Foreign Cinema Reviews

Everything about Foreign Cinema adds up to a wonderful dining experience. After entering off a funky block on Mission, you emerge into an indoor/outdoor room with classic films projected on a wall. Great food. Amazing atmosphere.

Gosh, everything we ordered was super yummy. I started with the lavender goat cheese (heated to a little bit melty), it was divine. Then had the potato and garlic soup...i used the warm bread served to ths table to sop up every last drop. Then I had the fried chicken, a signature dish. It was really good, with a hint of curry in the breading. My husband got the aged steak and said it was super. We sat on the patio and when the sun had gone down the movie was projected on the big far wall, no sound but you don't go for the movie...it's all about the food here!

Arrived on a Saturday early afternoon for late brunch without a reservation, so were happy that there was even availability. We were sat a the indoor bar space. The dirty tables left by the previous customers were in front us a for a little while before the staff collected it; the water and manus came much faster. It took a while for our order to arrive, not necessarily a bad thing during peak times. We were initially brought another customer’s order. Once ours arrived, I found the food to be very mediocre I overall. I ordered the truffle omelette dish. The omelette itself was very fluffy (plus) but it felt already seasoned. The rocket salad didn’t have any oil on but appeared wet. At first I thought it was freshly washed greens, but upon tasting it seemed to be .... not sure what. But it tasted salty and fresh rocket (or whatever the greens were) does not taste salty. The potato wedges.... although very nicely fried crispy, were also seasoned. Sadly once seasoning is in, it can’t be removed. While the dish tasted decent (no pics, as it looked very uninspiring), it was way over seasoned for my taste. Had to keep drinking water for hours after the meal. Might be convinced to go back and try more of the food, to get a variety to sample.

Family night out. Huge outdoor space in the back, with heaters and blocked from the wind. Staff was very friendly and The food was great. We started with oysters, the soup, salads and steak tartare (which both my children ordered as a second entree). I had the duck, but the star in appearance and taste had to be the Monterey bay calamari; tender calamari, with corona beans and lots of fresh vegetables - including escarole. Defiantly recommend this if it’s on the menu. Desserts were also delicious. Make a reservation, tables are spaced out and the environment is super comfortable.

Came here for brunch awhile back and the memory of the food and drink still stick in my mind. Love the farm to table flair of all the food. The back patio is super nice when the weather is pleasant out. Loved the outdoor dining. It's fun to order a bunch of small plates and share so you can try many things and let your taste buds go on a tour. I would love to venture back for dinner sometime now.

The night got off to a good start. After checking back all week, we were finally able to get a reservation on our last night in town at a restaurant we heard great things about . We were even given a good seat to watch the film like we requested . The food, pricey for the small portions, was flavourful and inventive, the wine and cocktail list was impressive, but the real highlight was the classic movie North By Northwest playing in the beautiful courtyard , drive inn style . Amazing idea , great ambience . Unfortunately the server, who seemed to be rushing us all evening , brought us, and the neighboring tables, the bills without us being ready . We assumed it was because he was going off shift and wanted us to settle up . In reality he wanted to flip the table for the next batch of people . We wanted to stay and watch the last 15 minutes of the movie and ordered another drink. He rudely told us we would have to move... and showed us a dark, cold section of the courtyard with no sound. We were shocked and offended to be treated this way. I understand it’s a busy restaurant with other reservations, but after spending a significant amount on dinner just to be rushed out is terrible customer service . Why play movies if you aren’t allowed to watch the ending ? Why rush people at all who are enjoying a multi course meal ? Anyway we complained to manager who was nice and bought us a drink in the adjoining lounge . It was a nice gesture but just not the same ambience we came all the way across town for. The bartender was awesome and apologetic and even when to find proper wine glasses for the wine . So we really appreciate her. We still left disappointed as the treatment by that one server was so insulting it ruined the rest of the experience. Customers want to feel valued and respected, not like a number .

Great food. Great atmosphere. From oysters to steak to local fish to vegetarian delight. One cannot go wrong. Drinks, did I mention, are diverse and great! We visit from MA at least quarterly and never miss a visit to Foreign Cinema...

The food was outstanding however service left a lot to be desired. Persian omelet was divine! Loved the Bloody Mary! But mediocre device ruins a meal. We left wo coffee and dessert.

Pros: Unique atmosphere, Expertly Prepared Food Cons: Expensive (but worth it) Foreign Cinema's unique feature is that it plays foreign movies on a large wall that can be seem from most places in the restaurant. The movies typically include subtitles, and the volume is off, so its only a distraction if you want it to be. The restaurant is located in an older building which has been nicely renovated, and includes both al fresco and inside dining options. All this makes for a unique and interesting dining atmosphere. The food at the Foreign Cinema is excellent. I went with 5 colleagues as part of a business dinner and everyone was very happy with their choices. The entrée menu is somewhat limited (5 options), but it included a varied selection including fish, meat and a vegetarian option. I chose the Fried Chicken, which is unusual for me but it was perfect. I'm told that the restaurant changes the ethnic style of the fried chicken every month or so; mine was an Asian style with subtle spicing. Perfect. Tip: If you're downstairs at the restaurant take a quick visit to the upstairs directors room. It contains an old style projector which is used on the weekend and other busy nights to show the film (early in the week they just use a new style video project which is easier to operate).

We were a larger group celebrating being together in San Francisco. The food was excellent as was the service. Again, we were all vegetarians/pescatarians and we enjoyed a fantastic meal from a creative menu in a lovely setting. Festive, fun and memorable!

We were fortunate to get a booking for our one free night in San Francisco. Our table was in the main open air courtyard. The staff were so nice and friendly but not pushy. Despite being 8pm and open air, the heaters around the court yard made it very comfortable. Our meals were delicious - mains and deserts. Highly recommend.

So my wife and I have in the past, enjoyed some great meals here. This weekend all of that changed. That amazing candied bacon we all live? It was not even how it's always been. This time it was all curled up and skinny little super thin cuts. In the past it was like hand, thick cut bacon ends that had been super candied! This weekend it was not what we fell in love with. Inconsistent restaurants are one of my pet peeves, I will dump them... as well we felt rushed and the waiter acted like he needed to throw the dishes and silverware. So rude and so slam, bang and noisy with the playing, coming and going he annoyed us. Last but not least the carpaccio sucked! They thinnest carpaccio I have had. To the point of ridiculous! At as high a price as they are pricing meal items, this too is a big no no! Probably will not go back. Bummer!

Amazing spaces, great crowd, fantastic food and service. We had a delightful brunch, trying the summer salad, the pulled mozzarella, chorizo scrambled, the pop tart, just to name a few. Our waiter was totally professional and really knew what she was doing, while being appropriately friendly at the same time. Reservations definitely recommended!

My companions raved about the food, including the pork chops, the Persian influenced dish. Can’t remember all of them. I, however, had the fried chicken, which was very well done, made with honey, but way too much, including a non-impressive humus. I was probably full from eating hors d’oeuvres a couple hours earlier

Oh my goodness!!!! This is a MUST try when in SF... so delicious! India was our waitress and she is FANTASTIC! Great food recommendations ( see photos)

Went for a birthday dinner recently with wife. Monday night 7pm dinner - thankfully had reservations. Wait times otherwise were about an hour. Ambiance was as expected. We were seated indoors, but close to the outdoor patio area which shows movies. The movies are of course a background thing, doubt anyone's watching much of it. The vibe is of course movies - lots of posters and art pieces around. The food is very good indeed. Started off with a martini-grape juice cocktail. Very refreshing. Then a plate of Crab brandade as appetizer. Decent size for us. For mains, we had the 5-spice duck breast - excellent choice. And the Grilled Akaushi Wagyu bavette steak - also excellent though second fiddle to the duck. Finished off with their special 'birthday' cake. A bit underwhelming compared to the other food. Price was high as expected, but not extravagant. Very good service. Recommended

Went here for my birthday dinner while visiting San Francisco. It did not disappoint. The food was excellent as was the service. Definitely worthy of a special occasion dinner.

Great setting, outdoor covered patio, fabulous drinks, croque madame to die for and nice service. A great location for a birthday brunch, ages 2-72! Good kids menu, too. They have valet which is also great in the Mission! Would definitely recommend it!

If you're visiting San Francisco, Foreign Cinema is not convenient to the downtown area. The exterior is a little shady, the interior is beautiful. The wait staff was incredibly slow, the drinks were mediocre, the food selection was odd. If you're not a foodie (swordfish, duck, etc. ), there are no "mainstream" options to accommodate a mixed party. Unless, you want a $60 steak. It is very expensive for not a lot of food. Just an overall miss. And, if you're seated inside, forget about the movie. The movie is shown on a very small wall, outdoors, and if there was sound, we didn't hear it.

