Le Central

4.7

2111 Reviews

$31 to $50

French

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(415) 391-2233
Website
http://www.lecentralbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
Le Central is available for private events, please visit our website for inqueries. https://www.lecentralbistro.com

Location
453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood
Downtown / Union Square
Cross street
Grant and Kearny
Parking details
Sutter-Stockton Garage
Public transit
Powell or Montgomery stations
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,111 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Le Central, a San Francisco staple, offers "exceptional service" and a "classic French bistro" experience. With a charming ambiance, it's perfect for intimate dinners or festive occasions like Bastille Day. Highlights include the "delicious cassoulet" and diverse wine list. Despite some menu changes, its authentic vibe remains a draw.

2,111 Reviews

M
Marlene
San Francisco
102 reviews
vip
5.0
102 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A lovely birthday celebration for our Australian friend. The food and service were outstanding. Thank you!
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D
Danielle
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
If you want an authentic French dining experience in San Francisco, this is the place for you. I come from a French family and felt instantly at home when I walked in the door - the smells, the accents, everything. The food is delicious. The service is impeccable. The drinks are served to stay chilled as you enjoy them. They think of every little detail. You hear French spoken as you eat. It's a delight.
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J
Julie
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Le Central holds up! Very classic French food, perfectly executed. Noisy yet my dining companion and I could hear each other perfectly without raising our voices.
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b
brian
San Francisco
65 reviews
vip
4.0
65 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Professional service. Classic French bistro dishes well executed. Large wine list of mostly French wines. Wines prices were quite high. Food was also expensive. A San Francisco gem but bring lots of money.
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G
Gregory
San Francisco
30 reviews
vip
4.0
30 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The special chicken breast cordon bleu was just a bit dry, even the delicious sauce couldn’t completely resurrect it. Everything else was very good. The bar area got very crowded and lively around 6 but the main dining area remained quiet and cozy. Enjoyable experience of old time San Francisco.
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V
Vanessa
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best escargot! Even better than places I’ve eaten in France. Beef bourguignon was excellent and really large portion so good value. Extensive wine list so could find a price point and type of wine needed for any budget. Thank you!
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B
Barry
San Francisco
40 reviews
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A warm, inviting ambience, excellent service, and delicious food. The perfect evening.
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R
Robert
Los Angeles
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A solid standard for well-made French favorites. Great for an easy lunch with friends or colleagues. Great, mindful, non-fussy service.
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A
ALBERT
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Continues to be exceptional. Never disappoints.
Le CentralResponded on November 15, 2024
Thank you for the great review, we are so glad you enjoyed everything. We hope you dine with us again soon.
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L
Lucille
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
A nice French experience. I recommended it. Sole meunière was delicious.
Le CentralResponded on November 14, 2024
Thank you for the review Lucille, we are so glad you enjoyed the sole. We hope you dine with us again soon.
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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Le Central using the Order Online button.

Le Central is rated 4.7 stars by 2111 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108

Additional information

Cross street
Grant and Kearny
Neighborhood
Downtown / Union Square
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:30 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Sutter-Stockton Garage
Public transit
Powell or Montgomery stations
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lecentralbistro.com/
Phone number
(415) 391-2233
Private party facilities
Le Central is available for private events, please visit our website for inqueries. https://www.lecentralbistro.com

Le Central

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Steak Frites

Le Central Cassoulet

Onion Soup Gratinée

Menu

What 2,111 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Le Central offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Le Central restaurant rated?

Is Le Central currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information