Foreign CinemaWonderful Mother's Day traditionWe have a 21 month old daughter, and this is the second year that we have gone to FC for Mother's Day brunch. Most places make you feel like you are cattle for holiday meals like this. Not Foreign Cinema. Their quality and service are the same on MD and Valentines day as they are on a random Thursday. We had te same waiter this year as last, who was wonderful. He even remembered talking to us about his nephew who is the same age as our daughter.
We absolutely love Foreign Cinema and have been there many times for dinner. I even held my birthday dinner there with a large group a couple years ago. We really aren't the type to repeatedly go back to a restaurant since we live in such an amazing culinary city. But Foreign Cinema is our go to.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome Unique RestaurantWe took friends here that were visiting from Japan on their honeymoon. Imagine our surprise when they were showing Jiro Dreams of Sushi as the film. The restaurant was totally cool and we had the best time. I highly recommend it. A very unique dining experience!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome space, great food!Definitely worth the visit. I had dinner with my family while on vacation in SF and it was a great find. The space is gorgeous and the food was really good. I'll try to get a spot outside next time to get a glimpse of the movie :)5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMKid Friendly and Romantic? Yes!This is a destination restaurant. Be sure to time dinner and dessert to the "show "and ask for a table by the wall so you may have access to vintage drive- in- movie- speaker- boxes. We take friends here to relax and celebrate. FC manages to accommodate family and business meetings, birthday parties or couples wanting a corner table, casual to tuxedo. Our service is consistently good. The roast chicken is always a hit. The wine, divine. At our last visit we joined a group of strangers to sing Pavarotti opera tunes. Enjoy!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth Every PennyStarting from the dramatic entrance into the restaurant, I just knew that Foreign Cinema was not going to disappoint. The food was delicious! I had the mussel chowder and the fried chicken and for dessert, the strawberry tartlette. It was all INCREDIBLE. The mussels were sweet and swimming in a delicious light broth of potatoes, onions, and BACON. It was topped with crunchy croutons and afterwards, I used to bread to mop up all of that chowdery deliciousness. The fried chicken was SO MOIST and it was in a tempura-esque batter so it was super light and airy. Hands down some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. It was just so flavorful as well, I don't know how they do it. All in all, worth every penny I spent.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place for visitorsExcellent choice for any foodie visiting San Francisco!!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWowthe waiters were amazing. the top notch food was outstanding. and I'm still fantasising about that Rose Creme Brulee. the best I've ever tasted.
Love the atmosphere. FC is a VERY special place.
Please open one in London!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Dining ExperienceThsi was a very fun place to dine in and the food was awesome. I definitly recommend this place to to anyone wanting a unique San Francisco dining experience.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious, but expensiveI feel like if I wanted to get great food with nice ambiance for the amount I paid, I would have just gone to Chez Panisse. I was actually annoyed by the small portions and huge prices, and I'm used to expensive food. I also thing the front desk people were incredibly rude, even though our waitress was lovely. I just don't think food needs to cost that much. It's ridiculous.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place - OK FoodThe outdoor seating area was beautiful. The service was excellent. Unfortunately, the food was "average". The prices were high. The portions were small. The Kobe steak I had was sub par and the side dishes were drenched in oil. Not the best dining experience but I really enjoyed my time at Foreign Cinema. Next time I'll skip the food and stick with beverages.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAs Good As AdvertisedVery impressive. Great service, food & drinks. Somewhere I would readily visit again4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMOur first time eating hereOur first time eating here and it won't be our last! Everything from the oysters to the entrees were delicious. The petrale sole was so good! We ate inside but had a view of the wall where the movies are shown. They wait until dark so if you are an early eater then you are out of luck during daylight savings time. We had dinner at 7 and were done right around when the movie began. No worries......we will definitely be returning here. Loved the long hall entrance....would never guess the restaurant was as large as it is from the street. Great find!