Foreign Cinema

Name: Foreign Cinema
Address: 2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA, United States, 94110
Telephone: (415) 648-7600 ext. 0
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

8211 Reviews

$31 to $50

Californian

Top Tags:

Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism & full bar in the main dining room. There is also a great cocktail bar next door, Laszlo, as you enter from Mission Street.

We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 9+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 98 times today

Experiences are available.

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Californian, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(415) 648-7600 ext. 0
Website
http://www.foreigncinema.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Gayle Pirie & John Clark
Private party facilities
Venture into the distinctive experience of dining at Foreign Cinema. The dramatic candle lit entry welcomes you to a repast that you won’t soon forget. Foreign Cinema brings together the serendipitous relationship between food and film, dining and entertainment. Have your next event with us!
Private party contact
Janine Jacobson: (415) 648-7600 ext. 124

Location
2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood
Mission District
Cross street
21st St.
Parking details
We recommend parking at the Bartlett Garage located on 21st St between Valencia and Mission.
Public transit
MUNI: 14 Mission bus; BART: 16th & 24th/Mission station
Entertainment
We show a film starting at dusk only in the outdoor patio dining room. This is to provide a lovely ambiance, dialogue is not audible. While we take into consideration all requests for courtyard seating none are guaranteed.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

STARS Featuring Jeremiah Tower at Foreign Cinema
Nov 9, 2023 only
Stars restaurant defined an era of iconic San Francisco dining, as well as being a world class destination of distinctive California food and wine from Chef Jeremiah Tower and his stellar culinary team. To commemorate our Stars at FC in 2013 experience, once again, we will recreate the magic of that night with Jeremiah Tower featuring a collaborative glorious a la carte dinner menu, festive cocktails, beautiful wines, live piano music, and high energy in Foreign Cinema style, with love and nostalgia flowing freely. No-shows or cancellations less than 2 days in advance will be subject to a charge of $50 per person.

Popular dishes

What 8,211 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

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.8Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Most Booked
San Francisco
Most Booked

