[Dinner] Le Central (Table for Six)

Le Central
18946 Days, almost 52 years.. CASSOULET “LE CENTRAL”, one of their specialties.

Discussions of modern San Francisco dining are incomplete without mentioning Le Central, a traditional French brasserie in Lower Nob Hill, touching China Town, Nob Hill, the Financial District and San Francisco's heart.

Opened in November of 1974, over fifty years ago, they have continually served classic French-American cuisine, delicious, portions made with expertise and authentic ingredients. Another year another award for their spectacular wine selection. A Well Known location for the 'movers and shakers' of San Francisco's business and political powerbrokers since opening, whether that is true today, sitting there has similar feels to other older locations.

A power lunch and fine dining location featuring classic french menu items and exceptional service.

Minutiae
Interior has two sides, a bar area and dining room, both are comfortable with well maintained iconic interiors which feel cozy and invoke a call to action.

Perhaps their finest hour is detailed by SFGate.

"On the night of the Loma Prieta earthquake, San Franciscans were shaken, distraught and hungry. Water, electricity and gas were out throughout the city (eg). But Le Central a traditional French brasserie on the edge of Union Square, Chinatown and the Financial District, presented a nourishing moment of solace for those in need. With its gas still on, the bistro handed out bowls of its famous savory cassoulet to all who wandered by and stopped in. The restaurant presented a bit of hope that night." Le Central Bistro (SFGate)

History
Founded by wine merchant brothers Pierre and Claude Cappelle from 1974 - 1993, then owned by executive chefs Johnny and Paul Tanphanich (brothers) along with maitre d' Michel Bonnet.

Currently owned by a former bar tender and bus boy, their reputation continues, staying in the Le Central family.

Chef and Owner: David Gabine and Ignacio "Nacho" Colorado purchased Le Central in March 2024.

Menus and Reviews
Le Central Bistro
Le Central Bistro (Menus)
Le Central Bistro (San Francisco Chronicle)

Administratriva
Entree's run from $24 - 60, average is about $35, their famous cassoulet is $48 (prices from online menu). Estimated Cost for a three course meal is $80, which can be much higher due to alcohol or expensive purchases.

Dress is smart casual

Taxes and Restaurant Fees
Dining in San Francisco has a sales tax (8.625%) and probably an employee health mandate (3-10%), a tip (20%) may be automatically added, even on individual bills, if not we expect a 20% minimum tip to be paid for individual bills. We will try to get separate checks, but remember to bring cash.

Each diner is responsible for their own orders and costs but we will have to consolidate and divvy up the final bill accordingly.

Please bring cash or have Zelle or Apple Cash available.

Transportation to Le Central
MUNI: 45, 8 (LKMNT are a longer walk.

Finding street parking in lower nob hill is usually difficult. Parking garages can be found nearby, some are a block away on Sutter.

Use event comments for Car Pooling and Ride Sharing.

Many thanks for the photos and history from restaurant website

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