featuring sichuan-infused vodka, or the Shanghai 75, a champagne-based delight. A curated wine and beer list is also available.

The Retail Section

One of China Live’s distinguishing features is its retail section, where you can find a curated selection of imported Chinese ingredients, cookware, and kitchen gadgets. From authentic sauces and spices to top-quality tea sets, the retail section is perfect for anyone looking to recreate their favorite Chinese dishes at home or find a unique gift for a food-loving friend.

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China Live's Events and Classes

To further immerse visitors in Chinese culture, China Live regularly hosts events and classes, such as dumpling-making workshops, tea tastings, and chef-led cooking demonstrations. These events provide a fun and engaging way to learn more about the intricacies of Chinese cuisine and try your hand at making your own authentic dishes.

Private Dining

For special occasions, China Live offers private dining spaces that can accommodate groups of various sizes. With customizable menus and dedicated staff, these spaces are perfect for celebrations, corporate events, or intimate gatherings with friends and family.

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Innovation and Sustainability

Committed to promoting sustainability, China Live sources many of its ingredients from local farms and suppliers, ensuring the highest quality while minimizing the environmental impact. The restaurant also utilizes energy-efficient practices in its kitchen and implements a zero-waste policy, showcasing its dedication to being a responsible member of the community.

Tips for Visiting

China Live can get busy, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially on weekends. Keep in mind that menu offerings may change seasonally, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try on each visit.

Location and Ambience

China Live is situated in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown. The exterior features modern, bold designs that blend seamlessly with the traditional Chinatown setting. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a spacious, bustling marketplace that boasts a contemporary yet warm ambience, featuring warm wood and rich colors. The sleek decor and open kitchen concept invite you to feel like part of the experience as you watch chefs prepare delicious dishes before your eyes.

Location:

644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Website:

http://www.chinalivesf.com/

Contact:

+1415-788-8188

Opening Hours:

Sun-Thur 05:00 AM-9:00 PM
Fri-Sat 04:00 AM-9:30 PM

Alternatives Nearby

If you’re looking to explore other Chinese culinary options in the area, consider visiting R&G Lounge, Z & Y Restaurant, or House of Nanking, each offering their own take on traditional Chinese cuisine.

Customer Reviews and Accolades

China Live has earned glowing reviews and accolades for its innovative approach to Chinese dining. From the San Francisco Chronicle to Eater SF, critics and customers alike praise the restaurant for its impressive menu, top-notch service, and immersive atmosphere.

Tina Pak
Tina Pak
Local Guide
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Really delicious food and friendly staff! I just wish the selection of dumplings was bigger but I will certainly return here. If you want a table, make sure to get a reservation. Otherwise you may have to sit at the counter like we did, which was totally fine by us. The ambiance is also very beautiful and the restaurant itself is very clean and neat. Recommended 100%!
Ben Park
Ben Park
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The interior is amazing. The food looks good. The ingredients are good and the textures are great. The issue is the taste. Maybe it’s supposed to be fusion or something but nothing tasted like our expectations. Things were either too sweet or bland or something. They seem to be doing well, so good for them.
Veronica Zhu
Veronica Zhu
Local Guide
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OMG, the food here is so delicious that I forgot to take the photo before it is gone 🤣. We so enjoyed the Peking ducks of 5 sesame pockets that we ordered another one! This place is nice and beautifully decorated. The dinner time is very crowded and busy. Well, it’s a little pricey but considering this is downtown San Francisco, it’s reasonable. In addition, be aware that there’s 20% service charges in the bill before taxes which is not the greatest but it saved me money because I planned to tip more. 😂
Peter Farejowicz
Peter Farejowicz
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China Live has definitely established itself as a well-known Asian restaurant in San Francisco. The food here definitely leans on the fusion side but you can still taste the more traditional roots in some of the dishes. I came here as part of a large group dinner for work and was really impressed by how well the restaurant was able to accommodate our size and needs. The staff was attentive and made the experience great! We ordered a little bit of everything, so you can’t go wrong with the options. The cocktail menu also nicely paired with the food. Id definitely come back but it is a little on the pricier side - though worth it if you haven’t been yet!
Andrew Chin
Andrew Chin
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I came here during the week for dinner. My group was a walk-in, but they were able to seat us indoors. To me, it seemed like the target audience for this restaurant was tourists because of the staff I interacted with and the menu pricing. I had a negative initial impression after seeing Sheng Jian Bao priced at $19 for 5 buns. The atmosphere was very upscale as well. I ordered the char siu, roast pork, Dan Dan noodles, Yangzhou fried rice and fried scallion bread. Although I was expecting Americanized Chinese food, to their credit, the char siu and roast pork were very enjoyable and the other items were decent. Overall, this place isn’t bad if you don’t mind the prices and are looking to treat yourself - though I’m sure that the mom & pop restaurants in the area could use the support and offer good food as well.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, China Live in San Francisco is an unparalleled destination for an authentic and immersive Chinese dining experience. From the diverse menu offerings to the engaging events and classes, this restaurant provides a unique way to explore Chinese cuisine while enjoying the lively atmosphere of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown.

FAQ's

China Live serves authentic Chinese cuisine, offering a range of dishes from various regions of China.

Yes, China Live offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.

Yes, China Live is a family-friendly establishment, offering a welcoming atmosphere and dishes that cater to a variety of tastes.

Yes, China Live offers private dining spaces suitable for a range of events, from intimate gatherings to corporate functions.

You can make reservations at China Live by visiting their website or calling the restaurant directly.

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