Picked the end of December for a drive down from Sacramento to Los Angeles along the west coast, on the beautiful, incomparable US Coastal Highway 1. This was along anticipated, 36-year dream plan to experience that coastline up close… Of course, the weather and our airline (Southwest) both conspired to screw things up royally !! It rained every day of our 10-day vacation except the last, and when we were to fly from Seattle to Sacramento, the airline industry had a meltdown, leaving us stranded at SeaTac at 5:30 in the morning. Well, we couldn’t give up, and rented a car and drove 17 hours through pelting rain to get to CA and assume our planned itinerary. Wouldn’t advise anyone to try this !! San Francisco ! Another stop-over, while rushing pell-mell down the rainy coast, and we made it in time for our dinner reservation after checking in for a little rest and refreshment at the Union Square Hilton a couple of miles away. Foreign Cinema is located in the historic Mission District, one of SF’s original theater & cultural districts, and has been a landmark since 1999, earning multiple accolades. Lots of stories and ancient legends hang around this neighborhood. It’s crowded by day, but the incessant rain kept everyone in hiding. We had to walk a couple of blocks from where we parked, there was scarcely a soul, living or otherworldly, in sight. In the rain and semi darkness, it was almost hard to find the entrance. It looks like an average, unassuming two-story store, and indoors, the magic begins. The space is split up into several large and informal areas, sized for small or large groups and private dining rooms, reminiscent of the past, but very much alive and vibrant... Part of the space is shared by Modernism West, an art gallery.. There’s usually a movie playing on the double-height walls of the central space or the other rooms... classics with the golden moguls of Hollywood & Europe, from the golden age of the silver screen. The atmosphere and cuisine are “country urban rustic” with a “generosity of flavor and experience” as described by the owners… it comes together with the local environment and the living community, and has survived the pandemic while shutting down completely, but taking care of their employees through that terrible time ~ as “the world went to zero.” We started with a carafe of 2020 Gamay Wild Soul Beaujolais ($40), with a serving of Cara Cara & Dates ($18) accompanied by the Bread Service and a Butterscotch Pot de Crème ($17.50 together) and enjoyed the fresh, chewy and crispy breads with the fruit and creamy butterscotch instead of the usual butter that most places offer. This was “different”, as promised, and it was good to relax and let the Gamay take its course, relaxing us after the day’s rainy drive from Gualala. For mains, we had the Five spice duck breast ($35) and Grilled Akaushi Wagyu bavette steak ($40). Both are not to be missed if you go to this fine establishment. The duck is redolent with roasted cherries and the blackcurrant juice, and the steak is sublime with the fingerling potatoes, Spanish onion and dripping with jus and salsa. Just amaaaazing ! The room we were in did not have a movie playing, but there was one in the adjacent hall and could be glimpsed and heard. One doesn’t really have to watch the movie like in a theater, but it’s there for the atmosphere and effect, while lingering over the incredible flavors and chatter from the other patrons around you. Go for it, if you’re in the District – definitely. Overall… at $175 plus tip for the two of us? Well worth the stop and walk in the rain.

This is an interesting restaurant that shows old movies on the wall of the restaurant during dinner. The movies are silent, only visual. As for the food, everything we had was good, but smaller portions. The small plates are small, but the entrees are also small. Everything we had was delicious. My three favorite (we did a lot sharing at our table too) - Start with the Fondue, then Seared Tuna, Entree Scallops and for dessert the Creme Brûlée is perfection.

Came here for an event and we had a specialized menu. I ordered the pork chop which was alright. It was nothing amazing although I did really enjoy the veggies that came with it. There was an appetizer with salmon which was really good. I recommend ordering that. Venue was cool with the screen outside.

I’m so in love with Foreign Cinema! This would be the best spot for a date! Attended a business dinner here and sat in the Director’s Table, which had the perfect view overlooking the lower level and movie screen. Now, the food. WOW. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their Sesame Fried Chicken. It might be the most incredible chicken I have ever had! The whole meal was incredible. Start with the warm aromatic brandade and end with the Meyer lemon pie. Spectacular meal and experience!

For almost twenty years Foreign Cinema has thrived in San Francisco's Mission District as a beacon of what fresh California Cuisine is all about. From the constantly changing menu featuring seasonal ingredients to the flowers, décor, cocktails, and film playing on the walls in their uniquely designed atrium, Foreign Cinema is an ever-evolving and fun dining experience that anyone who visits San Francisco or simply loves dining out must experience on their own just once. I had the wonderful experience of coming in for brunch one weekend a few years into their run, and now in 2018, I was back this time to tryout their dinner menu. This time I went with a party of four and since it was a last minute reservation, the best we could do was a 9:30 p.m. on Friday night, which in San Francisco at the last minute is not terrible, since the whole neighborhood from Mission to Valencia was buzzing as dusk fell at about 9 p.m. We sat in the actual dining room part of the restaurant for dinner, close to the one of the bar areas and away from the open kitchen. The restaurant in the evening is dark, with more mood lighting, but since sound carries here, it remains super loud. I love how the menu is set up with the raw seafood on top, followed by small bites under the title "urban picnic", bigger appetizers under "premieres", then finally entrees under "California features". Fresh innovative California cuisine is the best way to describe the food aesthetic at Foreign Cinema. To start our meal, we decided to share some appetizers, the Lavender-baked goat cheese served on a fig leaf with Mission figs, French radishes, endive leaves, baby carrots and toasted bread; the Plancha, which was Monterey Bay calamari & Chelsea Gem clams served in a Oaxacan mole rojo with chickpeas, lime aioli and tortilla chips; and the Japanese Hamachi Sashimi served with yuzu jus on a warm rice cake, along with grapefruit, tagarashi, red shiso, and horseradish. Everything was prepared with such thoughtfulness and was plated as if it were artwork. I especially loved the subtle savoriness of the calamari in the mole rojo and the richness of the baked goat cheese which also paired well with the basket complimentary sourdough bread, which we loved it so much, we asked for another dish of bread. Those three dishes alone could have been our meal, and I would have been satisfied. For our entrees, the average price was about thirty dollars, of course your if you eat with your eyes, you'll be immediately drawn to the their Madras curry-sesame fried chicken, one of my dining mates ordered it and it looked delicious. Another dining mate went with the local white sea bass on a bed of risotto and another went with pacific tuna seared rare. But I went with my inner foodie gut and was intrigued by the Toulouse style sausage, duck breast and pork belly, served with rouille, butter beans, broccoli rabe, cracklings and breadcrumbs. So much was going on that this dish required a field map to get through, which thankfully since I was so hungry, as our entrees took some time to come out. I was amped to feast on this dish and thankfully I wasn't disappointed. Warning for all of you light eaters out there, it was a rich dish, very rich in flavor, which with that many ingredients is not surprising. The dish filled me to my limits, as I sampled a couple of bites from my fellow diners, I loved the tuna in particular. We were so full after our dinner, that dessert was the last thing on our mind, but we were enthralled when we saw it. When one of our diners made sure to tell our server that we were celebrating two birthdays, our server was nice enough to serve us two bowls of granita shaved ice with a birthday candle to blow out, which was heaven in a bowl, not to mention so thoughtful of the staff to do this for us, I was amazed. I can't wait to return to Foreign Cinema and feast on that legendary brunch once again. Foreign Cinema is a fun place to eat, and the dishes are intricate and keep their composition in mind. When everyone is fighting for a piece of the pie, in a competitive landscape like the Mission, Foreign Cinema is a definite required dining.

Date night with my husband. We sat in the courtyard. The food was delicious and setting was really cute. Highly recommended.

I am a breakfast person and I had the best french toast (baguette for bread)with pineapple and coconut and absolute yumminess. My friend had the cilantro flat bread that was divine. She a delicious Bloody Mary. I think the only thing I would have changed is my drink. I had their special coffee but I'm not much of a whiskey drinker so it was fine but I would get something else. Get reservations. It was busy but I was enjoying the meal so much I forgot!

Not only did Foreign Cinema have the most wonderful, delicious, unique dinner, the atmosphere with the Maltese Falcon showing provided a one of a kind experience. The waitress, Amie, started our meal off with a gracious, kind, funny personality and full knowledge of all the drinks and food listed on the menu, including sharing her own personal favorites! When we asked about purchasing the book written by the chef, the thoughtful hostess had the chef personally sign a copy and come to chat with us. He was as charming as his meals were delicious. I wish I had pictures of our meals to share their beautiful presentation. If you got to San Fran, make a reservation to go here for dinner. You will be so happy that you did.

