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China Live

China Live, 644 Broadway, San Francisco

4.6
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.6 out of 5 (573 Ratings)
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1.7 miles Bimbo's 365 Club
About China Live
The Spotlight on China Live

Flavor-Packed Dining in the Heart of San Francisco’s Music Scene

Set in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood, China Live is a modern Chinese marketplace and dining destination just a short walk from San Francisco’s most popular music venues. This stylish, casual spot blends traditional Chinese flavors with contemporary flair, offering everything from hand-pulled noodles to crispy duck, all served in an airy, bustling space that’s part restaurant, part experience.

With a casual dress code and a dynamic open-kitchen concept, China Live brings the energy — perfect for fueling up before a night out.

Why Concert-goers love it

Location is key — China Live is just minutes from major concert venues, making it easy to grab a flavorful meal without straying far from the action. The fast yet friendly service means you won’t be late for your show, and the buzzing ambiance gets you in the mood for a night of live music. It’s also large enough to accommodate groups, and the bar offers creative cocktails for those looking to kick things off in style.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a shared plate experience
  • Solo travelers wanting to grab a bite at the counter or bar
  • Couples on a date night before a concert
  • Fans wanting a lively, energetic atmosphere
  • Budget-conscious music fans sharing dim sum and small plates

What People Say

Reviews on TripAdvisor and OpenTable praise the "deliciously authentic dishes with a modern twist," especially the Peking duck and xiao long bao. Guests love the "theatrical open kitchen," where you can watch chefs in action. Many mention it’s a "fun, upbeat vibe" and "perfect for groups." The cocktail program and house-made sauces also get high marks.

Areas for Improvement

Some diners note that it can get a bit crowded and noisy during peak hours, which may not suit those looking for a quiet pre-show bite. A few mentioned longer wait times on weekends — so reservations are recommended if you’re on a tight concert timeline.

The Bottom Line

For concert-goers craving bold Chinese flavors and a buzzing atmosphere just steps from the city's top music venues, China Live hits all the right notes.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
Chinese
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Opening Hours
Sun 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Dinner
Mon-Thu 12:00 pm-9:00 pm
Fri 12:00 pm-9:30 pm
Sat 4:00 pm-9:30 pm

China Live Customer Reviews

Many have visited, but none have returned to tell the tale. Will you be the first to write a review of China Live?

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

China Live is #119 of 5773 things to do in San Francisco

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: madp0m, Sydney, Australia
Mon 30 Jun, 2025
l This restaurant had great reviews on Open Table so we booked! We were not disappointed. Our waitperson gave us the best service was the best we received in our 2.5 week visit to the US - friendly...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: Judith F
Tue 24 Jun, 2025
l Modern setting light, clean and buzzing. Good service with honest opinion that we had ordered on the generous side. The food was excellent as described and so tasty. Visited on a Tuesday and it was...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: world-traveler1968, Hartford, Connecticut
Wed 18 Jun, 2025
l What not to like! Vibrant cheerful restaurant! Super friendly and helpful staff! And the food selection is to die for… In a city like San Francisco with so many restaurants its quite rare to go back...

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China Live 644 Broadway, San Francisco