Le Central

French restaurant · Union Square

2

@infatuation

"Le Central is a small brasserie keeping it simple with wine, cocktails, and hearty French comfort dishes. What you’ll get here at this long-standing Financial District restaurant is good, but not spectacular. The cassoulet is intriguing (according to a sandwich board outside the entrance, it’s been cooking for nearly 18,000 days), but with stewed beans, duck and lamb confit, and pork shoulder it’s a mixed experience. It’s fun getting different textures in every bite, but it gets a lot less fun when those bites all taste the same. Instead, get the petrale sole with a zingy lemon and capers sauce and the garliky escargot. The beef bourguignon falls apart almost at the sight of a knife and fork, but it’s often too salty and the red wine overwhelming. If you have room for dessert, the only one worth getting is the tarte tatin. Otherwise, finish the night with a glass of wine or a digestif instead. The dishes here feel stuck in time, but in a good way, and the menu feels appropriate for Le Central’s rustic and retro dining room with exposed brick, giant chandeliers, and white tablecloths. Reservations are typically easy to get any day of the week if you’re looking for a relaxed date night. Food Rundown Escargot de Bourgogne Swimming in a thick pool of butter, garlic, and parsley, the snails have just the right chew. As an added bonus, these guys come with bread service (with more butter on the side). Cassoulet “Le Central” We feel let down by Le Central’s signature dish. The cavalcade of meats, including duck leg confit, lamb, pork shoulder, and sausage all have very similar textures, making them hard to tell apart from the accompanying beans. Cassoulet isn’t on every French menu in the city, so if you’re curious, give it a shot, just temper your expectations. Poulet Rôti Straight forward and solid: chicken, vegetables, and frites. The chicken is moist with a crispy skin and the veggies and fries are perfectly fine. You won’t be weeping from joy eating this, but you won’t be shedding tears of disappointment either. Sole Meuniére The best seafood dish on the menu. The sole is flakey and pairs nicely with a classic lemon and capers sauce. We just wish the portion was a little bigger. Tarte Tatin Bland and dry, but saved by a moisture-giving scoop of vanilla ice cream. We suggest skipping dessert and filling up on a second serving of sole." - Patrick Wong

Le Central - Review - Financial District - San Francisco - The Infatuation
Patrick Wong

453 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108 Get directions

lecentralbistro.com
@lecentralsf

2 Postcards

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

Sorrel

Californian restaurant · Presidio Heights

This chic Cal-Italian gem serves up creative seasonal dishes and impeccable wine pairings in a stylish, minimalist setting—perfect for a special occasion.

26 Postcards

Asian Box

Restaurant · Marina District

Counter-serve niche for sustainable Asian street eats, made to order with customizable options.

4 Postcards

KEN

Japanese restaurant · Lower Haight

High-end Edomae sushi tasting menus presented in an unpretentious venue with 6 seats at the counter.

15 Postcards

Kimpton Hotel Enso

Hotel · Japantown

This trendy Japantown hotel blends stylish Japanese-inspired rooms with a lively eatery, plus perks like a buzzing wine social and easy access to local hotspots.

2 Postcards

Galinette

French restaurant · Outer Sunset

"A Beachy French Bistro Pouring ‘Bastard Wines’"

6 Postcards

Caffe Trieste

Coffee shop · North Beach

Venerable local icon offering Italian coffee, pastries, wine & beer, plus live music on occasion.

8 Postcards

Benu

Fine dining restaurant · South of Market

Benu in SoMa is a sleek haven for adventurous eaters, serving artistic American-Asian fusion dishes and a masterfully curated tasting menu.

49 Postcards

Brenda's French Soul Food

Southern restaurant (US) · Tenderloin

Brenda’s French Soul Food is a charming spot in the Tenderloin, famed for its enticing beignets and authentic Southern dishes that keep the crowds coming back.

19 Postcards

Kahnfections

Bakery · Mission

Classic neighborhood bakery for classic pastries, cookies & breads, plus gluten-free & vegan treats.

7 Postcards

Go Duck Yourself 去你鴨的 aka Hing Lung Company

Chinese takeaway · Bernal Heights

Bustling take-out joint specializing in roast duck & pork, plus fried rice & noodles.

13 Postcards