This is really an excellent restaurant. There were 4 of us - we had reservations and were seated inside right next to the open fireplace. The menu is eclectic and interesting. I had the swordfish - others had the pork chop and the resoto. Everyone really enjoyed their meals. This restaurant is located in an old building that used to be a theatre. There is some outside seating as well as inside. It was Monday night and very busy - reservations recommended!

A great evening thanks to the delicious food and lovely ambiance! Perfect date night spot or intimate dinner with friends!

Good experience. The food is good but like many other places in San Francisco is so expensive. Service is very good

Every time my husband and I visit San Francisco this restaurant is on the top of our list to enjoy! We absolutely LOVE the outdoor cinema, the service is superior and the menu is extensive and fabulous!!! Put this restaurant on ur list to visit and I promise you u will be back again and again!!!

Excellent food and service. Gazpacho, Carpaccio, Ceviche, Pork Chop -- all spectacular. Though the neighborhood is a little sketchy, the place was jam packed on a Thursday night. Check it out!

Came in with no reservations on a Friday night, and waited for a seat at the bar for maybe 15 minutes. BEST experience of my recent 4 day trip to San Fran. Our bar tender, Jason, gave a great recommendations and was fun to talk with. The food was excellent: Gazpacho, Pasta with tomato sauce and bred crumbs, and the sesame seed friend chicken. Excellent. service was great. Experience was great. Highly recommend.

It takes a lot for me to write a review, but my recent experience was so disappointing I wanted to share: We had friends visiting from the UK so booked a table for 8.30pm on a Saturday night. Having arrived on time we were told a table should be free soon so to have a drink in the bar. After finishing our first drink, I went to enquire as to when we would be seated and was told it would be soon. At 9.15 we enquired again and were told an inside table was just about ready. I noted we would wait for an outside table but that having already waited 45 minutes it wasn't great. By 9.40pm, having waited 70 minutes and spent about $100 on two rounds of drinks and with no one from the restaurant showing much interest, we left. At 9.53pm I received a text from the restaurant asking if we would still be dining. I responded, that it was now over 80 minutes since we originally booked and had left. A few minutes later I received a call from Matt, one of the General Managers, who apologized and said he wanted to make it right and would arrange for his Manager, Shannon, to call me on Sunday. I waited to hear from the restaurant and had I received that call I probably wouldn't have written this review. Unsurprisingly and in keeping with our experience as a whole, Shannon didn't call. Overall, an extremely disappointing experience.

I went here for my birthday dinner once and also for brunch with friends. Both experiences were wonderful. The food is creative and delicious. Highly recommend checking this spot out.

Ubertrendy for many years, this is one of those places in San Francisco that I must visit again and again, the staff couldn't be friendlier, everybody is nice and relaxed, specially our waitress Stephanie. I loved the menu, it's simple and there's something for everybody. I had oysters and an omelette, some cheesecake too. Cocktails come with a nice kick. I actually feel I shouldn't give any more reviews to a place that doesn't need them. It's great and you should come.

It was busy and loud. We had to wait for 2 hrs before we get a table. But the food and drinks were so yummy. We tried fried sesame chicken and the grilled tuna and both were more than delicious.

Ate here from several references. Went on a Monday at 8. Place was buzzing. The Maltese Falcon was showing on the big screen. Decor was nice. We had a great corner table with views of whole dining area. Had oysters that were fantastic. The beef Carpaccio was probably the best I've had. Almost grated, melted in your mouth. Had the swordfish which was delicious. Service was prompt if I bit slow. Decor had an industrial feel yet dining felt intimate. Great place for a couple or large group.

Cocktails... delicious. Starters... superb. Entrees... INCREDIBLE. Our waitress Melanie is a angel amongst angels. Such a fantastic evening. The lighting is also on point.

I enjoyed brunch their with a friend. The food was tasty and very nicely presented. I loved the Tuna Ceviche, the Burger was ok, but nothing special. The staff is very friendly and relaxed. Apart from the noisy location (it’s a long hall and the decorator forgot to put curtains or other sound absorbing features) it’s a unique place to dine in.

Love brunch here- food is fantastic and the space is beautiful. There’s an outdoor patio that’s covered. Staff are lovely.

I had pasta which was mediocre at best and we had to ask for bread. We didn’t see the movie because we were there before sunset. I would not return if I’m in the area.

This place is separated into three area's. They tried to put us in the noisy white dull room and decided if this was all there was we would leave. They then put us on the patio and it was much better. The food was spotty with some good and some just blah. The service was average and had to ask for bread three times. Not my kinda joint!

Unique setting, great food, excellent and attentive service. Really enjoyed the steak and sole. The preparation of hericot verts was simple yet very flavorful. The waiter was always watching without being intrusive. This allowed us to enjoy ourselves without interruption.

Foreign Cinema This vibrant and open restaurant is a true delight for Sunday Brunch. Located in the Mission area of San Francisco, this restaurant offers delicious American cuisine that is healthy and yet very delicious. Atmosphere in the restaurant is indescribable as it feels like a one big family with people of all ages including small children. To begin with Oysters and calamari were great appetizers. Specially the calamari was unique as it was cooked in a tamarind sauce with chick peas. Salads were fresh and very lite with great flavors Akuri, an adaptation from North Indian cuisine was adapted so well that it tasted like the original. Mimosa was really good as it was made with fresh orange juice. White wine selection was extensive and great. This place is famous for dinners also and at night a movie is projected on its one of its bare walls.

Romantic New American restaurant that projects movies in the outdoor seating area. Reservations can be made online and I would highly recommend making it. It’s located through the gray doors with a bunch of circles. There’s a restrooms available in the hallway right outside of the host stand. Indoor and heated outdoor seating is available. It’s good for big groups as well as intimate dinners. I came here to celebrate my friend’s birthday and it was a good am since for it. We got two orders of bread (one of the Acme, and one of the schoolyard bread). Both were delicious and came with fresh butter on the side. The oysters were light and they had many varieties. The gem salad was well-dressed and quite light. For our entrees, we had the wagyu steak and the curry sesame fried chicken. I really liked the fried chicken, as the breading was light but still crispy, and the biscuit and honey butter that came in the side was super tasty. For dessert, we had the chocolate pot du creme and they added a candle and a little happy birthday for my friend. The chocolate was decadent and silky smooth. Overall, a good spot to eat in a nice ambiance.

Trendy restaurant! Harmony our server was fabulous! The Fried Chicken, Pork, Calamari, Goat Cheese & Smoked Salmon were all delicious ! The Le Piguete Wine was fruity and paired perfectly with the meal!

My daughter found this gem. It was by far our best meal of the trip. Everything was fresh and flavorful. The presentation of each course was also done beautifully. I enjoyed the kale salad and the tuna tartare, both scrumptious. We were too early for the movie, but still had an excellent time.

We visited with friends who had eaten here before. The food was delicious! We sat outside in front of a big projector screen playing old fashioned movies. The menu changes daily and the food really is delicious - visit if you can!

I wanted to love this place and was excited to go. However poor service made it a pretty crappy experience. The venue is great, great atmosphere etc. The food being served around me looked and smelt amazing. I think the waiter forgot about me - he took orders from two tables next to me who arrived after I did. I eventually flagged him down and asked to order. I asked if I could have a smaller omelette made (after stomach surgery last year, I can't handle normal portions - restaurants are variable about how accommodating they are about this). I received a polite no. Annoying but ok. I ordered the plutots and yogurt. It was beautifully presented. However, I only had a fork to eat runny yogurt with. Another round of flagging down the waiter so I could eat. Finally I just want the bill and to go but it was delivered without a pen so one final round of flagging down the waiter so I could get out of there. It should have been great. It really wasn't. I'd probably give it another go and hope this was an off day.

Love the new daily menu concept which in our case yielded a special lightly seasoned "lettuces" salad, amazing lamb medley (steak, chop, sausage) with assorted braised greens, and sharing several quality desserts. Attentive service without being overbearing.

We made a reservation way ahead of time and asked for a table outside, so we could watch the movie while we had dinner. We arrived early and the table was not ready, so we had a couple of drinks at the bar. When time came by, we were seated and the movie started while we had our dinner. We were not paying attention to the movie, but the setting was lovely. Heaters are all over the outside patio too. The food was very good and the service was also great!

I really don’t understand the 5 star reviews, maybe we were there on an off night?? The service was very slow, the menu was limited. The quality and taste of the food was just ok. We will not be returning on our next visit to San Francisco.

