Le CentralGemThis is a SF classic serving solid French food. In a City filled with local sourced dishes and wood fired pizzas this is a refreshing change. Besides, I always see French visitors there. Legit. Friendly owners too.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, service andExcellent food, service and atmosphere. This is a great little neighborhood restaurant.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMI would come to Le CentralI would come to Le Central for any reason. However, recent visits have been for business dinners. The charm exuded by the staff and decor makes up for any of my deficits in that category. Personal favorites are the well executed classics: Boudin Noir, Cassoulet, and Steak Tartare. All these dishes are conveniently located in a box at the center of the menu.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMfrom Menlo ParkHadn't been to Le Central in about 10 years. it was the same as we remembered, even better. The food is simple French Bistro food, but great! super onion soup and the cassoulet was outstanding. My wife had the herb crusted halibut, which she loved. the chocolate mousse was also delicious. we'll come back again, sooner. it's not Fleur de lys, but doesn't pretend to be. Oh, by the way, we sat next to a couple from France, speaking French. they were delightful and loved Le Central too, it was their second night back while visiting SF. pretty good endorsement!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMIt's always a great placeIt's always a great place for lunch. I've only been there once for dinner, and that was good, too.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMthe food is always consistent.the food is always consistent. They have the best steak tartare in the city.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMA San Francisco gem!A true SF gem with classic bistro staples. Their cassoulet has been cooking since Day 1, their steaks (au poivre or the filet) have the charred yet tender quality that bistro steaks demand. Their appetizers are diverse and delicious as well. Service is always good, everyone is genuinely nice.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have enjoyed Le CentralWe have enjoyed Le Central many times and the food is always wonderful. Our only comment was our waiter was very impersonal and standoffish which in unusual for Le Central.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect French brasserie in S.F.Le Central is the perfect French brasserie in SF. And their food is unfailingly delicious & reliable. No one delivers a perfectly turned out cold poached salmon & an haricot verts salad like they do. Everything on the menu tastes authentic. Service is gracious as well. We love the place.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMHad to go back for seconds!I had such a great experience on my first visit about a month ago, I seized the opportunity to return when organizing a friend's birthday dinner. YUM! Very friendly service and they let us linger much past finishing our dinner. Always nice not to feel rushed.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMWe live in the east bay andWe live in the east bay and were looking for place in near Chinatown to meet out-of-town visitors. Someone recommended Le Central and it exceeded all expectations in every way. The food was excellent, the service was great, and, at least when we were there, it was quiet in the way I remember restaurants used to be quiet. I was also pleased that, at least in the evening, the Sutter-Jackson garage was reasonable for parking (it was $4 for 2 to 2.5 hrs, I think), and it was only a half block away. Thus, it makes it easy for those, like us, coming from the East Bay. Because of the distance, for us, it would not be a usual destination, but it is perfect for special occasions.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMOld standard is still great!We were seated promptly in the back (away from the bar) where conversation was easy. The bartender was very savvy and made me a "French cocktail" with Couintreau, Pastis and Lillet and the Chopin martinis were 4-5 oz.! Pomme Frite accompanied the drinks. We next had some celery root salads, and excellent escargot (not too garlicky) and onion soup gratin. For entrees our guests had the cassoulet which had good flavor, but could have benefitted by some more broth. My wife had roast chicken with crispy skin and I had 4 roasted prawns with green pea risotto. Service was impeccable with water, bread refilled without asking and the ability to pace our meal. We were too full for dessert. Park at Stockton Garage for $3 weekends!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMI have been going to Le CentralI have been going to Le Central for more than 30 years. Always excellent, it is a quintessential bistro. It's like going to Paris for lunch.1/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a restaurant whichThis is a restaurant which succeeds because of tradition, not because it has the best food or service. Love it for what it is, a grand old lady keeping true to its roots.12/11/2012 12:00:00 AM