8,211 Reviews

L
Leilas
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall2food2service1ambience5
I can not believe our server came back and asked for more tips. The food portion was super small - took forever to get our drinks - the food was cold and still, our server wanted us to give him %22 tips.
Is this helpful?
J
Jill
Los Angeles
61 reviews
vip
5.0
61 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great place for dinner with an old friend except it was a cold night so we wanted to eat indoors, the noise was so bad we had great difficulty hearing each other.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great experience from the host, to the server to the wait staff! Everyone was so kind! The food was AMAZING!!!!
Is this helpful?
t
tamarar
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and experience will come back again. A place that deserves a visit.
Is this helpful?
WM
WallaceM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my (now) wife on our second date to Foreign Cinema almost 20 years ago. For a while we ate there often because of the consistently excellent food and classy casual atmosphere, but with kids, COVID and life we hadn't been there in several years. Yesterday we went there for our 18th anniversary. I'm very happy to say that Foreign Cinema is as wonderful as ever. I loved the food, but that doesn't mean much. My wife is a foodie. That she repeatedly raved about the flavors is high praise. Service was prompt, attentive and best of all non-intrusive. Like everywhere the prices have gone up, but it still doesn't break the bank. On a Monday night the entire place was packed and lively. It's not a quiet place, but it's a happy noise not irritating.
Is this helpful?
RO
ROSITSAP
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great venue and service. Delicious food and cocktails
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Miami
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great all around, food was outstanding, drinks great, service excellent and nice souroundings
Is this helpful?
C
Caitlin
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was amazing. Loved every dish. Server made great recommendations.
Is this helpful?
G
Greenbees
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It had been 30 years since we were last here. Great then, and great now! We all loved our appetizers, entrees and dessert.
Is this helpful?
MB
McBane
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service and ambiance. Came for a friend's birthday and they were very accommodating; brought the cake out, cut it up for us and everything. The movie playing in the background is the perfect ambiance, especially if your friends are cinephiles. 10/10 recommend
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
Nice place to eat. We were overcharged for our beverages based on menu price. Except for bill great place to eat.
Is this helpful?
C
Clayton
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambience, service was attentive and quick, and great selection of seafood/steaks
Is this helpful?
FS
FoodieSF
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reserved Foreign Cinema for brunch to celebrate my daughter's birthday. Great setting, service and food. The presentation of the food was very nice. Loved the atmosphere. Can't wait to go back again sometime!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience5
Wasn’t great unfortunately. Bloody Mary was watery, no taste. Oysters weren’t described when dropped off, had to ask. Croque Madame was poorly made. Wasn’t the level of food it use to be.
Is this helpful?
SS
SusanSF
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
We were celebrating a birthday and our server was very sweet to our birthday girl. The only complaint was that the noise level was high and we had to shout to each other.
Is this helpful?
C
Cichlisuite
San Francisco
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
my happy place…french fries and oysters on an indulgent saturday seafood tower..,with a coriscan rosé and dear frieds
Is this helpful?
KS
KrutikaS
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience3
The service at Foreign Cinema was appalling. The staff at the check-in desk were fine. Hoewever, our server was not always perceptive to our needs, nor answered questions we had, always trying to rush to the other table she was serving. For example, we weren't asked how we wanted our steak done. Furthermore, when we wanted a picture taken near your beautiful flowers, another staff member was extremely rude and just said she's busy and can't take a picture. She and a third member said the same. Finally we had to walk to the check in counter and the female staff there was nice enough to help us. We felt like second class citizens, were treated horribly and looked down on by the staff for no apparent reason. THe staff need training in basic etiquette. Now the food - serving sizes are tiny for the price we pay. And the food isn't exceptional enough to boast of the high price tag. The only saving grace is the coffee and dessert. Never coming back. This was our second try after a mediocre dinner previously, but we continue to be disappointed.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I made reservations for me and my wife’s 10th anniversary dinner and this spot did not disappoint. The atmosphere was amazing and the location was easy to find. Parking a block away was convenient. Somehow we were seated next to one of my wife’s friends she hasn’t seen since our wedding so that was incredible. Food was excellent as well. We will definitely be back and recommend for any kind of a date night.
Is this helpful?
C
Cheuton
Los Angeles
162 reviews
vip
5.0
162 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent on all fronts. Fantastic cocktails. Great wine list. The Schoolyard Bread is the best wheat bread ever, especially with the house cultured butter. Heirloom tomato salad is terrific. The Akaushi New York steak is pricey but worth it -- I'm pretty sure mine was larger than the 14 oz listed on the menu. It was extremely flavorful and tender, yet not at all fatty.
Is this helpful?
JJ
JamesJ
Washington DC
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
good food great space ,excellent service. Brandade was best ever.
Is this helpful?
g
gastronomemira
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great as usual, no complains. Perfect late summer evening
Is this helpful?
AH
AndrewH
Tahoe
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
When I made the reservation, I somehow assumed that a film would run on a constant loop, so made a 6:00 reservation, about 90 minutes before sunset. Know that it's not the case, so without the gimmick, the restaurant must stand on its own merit. While I really liked the veggie paella, the experience was really good, but not excellent--maybe timing to the movie would have given that nudge.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great. Cookie dessert was a little dry but honestly 10/10 on everything else. Check in, pork chop, cocktails, server… everybody and everything was great
Is this helpful?
c
cdram
San Francisco
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience5
Ambience was excellent. The staff kept rushing us and kept forgetting parts of the order. Food was good, but definitely didnt feel it was worth the price. But i guess we are paying for the ambience. Overall was disappointed with the experience, at one point we just had to ask for a box, cos they kept taking the plates away.
Is this helpful?
l
lisa
San Francisco
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall3food5service3ambience5
great food! went with 4 friends. 2 drinkers. wanted separate checks. waiter refused. said if we told him our amounts we could each pay our own totals. with the tax and 6% fee for health... how are we supposed to figure what we owe. i've been a waitress... no problem separate checks.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, service, and experience. Every time.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
The crowd did not feel like the mission, more like the Marina. We had a lot of “picnic” items, spent a decent amount of money, and still felt hungry at the end. The fruit and yogurt bowl, for example, was a smear of yogurt and honey with some fruit on top, not at all filling. Still, it’s a well-designed space with delicious food.
Is this helpful?
s
sffoodie1
San Francisco
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have been to many Michelin, three-star restaurants in my life, and indeed, in the last year! There is no restaurant on earth that I enjoy more than Foreign Cinema, especially at brunch. My favorite dish of the appetizers is, by far, the calamari made with an incredible blend of Mulle and Viks. Of the moons, my favorite is always the duck breast. A small warning: the soup is never good, or at least it is never as great as the rest of the food. The executive chef always tries to improve things and has succeeded with a beautiful new melon and mozzarella salad. I also especially like the recent addition of the shock Shakshujs, the untraditional addition of fresh herbs and zucchini blossoms. All the servers are incredibly extraordinary I especially like Ashley. Thr wine program is one of the best in the world, they’re not quite as good as it was pre-pandemic, and cocktails, especially the bloody Mary and blood of poet, are especially good. The new gooey chocolate chip is excellent, and one has never truly had a cheesecake and someone has the cheesecake from Foreign Cinema made with chevrecheese. The front of house, especially Dash and Ashley are fantastic. And the owners Gail and John see very warm and organized.
Is this helpful?
c
cmlawson16
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Foreign Cinema never disappoints. The atmosphere, service and food is always on point. Had a fantastic brunch and the staff is so nice and helpful.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall1food5service3ambience3
Request for an outside table (specifically made at the time of the reservation) because of hearing impaired guests was ignored.
Is this helpful?
g
gastronomemira
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was superb as usual, although one of the guests complained that the fish was a bit cold upon arrival. Even though we had our preferred "quiet" table, for some reason it was noisier than usual, making it difficult for easy conversation. But the overall experience was great.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly a special experience. Do not miss out if you are so inclined.
Is this helpful?
CL
ChristineL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for brunch at 1:00 and it was very busy. Ate outdoors and it was lovely but a little hard to hear each other.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated our friend’s 86th birthday and the waiter was wonderful. She received a beautiful card, a birthday bouquet, and a delicious dessert. She was delighted! Thank you, Foreign Cinema for making the evening so memorable!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
La comida fue aceptable, ningún platillo me pareció rico de verdad.
Is this helpful?
R
Remi
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great experience at Foreign Cinema, will definitely come back! The food was outstanding and the staff beyond professional.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing restaurant! Great service from the hostess to the bartender and the server. Everyone was so kind and accommodating. Food was 10/10! Would definitely recommend to friends and family.
Is this helpful?
MW
MariW
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Restaurant team went above and beyond to make it a special evening to celebrate my parents’ anniversary. They had a wonderful meal; thank you so much!
Is this helpful?
MR
MariaR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Foreign Cinema is wonderful for foodies - pork chop is excellent, scallops are very good, steak is excellent, along with little gem salad, beef carpaccio, and halibut sashimi; wine list is good - good variety of French, Italian, Napa wines, service is good, ambiance is pretty and somewhat unique with film playing on outdoor wall - it’s become classic San Francisco, having opened in 1999 and kept in high regard with continued food and wine accolades.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love it! Nice place for dating. Food is great and expensive
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Foreign Cinema is rated 4.7 stars by 8211 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 98 times today

