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Le Central, Bristol, RI

Le Central

4.7
4.7
512 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary French

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 11 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 11:00–16:00 Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00–16:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 16:00–19:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–20:00
  • 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.
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 512 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

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.

512 Reviews
  1. Stephen

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    38 reviews

    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice French bistro type of restaurant. Food and service were both good. Will go back. Staff was very accommodating to our requests.

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  2. Marco

    Rhode Island

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Reception was off putting: the host was haughty and beckoned us from the front door, rather than graciously greet us. Otherwise, the service was friendly, though with hiccups, e.g. we ordered wine by the glass, but we were not shown the bottle (big no no as the customer would like to know that we get what we have ordered). Food was overall good with interesting flavours, but a touch on the cool side. We were given a high table, tough we had ordered a standard table.
    Le CentralResponded 2 days ago
    We regret to hear that your expectations and the experience we offer didn't align. We operate with a small team, so there is no dedicated host; everyone shares this responsibility, and as our reservation platform is behind the counter directly in line with and only ten or so feet from the front door, we often acknowledge guest arrivals from here. Typically it is understood that guests will step away from the door upon entry, which would bring them within speaking range of whomever greeted them. Regarding wine service, it is relatively standard for the bottle not to be presented tableside when a guest is only having a glass, as most guests trust the integrity of the product/staff of a restant they've chosen to visit; we would have been more than happy to, though, had it been requested.

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  3. kitt

    Greater Boston

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely little bistro in the center of the quaint little town of Bristol. Excellent food and attentive service.will be telling our friends about this place.

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  4. Jeanne

    Rhode Island

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and the atmosphere was excellent as well as the waitress. We had no complaints wonderful evening!

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  5. Theresa

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    54 reviews

    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful service. Delicious food. One of our favorite places.

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  6. Dan

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 19 December 2024

    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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  7. Nancy

    Rhode Island

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 15 December 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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  8. Robin

    Rhode Island

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 15 December 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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  9. Kimm

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 13 December 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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  10. Kolette

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 12 December 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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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 512 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 11 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
  • Area
    Bristol
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00–16:00 Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00–16:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 16:00–19:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–20:00
  • 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, Takeaway, 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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