Been on my list for a while, finally made it but made a mistake in going for brunch. Duh, they don't show movies during the day. Cute place, seems great for a date, couples outing, or girls night. The food was tasty but nothing wow-like. The service was friendly, even though they were busy. I'd go back for the unique experience. Movies start at sundown and replay.

My partner and I went to San Francisco for a long weekend. We opted to do brunch at Foreign Cinema, as we have been here before. Once again, FABULOUS. We started with drinks (of course), followed by Baked Cheese and Duck Mouse then we split a chicken kebab and Madame sandwich. Also had the Pad Thai....which was just OK. All else . . . .delicious.

Loved the space, half in, half outdoors with heaters and blankets, and lights strung overhead, and a (on this night) Chinese Western playing on one wall of the courtyard. The staff are expertly trained from the hostess, wait staff, bus staff to the sommelier. We never waited a minute for a refill on our water, never had an empty wine glass, the evening was seamless. The food was inventive, beautiful and delicious. The restaurant knew we were celebrating a graduation and a little bowl of sorbet with a candle arrived with congratulations. Very sweet little gesture. My only complaint is a heavy hand on the salt shaker. But, I’d go back tomorrow.

Small restaurant near the airport in Nis. Extremely delicious food and nice staff! I liked most "pljeskavica" of the sheep meat, but everything is very tasty.

The restaurant is the perfect for a romantic dinner: the atmosphere is superb, the service is attentive and the food is very good indeed.

Okay, I had super high hopes for this place and felt like it just wasn’t what I expected. Overall I can say that the food is good and well executed but a bit pricy for what you get. I enjoyed the overall ambiance, lighting and concept of the place and will come back for brunch to try it out, but probably won’t be back for dinner due to thr cost.

What a great place. We had wonderful service from a long standing staff member. Her knowledge and recommendations were spot on. Truly a terrific experience from start to finish. Highly recommend this destination to anyone going to san Francisco We need to go back and buy their book!

Well... this restaurant is in business fir over 20 years. It was opened when surrounding was run down stores and bunch of homeless. 20 years passed and they are still in business . Ok ... I have been to this place number of things over the years. This time around I have decided to give them a chance and booked a table in advance fir B day dinner . However, when we arrived we were greeted by the hostess who mentioned that our table is not quite ready ( dining room was 50% occupied by the way) finally when she decided that table is ready hit us she send us upstairs on th balcony to sit at the empty separate dining room . Please, note no one ever asked her to hide us from the public. It was disappointing especially knowing that main dining room is 50% empty. I declined the table on the second floor and finally we were dotted at the table for two in the main dining room . But our mood was ruined. Concerning the food : it’s a very extensive wine selection and not so much choices for the food . We got a bottle of Italian red wine from Piemonte , 1/2 doesn’t of oysters which were fresh , Caesar’s salad ( which was on the small side) , Tuna Poke appetiser for $16 which was so small that remind me more of tasting then a appetiser and my cat eats more. Plate of Pasta for $26 kind of small as well and the main dish meant to be split for two was Kobe beef flat iron stake -tagliate ($34)which contained only 5 small slices ( waiting on average 6-7 oz) . To tell you the true we left hungry . The portions are so small you can hardly find enough food there. The waiter was more exited to serve 6 people’s table and eager to pour them wine . Our Water glasses were never refilled . Well , it’s very sad to realise but they prefer large parties like 6-8 people to 2 people table ( they will get better tips of course) . Would not call it attentive service, would not call it a great food , wouldn’t recommend it to anyone . The restaurant became a money drilling machine. What else? We left $210 for 2 people on Wednesday evening and left kind of hungry.

Waiter not interested in attending us. Not helpful. Had no answer when I mentioned an intolerance. Didn’t propose other option. Very expensive food and little portion. I do not recommend.

Super nice dining experience, not of the norm. Loved the cinema/theatre approach. Great service, delicious food...best steak I’ve eaten in a while. Not overwhelming on flavors but just enough to make you anxious in anticipation for the next bite. Definitely would recommend.

I was looking for something different with highly rated food and this fit the bill perfectly. We were promptly seated in one of I believe were three different areas all of which were showing different movies on one of the walls or a screen. The place is open and airy and comfortable although the feeling was that of an outdoor restaurant. The wine list is extensive but very pricey. The menu is small enough to ensure quality but enough to satisfy. I had the hamachi which was fantastic. This was followed by the duck breast well prepared. If I were to return, I would get the Moroccan seasoned chicken that was so good it brought tears to my eyes. Service was exceptional. Expensive? Yes. But, it was a great experience.

Foreign Cinema has a great concept -- see a movie while dining. You can sit indoors or outside (some of which is covered). If you choose outdoor seating be sure to get close to a heater. San Francisco weather can cool down quickly and we had gusts of wind pop up unexpectedly during our last visit. Prices are near the top end of the spectrum. The menu is varied and creative as are the wines

A wonderful menu with twists on usual combinations. Beautiful presentation combined with exquisite flavors.

Came for Sunday brunch. They wouldn't take our reservations but told us to come as walk-ins. We were seated within 5 minutes. Wine and cocktails were good but wine pours were inconsistent. I received a very small pour while one of my companions got a more generous one. Food was very good. Started with oysters and caviar, both presented well. I wasn't a big fan of the crispy crackers they serve with the caviar. Bilinis would have been better. Ahi ceviche was pretty good and we also had 2 egg based dishes that were lovely. Service, from the front desk to the waitress to the food runners was fun and efficient but the experience was soooo slow. We were there for 3 hours! Price-wise, it was on par for the quality and creativity of food and beverage. Ambiance inside was bright and open, bustling with energy from diners and staff. Be forewarned, the neighborhood isn't the best and parking is hard to find. We parked about 3 blocks away and wondered the whole time if our car would be there in one piece when we got back. If you get to make a reservation, leave extra time to circle the neighborhood in search of parking!

Wow, for delicious menu options, this is fantastic. We shared the fruit pop tart and then I had the Champagne French Omelette with truffle. So good! We are definitely going back the next time we are in town.

Good movie, attentive and friendly service and the pork chops live up to their reputation! Only the panna cotta was horridly sour..

Quality and tasty food. Perfectly size portions for European appetites, nice vibe, a little noisy and a shame only outside seating can see cinema screen. I would definitely go back and recommend to friends.

Gee...where to begin? The food...ordered the halibut...actually seemed poached, as it was swimming in a green viscous gloop that I suppose was the fava leaf and beans "blending" with the champagne, and submerged there in that miasma were, ostensibly,fingerling potatoes and spring onions and something identified as "nasturtiums,"--it was nasty alright. With all that, it was bland and flavorless, as the viscosity overwhelmed the ingredients. All this for only thirty-two bucks! Our party of three ordered an appetizer of "baked" calamari, which came on a small rectangular plate and contained all of three little strips of unidentifiable particles coated in a reddish spice that somewhat resembled the taste of what might have been calamari in a prior life. The shared desert of walnut cake with what-have-you was something you wouldn't want to have. The menu is infused with new-cuisine pretension...Oaxacan mole rojo---been to Oaxaca lately?...duck liver mousse--without the mouse--Evo oil,crema,green garlic--as opposed to red--smoky harissa...to die for!...kishmish--who doesn't adore kismish? The wine pour was so minuscule that a pinky test barely cleared my fingernail and set me back 16 bucks. We were in the outdoor "cinema," where a silent black-and-white grainy screen looped a certain portion of...O Brother,Where Art Thou in an endless loop and it seemed that every time I looked up there was George Clooney singing..."I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow." I was indeed THAT man.

The atmosphere was awesome, only thing I was disappointed by was that we weren’t in the room with the movie, request that you are. Drinks were pricey but delicious. We split the Kobe steak (delicious!!!) and the squash risotto (unique and very tasty). Absolutely will be going back.

For ambiance, elegance and a true San Francisco experience, you really should consider Foreign Cinema. It's easy to understand why this has long been regarded as one of the top 100 restaurants in this city. It's pricey but the food is so delicious and uniquely prepared; the service is attentive and so professional. The bread, the salads, the main dishes (sea bass and curry sesame fried chicken) were so fresh and beautifully plated. They looked like art on a platter! Since coming home I've been bragging to friends about having gotten a chance to visit this spot. I went with family, but this would be a wonderful restaurant to visit with a romantic love interest. The atmosphere alone will score points :)

This was a birthday party . We reserved a table on the patio and got table promptly. This was not the firsts time we ate at this place . However, this time around the portions got smaller and the price went up . The service was very average or you can say mediocre. We had oysters, a few appetizers to share ,a bottle of wine, pasta , duck and pork chop . The duck for $32 arrived raw.... just raw duck on the plate with some salad on top of it . No one ever bothered to ask me how I would like my duck to be prepared . I had to return it to the kitchen to actually cook it . The truffles pasta dish was so small that it looked like an appetizer. The only decent portion of the meat was the the pork chop. Was it tasty or outstanding? No . Not at all for the price charged . Finally we ordered some desert and the grand total was $380 with tips and tax .!!!!!!!!!!! Outrageous !!!!!!!!! We left hungry

My husband and daughter visited this restaurant on our whirlwind tour of northern and southern Calif, and it was by far our favorite! It was simply a magical experience...the food, the wine list, the ambiance, and the service. Honestly...we couldn't stop talking about this restaurant. I am spreading the WORD! My husband owns a fine dining restaurant and he was so impressed with Foreign Cinema! You guys have a great thing going on...Keep it up!!