Experiences are available.

2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Additional information

Cross street
21st St.
Neighborhood
Mission District
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Californian, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We recommend parking at the Bartlett Garage located on 21st St between Valencia and Mission.
Public transit
MUNI: 14 Mission bus; BART: 16th & 24th/Mission station
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Gayle Pirie & John Clark
Entertainment
We show a film starting at dusk only in the outdoor patio dining room. This is to provide a lovely ambiance, dialogue is not audible. While we take into consideration all requests for courtyard seating none are guaranteed.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.foreigncinema.com/
Phone number
(415) 648-7600 ext. 0
Private party facilities
Venture into the distinctive experience of dining at Foreign Cinema. The dramatic candle lit entry welcomes you to a repast that you won’t soon forget. Foreign Cinema brings together the serendipitous relationship between food and film, dining and entertainment. Have your next event with us!
Private party contact
Janine Jacobson: (415) 648-7600 ext. 124

Foreign Cinema

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

San Francisco’s Most Iconic Restaurants

Experiences

STARS Featuring Jeremiah Tower at Foreign Cinema

Popular dishes

Pork Chop

Money Salad

Cheese Plate

Menu

What 8,211 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Foreign Cinema restaurant rated?

Is Foreign Cinema currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

San Francisco’s Most Iconic Restaurants