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat time!The waiter was a little bit rude in that he seemed impatient with our questions - we were first time guests and usually have a alot of questions anyway! I think it was also because we are mid 20-somethings and perhaps we came off as naive? In any case, he gave us great recommendations. The food and drinks were out of this world delicious! After we ordered, our waiter was warmer to us. I would have given this place all 5 stars if not for the tense start with our waiter. Everything else was wonderful. The movie that is projected on the wall outside is more of an after thought. You cannot hear it or really see if before it gets dark. In any case, the outdoor dining was still fantastic! And there is a lively bar attached!4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMI work in the food serviceI work in the food service industry at two different locations in San Francisco, so whenever I dine out I tend to not only focus on food and beverages, but service (silent, interactive) and energy. Foreign Cinema does an outstanding job at presenting a elegant and sincerely amazing atmosphere for
those seeking a taste of what San Francisco cuisine truly has to offer. Our server (Juan) operated with confidence and outstanding comprehension
in regards to the menu, drinks and table presence. He quickly guided us though several items and pointed his suggestions (which he nailed 100%) and knew the exact moment to communicate with us as well as maneuvering through our dinner in a non intrusive manner. I'll be coming back for several reason.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was great. MadeEverything was great. Made reservations. However, food took a long time to come out. Waitress was nice and took care of us while we waited.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect in every way! GreatPerfect in every way! Great shellfish. Fabulous plates with exotic spices and amazing touches.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMSuch a fantastic experienceSuch a fantastic experience and brunch. The decor is amazing and one of the best looking spaces we have seen. One of the best brunch experiences we have ever had. Would love to return for dinner as well.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMVirginia Rider's Foreign Cinema RevExcellent experience from start to finish! Thank you!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMI think the best seats areI think the best seats are outside, you get the cool interior gallery plus theres the movie. Although, i really think foreign cinema should at least put text so ppl can actually read the movie lines.
Food was good. Although i think some of the portions( had the seared ahi) was too small compared to the fried kitchen. Dessert was super good, prolly my fav part, the cheesecake was awesome....but they do change their menu set every month so thats good, the place isnt boring. Love the red carpet! Feels like hollywood. Service was great. Nothing much to complain, really.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently terrificLove this place, and it did not disappoint. We had two out of town guests--one a well versed foodie, the other someone who barely knows San Francisco. Both were charmed and delighted by the food, energy and vibe of the place and our service. I will be back!4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways bring New York hereAlways bring New York here when they are in town for business. We always have an amazing dinner.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOur party of four shared twoOur party of four shared two appetizers and each had a different entree. All of it was delicious. I had the risotto and it was the best I have ever had.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMEverFood was amazing -like all 4 of us loved what we ordered - the steak, the mixed grill, the fried chicken, the duck - all great, which is rare . And the birthday recognition was nice too. Thanks again.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMHard to have a bad experienceHard to have a bad experience here. good cocktails, menu, accomplished service. loved the smoked salmon and my wine; great to have the carafes as well as the glasses.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThe service was really expedientThe service was really expedient and friendly, and our food was prepared pretty well. Now, my girlfriend's swordfish looked raw on the inside, and I'm not too sure if you can eat raw swordfish, so that's my only complaint (it's kind of a big one though to get served raw fish when you ordered a cooked one). I had the risotto, and the rice was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Their lavender baked goat cheese appetizer was also pretty decent, but there weren't many hints of lavender.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMa spot on spot for fine dining.a spot on spot for fine dining. great, inventive food--curried fried chicken was inspired--and our server's wine selection favored food pairing and value over up sell. our only disappointment was not being able to watch the movie from our table--we didn't know that you could only watch it from a specific room.
