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  5. Mission District

Foreign Cinema

4.7
4.7
8054 Reviews
$31 to $50
Californian
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, 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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 97 times today
Private dining

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

  • 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

  • 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

What 8,054 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Most Booked

  • San Francisco

    Great for outdoor dining

  • San Francisco

    Californian

  • San Francisco

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. AngP

    Columbus

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined today

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    The ambiance and service was pretty good. The food was just OK for very small portions and a high cost. Simply not worth it.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience !! Loved it — must must try . Great evening
  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kristina was incredible. Very funny and personable. Host staff was welcoming and made it an enjoyable experience.
  4. Zehra

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    We always bring out of town guests to Foreign Cinema, as it is one of our favorites, but this time both the food and the service was disappointing. One person barely touched their main course due to all elements being raw or undercooked, and our server did not bother to check in about it. We felt there wasn’t even room to ask questions about the menu. This review does not align with our previous experiences at Foreign Cinema, but I am not sure if I’ll want to come back again.
  5. ChrisH

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hadn’t been here in years and don’t know why. It’s fun and tasty. Great wine selection and good design.
  6. DeniseS

    San Francisco

    59 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    59 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    I returned to this restaurant after a visit here 6 weeks ago. Pork chop still the best. The Marrakesh chicken was tasty but dry. The Paco fish dish was light and the risotto galettes was also a very small and light dish.
  7. Thom

    San Francisco

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My very favorite restaurant in San Francisco. I absolutely love this place. Amazing food. Gorgeous ambiance. Consistently TERRIFIC. The scrambled eggs were PERFECTION. It’s not easy to make eggs like this. BRAVO! Thank you!
  8. SKSKSKSK

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall1food4service1ambience3
    The food was great but the server was extremely rude and discourteous
  9. Maggie

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Service was weirdly fast and a little sloppy; courses came out in rapid succession before we had time to finish them, our bread was forgotten and not brought out until our main course arrived (and by that time the bread we had ordered had sold out, so they brought out something different than what we had ordered).
  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Sashimi was great quality and my partner loved the fried chicken. Our server was the sommelier and recommended a fantastic bottle for our meal. Save room for the butterscotch :)
  11. RachelH

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unbelievable - worth every penny! Fabulous server, food, drinks, ambience, etc. I loved every second of it!
  12. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent drinks. Even better food. Great service!
  13. Fondue

    Orange County

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been several times mostly for special occasions always great food and service. Love the upscale casual atmosphere.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Booked the table to Celebrate a Graduation and Mother's Day. Enjoyed the experience very much. Hunter, who looked after us, was great and patient. Would recomend the restaurant.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    The restaurant has a cool, quirky ambiance. The food was just ok and pricey for what it was. Pork and Duck were dry. The Calamari Starter was good. Several dishes (including baked cheese dish) came out cold. We sat outside. It was way too windy and too cold. The service was ok..nothing spectacular or particularly attentive. Overall, for our special occasion-disappointing experience.
  16. Corey

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    They are always very helpful about accommodating my wheelchair. We always enjoy the food, it's excellent. Great cocktails too!
  17. Manoj

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went as a family to celebrate mother’s day. The mother’s day brunch was great. We ordered Sandwiches, Salad, Scrambled eggs. Kids ordered non-alcoholic drinks and we ordered a couple of cocktails. All dishes were great with fresh ingredients. Food presentation was lovely too.
  18. ElenaL

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Going to Foreign Cinema is such a treat. The service is impeccable (even on an exceptionally busy day) and the food and drinks are amazing!
  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This this is real dining ! Great ambiance, service and food.
  20. Healthyfoodie

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It was a Mothers Day Delight in the Patio. Our wait staff was considerate re food allergies.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    The waitress was nice, but overall service was struggling.
  22. bill

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience5
    We were a party of 6 dining at 8:30pm. We sat at table for 5 minutes before wait staff came. We ordered water. 10 minutes later staff returned to take drink requests. Drinks served orders taken. Wait staff returns to say forgot to write down one order. 25 minutes later appetizers arrive cold. After finishing entrees arrive 25 minutes later - one order forgotten. 20 minutes later forgotten order arrives. Most at table finishing so entrees don't get cold. Plates cleared order dessert which never arrives after 30 minutes. Leave restaurant without desert and glad to be gone.
  23. orca

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Booked here base on the online reviews, we're so glad we did. Foreign Cinema does not disappoint, excellent food, very rich in flavor and great service, overall we all had a great experience. we will definitely come back in future San Francisco trips.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistent and professional, great pork chop and wine selection.
  25. RobinB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun interior decor, roomy patio dining. Food plated beautifully, and tasted amazing
  26. PscriptSF

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    excellent! as always. love to bring groups and sit outside magical!
  27. anthonym

    Sacramento

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An oasis in a neighborhood that you wouldn't expect this kind of venue. This is a great hat trick of a restaurant setup, as they have an indoor space, a courtyard, and an eat in bar that you can get the whole menu from. Very inventive food and beverage, with modern twists on old favorites. I got the french toast and about licked the plate clean, while my party mostly went with meat selections- the pork chop and the bavette steak. Given another chance, the pork chop is the clear winner! Overall, service was attentive without being invasive, and the ambiance was perfect for a Sunday brunch. I would highly recommend!
  28. MelissaK

    Vancouver

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The croque madame was delicious, but the sourdough toast was the butter and jam was truly the highlight. Yum!
  29. StevieB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Foreign Cinema has been a solid go-to for over two decades, which in San Francisco is no small feat. Whether you're seated in the main dining room, the outdoor patio or at the bar, you're always guaranteed great food and drinks accompanied by stellar service and a unique ambiance that is quintessential San Francisco.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    This time the bavette steak wasn’t good. It lacked flavor
  31. Pete

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Very cool experience! I brought a few friends from out of town and they loved it.
  32. PandM

    San Francisco

    122 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    122 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Most courses excellent. The Porchetta, loaded with raw garlic and a chewy rather than crispy skin, was a miss. The Brandade and Ceviche were outstanding. Enjoyed the wines by the glass. Our server was friendly and caring.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Colleen!! Amazing! Her drink also amazing! Food outstanding . Ambiance super cool n hip
  34. ReinaL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    pretty setting, lovely food, a variety of personalities, lively crowd
  35. OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing. The food and service. They have good wines on the menu Highly recommended
  36. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Très belle soiree autour d’excellents plats, je recommande vivement
  37. Samantha

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall3food1service5ambience5
    They ran out of vegetarian dishes, but we only found out after being seated for a while. Had to find another place to have my birthday dinner at, which was difficult at 10 pm :(
  38. MattD

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful birthday dinner here on 5/1/23. Food was delicious, and they really go out of their way to make you feel special.
  39. JillS

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    wonderful experience. food and service were excellent, and the evening was very special.
  40. CafeReview

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Somehow always end up getting Harmony as our server, and LOVE IT! Harmony is a great server, very attentive, and always has the best recommendations.

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 8054 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 97 times today
Google Map for Foreign Cinema

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

  • 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

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