Le Central

Name: Le Central
Address: 453 Bush St., San Francisco, CA, United States, 94108
Telephone: (415) 391-2233
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

1953 Reviews

$31 to $50

French

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Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for over four decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Conveniently located on the cusp of the bustling financial district and downtown Union Square, Le Central stands out in a rare one-story historic brick building, crowned by a vintage Tabac sign. Offering classic French faire such as Filet Mignon au Poivre, slow-cooked Cassoulet and Roast Chicken Pommes Frites, Le central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. The exposed brick walls, stained glass features, and imported brass bar invite you to retreat and unwind in its charming, brasserie atmosphere. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a classic meal, delicious glass of wine, and a taste of la belle vie.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 26, 2023

10:30 PM

Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
French
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 5:30 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(415) 391-2233
Website
http://www.lecentralbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Johnny Tanphanich
Private party facilities
We welcome you to our little bistro with a big heart. Dining alone, on a date, with family, a special occasion, bienvenue chez nous. Gathering for a larger group event? We can do that, too. We can even provide a whole side of the restaurant for a private dining experience. Let us know your needs and we will do what we can to accommodate them.
Private party contact
Melanie Tanphanich: (415) 391-2233

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

Popular dishes

What 1,953 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

1,954 Reviews

AT
AlysonT
San Francisco
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined today
overall2food2service2ambience5
Disappointed tonight… food not what we expected. Unfortunately
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MS
MikeS
Seattle
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really excellent meal. Highly recommended………………..
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall1food1service5ambience4
This is an iconic restaurant sadly in decline. The soup tasted like a bottle of vinegar was poured in it- their famous French Onion. They remade it for us and it was a little better but still not excellent. The salad was literally not even edible- terribly sour. The beef noodle dish was barely ok on the beef, not seasoned well and the pasta literally dried up and shriveled to almost nothing left. Their French bread is pretty good. The waiter there is amazing- he was wonderful. We are SO disappointed in ownership for not getting their chef act together- it won’t make it if this trend continues on lack of food quality. Also, we had a terrible table guest shouting at her table guests and she should have been asked to leave. Totally improper. C’mon owner. Step up- you know very well your food is NOT where it needs to be. We won’t be going back and we are residents nearby :(. Sad. Those restaurants not nailing quality as the city fights to recover, are certain to have big issues
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W
Wayne
Caribbean
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food with excellent service. The petite fillet mignon was exceptional quality with the pommel puree and vegetables perfect. With the wine it was excelent value for money and because it was our anniversary we had complimentary champagne and an anniversary dessert. Would definitely recommend this place for a quick romantic dinner.
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AD
AlexandraD
Denver
16 reviews
2.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience4
Canadian Oysters during Happy Hour were very good. I should have ordered the petrale sole I’d intended to try. I don’t know what possessed me to order the burger instead. It was over cooked and tasteless. Wines were mediocre.
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NH
NigelH
London
125 reviews
vip
5.0
125 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb food from a lovely but slightly limited lunchtime menu. The wine was a little expensive but the service and ambience were perfect. We would certainly dine there again.
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GL
GeraldL
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing as always! It never fails. Thank you for another wonderful evening 🙏❤️
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CS
CynS
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service! We were there around 5 pm for an early dinner before seeing a show. The maitre'd greeted us at the door and welcomed us in, even though we got there a bit earlier than our reservation. Maria served us our dinner and drinks at the bar. She was very helpful, answering all our questions about different menu items. Food was fantastic! We will definitely be back!
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o
ozinsac
Sacramento
41 reviews
vip
4.0
41 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
It was a treat to be seated at the best table in the house without asking for it. A knowledgeable waiter, Adam, was our host. It seemed extremely quiet for a Saturday evening. The food was delicious.
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JA
JohnA
San Diego
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
