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Le Central, Bristol, RI

Le Central

4.7
4.7
498 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary French

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 8 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for brunch
  • Charming
Le Central is a French bistro, focusing on modern interpretations of classic dishes featuring local products from Sakonnet Lobsters, Four Town Farm (Seekonk, MA), Walker's Farm (Barrington, RI), Scott the Bassman, and Little Rhody Eggs (Foster, RI). Low lighting, checkerboard floor tiling, glass tabletops, and French nu-Jazz provide an intimate yet warm and familiar atmosphere. Chef-owner Jesse James spent his early career in Boston, working with chefs Moncef Meddeb at L'Espalier and Jasper White at Jasper's, with further experience at other landmark restaurants in New York, France, and Italy. Le Central is the third restaurant he has designed, built, and operated, after Aperto (Est 1992) and Boca Rotis (Est 1997), both in San Francisco. The large painting by Inez Storer on the south wall of the restaurant (which also serves as our logo) is of Jesse's son, Sam (the current General Manager & Beverage Director), and his childhood dog, Skye. Inez wouldn't say who the guy in the chair is.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary French, Farm-to-table, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (401) 396-9965
  • Website
    http://www.lecentralbristol.net/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Jesse James
  • Private party facilities
    Semi-private room and full restaurant available for private events/parties of 10-80 guests. Please email Sam at sam@lecentralbristol.net for booking inquiries.
  • Location
    483 Hope St, Bristol, RI 02809-1807
  • Neighborhood
    Bristol
  • Cross street
    State Street, Bristol, RI 02809
  • Parking details
    Ample street parking and public lots within a half block of the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    RIPTA 60 Providence/Newport - Hope and State (Bristol)
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Pour Commencer

  • Onion Soup Gratinée$9.00

    • Coriander Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Salad$15.00

      Grilled Shrimp in Coriander & Garlic, Salad of Avocado, Tomato, Cucumber, Hot Pepper-Lime Vinaigrette

      • Goat Cheese & Spinach Salad$11.00

        Spinach, Goat Cheese, Red Bell Pepper, Almonds, Grilled Country Bread, Sherry Vinaigrette

        • Salade Maison$8.00

          Butter Lettuce, Baby Greens, Mustard-Shallot Vinaigrette

          • Salad of Endive & Roasted Beets$12.00

            Walnuts, Roquefort, Walnut-Cider Vinaigrette

            • Salmon Nicoise*$16.00

              Grilled Salmon, Arugula, Green beans, Roasted Peppers, Fingerlings, Tapenade, Lemon-Caper Compote

              • Grilled Moroccan Chicken$14.00

                Cous Cous, Endive, Avocado, Cilantro, Moroccan Olives, Roast Pepper, Lime Vinaigrette

                • Duck Liver Mousse$14.00

                  Seasonal Fruit Compote, Pickled Onions, Grilled Country Bread

                  • Charcuterie$19.00

                    Pâté de Campagne, Rosette de Lyon dry Sausage, Duck Liver Mousse, Herbed Goat Cheese, House Pickles, Cornichon, Olives

                    • Pâté de Campagne Avec Poivre Vert$16.00

                      Pork, Chicken Liver & Green Peppercorn Pâté, Grilled Country Bread, Meaux Mustard, House Pickles, Cornichon, Olives

                      • Baguette, House Olives & Vermont Butter$3.00

                        Crepes, Eggs & Fruit

                        • Dutch Pancake$12.00

                          Souffled Pancake, Green Apples, Berries & Fruit Syrup or Country Ham & Gruyere

                          • Goat Cheese & Arugula Omelet$13.00

                            Salade Vinaigrette, Sautéed Potatoes

                            • Applewood Bacon & Gruyere Omelet$14.00

                              Salade Vinaigrette, Sautéed Potatoes

                              • Ratatouille Omelet$14.00

                                Salade Vinaigrette, Sautéed Potatoes

                                • Florentine Omelet$15.00

                                  Salade Vinaigrette, Sautéed Potatoes

                                  • Warm Lemon-Ricotta Crepes, Seasonal Fruit$14.00

                                    Les Plats

                                    • Chilled Oysters*

                                      Mignonette Sauce

                                      • Market Price

                                    • Mac & Cheese$14.00

                                      Panko Baked Penne, Porcini, Fontina, Gruyere Cheeses, Salade Vinaigrette

                                      • Bistro Burger Frites*$16.00

                                        Grilled Organic Beef on Brioche Bun, House Pickles, House-Cut Fries

                                        • Steak Frites*$22.00

                                          Grilled Hanger Steak, House-Cut Fries, Arugula, Bordelaise Onions

                                          • Grilled Chicken Sandwich$14.00

                                            Grilled Chicken, Arugula, Parmigiano on Sourdough, House-Cut Fries

                                            • Croque Monsieur$12.00

                                              Pan Toasted Sandwich of Country Ham & Gruyere, House-Cut Fries

                                              • Smoked Salmon on Sourdough$17.00

                                                Dill Cream, Cucumbers, Pickled Onions, Salade Vinaigrette

                                                • Classic BLT$12.00

                                                  Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Arugula, Tomato, Aioli on Brioche, House-Cut Fries

                                                  • Grilled Chicken BLT$15.00

                                                    Grilled Chicken, Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Arugula, Tomato, Aioli on Brioche, House-Cut Fries

                                                    • Lobster BLT

                                                      Sakonnet Lobster, Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Arugula, Tomato, Aioli on Brioche, House-Cut Fries

