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Le Central, San Francisco, CA

Le Central

4.6 (2195)
$31 to $50
French
453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108

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2 people
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
19:00
Booked 16 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
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

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • 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
  • 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
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108
  • Area
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Cross Street
    Grant and Kearny
  • Parking details
    Sutter-Stockton Garage
  • Public transit
    Powell or Montgomery stations
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,195 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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • San Francisco

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Le Central offers a "great bistro atmosphere" with "delicious French food" and "outstanding service." It's a classic spot perfect for pre-theater dining or a "special treat." Patrons rave about the "cassoulet," "crème brûlée," and expert wine pairings. The restaurant's charm and history make it a "must-visit" in San Francisco.
2,195 Reviews

  1. ron VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area51 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Charming restaurant with red brick walls. Food was very good, but not exceptional. Service was first rate. Prices reasonable. Great for pre-theater. Recommend.

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  2. gregory VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Lovely French food near Union Square & Downtown. The sole was one of the best fish dishes I have had anywhere...and the Creme Brulee!! Great bistro atmosphere. We also appreciate the non-alcoholic cocktails.

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  3. Sarah

    San Francisco Bay Area26 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I have gone to Le Central for over 40 years. I'm glad the restaurant is still here. Our waiter was courteous and attentive. However, our seatd in the window by the 'Caen/Bashford/Brown' panels made it hard to hear; had I arrived sooner I would have asked to be re-seated in the larger room where the ambiance is better. The food was consistently good; it was good to be back in that old, familiar place.

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  4. Ruben

    Los Angeles4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 June 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Low key best spot in town for French food. Make a day of it at city center. The bartender Carlos is super attentive and chill. The food is chefs kiss. Highly recommend Le Central.
    Le CentralResponded 7 days ago
    Ruben, 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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  5. Stewart VIP

    Las Vegas56 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 6 June 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Winemaker dinner with St. Innocent of Willamette Valkey Oregon was outstanding. 6 course meal expertly paired with terrific Oregon Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris/Pinot Noirs. The. Pan seared duck breast and the savory bread pudding with veal Demi-glacé and maitake mushrooms were standouts. Just a terrific dinner not to be forgotten.
    Le CentralResponded 7 days ago
    Thanks Stewart! So glad you enjoyed the dinner!

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  6. Dick VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 5 June 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was very good, as well as the service. Will definitely go back.
    Le CentralResponded 7 days ago
    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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  7. Teresa

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 31 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious French food and it supported Muttville! It
    Le CentralResponded 7 days ago
    Thank you for the great review Teresa, we are so glad you enjoyed everything. We hope you dine with us again soon. Muttvile fund raiser has become an annual event for us, its such a good cause, thank you for your support!

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  8. Justin VIP

    Greater Boston1 review

    2.0

    Dined on 30 May 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Waiter was surly, unhelpful, didn’t ask how our meal was, and we indicated it was a birthday occasion and nothing was done to celebrate, not even a greeting. Crème brûlée had no flavor, room temperature custard. Waiter walked past ten plus times and neglected to inform us our jacket was on the floor.
    Le CentralResponded on 31 May 2025
    Justin, Thank you for your honest review. I'm so sorry you had this experience, I will speak to your server and find out why this happened, this is very unusual for our servers, the service is usually quite the opposite here.

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  9. Michael

    San Francisco Bay Area11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 29 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had the Mussels, and my wife had the sole. We also shared the Petite Tartine which was amazing The food was incredible and very French. The service was wonderful and not rushed at all. Great downtown restaurant. Such a special treat,
    Le CentralResponded 7 days ago
    Michael, Thank you for the great review, we are so glad you enjoyed everything. We hope you dine with us again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Karen

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 28 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Great service. Perfect atmosphere.
    Le CentralResponded on 31 May 2025
    Karen, Thank you for the great review, we are so glad you enjoyed everything. We hope you dine with us again soon.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Le Central using the Order Direct button in Additional Information section.

Le Central is rated 4.6 stars by 2195 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Downtown / Union Square

Make a booking

Booked 16 times today
Google Map for Le Central

453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Grant and Kearny
  • Area
    Downtown / Union Square
  • 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
  • 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
    Gluten-free Options, Vegan
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
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