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Le Central, San Francisco, CA

Le Central

4.7
4.7
2177 Reviews
$31 to $50
French

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 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”!!!

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
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • 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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,177 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Le Central offers a charming French bistro experience in downtown San Francisco. Guests rave about its "exceptional meal, service, and ambience," with standout dishes like the "best mushroom soup," cassoulet, and beef bourguignon. The restaurant is celebrated for its "authentic French cuisine," attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere that "transports you to Paris." Perfect for both quiet dinners and lively social gatherings, Le Central remains a beloved institution for locals and visitors alike.
2,177 Reviews

  1. Michael VIP

    San Francisco30 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Although service was adequate , it was not up to what one would expect from a French restaurant. I have been a customer for years and it has changed.

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  2. Dmitry

    Phoenix3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We had a lovely dinner for two, shared cassoulet and goat cheese salad with wine. Very tasty though a little bit pricy (everything became expensive in US). The place is crowded and narrow. Rather noisy as you hear everything spoken at the next tables, literally a foot away. All in all good dinner.

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  3. Kenneth VIP

    St. Louis137 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    First dinner at Le Central. Nice atmosphere. Everyone in our group was very happy with what they ordered.

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  4. Tom VIP

    San Francisco19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Just an excellent evening. Great food amazing service and a perfect time!

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  5. Rodney VIP

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptional meal, service, and ambience! Thank you. We’ll be back again soon. A special treat.

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  6. Janine VIP

    San Francisco16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding and delicious as always! Thank you very much!

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  7. Tim

    San Francisco15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    LOVE this spot. Excellent food. The mushroom soup was one of the best soup's we've ever had. Great atmosphere, polished staff. Highly recommended.

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  8. Stuart

    San Francisco4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 21, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great spot for a quiet dinner on Union Square. Highly recommend for business and pleasure.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for after 8 pm dining... great selection. No problem splitting food so you could try more things. Waiter was very helpful.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles1 review

    2.0

    Dined on March 16, 2025

    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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FAQs

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

Le Central is rated 4.7 stars by 2177 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Le Central

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
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
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