                                                      • Market

                                                    Last updated: May 12, 2022

                                                    What 498 people are saying

                                                    Overall ratings and reviews

                                                    Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                    4.7
                                                    4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                    • 4.7Food
                                                    • 4.7Service
                                                    • 4.3Ambience
                                                    • 4.4Value

                                                    Noise • Moderate

                                                    Loved For

                                                    • Rhode Island

                                                      Great for brunch

                                                    • Bristol County

                                                      Best Overall

                                                    • Bristol County

                                                      Best Food

                                                    • Bristol County

                                                      Best Service

                                                    • Bristol County

                                                      Best Value

                                                    • Bristol County

                                                      Healthy

                                                    • Bristol County

                                                      Neighborhood gem

                                                    • Bristol County

                                                      Good for special occasions

                                                    • Bristol County

                                                      Lively

                                                    Review summary

                                                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                    Le Central is a charming French bistro in Bristol, known for its "excellent" food and "A+ service." Regulars praise its "quiet" ambiance, making it perfect for conversation. Highlights include the "amazing" French Onion Soup and "exceptional" homemade soups. "Sam's specialty drinks" delight, while desserts cap off each meal deliciously.

                                                    498 Reviews

                                                    1. Taubs3

                                                      Greater Boston

                                                      14 reviews

                                                      vip
                                                      5.0

                                                      14 reviews

                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      The food was outstanding and the service was top-notch.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    2. david

                                                      Greater Boston

                                                      4 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      4 reviews

                                                      Dined on November 15, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Food is always amazing as is the service. My favorite lunch spot.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    3. Lisa

                                                      New Hampshire

                                                      12 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      12 reviews

                                                      Dined on November 14, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      A wonderful French Bistro! We felt like we were in France. The onion soup was fabulous!

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    4. David

                                                      Greater Boston

                                                      3 reviews

                                                      4.0

                                                      3 reviews

                                                      Dined on November 10, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                      2. Food 4
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                      French onion soup was outstanding ….. Food was very good.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    5. Larry

                                                      Greater Boston

                                                      4 reviews

                                                      4.0

                                                      4 reviews

                                                      Dined on November 5, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 2
                                                      Excellent food and pleasant waitress . Ambiance tired and menu needs to be updated .

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    6. Barry

                                                      Greater Boston

                                                      45 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      45 reviews

                                                      Dined on October 30, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                      Tried a “new to us” restaurant.. Fabulous in both service from Allison and the food was terrific. We warned them we would be back, and we will.

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                                                    7. Linda

                                                      Greater Boston

                                                      59 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      59 reviews

                                                      Dined on October 25, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Always excellent. Best kept secret in Bristol dining.

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                                                    8. Christine

                                                      Austin

                                                      6 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      6 reviews

                                                      Dined on October 23, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Always a great experience! The food was outstanding.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    9. Patrick

                                                      Greater Boston

                                                      4 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      4 reviews

                                                      Dined on October 19, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      The service was excellent. We had some food allergy concerns, and they went above and beyond to make us feel safe and accommodated. The food was outstanding!
                                                      Le CentralResponded on November 12, 2024
                                                      We're so glad to hear that you had an enjoyable experience! Many of our staff members have food allergies or dietary restrictions themselves, so we're all very aware of how important it is to make guests feel both properly informed and assured that we're taking their health and comfort seriously. We hope this means we'll be having you in again soon! Best, Sam (GM)

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    10. Liz

                                                      Greater Boston

                                                      1 review

                                                      5.0

                                                      1 review

                                                      Dined on October 18, 2024

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      For anyone considering going to Le Central, do it! The food is amazing and the drinks are fantastic. I don't usually order chicken when eating out, but oh my gosh.... the chicken entree is out of this world! I highly recommend it. Not sure how they cook it, but it's seriously the best and definitely worth trying. They are consistent and everything I've tried has always been great. The service is outstanding. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed! And the desserts are phenomenal too.
                                                      Le CentralResponded on November 12, 2024
                                                      Thank you so much for the high praise! It's wonderful to hear that our staff--both in the dining room and the kitchen--are consistently hitting the high standards of service we aim for. We hope to see you again soon! Best, Sam (GM)

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                                                    FAQs

                                                    Le Central offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (401) 396-9965.

                                                    Le Central is rated 4.7 stars by 498 OpenTable diners.

                                                    Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                    Make a reservation

                                                    2 people
                                                    8:30 PM
                                                    Booked 8 times today

                                                    Order delivery or takeout

                                                    Google Map for Le Central

                                                    483 Hope St, Bristol, RI 02809-1807

                                                    Additional information

                                                    • Cross street
                                                      State Street, Bristol, RI 02809
                                                    • Neighborhood
                                                      Bristol
                                                    • Hours of operation
                                                      Brunch Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
                                                    • Price
                                                      $31 to $50
                                                    • Cuisines
                                                      Contemporary French, Farm-to-table, Seafood
                                                    • Dining style
                                                      Casual Elegant
                                                    • Dress code
                                                      Smart Casual
                                                    • Parking details
                                                      Ample street parking and public lots within a half block of the restaurant.
                                                    • Public transit
                                                      RIPTA 60 Providence/Newport - Hope and State (Bristol)
                                                    • Payment options
                                                      AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                    • Executive chef
                                                      Jesse James
                                                    • Additional
                                                      Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                    • Website
                                                      http://www.lecentralbristol.net/
                                                    • Phone number
                                                      (401) 396-9965
                                                    • Private party facilities
                                                      Semi-private room and full restaurant available for private events/parties of 10-80 guests. Please email Sam at sam@lecentralbristol.net for booking inquiries.

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