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Le Central, San Francisco, CA

Le Central

4.7
4.7
2168 Reviews
$31 to $50
French

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood 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”!!!

Additional information

  • Location
    453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108
  • Phone number
    (415) 391-2233
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30–14:30 Happy Hour Mon–Sat 16:30–18:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 17:00–21:00
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Sutter-Stockton Garage
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct

Private dining

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,168 people are saying

Le Central reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • San Francisco

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Le Central offers a classic French bistro experience with "excellent food" and "wonderful ambiance." Guests rave about the "amazing service" and standout dishes like cassoulet and beef bourguignon. While some feel prices are high, the overall atmosphere and attentive staff make it a "favorite spot" for locals and visitors alike.

2,168 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles1 review

    2.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    food was mediocre and the service left quite a bit to be desired... he took our apps order before our drink order, so we had apps and no wine, the escargot was slimy, but the oysters were good.

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  2. Penni VIP

    San Francisco20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place for date night! Service was amazing and food was fresh and very authentic French cusinw

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  3. Stephanie

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It had been a minute since I’d eaten at Le Central. I think it fell off my radar when dining got really hot in the city. But I read in SFGate that it’s having a revival, and I have to say I agree! Our table of four shared three small bites & three entrees (two of us were dudes with big appetites) and everyone left full. The famous cassoulet lived up to its reputation; the beef bourguignon was super savory; the mussels were ample in a fantastic broth. Le Central fills in a missing spot between trendy pop ups and fine dining in the city - great for a social night out with friends, super for sharing food and a lovely spot to dine. We loved our server too! He was attentive & efficient with solid recommendations.

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  4. Matthew VIP

    San Francisco8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Some food items, like their Cassoulet, although deliciously decadent, are on the very pricey side at $46. overall, I think their food is great. The appetizer menu is what I would go for next time and try a few of the dishes.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta1 review

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The ledge on the wall that juts out into the seating space is my only beef. It was uncomfortable. Otherwise, great.

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  6. Scot VIP

    Toronto23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was very good.. staff very friendly….good food, great ambiance, nostalgic… cassoulet was better than I remembered. Beet salad was lovely!

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  7. Stewart VIP

    Las Vegas53 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding traditional French cuisine -salad Nicoise was terrific. Loved the wine pairings

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  8. Lindsay

    San Francisco15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    New ownership has really turned this great French bistro around. The menu is packed with favorites as well as some new and interesting dishes. Each of our diners gave five stars to the food. The service was outstanding - attentive without being overly famiiar. The venue is charming and as close to France as you can get without getting on a plane. We plan to go back often and try more of the wonderful menu choices

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  9. William VIP

    San Francisco83 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Came here in 1983 when I moved here. Amazing meal. 42 years later, and the new owners have brought the old girl back. Excellent cocktails, wines, and the service and food were superlative. Absolutely one of the best meals we’ve enjoyed recently. Enjoy!

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  10. Mary VIP

    San Francisco42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was so delicious and our server was nicely attentive.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Le Central is rated 4.7 stars by 2168 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 7 times today
Google Map for Le Central

453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108

Additional information

  • Phone number
    (415) 391-2233
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30–14:30 Happy Hour Mon–Sat 16:30–18:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 17:00–21:00
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Sutter-Stockton Garage
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
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