Really loved this place. Recommended by a friend who loves in SF. Food was interesting and delicious. Each course had something a little surprising that just worked. Loved the baked goats cheese with green strawberries and also the beef carpaccio so fresh and clean. The element of grapefruit to the asparagus was amazing! Vibrant busteling place inside and out and the bar still a good walk-in option serving the full menu.

We have a lovely dinner inside foreign cinema. The food was outstanding and drinks nice. It was expensive, but considering the environment and food quality I was happy to pay that. My only advice to anyone who doesn't know the area- definitely stay away from 16th if coming by public transport- pretty scary at night.

This was a really unique setting. Even sitting indoors was cool (although on a warmer night outdoor would certainly be better). Great service and food.

French toast to die for. Great ambiance and friendly service. Our teenagers loved it too. Thoroughly recommended.

We were hugely disappointed with the service we received during our visit. First, we made a reservation for 4 outside and while there were several 5 top tables available, we were told it would be at least another 20 minutes. So, we were seated inside. While the runners and everyone in a black shirt was very attentive, our main waiter gave us horrible service. Drinks were ordered, never got delivered. When we asked about it, no apology was given for forgetting about them. One of the mixed drinks tasted like it had no liquor in it at all. When we complained, again, not even an apology. After the food was delivered, the waiter did not return to check on the quality, nor to see if we needed anything, like more drinks. The food was very tasty, but be prepared for very small portions. The clams appetizer we ordered literally had 6 tiny clams in it. The broth had a wonderful flavor, just wish there more clams in the order. Overall, the experience was very disappointing.

The setting is cute with dinner in a courtyard with a movie being projected on the far wall. We were there during the screening of Alice in Wonderland. Food was excellent and service was good and quick.

Came here with out-of town friends and we had a great experience. We shared pasta, shellfish and other dishes and enjoyed them all. Very nice selection of by-the-glass wines really helped since everybody wanted something different. It's pretty active and loud, but we knew this in advance and we could converse easily. Good choice for a fun night out with friends.

From any table you can look to the back of the restaurant and watch a classic movie playing. Unfortunately, either sound is not piped in or the atmosphere din of people chattering probably shuts that element out. We had come west to meet my daughter who had wanted to come here since arriving in SF nearly two years earlier. Here suggestion was both good and enjoyable. We began with two dozen oysters (Kumamoto, Blue Point, and Mattaki) - all incredibly fresh, briny, and delicious. Then we opted for the Goat Cheese on Baguettes as a second appetizer, followed by main entrees of Peppercorn Duck Breast, Garganelle Pasta, and Yellowfin Tuna. All these entrees were expertly prepared and well plated. There was still room for desert and their scratch-made offerings definitely met our sweet tooth. My wife and daughter split a gigantic creme brulee, while I always go for NY style cheescake. Seating and service were very good and the next time we head to SF, we definitely will revisit and see what new items have been added to the menu,

A really fun concept for dinner - it's like watching a movie in the park but with the comfort of being indoors and with delicious food. The atmosphere is really fun - we were in a private room overlooking the main dining area and it was enjoyed by everyone in our group. We had the option to turn on/control volume of the movie the speakers as well - so that was appreciated so we didn't have to talk over the film but could listen in on parts of it. Everyone enjoyed their food - great reviews on the steak and the fried chicken was the best I've ever had. Also had a great wine list and desserts were incredible. Staff and mgmt went above and beyond to make it a special event and I would return to sit in the main dining area next time I visit SF.

Very noisy, place, food was good but it is difficult to be more than good in such a big restaurant . I advise to ask for a table outside so you can watch part of the movie

This restaurant has a solid reputation, and it is well deserved. We went on a Saturday evening at a time when we could watch the outdoor cinema. We were seated promptly. The wind was quite high and gusty so our wait person brought out blankets to keep us warm. A nice touch. We spent about two and a half hours dining. Never were we rushed. The service was very good and the food we ordered was delivered fairly quickly. We started off with several shared appetizers including the cucumbers and beets (very well prepared), foie gras (a standout), corn soup (all right), carpaccio (very thinly sliced and very tasty), and some sashimi (all right). We also ordered a nice bottle of wine that was recommended by the sommelier and it went very well with the main courses that we ordered. The entrees consisted of the duck breast (good, but not outstanding), the pork chop (very nicely done with good accompaniments), Kobe bistro steak (quite large and well prepared), the Akoushi rib-eye steak (even larger than the Kobe, but not quite as good), and the poulet frites (nicely spiced, but slightly overcooked). Again, the service was very good; water glasses refilled, bread and butter replenished (outstanding bread), wine and other drinks like tea and coffee kept topped up. The part of the meal that was not up to the rest of the food were the deserts. We had the panna cotta (nothing special about it), chocolate pot de crème (very nicely done), watermelon granita (almost flavorless) and two orders of the fruit selection (strawberries, grapes and figs). The fruit was disappointing. This is the time for fruits that are bursting with flavor, yet the strawberries were ordinary, the grapes were all right and the figs were not particularly good. All in all, this was a good dining experience. We watched the movie (Alice In Wonderland), but couldn't hear the sound because we did not know to sit near the walls where the drive-in theater speakers are located. Fortunately we had seen the movie enough times that we were able to follow it without sound.

A booked FC because I thought the concept was interesting and the menu looked great. We had a drink at Myriad across the road as we arrived early but were seated at FC as soon as we arrived. There are 3 seating areas to the restaurant and we were seated in the white room which had multiple movies showing on the walls. It wasn’t noisy and it was cool to see old movies showing again. Our waiter was super helpful with cocktail and meal choices. I ordered the risotto but somehow ended up with the swordfish which was delicious. Lost in translation I think but it was no big deal. Definitely a great night out for a special occasion.

I was so excited to visit this place...we had our reservation for a long time. My nephew who recently moved to San Francisco said not to go here, that it was overpriced. But we didn't listen. The service was OK. The drinks were OK. The olive and cheese appetizer was good. Our meals were very average. Nothing impressive like I've experienced at many other places. I would definitely save your money and go to one of the million restaurants in San Francisco

The waiter is the worst. Even though I said I was full, he forced me to order the most expensive steak. AND!!!!! He cheated me. He said Welcome drinks is FREE, but the bill says it was $ 15. I asked him what it was. Then he corrected the receipt without saying that he was sorry. He knew it, but he was cheating. Not all waiters are so sure, but I recommend you check the receipts. Please check the receipt because the receipt is written on the other item. Good restaurant and other employees are excellent.

Had family visiting from the East Coast, as usual, Foreign Cinema did not disappoint. The restaurant has a great vibe, warm staff, burning fireplace, and great food. You will most of the time need to make a reservation a few weeks in advance to get a table during peak dinner hours on any given day.

So fun! We enjoyed eating creative cuisine outside on the patio where a giant screen and old fashioned speakers from drive ins add to the ambiance. We enjoyed oysters and for entrees steak, swordfish and a sesame fried chicken that was Indian curry flavored. Great selection of wines and beer too. The movie started playing around 8 Our night was The Devil wears Prada but it was more the unique setting that was the fun. Located in the Mission district. We used Uber to get there

The minute you walk in you will see this isn't your normal SF spot. The open courtyard with movies playing was great, well lit and heated. The art gallery was awesome and I wanted every print on the wall. The main restaurant was completely different from the other 2 ares, elegant and warm, it all just worked. The bar tenders were super friendly and the wait staff was very knowledgeable. Such a great experience.

My partner and I recently visited San Francisco for four days. While there we enjoyed a terrific brunch at Foreign Cinema. We had been here a few years ago…and were thrilled to have an even better experience this time around. I recommend making a reservation, as it is a very popular restaurant, especially on a Sunday. We started with two appetizers, Liver Pate and ½ a Dungeness Crab. We loved the fact the wait person served the pate first, then the crab. Both were absolutely fantastic, and filling. We opted to split the Half Chicken as our meal. This is one of the best chickens we have had. Crispi on the outside, but tender and moist meat. We also enjoyed the High Fidelity drink, which included tequila. Highly recommended.

