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Escape onto a one-of-a-kind dining experience where food, film, and hospitality engage the senses in one of the most romantic and beautiful restaurants in San Francisco. Established in 1999, Foreign Cinema redefines the dining experience, combining the allure of Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with the enchantment of outdoor movie screenings. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, this iconic venue serves as a beacon for culinary and film aficionados from around the globe.
Crowds eat Californian-Mediterranean fare (& a popular brunch) in an outdoor space screening films.
Hours
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Monday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 648-7600
Website: http://www.foreigncinema.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: foreigncinema.comopentable.comtripleseat.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Foreign Cinema
Since 1999. Foreign Cinema remains a magical destination for local, national and international visitors as San Francisco’s most enduring dining centers.
Menus – Foreign Cinema
Foreign Cinema implements an ever changing California-Mediterranean influenced menu and full oyster bar. The restaurant has earned three stars from the San …
Foreign Cinema Restaurant – San Francisco, CA | OpenTable
Foreign Cinema is a one-of-a-kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant blending independent films with California-Mediterranean cuisine.
Reviews
Leah
Foreign Cinema is one of those classic San Francisco date-night spots that’s really all about the atmosphere—and honestly, it does that part very well.
The outdoor courtyard is beautiful, cozy, and incredibly romantic, especially at night with the string lights and movie playing in the background. It’s relaxed, intimate, and perfect for couples or special occasions. I can absolutely see why this place has become such a longtime SF favorite for dates.
Service was warm, attentive, and never intrusive, which made the evening feel very comfortable and unhurried.
The food, however, was more on the safe and classic side. Everything we ordered was good and well-executed, but nothing was especially memorable or surprising. No major flaws, just not the kind of place you’d come to purely for amazing food. Portions were generous and pricing felt reasonable for the setting, so it’s definitely more “good value for a nice night out” than fine-dining.
That said, this is really a restaurant you come to for the vibe. If you’re celebrating something, going on a date, or just want a romantic, cozy night with great ambiance, it’s a lovely choice. If you’re only looking for top-tier food, there are better options elsewhere.
One thing to note: parking is not easy, and the surrounding area can feel a bit hectic and not the safest, especially at night, so it’s worth being extra aware or using rideshare.
Overall, a beautiful, atmospheric SF classic — best enjoyed as a romantic experience rather than a purely food-focused one.
… moreThe outdoor courtyard is beautiful, cozy, and incredibly romantic, especially at night with the string lights and movie playing in the background. It’s relaxed, intimate, and perfect for couples or special occasions. I can absolutely see why this place has become such a longtime SF favorite for dates.
Service was warm, attentive, and never intrusive, which made the evening feel very comfortable and unhurried.
The food, however, was more on the safe and classic side. Everything we ordered was good and well-executed, but nothing was especially memorable or surprising. No major flaws, just not the kind of place you’d come to purely for amazing food. Portions were generous and pricing felt reasonable for the setting, so it’s definitely more “good value for a nice night out” than fine-dining.
That said, this is really a restaurant you come to for the vibe. If you’re celebrating something, going on a date, or just want a romantic, cozy night with great ambiance, it’s a lovely choice. If you’re only looking for top-tier food, there are better options elsewhere.
One thing to note: parking is not easy, and the surrounding area can feel a bit hectic and not the safest, especially at night, so it’s worth being extra aware or using rideshare.
Overall, a beautiful, atmospheric SF classic — best enjoyed as a romantic experience rather than a purely food-focused one.
Ruofei Du
Garden Creamery is a lovely spot for brunch, and it really shines with its creative, comforting dishes. ✨ Dinner may be better for atmosphere with free old movie presenting.
The Dungeness crab frittata is especially awesome—rich, fresh, and perfectly cooked, letting the crab flavor stand out. A great place to enjoy a relaxed brunch with standout flavors.
