Famed French Spot Le Central Celebrates 50 Years of Serving San Francisco

On November 19, foodies and Francophiles flocked to San Francisco’s storied brasserie Le Central to celebrate its 50th anniversary in style. Since its 1974 founding by brothers and wine merchants Pierre and Claude Cappelle, the classic restaurant has offered diners an authentic Parisian oasis in the heart of the city.

Over its five decades, Le Central has evolved through generations of ownership, while still staying true to its roots. In 1993, the Cappelle brothers passed the torch to chefs Johnny and Paul Tanphanich and today, the legacy continues under the stewardship of long time employees David Gabiné and Ignacio Colorado.

Arriving guests at the soiree were greeted with champaign as befitted the VIP crowd, which included Willie Brown, Supervisor Aaron Peskin and Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie. The politicos repaid the restaurant for 50 years of power lunches by presenting an official Mayoral proclamation to mark the occasion. With formalities out of the way, guests tucked into a feast of french classics like cassoulet, steak frites, leek & potato soup and crème brûlée. The lavish spread had partgoers saying “santé!” to another 50 years of memories at Le Central.