“…a little taste of Paris in downtown San Francisco!”

Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for almost 5 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. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!

Offering French home-style dishes that represent the freshest in locally sourced seasonal ingredients, Le Central nourishes the body and the soul. The signature dish has a cult following and has been on the menu since 1974: Cassoulet — a simmering stew of savory soft white beans, hearty chunks of pork shoulder, lamb, duck confit, Toulouse sausage and regional French herbs.

From the mouth-watering 28-day aged Filet Mignon au Poivre, to the decadent garlic butter-drenched escargot, to the clean and delicate herbaceous flavors of the sautéed Petrale Sole, Le Central’s menu delivers high-quality cuisine that is as refined as it is comforting.