… moreThe Dungeness crab frittata is especially awesome—rich, fresh, and perfectly cooked, letting the crab flavor stand out. A great place to enjoy a relaxed brunch with standout flavors.
Karen Zheng
Food and vibes are pretty good but feels a bit overpriced.
For starter we ordered a selection of oysters – pretty fresh with a wide selection of source though didn’t tell too much of a difference (lol), and crudo – the sauce has a sour taste to it, super appetizing and blends well with the fish.
For main we ordered the steak – tastes good but pretty standard, and clam pasta with fish roe – savory but a bit on the salty side.
Dessert was pretty sweet.
Our server was super nice. Maybe we went a bit early so didn’t catch the movie.
~$100 pp post tax and tip
… moreFor starter we ordered a selection of oysters – pretty fresh with a wide selection of source though didn’t tell too much of a difference (lol), and crudo – the sauce has a sour taste to it, super appetizing and blends well with the fish.
For main we ordered the steak – tastes good but pretty standard, and clam pasta with fish roe – savory but a bit on the salty side.
Dessert was pretty sweet.
Our server was super nice. Maybe we went a bit early so didn’t catch the movie.
~$100 pp post tax and tip
Angela Olton
Came for a private event and the atmosphere of this place (and sister bar Laszlo) were sexy and fun! I had the sesame curry fried chicken and ate every morsel. I highly recommend this spot for a great meal and evening!
… moreGreg Herlein
Was shocked that a friend had not been to FC and he was shocked I’d not written a review. FC is my favorite restaurant in the world (and I travel to London, Paris, Mexico City…). The food is different enough to be interesting, similar enough to be comforting and just flat out incredible. Foreign Cinema should have a Michelin star but is probably too cool for that. The vibe is perfect San Francisco – but the “old school” SF that’s been cool since the Gold Rush. I’m posting some photos of a recent meal but really, just try the fried chicken. Seriously. And if you have never been, head there for your next birthday/anniversary – or especially if you want to impress that special someone. Or hell, even on a random Tuesday if you just need cheering up. Pro Tip: they serve the menu in their bar Laszlo if you can’t get a table!
… moreJacob Celestine
Foreign Cinema offers a truly unique and classy fine-dining experience. It’s got a niche vibe that’s perfect for a special night out, centered around the novel concept of watching a movie while you eat.
The atmosphere is fantastic – they project a film on the wall, and the lighting across the entire space makes it feel really special. The servers were polite and friendly, the drinks were great, and the food was very good, all contributing to a solid overall experience.
A crucial tip: this place was packed, so making a reservation is a must if you don’t want to wait. They’ve also thought through the outdoor seating really well; there’s heating so you don’t get chilly, and a clear cover lets you enjoy the ambiance without being exposed to the elements.
While it is costly, you’re paying for a memorable and interesting experience. If you’re looking for a dinner spot that’s more than just a meal, I would definitely recommend it.
… moreThe atmosphere is fantastic – they project a film on the wall, and the lighting across the entire space makes it feel really special. The servers were polite and friendly, the drinks were great, and the food was very good, all contributing to a solid overall experience.
A crucial tip: this place was packed, so making a reservation is a must if you don’t want to wait. They’ve also thought through the outdoor seating really well; there’s heating so you don’t get chilly, and a clear cover lets you enjoy the ambiance without being exposed to the elements.
While it is costly, you’re paying for a memorable and interesting experience. If you’re looking for a dinner spot that’s more than just a meal, I would definitely recommend it.
Dartise Jones
Josue made there service a 10/10! Very attentive and you can tell he loves his job. He needs to become a lead server if he isn’t already. Great job.
The food was a 10/10 as well, full of flavor. We had the smaller bites but it did the job.
The drinks top notch
The atmosphere is great as well, it’s feels like a high end movie theater with food and great cocktails.
… moreThe food was a 10/10 as well, full of flavor. We had the smaller bites but it did the job.
