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Le Central, Bristol, RI

Le Central

4.8
4.8
507 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary French

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 4 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
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
  • 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.
  • Neighbourhood
    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

What 507 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

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

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Bristol County

    Good for special occasions

  • Bristol County

    Lively

  • Bristol County

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Le Central is a delightful French bistro in Bristol, renowned for its "excellent food" and "outstanding" service. Guests rave about the "fabulous" onion soup and exquisite cocktails crafted by Sam. With its authentic ambiance and diverse menu, Le Central is a beloved hidden gem, perfect for any occasion.

507 Reviews
  1. Dan

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A lovely gem of a bistro, quiet for a near weekend evening. We both had a French onion soup that had rich flavor, great umami and was perfect for a cold night. My lamb chops were tender with a nice char to offset the sweetness of the meat, the cassoulet that accompanied was the right accompaniment instead of a starch, and my wife enjoyed her duck confit. A nice Chablis and two very good desserts finished the experience. Our server was attentive and not at all stuffy and we felt welcomed. Will go back a lot.

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  2. Nancy

    Rhode Island

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant has been one of our favorites over the years. We were a party of 8 coming after a Christmas concert. It was early but the atmosphere was so pleasant, quiet with an attentive waitress, not hovering but there for our every need. The food was wonderful. Two of the diners had never been there. The women had researched the dessert menu and had the bread pudding. It did not disappoint They will be coming back. All in all, it was a very pleasant evening.

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  3. Robin

    Rhode Island

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Lovely menu with lots of good options! Will return soon.

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  4. Kimm

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual, fabulous food, great service and beautiful surroundings. This is one of our favorite places!

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  5. Kolette

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Le Central French Bistro in Bristol, RI is an enchanting culinary escape that flawlessly captures the essence of a Parisian dining experience. Nestled in the heart of historic Bristol, this gem offers an inviting ambiance with cozy seating, warm lighting, and a charm that feels both sophisticated and approachable. The menu is a testament to the artistry of French cuisine, with dishes that showcase fresh, local ingredients and impeccable technique. From the velvety carrot soup special to the delicious grilled lobster, every bite bursts with flavor and authenticity. The staff were kind, efficient and knowledgeable making the entire experience a pleasure.

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  6. cambra

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Good value. Would go back again. Quiet. Nice ambiance

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  7. Elie

    VIP

    West Palm Beach

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hopefully, we will be back every week!! Best branzino I have ever had!! Dylan made our experience to be beyond any expectations!
    Le CentralResponded on December 8, 2024
    While I appreciate the incredibly kind words, I believe you may have intended this to be a review about another restaurant. Branzino has not made an appearance on our menu in years, and Dylan unfortunately--as lovely as he sounds--has never been a member of our staff. It's always great to see people supporting and appreciating our industry, so I hope wherever you had this wonderful experience will eventually hear this from you. Best, Sam (GM)

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  8. Janet

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience, great value and food was wonderful .Delightful 💚

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  9. Taubs3

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2024

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

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  10. 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.

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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 4.8 stars by 507 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 4 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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
  • 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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