SIT indoor or outdoor in this amazing restaurant . Wide selection of wines. Watch a classic cartoon projected on the wall or just watch all the diners enjoying themselves.The decor outside is sparse but fascinating . The waiters are fun friendly and helpful. Pricey but worth every penny

Fantastic service and food! We had a group of 7 and they had no problem seating us! We all ordered a different dish and each of them were amazing! I would visit again and again if I lived here!

First time here and we sat on the patio - a large, open, friendly setting (not fancy but still suitable for a nice dinner). The menu was varied and interesting. One in our group asked the server how to order Vegan and ended up with a gorgeous off-menu entree that she said was outstanding. I ordered the pasta entree, which was extremely good - but the portion was appetizer-sized. Very surprising, considering the price, and disappointing because it was wonderful and I could have happily eaten three times the portion. The service was as good as the food. From the street entry, you'd never guess at the fun and pleasant atmosphere inside. It fits in well with the diverse neighborhood mix. All in all, a great dinner and fun night. We will be back.

We had an amazing Saturday brunch at reopened Foreign Cinema. Service was superb. We had drinks. We shared their tasty berry and cheese appetizer. For our mains, my husband enjoyed Shakshuka: eggs baked in aromatic tomatoes, warm Tunisian spices, jalapeño, feta, warm lavash bread. I enjoyed their tasty Croque Madame, Gruyère, French ham, toasted pan de mie bread, béchamel, egg crown; salad, Wepickles. We shared their amazing brown sugar bacon. For dessert, we had their guava-champagne granata.

Very attentive service. Limited menu. We had duck which was very good. The Leonardo DiCaprio version of Great Gatsby was playing. We were seated at a table in the center of the room, we couldn't hear the movie. The drive- in type speakers were near the tables along the walls. So you may be disappointed if you go expecting to hear the movie.

Wife and I went for an early dinner before a show. We were actually there for opening of the restaurant (5pm on a Saturday). We checked in (just a heads up but we were required to provide proof of vaccination, which appears to be common in SF and we were prepared for this) and were immediately seated. My wife was complimented by the staff on her appearance and was presented with a black napkin to match her black dress. This is something we were unfamiliar with and had to google, but apparently it is so white lint won't come off of a white napkin and show up on a dress. We had seats inside which has a very nice feel with a fireplace going. We were concerned about sitting outside because of it being winter but in hindsight, the heat lamps outside keep the area pretty warm. Outside is where they play films during dinner. The movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was playing the evening we were there. For our order, we started with the fresh pulled mozzarella with persimmon and an arugula salad. We also each had a cocktail. I had the peppercorn duck breast and she had the pork chop. Both tasted amazing. We chose to not have dessert just because we were short on time for the show but overall I felt like the price was reasonable for the quality of food and experience.

This is a large restaurant with both indoor and outdoor (patio) seating. Both areas have the same movie playing on the wall without sound. It's a fun backdrop for dinner. The night we went, Edward Scissorhands was playing. We had a party of 5 and all ordered different items. The food was fine, but nothing special. They have a very large variety of wine available by the glass. Service was sparse, however.

Good but not great and therefore quite overpriced. It aims to be fine dining but is too hit and miss for that. La Frita is a wonderful appetizer, fried tempura style vegies very well presented. Mains can vary: scallop dish is too spicy and watery for the delicate flavor of scallops, salmon is just fine. Bread is warm when served, with butter but not, as often desire, with olive oil, but not exceptional. Service is good but somewhat too eager to clear dishes which is nice on the one hand but also can make one feel rushed. Noisy and popular and worth a try.

If you’re a wine lover like me, make sure you spend a little time ahead of your visit browsing trough this very comprehensive and beautiful wine list. Recommended!

I'm not quite sure why I didn't really like this place. The service was very good and the food was good as well. Portions were on the small side.The prices were high, but what else is new in the Bay Area. The atmosphere was interesting but a bit cold. It was very noisy. Hip, but not chic. Maybe it just isn't my kind of place.

Lovely restaurant. Service was great. Our waiter was so knowledgeable about the menu and did the job of helping me chose my main, as it all sounded great on the menu. I was surprised by the calamari. It was one of the best dishes I have tried.

Amazing service!Delicious food ! This was my first choice of restaurant when i visited SFO, and what a great way to start the visit !Great ambience!Good for couples as well!

We had a great meal, at a lovely inside table, with good service, while glimpsing "Edward Scissorhands" playing on the patio wall outside - who could ask for more? The food was seasonal, with complex combinations, and absolutely delicious. The wine list was extensive. When we left we decided to make a future reservation!

Made reservations a month in advance, but had mixed feelings about eating here after reviewing the menu since nothing grabbed me (menu on website isn't current), but referred by a local who heard great things. Took a 20 minute Lyft ride from our financial district hotel. Neighborhood is somewhat iffy, close to Tenderloin area. Restaurant had a high energy vibe and a casual feel. We loved the food and sommelier, but our waitress was just okay. She was attentive, just not friendly and seemed somewhat put-out by any questions. Insane wine list - almost ridiculous (30+ pages) but the sommelier was very helpful. Menu had seasonal specials. Goat cheese appetizer was amazing as were the scallops and chicken. Prices were on the high side, but that's San Francisco. Sat inside and couldn't see the movie screen, but we were there for the food anyhow.

Before arriving for dinner, I wondered how the whole dinner and movie thing worked. It really doesn’t. If you’re sitting outside, where there are heaters by every table, you can see the movie that is projected on a wall. You can’t really hear it. People are not watching the movie. It’s a gimmicky thing, not a practical thing. I’m guessing the people seated inside can’t see the movie at all. With all that said, the food is delicious. It is not cheap, but it is very nice. Our party had the pork chops and steak, and then granita for dessert. Service was outstanding. Our waiter, Attila, took great care of us.

Casual or formal is OK. I live in San Francisco and go there 2-3 times a month. The menu is always creative. It's a simple restaurant, but they're particular about the ingredients. I definitely recommend it. The atmosphere is spacious and of course the best.

I would highly recommend experiencing Foreign Cinema; the food & service was fantastic. We made a last-minute reservation so didn’t get seated in the terrace where the movie is shown. I would suggest requesting a terrace table if you are particularly attached to watching the classic movie. The food more than made up for this - I can recommend the Chicken Masala (two pieces of fried chicken with a side of hummus) & the chocolate pot (which included a strawberry macron).

Went to Foreign Cinema, based on a local friend's recommendation. We had dinner and drinks in the main dining room. The service was good and the food was even better. I had the pork chop and it was amazing! I would recommend this restaurant for those looking for a nice, upscale restaurant with great food and drinks.

Wonderful place to visit. Divided into three parts: modern, ourdoor cinema, and fireplace. Menu: Oyster was quite expensive for the quality. I wouldn't recommend it. However, the main dishes that the waiter recommended were all delicious, especially the pork chop and the chicken. Wine was decent, too!

My first time at the restaurant, my wife and I were here for an anniversary dinner on a Sunday night. The restaurant, which consists of two main areas - the inside and then an outdoor area which can be covered and has heat lamps - was crowded and is a little noisy inside. However, that was quickly overshadowed by the level of service and the food. Our waiter was fantastic, very knowledeable and always there when we needed him. The food was some of the best I have had in quite a while - ceviche was delicious, seared tuna perfectly seasoned and melted in my mouth, duck breast was perfect and all the sides on the plates were great (I even ate the decorative greens). Menu prices are very reasonable for the food quality and San Francisco (oysters were the one exception - great selection but at $44 a dozen, a little steep). Entrees were about $30, appetizers about $12. Huge wine list, with many by the glass or 500ml carafe, and reasonable priced (at $40 corkage, they really don't want you bringing your own wine). I will definitely be back and next time would sit outside (not as noisy and that is also where they show the movie at dusk).

Foreign Cinema had been recommended by several friends so while in San Fransico, we thought we would try it. While the concept and physical space is great, the food and managerial attention to detail was not. The Ceviche was very good, but the vegetarian pasta was inedible. The restrooms were a mess and the management unresponsive to a request we had. I will not be returning.

The setting is different in a courtyard with a movie being projected on the far wall. Food was excellent and service was good and quick.The ambiance was very good I would return to this restaurant

We had a very disengaged waitperson. Did not refill water, did not ask if we wanted coffee, just brought the check. We did not ask for the check; however, we did want coffee. I guess we weren’t getting it. We felt we were being asked to leave. Too bad; I used to like this place. I was embarrassed bringing my guest from out of town because of the horrible service. The bus staff were more engaging and thoughtful. Don’t think I’m going back.

