Le Nocturne is set to open at 470 First Street in downtown Livermore, according to a recent liquor license application. Owner Gianni Schell tells Whatnow San Francisco that the venue is targeting a mid to late May debut as it is still under construction, but an exact opening date could not be provided.
The concept marks Schell’s third in the area, joining Rebel Kitchen & Libations and Black Cat, which he opened last year with Dina Parks, first reported by the San Francisco Business Times. The new outpost will replace the former home of Last Word, which was later rebranded as The Syndicate before closing in 2025.
Le Nocturne departs from traditional French dining, offering a supper club-style experience with late-night service, EDM and house music, and a lively atmosphere that extends into the early morning. “There’s nothing like this out here, and there’s definitely a resurgence of this style of cuisine right now,” Schell tells Whatnow San Francisco.
“We’re not looking to turn tables—we want people to stay, lounge, and enjoy the experience, then stick around for the nightlife.”
The concept is also a father-son collaboration, with Schell’s son Cameron—a former sous chef—playing a key role in conceptualizing and designing the menu. The seasonal menu will feature classics such as steak tartare, escargot, steak frites, trout amandine, and coq au vin, alongside more contemporary selections with French influences, including premium cuts like A5 wagyu paired with rich reductions and caviar, including caviar bumps.
With a late-night dining and entertainment format and a menu that blends French classics with modern touches, Le Nocturne aims to bring a new kind of dining experience to downtown Livermore, while supporting expanded demand for vendors sourcing specialty French ingredients to the Tri-Valley.