I revisited Le Central, a favorite of mine in the 80s and 90s when it was one of the hottest tickets in town with Stars and Masa’s. I adored the cassoulet, interesting wines, and yummy desserts. The food still holds up very nicely but unfortunately this night our server was sadly uninvolved with the customer experience. Not once were we asked if we were enjoying our meal, if we were satisfied — which is just the usual basic server interaction. We felt rushed as the server suggested bringing our second course at the same time as our appetizers. Perhaps he was having an off-night yet he was very attentive to the other tables and diners. The restaurant is charming and most staff are equally so. We just didn’t feel we were in the hands of someone who cared about our experience. Still, the restaurant is recommended as a lovely brasserie.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gracious and attentive service without being intrusive
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VB
VickiB
San Francisco
107 reviews
vip
4.0
107 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Incredibly attentive and professional staff. Delicious French food. Loved the salmon and the petrale sole. So many delicious salad options it is hard to make a decision. If you want a delicious meal in a quiet setting, this is your place.
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TC
TiCo
San Francisco
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience1
First- two stars because our waiter was nice & my French 75 was tasty. Maybe it’s because I returned from France a few days ago, but this location had no indication it was French other than the music, which often sounded Italian. Maybe consider a Bonsoir or merci, the table cloth was so dirty we had to change tables to avoid getting it on our outfits, the “bread service” was small, cold, tasteless & 5.00 - which is hilarious. The beef tartar was absent flavor. My fault that I didn’t carefully read that the ratatouille was smothered in melted cheese, had more green peppers than eggplant or zucchini, and tasted more like vegetarian spaghetti sauce vs stewed summer veggies in olive oil, the wine list led with CA wine & the bread pudding required a serrated knife to cut thru the cold, blah, brick of bread. For 3 people ( 1 drink ea + 1 bottle of red) $365 including the 5% surcharge and before the tip which pushes it over $400 with the accepted 20% gratuity. I have to agree w other reviews that for the quality Le Central is wildly overpriced. Net- I’m not recommending for anything other than a drink at the bar, unfortunately.
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AB
AndreaB
Montreal
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Ottimo cibo in un contesto tranquillo. Rapporto qualità prezzo migliorabile.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Part of the Saint Mary’s garage, one block away. Excellent service, crabcakes, onion, soup, beef bourguignon was almost like home except grande mere made a roux gravy with mild jalapeño juice instead of lemon juice.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
We had an 8:30 reservation and they clearly wanted us in and out fast. Not a great experience.
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HS
HappyinSF
San Francisco
120 reviews
vip
5.0
120 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful Bastille Day celebration. Music, great energy. Delicious food. The filet mignon was so good.
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E
Elbow
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and always an enjoyable time at Le Central!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall2food5service1ambience4
This was possibly one of the worst experiences of hospitality I've ever experienced. I made a reservation for lunch, on my own, at a "standard" table. I pay a lot of attention to this, as I hate high tops. When I arrived on time, the host grabbed a menu and took it to the bar, where I was supposed to sit on a high stool without so much as a back. This was not the high end, fine dining experience I was splurging on! I explained that I'd reserved a standard table and was told they didn't have one. (It was noon. Three quarters of the tables were empty at that moment.) A manager was brought over, and I heard some variation of "we don't have a table" more than a dozen times. What I didn't hear was anything approaching a sincere apology. Or a "we value your custom.". I ultimately said, "I'm a solo diner; I'm not going to linger over this meal.". I was finally given a table. I've never felt more unwelcome. I didn't order the relaxing multi course meal I'd planned. I gulped down an entree and got the hell out. How'd it taste? Bitter AF. Shared my opinion with management on the way out the door. No contrition. Suffice it to say, I will never be back.
2 people found this helpful
MV
MVHLocalInVegas
Las Vegas
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Out of town guests. Our first time at the restaurant.... we loved and will be back!
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BR
BruceR
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Filet was de-lish! Love the bistro/French feel to Le Central!
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JC
JaneC
San Francisco
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Petrale sole, filet, onion soup all got rave reviews. Our server, Lindsey, was beyond charming and efficient. A little chilly at a table close to the door, but the vodka helped.
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F
Francophile
San Francisco
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 24, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
As akways, we fund uIt quieter on the bar side. Thefood has been good here from day one, which I reemember.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love Le Central. Had not been there in years, but met my son for lunch there today and it was lovely. I had salmon that was a wonderful. My son had Petrale sole that he enjoyed to. A lot quieter than many visits over the last 40 years I have been going there, but definitely worthy of its long history of entertaining Herb Caen, Wilkes Bashford, Willie Brown, and a bunch of other old timers like me! Don’t let this gem disappear!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I discovered this place by chance and have since been there several times. If you want classic French vibes and cuisine plus excellent drinks and ambience look no further. This place is a gem at the same level other San Francisco institutions minus all the hype. The martinis are perfect. Escargot was the best I’ve ever had, the entrees were perfectly executed, and the french onion is outstanding. An easy recommendation.