If you're a foodie and appreciate good service this is your place! Unique concept and on point! Patio with a very relaxing and chill vibe.

Very cozy restaurant for a night out. The food is tasty and loved the Kobe Beef. My friend had fried chicken which was also delicious and filling. Will visit for a longer time next time. One of my favorite night out spots.

Great ambiance, awesome food and good portions. Our waiter was knowledgeable about not only the food but also some great wine pairings to go along with. He was humorous and spot on with his food & wine pairings. Would highly recommend to any tourist or local. Such a great spot for a romantic meal. Will 100% be back!!

We had a wonderful experience at Foreign Cinema - we were able to get a late reservation (9:00 PM). When we arrived the restaurant was still quite busy. We sat in the outdoor area, the heaters were on and we were very comfortable. The cocktails were well made, with an interesting variety of ingredients. Our meals were excellent, full of interesting flavors and textures. I now recommend this restaurant to anyone traveling to SF.

we had a nice meal at FOREIGN CINEMA: the idea of seating outside to watch a movie after dark is interesting; service was good; the pork chop and steak were very tasty, the prosciutto and mozzarella appetizer was very nice: the oysters were OK and the pasta was very spicy for my taste. The raspberry tart and ice cream was delicious.

Spectacular food in an amazing setting. San Francisco at its best! Tonight I enjoyed an unplanned dinner at Foreign Cinema. I didn’t have a reservation, so I sat at the bar and had a phenomenal experience. Colleen expertly guided me through the menu options. I landed on a selection of a half dozen oysters to start. That was followed by Monterey Bay calamari with a Oaxaca mole, sea scallops, chickpeas, aioli, totopos, lime, and cilantro. It was amazing! The main course (see photo) was Hawaiian mahi-mahi with cara cara orange, Meyer lemon salsa, asparagus, snap peas, celery root purée, and wispy chips. Again, incredible! Don’t miss this great spot in the Mission. Book in advance to sit outdoors. The courtyard gives you the best of California weather while enjoy the best of its food.

My sister-in-law treated us to dinner here for our August birthdays. Excellent service. Our server attended to every detail including my husband's request for an extra 2 olives with the martini. The food was excellent for the salad, oysters, mahi mahi, tuna sashimi, and duck. The only disappointment was the Moroccan vegetable tagine. The flavor was seriously lacking in seasoning. In all fairness, we had just returned from Morocco and had high expectations. Our table was on the outside patio and there were heaters to keep the temperatures comfortable. We were celebrating birthdays and the slice of birthday cake was AMAZING!! I would definitely return to this restaurant.

Pretty impressive place/space, with great atmosphere, smooth service and tasty fare. Not sure the movie aspect really works as it's too noisy to focus on the film but that's not any reason to stop you coming here.

Be sure to sit outside (heated) and enjoy the movie playing right next to you. No sound, just a fun ambience. Food was okay, we ate lots of small plates. Loved the ribs. Drinks were very strong, not subtle at all. Good place to gather with friends. Nice place for tourists as well.

We visited the restaurant for a Sunday brunch. It has a lovely ambience although on the afternoon there’s no movie screening that they’re known for. The food was great, and the coffee was great too. Reservation is a must here, as the airing list could take up to 1 hour or more during busy times.

I attended my cousin’s wedding here- what a fun venue. It was beautiful and the staff seemed to be on top of everything to make the wedding go smoothly. The food was great too! Would love to come back here another time to catch a film!

We tried to make a reservation online for a Monday night and was not able to. So we tried a walk-in. The hostess was able to accommodate the 4 of us. I was totally amazed at how packed the place was for a Monday night, and it was NOT a small restaurant. We started off with oysters, dungarees crab, and other appetizers. They were all very good. I had 5 spices duck, and my husband had fish. All were very good, but small portions. Great for someone like me who like to try different things, but hard to fill up a hungry guy. Overall, atmosphere was also great. One can sit in door or outdoor. Service was great! Most things can be made gluten free. Good news for me. But like the other reviews said, quite pricey. $380 for 4 people.

Idea of movies playing while we had good food - Interesting concept that got us there. Reality is that a good portion of the seating - including our table - does not have a view of the movie. Food was good but pricey so know that going in. Maybe a bit too pricey and overdone for a family meal.

We have been traveling for 3 weeks across USA and this would be one of one of our favorite places we have been to for dinner, for food and atmosphere. Fresh and flavoursome... and great surroundings. Good service too!! Definitely a highlight of our trip out of the tourist trap. Thank you!

Lovely building, quite some way out of the centre of SF. Films start around dusk, so check sunset timings if you want the full experience. I had the risotto - awesome! Hubby had sesame chicken, also v.nice. Son had pork chop, which he said was tasty. Service was OK. Only complaint was we were seated inside and because the doors were open to the outdoor terrace, it was quite cold and I had to keep my coat on. I think the presence of heaters on the terrace actually made it warmer outside.

My cousin’s wedding reception was here. The food from hors douevres to dessert was imaginative and yummy. Something for everyone with all requirements and allergies considered. Staff did an ezcellent job handling special requests and delivering around bulky photog equipment. So very impressed.

We loved the atmosphere! The film, heaters, lights, candles all made the ambiance and vibe great! Tables were a little close together but that is to be expected now I think. I was going to order the swordfish, and asked the waiter about it, and he suggested I get the halibut instead as it was a bit lighter fish. I completely forgot to mention my allergy, and when the meal came, it had hazelnuts with it. It took a bit to get his attention, but the waiter very took it away and came back promptly with a new one, with no nuts. After the meal, i apologized for not telling him about my allergy and he said it was ok, as he just gave the meal to another customer! A bit alarming as it had been at least 5 minutes in front of me before I could get his attention, and I did eat a potato! The waiter was completely overwhelmed and the support staff was not helping him. It took ages for my wine to come, so I just cancelled it as my husband was done dessert before he even came over to check on us. I loved the food. Everything was prepared perfectly. I think the staff need to work together as a team. On another note, we had a drink before in the sister bar that is attached, and it was similar in that there was only one waitress and the tables were dirty and we had to get our own drinks at the bar.

Foreign Cinema offers a creative menu, combining a range of flavors that will surprise and please your taste buds. The decor and ambience, including the indoor/outdoor seating area are both beautiful. They even show movies on the patio wall, offering a new scheme and scene for the Mission area. Every plate and cocktail was great and the presentation was on point. The only negatives are the very slow service (and we were not the only table concerned with this), but also the odd order that the food was delivered in. I'm also a stickler for having my drinks full at all times and this was just not the case here - we had to ask for refills and new cocktails on at least three occasions. I would recommend FC as a one time show, but if they don't clean up the basics I cannot say I'd go back multiple times.

Beautiful ambiance and deliciously made meats. Side dishes didn’t compliment the entree’s well I got the pork chop and my husband got the steak; the dessert which was a blueberry shortcake was well plated but not well made. The biscuit which was the base of the dessert was very hard to spoon through. The waiter did inform us that their menu changes daily so it’s worth trying it at least once due to the cinematic movies playing in the background as you dine. That feature made it a fun and unique date night. By the way It’s loud inside the restaurant so you can’t hear the film due to everyone talking but It’s ok it just meant me and Dave had to be more engaged in our conversation lol & that’s easy 💏 For beverages I got the rose water lemonade and dave got regular lemonade, which they put a lime in. It basically tasted like lemon infused water, bitter and not sweet. The touch of roses sprinkled in the rose lemonade was unique and not bad in taste, but I would not order this drink again. Overall would we go back? Yes. I would like to try some other menu items before deciding if it’s not worth a visit.

Booked a table to celebrate my Wife's birthday. Lovely touch of staff giving a card as we arrived. Our table was near to the "screen" which was.goid, except that we were sat under a patio heater which made the experience a little uncomfortable as we were so hot! Also when booking our table, the scheduled film was Chaplin, so was a little disappointed to find that Casablanca was being shown instead (ironically I watched this on the flight over from London!). For the first 30 minutes or so there was little or no sound... Food was very nice, waiting staff were excellent. All in all a lovely evening!

We sat at a table outside which was great as there was a giant screen with an old school black and white movie rolling throughout the evening. It was a little cool but they had a gas heater going near our table so we were ok with the evening air. The food was delicious. I'm wheat free and they provided me with yummy alternatives to what everyone else was having. The service was very good too as they were attentive but not disruptive :)

My partner and I were in San Francisco for a long holiday weekend. We were here last two years ago. We had Sunday Brunch at Foreign Cinema then and again this weekend. The Brunch, the service, and the atmosphere are always great and there is never a disappointment. We enjoyed the Baked Cheese, Duck Mousse, Chicken Kebab and the Madame Missour.

