Le Central — Restaurant in San Francisco

French food at its best - in the heart of San Francisco

Even though it was early on Friday evening the restaurant was bustling with customers when we arrived. We were ushered into a lovely table and given some time to peruse the menu.

My partner began with Soupe à l’oignon with French onions, croutons, gruyere and herbs. The gooey cheese was lovely and there were lots, it was pleasantly salty with lots of onion flavour. My partner was very happy.

I went for L’escargot bourguignon – snails in garlic butter topped with shavings of toasted cheese. The garlic richness of the butter was perfect for the meaty chewiness of the snails. I used plenty of bread to mop out the butter after I'd eaten the snails.

For mains my partner had pan-roasted halibut with maitake mushrooms, roasted summer squashes, Japanese eggplant and saffron. The fish was perfectly cooked for Drew, the mushrooms were crisp and tasty and the sauce was delightful.

I had been waiting the six years since our last visit for the Le Central cassoulet a rich well cooked cassoulet with white bean stew with duck confit, Toulouse sausage, lamb and pork. The beans picking up the rich meat sauce and each element of meat tasting very distinctive, rich and generous - a warming welcome back to San...

Unlike the industrial-chic look that has permeated most of San Francisco's newest dining establishments, this restaurant stays true to it's roots and transports you to a french bistro. Ok they do have an exposed brick wall but it is offset by their great bar and white table clothes - this isn't manufactured authenticity, it IS authenticity. I love going to this place because people are refreshingly open to having a conversation with you instead of just looking at their iPhones. The food is classic french - no noveau french, not french infused - classic french. Try their steak tartare - it's some of the best in the city because they use better cuts of meat than most of the other restaurants. If you are low-carb you can always get it with endive instead of toast. Best part of this place is sitting at the bar - if you are fortunate for Kirsten to be working that evening she will entertain you until you realize you were supposed to go home 3 hours ago. Who knows you might also run into Willy Brown playing liars dice there if you are lucky. Definitely a place to come to and experience because you get that local feel of a restaurant that...

Hello David,

It’s disappointing to see your unpleasant response to my feedback, especially since it seems based entirely on assumptions and the account of your waitress. This behavior reflects poorly on the team working at your restaurant. As a “father of two,” I would expect a more understanding and respectful approach from you, not one that dismisses valid concerns.

To clarify, my complaint stemmed from being approached at my table and asked to lower the volume as soon I sit in my table. Your waitress’s explanation that “people come here to have a nice dinner” feels like an excuse rather than a justification for poor treatment. I can only hope you never find yourself in a situation where someone disrespects your family or makes degrading remarks, such as comparing a child to a monkey.

I paid my bill in full, tipped Carlos for his service, and have every right to share my experience without being discredited by you. I sincerely hope the bad reviews and feedback you’re receiving prompt a change in how you and your staff treat customers. Respect and professionalism go a long way in ensuring a restaurant is not just...