The drinks top notch
The atmosphere is great as well, it’s feels like a high end movie theater with food and great cocktails.
Fabiola
The way that the flavors come together is unreal. My family and I came for brunch steak and eggs are next level. They are not your traditional boring steak and eggs. Omelette is fluffy like a cloud full of flavor. MUST try are the pop tarts, just amazing. Bacon was crispy with the perfect touch of brown sugar. French toast are more for the table and sweet.
… morecantik
Finally had an amazing experience at Foreign Cinema! After several visits, they truly delivered this time. The ambiance is fantastic with the iconic outdoor movie projector, though we sat inside near the patio where it got a bit chilly from the wind.
Drinks: Tried the Woodford Manhattan, Crescendo ($19), Old Fashioned ($15), and Cabernet. The Crescendo was overpriced with honey overpowering the alcohol, but the Old Fashioned was perfectly balanced and reasonably priced.
Food: Ordered oysters, arugula salad, tuna carpaccio, grilled octopus, and ribeye steak. Portions are small for the price, but the presentation and flavors were exceptional. The ribeye was the standout – beautifully plated with carrots, vegetables, and garbanzo beans in a unique presentation I’ve never seen elsewhere. Cooked to perfection!
Dessert: Sweet Corn Ice Cream Sundae with caramel, blackberries, brûléed marshmallow fluff, and cornflake crumble, paired with Brazil dessert brandy. The corn ice cream was surprisingly delicious and the combination was addictive.
Service was attentive throughout. Great date night spot with unique atmosphere!
… moreDrinks: Tried the Woodford Manhattan, Crescendo ($19), Old Fashioned ($15), and Cabernet. The Crescendo was overpriced with honey overpowering the alcohol, but the Old Fashioned was perfectly balanced and reasonably priced.
Food: Ordered oysters, arugula salad, tuna carpaccio, grilled octopus, and ribeye steak. Portions are small for the price, but the presentation and flavors were exceptional. The ribeye was the standout – beautifully plated with carrots, vegetables, and garbanzo beans in a unique presentation I’ve never seen elsewhere. Cooked to perfection!
Dessert: Sweet Corn Ice Cream Sundae with caramel, blackberries, brûléed marshmallow fluff, and cornflake crumble, paired with Brazil dessert brandy. The corn ice cream was surprisingly delicious and the combination was addictive.
Service was attentive throughout. Great date night spot with unique atmosphere!
John Rushforth
Foreign Cinema is a true San Francisco gem where exceptionally high-quality ingredients meet a seasonally evolving menu. While we have been regulars for many years, it has become our definitive weekly Saturday brunch ritual since the end of 2024.
The raw bar is extensive and beautifully presented—the Maine lobster, fresh oysters, and Tsar Nicoulai caviar service are consistently impeccable. Complementing the food is a delicious cocktail menu that evolves alongside the seasons, offering inventive drinks that playfully pay homage to cinema.
What truly sets this institution apart is the world-class staff. We want to specifically recognize Amy, Brandon, Deanna, Lauren, Paige, and Sasha for their exemplary service; they are professional, attentive, and among the best in the city. Whether in the iconic heated courtyard or by the Gallery fireplace, the atmosphere and hospitality remain unmatched.
Thank you, John and Mark 🙂
… moreThe raw bar is extensive and beautifully presented—the Maine lobster, fresh oysters, and Tsar Nicoulai caviar service are consistently impeccable. Complementing the food is a delicious cocktail menu that evolves alongside the seasons, offering inventive drinks that playfully pay homage to cinema.
What truly sets this institution apart is the world-class staff. We want to specifically recognize Amy, Brandon, Deanna, Lauren, Paige, and Sasha for their exemplary service; they are professional, attentive, and among the best in the city. Whether in the iconic heated courtyard or by the Gallery fireplace, the atmosphere and hospitality remain unmatched.
Thank you, John and Mark 🙂