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Mezzanine Private Dining Space - Foreign Cinema, San Francisco, CA

Foreign Cinema

4.8 (8995)
$31 to $50
Californian
2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 PM
Booked 134 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Lively
Foreign Cinema is a one-of-a-kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant blending independent films with California-Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy a stylish indoor dining room with a full bar and fireplace, or relax in our heated and covered outdoor courtyard where 35mm film screenings begin at dusk.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, our private dining options include the mezzanine, amate terrace, and gallery, thoughtfully curated by Modernism West. Our vibrant DJ/live music bar, Laszlo, serves craft cocktails, zero-proof options, a full dinner menu, and lively tunes to end your night.

We are currently accepting reservations for both the heated and covered outdoor patio and indoor dining up to 60 days in advance. Standard seating refers to indoor dining. For groups of 9 or more, please reach out to our private dining department at janine@foreigncinema.com for booking details.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, 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
    We provide distinctive private dining spaces for up to 350 guests, from intimately sized cocktail events, to large, formal seated events. Our chefs personalize each menu, matching, seasonal and market availability with guests’ special preferences.Inquire via email, janine@foreigncinema.com
  • Private party contact
    Janine Jacobson: (415) 648-7600 ext. 124
  • Location
    2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110
  • Neighborhood
    Mission District
  • Cross street
    Between 21st and 22nd Streets
  • 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; Mission-Bartlett Garage: 3255 21st Street San Francisco, CA 94110
  • 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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Guest Chef Series: Cowgirl Creamery

    Oct 16, 2025 only
    Our Guest Chef Series is a collaboration with remarkable chefs who have made their mark in San Francisco Bay Area culinary history. Sue Conley and Peggy Smith ignited the farm-to-table food movement in the artisan cheese industry. Join us as we imbue our dinner menu with their delicious recipes from their iconic Cowgirl Creamery Cooks (Chronicle Books, 2013). Viva la fromage! Join us to experience and taste the memorable flavors of these distinguished culinary leaders. These are non-ticketed events with an à la carte menu.
    Guest Chef Series: Cowgirl Creamery Photo

  • Guest Chef Series: Jeremiah Tower

    Sep 25, 2025 only
    Our Guest Chef Series is a collaboration with remarkable chefs who have made their mark in San Francisco Bay Area culinary history. Let's bring back the alchemy of Stars, the legendary San Francisco dining institution led by Chef Jeremiah Tower, where he defined California cuisine. Join us to experience and taste the memorable flavors of these distinguished culinary leaders. These are non-ticketed events with an à la carte menu.
    Guest Chef Series: Jeremiah Tower Photo

Private dining

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Menu

Foreign Cinema's menu was last updated on 2/1/2022.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 8,995 people are saying

Foreign Cinema reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    Californian

  • San Francisco

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Foreign Cinema offers a "unique venue" with a mix of "excellent food," "top notch service," and "beautiful ambiance." Diners rave about their "delicious" dishes and "warm and attentive" staff. A perfect spot for "special occasions" or a "romantic date," this San Francisco gem consistently delivers a "high quality experience."
8,995 Reviews

  1. Alejandro

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An absolutely amazing restaurant. The food was amazing and the staff was absolutely wonderful. If you want to make your night magical, this is the place to come to.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Katherine VIP

    St. Louis1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, well prepared and service on point. Cannot beat the ambience outside in the courtyard with outdoor lights and movie playing. It’s the kind of experience you thoroughly enjoy and then get sad when it’s over. I’m a repeat customer and visit every time I’m in San Francisco.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Marshall

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The atmosphere was fun and lively, but the dishes I ordered left a bit to be desired. I asked our waiter their recommendation between the beef tartare and the tuna crudo, and should have listened. The beef tartare was tasty, but could have been enhanced had the crisps been Parmesan instead of waffle. “They kind of cheapen the dish” is a comment that was made, and I couldn’t help but agree. However, the chili oil that accompanies the tartare offers a welcome boost in flavor! I ordered the Wagyu ribeye as my main dish and requested medium rare. The steak was more on the rare side, but I did not want to send it back. This was my first experience with such a large cut of Wagyu, and I was surprised at how chewy it was! I noted to myself to ask for medium if I were to order this again to hopefully cook away a bit more of the fat. The sauce and seasonings for the steak, though unique and quite tasty, were unfortunately overshadowed by the fattiness of the meat. Perhaps this is a lesson in Wagyu beef, through which I’ve learned that I’m just not a fan of that type of steak! My friend shared some of his biryani and that was the highlight of flavor that evening. It was delicious! I ordered the Affogato with vanilla ice cream and the glazed biscotti was a very nice touch. Overall the experience was a good one, though not one I would rave about. I think next time I’ll have to try the duck, and actually listen to my server’s suggestion of the tuna crudo over the beef tartare!

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  4. Clark VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area36 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best brunch in San Francisco in every way: great food from healthy fish and shrimp to decadent french toast with custard. The best service from Ashley who greets us to nearly all the servers especially Amy ! The chefs are incredible and even innovate like their wonderful new clafoutis Best atmosphere in sf outside and very dog friendly

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  5. Gordon VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area47 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    I generally avoid brunch menus because of their generally mass-produced, formulaic and unimaginative fare. But, Foreign Cinema is the rare exception and likely the most elevated and sophisticated brunch in the Bay Area. Even the perfectly cooked omelette (slightly runny) enhanced with truffle oil and fresh herbs was meant to be savoured. The very roughly chopped steak tartare was not overpowered by the vinaigrette, and the quality of the sirloin was evident. We also split the seafood sandwich--a rich and satisfying mix of fish on a brioche bun. The bourbon coffee-based cocktail had a nice burst of cinnamon. My guest had the citrus cocktail that was equally delicious. For the 20+ years that we have been dining at Foreign Cinema, this restaurant rarely disappoints (only one brunch when FC was in survival mode during Covid). Service was attentive and gracious.

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  6. Joanna

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server was very attentive but not overbearing. We were able to chat & sip our drinks without feeling rushed. Lovely experience. The Persian omelette was soooo good.

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  7. Parker VIP

    Phoenix / Arizona7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Unique venue in the city with top notch customer service, excellent food and wine pairing!! We went for my boyfriend’s birthday and they surprised him with personalized birthday card, which made him feel special. We even ended up sitting next to the kindest couple who was also celebrating a birthday as well. The movie in the courtyard was great, needless to say we will always remember this birthday and return next time we are in town.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kiren

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I’m from. New Orleans and I’m used to amazing food experiences. This place is my top 5. Service amazing. Food is local and top notch. Oysters were a highlight.

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  9. Joshua VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Top notch as always. Such a fun place to dine with family/friends. Food always on point. Service is top notch.

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  10. greg

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    After 26 years Foreign Cinema is are fantastic as ever.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Foreign Cinema offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 648-7600 ext. 0.

Foreign Cinema is rated 4.8 stars by 8995 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Mission District

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 PM
Booked 134 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Foreign Cinema

2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Between 21st and 22nd Streets
  • Neighborhood
    Mission District
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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; Mission-Bartlett Garage: 3255 21st Street San Francisco, CA 94110
  • 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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.foreigncinema.com/
  • Phone number
    (415) 648-7600 ext. 0
  • Private party facilities
    We provide distinctive private dining spaces for up to 350 guests, from intimately sized cocktail events, to large, formal seated events. Our chefs personalize each menu, matching, seasonal and market availability with guests’ special preferences.Inquire via email, janine@foreigncinema.com
  • Private party contact
    Janine Jacobson: (415) 648-7600 ext. 124

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