that being said, we will definitely be back and will recommend to our friends.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic restaurant. GreatFantastic restaurant. Great food and service in a comfortable setting.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMSketchy No MoreWhen it first open years ago, I was skeptical that this velvet-roped establishment would survive on a very sketchy section of very sketchy Mission Street. That is, until I first ate there.... It still provides fantastic food and service in a striking setting, with some of the more interesting clientele in the city. The outdoor area showing, yes, foreign films, seemed like such a gimmick years ago but instead provides a casual contrast to the more chic indoor areas.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingOutstanding dining experience at Foreign Cinema with old movies playing on the walls. Cocktails were also outstanding.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMFit for FoodieWhat's not to love? Gorgeous space, excellent food, personable staff, cocktails made with quality spirits, extensive choices in wines e.g. glass, caraf, half bottle, full bottle, AND kids menu -! 3 nutritious and nicely plated courses that show respect both to food and their future customers. Impressive oyster list. Pristine beau soleil from New Brunswick. Delicious pickled sardine on avocado toast. Kobe bavette was grilled to spec and perfection.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic brunch menu! DeliciousFantastic brunch menu! Delicious food, cocktails and the service was perfect. Great Vibe and ambiance.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful restaurant withBeautiful restaurant with delicious food and wine. Definitely one of my top restaurants.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMI don't know how to write...soI don't know how to write...so I will keep this short and to the point. Foreign Cinema is awesome. And I will definitely be going back.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMA visit to Foreign CinemaA visit to Foreign Cinema has always equated to an excellent experience. The food has been consistantly great, the waitstaff superb and the ambience in regards to overall feel and noise level were comfortable. We ordered a carafe of wine which we ended up not liking and were given a more expensive replacement for the same price. We love to share this place with our out of town guests.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food but very noisyThree friends were looking forward to trying Foreign Cinema and we generally liked it. The food, service, decor were excellent, but the noise level made it nearly impossible to hear even though none of us has a hearing issue. And you need to sit outside if you want to be able to see the movie which is showing, and that has to start after dark so you would need to plan on that.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent but pricey. CameExcellent but pricey. Came out to $100 per person with tip.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat dinner at Foreign Cinema.Great dinner at Foreign Cinema. Mixed grill with lamb was fabulous. Great service.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMone of our go-to san franciscoone of our go-to san francisco restaurants. consistanly great. all 4 of us loved our selections. especially calamari appetizer.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMRecommendedGood food, professional service and interesting interior. Prices aren't too bad either..3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent, only regret wasExcellent, only regret was that our table wasn't in the room where the cinema was being projected.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing food and great service.Amazing food and great service. Will return and also recommend.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMeach time i go back i wondereach time i go back i wonder why i don't go more often! there is everything wonderful about this place!3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMWith a changing menu, youWith a changing menu, you never quite know what to expect from Foreign Cinema except delicious food. Everything we ordered was fresh tasting and very well prepared. The service was also very good; our waitress as attentive, friendly and helpful when we had any questions regarding the menu. It's on the more expensive end, so we can't go here all the time, but for any special occasion or treat, definitely worthwhile.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMI have been to Foreign CinemaI have been to Foreign Cinema now for both brunch and dinner. Both were excellent. The portions are good, the quality is excellent and they know how to work with flavors. It is a excellent first date place or special occasion dinner. Wine is overpriced in my opinion but corkage is only $20.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways fantastic. Brunch cocktailsAlways fantastic. Brunch cocktails were delicious.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner was impeccable fromDinner was impeccable from start to finish. Each dish was crafted and cooked perfectly for one of the best meals I've had in my life.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for the novelty ofWe went for the novelty of watching a film in an outdoor courtyard, since we had a cinephile in our group. It was a bit hard to hear the sound track, but the overall experience was wonderful. The food was an unexpected surprise...absolutely fabulous in all respects. In my dining around the world, I have never had anything more delicious than the sea bass tostadas appetizer.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of my Top 3 restaurantsOne of my Top 3 restaurants in SF. I love the food, wine, and ever changing menu. I also love ducking into the bar it's attached to for a pre or post dinner drink. Feels like an island of civility in a stretch of Mission that is anything but.3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was very easy to make aIt was very easy to make a reservation online for the time I wanted.The hostess seemed indifferent when gettng seated.I did not get the request for a courtyard table but still seated in a decent location. The atmosphere was great but with everyones conversations bouncing off the walls it maybe difficult to hear. I still like the energy of the place. The food was unique and well balanced and looked beautiful too. I can see how guests that are used to Applebees sized portions would complain about cost versus portion size, but ya know let them keep going to Applebees. But a 3 course dinner with wine is certainly going cost more than a bill. Service was friendly and genuine. Thank you Foreign Cinema.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMRecommended by a friend ~Recommended by a friend ~ enjoyed everything about the restaurant!3/9/2013 12:00:00 AM