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SP
ShreyaP
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 6, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience3
Went for a birthday dinner, place is straight out of Paris! amazing service and server. I'd come again for the pricing and good location.
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P
Planetxoxo
San Francisco
51 reviews
vip
4.0
51 reviews
Dined on June 6, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
As locals, Le Central in one of our favorite restaurants. They were extremely busy on a Monday night, which is good to see. Between the two of us split the appetizers of escargots, crab cake and pate. Bill said the escargot reminder him of Paris. For our main entrees, we decided on the Beef bourguignon and the pork chops. Excellent and well prepared. And desert....... the perfect crème brulee and the granny apple wrapped in a soft pastry crust, served with vanilla ice! Amazing night out!
1 person found this helpful
SS
SSKK
San Francisco
116 reviews
vip
5.0
116 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food in a beautifully gracious and comfortable setting. This restaurant has been a favorite of ours for more than 30 years. The decor has been updated and become more modern. The food has gotten better and better. Today, the kitchen is at the top of its game.
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e
ellen
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our food was delicious, wine was lovely, service and ambiance for a Wednesday night date night, superb. Be sure to have the baguette and butter. Warm and so good. Enjoyed walking through China Town and admiring the street art and graffiti.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food and service were excellent. We had a lovely evening.
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ML
MaryL
San Francisco
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Our waiter Benedict made the evening. Service was fabulous . Wonderful evening with friends and family . Le Central is a favorite of ours!
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S
Sparky
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Still recovering from covid closures and the hit to the downtown restaurant scene, but this place remains a favorite. Best cassoulet this side of Ile St. Louis in Paris. Unfortunately the cold, modern interior remodel left it with less ambiance compared to the days when it was Willie Brown's clubby hangout, but it's still one of SF's most iconic restaurants.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went here with mom for our birthdays. Food was great. Service was amazing. Our server was so kind. She was attentive and made conversation with us which was interesting. Everything was good. Food portions were perfect. The beef was soft and tasteful. Lamb was cooked just right.
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RE
RonaldE
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Le Central always delivers. From excellent and kind service that makes you feel in France , to just delicious food.
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g
golfkat
Seattle
100 reviews
vip
4.0
100 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Benedict is a wonderful waiter, really knows his stuff!!!
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JC
JamesC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
this has been a regular business or meeting place with friends for many years. Will be for many more...
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SF
SFnative
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a gem of an old time San Francisco restaurant. It has survived through the many years and is still wonderful. The pear and prosciutto salad with pears poached in wine was beautiful. The sole was amazing and their signature dish- cassoulet which was simmered many hours was out of this world. Our waitress was incredibly nice, attentive and knowledgeable. If you’ve never made it to Le Central or haven’t been in awhile- highly recommended.
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MR
MichelleR
New Mexico
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Ms. Maria was fantastic as a server. Very attentive and recommendation for wine was right on target.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Very good experience at Le Central. Good food and ambiance.
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a
anne123
San Francisco
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful drinks and dinner. Server was great! Love this restaurant!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

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

Le Central is rated 4.5 stars by 1953 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 26, 2023

10:30 PM

Booked 8 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 Daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 5:30 pm–8:30 pm
Cuisines
French
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Sutter-Stockton Garage
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Johnny Tanphanich
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, 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
We welcome you to our little bistro with a big heart. Dining alone, on a date, with family, a special occasion, bienvenue chez nous. Gathering for a larger group event? We can do that, too. We can even provide a whole side of the restaurant for a private dining experience. Let us know your needs and we will do what we can to accommodate them.
Private party contact
Melanie Tanphanich: (415) 391-2233

Le Central

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Sautéed Petrale Sole

Escargot Bourguignon

Le Central Cassoulet

Menu

What 1,953 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

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