Le Central Bistro Commemorates Half a Century in San Francisco

This year marks a monumental milestone for San Francisco’s most historic French bistro, Le Central, as it celebrates 50 years of serving the city with classic French cuisine, warm hospitality and a timeless ambiance. Since opening its doors in November of 1974, Le Central has become a quintessential part of the city’s cultural fabric, where tradition and community come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.

The restaurant celebrated its golden anniversary with a party for some of its most loyal regulars–which in this case includes San Francisco VIPs like Willie Brown, SF Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie. A legendary lunch tradition first began at Le Central when Herb Caen established Friday gatherings at the iconic window table. This storied spot became synonymous with power brokers and the city’s elite. “Le Central is more than a restaurant—it’s a living piece of San Francisco’s history,” says new owner David Gabiné. “I am honored to continue the legacy of exceptional French cuisine and warm hospitality.”