Cafe Central

What People Are Saying About Cafe Central
The Editor
Elisa Kronish
Citysearch
The Scene
Located along bustling Central Avenue, Carlos and Debbie Nieto's French diner sees mostly walk-ins who meet spouses after work or stop in before a movie at the nearby cheap-seat theater. On weekdays, patrons range in age from gray-haired couples to energetic kids, the latter cheerfully welcomed with their own menu. Butter-yellow walls are covered with French posters, and two large mirrors make the small space seem much larger.
The Food
The menu highlights made-from-scratch bistro favorites, like a starter of pate slices accompanied by sweet onion confit, and flaky-fresh crab cakes. Entree presentations are understated and pretty, and timing is nearly perfect. The menu changes often, but popular dishes include organic skirt steak and pork tenderloin with grainy mustard sauce. Signature lamb shank falls off the bone, accompanied by Asiago cheese mashed potatoes and rosemary sauce. For dessert, try tarte tatin, a French take on baked apple pie.
User Reviews
Anonymous
April 16, 2008
Cafe Central serves classic French fare in a warm and inviting setting. The restaurant is billed as the more casual sibling of Carlos', but it's still not cheap. Luckily the food, service and ambiance (as well as great cocktails and wine) combine to make you feel like it's money well spent. The food is really delicious--traditional without being stuffy. Everything I've had to eat here has been very fresh and well-prepared. It's a great place to come with family, since children are welcome. They even have a kids' menu, so you don't have to worry about the kids being forced to choose between escargot and calf's liver (both of which are delicious here, by the way).
read full reviewshopping
December 26, 2002
I love this place!!!! I come here all the time!!!!! Everyone there is so nice! The owner, Debbie, makes sure that everone there is helped and is happy!! The food is great, and I love their bread roles! I would recommend this place to anybody!!
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe Central
The Extras:
A children's menu has American favorites like chicken strips, pizza and grilled cheese, all served with fries for $6.95 a plate.
When to Go:
On Tuesdays, you can bring your own bottle of wine and pay no corkage fee.
The Extras:
The restaurant is reserved Sunday afternoon and all day Monday for private parties.
Know Before You Go:
Reservations are accepted until 6:30pm; after that, it's first-come, first-served.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Hidden Find, Lunch Spot, Business Dining, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No