Staff is super friendly, great ambiance, great wine list but average food - overall a good experience. We had a group of 6 and got a reservation about 3 days in advance - request to sit outside near the large projector, its covered and warm.

Foreign Cinema is a well-known place, with a well-deserved reputation as a local standout. Throw in the party piece of showing movies on the outdoor patio, and it’s be easy for a place like this to coast. To rest on its laurels. To fall back on a safe menu for tourists… encourage servers to turn those tables… to become one of Those Places that visitors flock to but locals avoid. Happily, none of that applies here. My experience with Foreign Cinema made it obvious that they work hard to create a superlative experience that delivers on the promise of the beautiful, sophisticated-but-casual surroundings. The dishes my companion and I had were all hits, no misses. Wine options were solid: a nice, considered variety that fit well with the menu offerings. Better than it had to be, if that’s the phrase you were hoping to read here. Service was attentive and warm without hovering (or disappearing), and our waiter happily suggested some terrific favorites for us. It’s not a “you’re here for the night; get comfortable” kind of place, but I do recommend ordering a few things, then ordering a few more later… lingering just a bit, enjoying the movie, taking in the scene (because at some point in the evening it does become a lively, buzzing scene). Highly recommended.

For Insta photos only! Food is overpriced rubbish. Waited an hour after ordering food for a burger that was still raw, grumpy waitress who only chirped up when it was time to pay! Terrible service and food is better in any burger joint or deli! Surroundings are the only thing worth it here. Great for trendy IG crowd who don’t know good food. Only good Insta’s

Went with a large party. Food was ok though somewhat limited choices as part of a presumed package? Not a lot of veg. Dessert was good with rhubarb cake.

The food at the foreign cinema was very unique and interesting. They had a strawberry pop tart that tasted like a toaster pastry.

A friend recommended this restaurant for dinner. We were staying out by the airport, and drove to the restaurant. We missed the front door initially, went around the corner, and found it on the second go round. As you walk into this place, you’re wondering about the journey you are about to take. Once inside, we were astounded. This old theater has been transformed into a restaurant. Silent movies are being shown on the wall, as you dine. Lots of energy in the place. Lucky we made reservations. Don’t think we would have gotten in without it. The food was tasty, not too extensive menu, but enough options to tempt your taste buds. My pork chop was huge, tasty, moist, simply divine. This is the kind of restaurant you go to for a special occasion to impress someone, show them they are meaningful. I absolutely loved everything.

My first visit to this SFO restaurant in the heart of Mission. The ambiance is industrial with no table cloths and the patio location has a large screen with a movie playing. We were 9 in our party and ordered most of the appetizers, the Olives, baked cheese, Mezze plate, Smoked Salmon, Gnocchi and the Chicory salad. There was warm bread and butter which was excellent. We had seconds on the Mezze plate, baked cheese. Besides wine by the glass and by the bottle they have a daily selection served in a 500ml carafe which is in between a glass (120ml) and a bottle (750ml). The wine menu was extensive with most wine regions of the world well represented. For the main course we ordered the Chicken, the pork chop, the flat iron steak, the yellow tail( excellent) and the pasta entree. We had double in the yellowtail , pasta and the steak. For dessert we had Ordered all the deserts, Pot DuCreme, Apple Pie(excellent) , Cheesecake with a pome granite topping, crepe Brûlée and a Meyer Lemon Granita. Overall the food was all very good with average serving sizes not too big neither too small. Service was very slow as our server was taking care of at least 5 other tables. That was the only disappointment. I would recommend a visit here

The Madras curry-sesame seed fried chicken is hands-down some of the best fried chicken you will ever have and my personal favorite! Plan in advance--as this place is usually booked a couple of weeks out.

We dined at Foreign Cinema. Food was nothing special and I can’t understand the rave reviews! Not worth the very expensive since experience!

Went here for a business dinner. If your looking for interesting place, not a tourist trap, where the food is very good and service is attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Great wine list with wide range of price and types. Staff was very knowledgeable on the wine list and helpful. The wait staff actually tries the food, this makes the selection much easier for a wide range of tastes for my customers.

A cool hidden place with very unique atmosphere, wide open outdoor area and very tall ceiling height. Nice food, suitable for brunch or late lunch. Reservation is must, perfect for sunny day to dine in and had some easy drinks.

Great outdoor space for a Saturday morning brunch in the sun. Fantastic espresso and loved the pop tarts! The beef tartare was delicious. The ricotta was ok but not as tasty as it read on the menu. Enjoyed the warm choc chip cookies to finish…

We went to Foreign Cinema for dinner with family. Everything we tried was delicious. We started with fresh oysters and a corn and tomato soup. We ordered various entrees, including a filet mignon, risotto, and duck. I believe their menu changes everyday based on local ingredients. We sat outside, because it happened to be a perfect day in the city. We loved the ambiance, and we had an excellent waiter. We loved our experience. However, be prepared to spend a decent amount of money, as this restaurant is on the higher end of a budget. This spot is perfect for a special occasion!

Ate here with a group of 9 for a birthday dinner. Everything was excellent and service was great overall. One issue was our reservation was for 9:30 pm and the kitchen closed at 10. The food was so good we wanted to order another round but by the time it came the kitchen was already closed, so we couldn't. At least we were able to order several of the Tres Leches cakes which were DIVINE. I used to go here when I lived in SF years ago and I'm happy to see it's still as good as it's always been!

This was recommended by friends in Australian and it didn't disappoint. Food was sensational and the staff really make you feel welcome. We didn't stay for the entire film but is was a fun and novel addition to a wonderful dining experience.

The Foreign Cinema has been open in San Francisco since 1999 – twenty years – and, for some stupid-in-retrospect reason, we had never dined at this restaurant. Last night, we went to Foreign Cinema to celebrate our anniversary and were so delighted with virtually everything – the atmosphere, the server, the sommelier, and the food – that we will likely become “regulars” at this restaurant. While sipping cocktails, we shared a dish of Norwegian smoked salmon, trout rillettes, caviar, pickled onions, and toast points. Every bite was a taste treat. The wine menu is extensive, with wines from all over the world. While we have experience with Californian, Australian, South African, and Argentinian wines, our knowledge of French wines is rather limited, but the sommelier came through with a delicious (and reasonably priced) suggestion among the various Bordeaux offerings – a 2012 Chateau La Payre, which paired nicely with our starters and main dishes. For my starter course, I had the halibut ceviche, aji limon chiles, avocado, spring onion, citrus jus, and plaintain chips. I’ve had ceviche dishes in many restaurants, including several in Peru, where ceviche supposedly originated, but the Foreign Cinema’s version is one of the best ceviche dishes I’ve ever had, with a perfect balance of flavor, acidity, citrus, and the slightest bit of heat from the chiles. My husband’s starter course was beef sirloin tartare, watercress, potato gaufrettes, Comté cheese, caramelized onions, and horseradish, and it was fantastic, with flavors complementing each other perfectly. For the main course, my spouse had a New York steak, sliced among artichokes, grilled peppers, arugula, and herbs. The steak was perfectly cooked to medium-rare, and the overall dish was delightful. For my main course, I had the peppercorn duck breast, fava bean purée, pluots, endive, raddichio, toasted hazelnuts, and pâté toast. The duck was succulent, moist, and flavorful, with the other components adding a nice balance of complementary flavors. I’m not a big fan of hazelnuts, generally, but the chefs must have some secret way of preparing them because I found them delicious, too! For dessert, we shared an apple huckleberry crisp, with a cinnamon-and-oat crumble, topped with gingerbread ice cream and caramel. It was fantastic. Yes, I’m raving about our meal at Foreign Cinema; we were delighted with the total experience – and just regretted that we had not started coming here sooner, but we will definitely be back soon! Clearly about 20 years in business, they have not lost their edge, but have continued to deliver a flavor-packed meal with friendly and professional servers. All-in-all, our evening at Foreign Cinema was a delight!

I had the opportunity to go to Foreign Cinema on my last visit to SF this last June. It was amazing experience I was inivited by a goood friend that help us out to get a reservation on this super busy restaurant. The ambiance is fabulous and the decor is very urban, resembling the old Cinema that was during the 1800´s. Great food options and beverage likewise. I have to thank all of the team that welcomed us exceptionally and deliver for us a great expereince. Looking forward to come back soon!

Visiting from Boston. Went their for my son’s girlfriends birthday. Service average. Food too pricey for what you got. Breast of duck was $28. Consisted of 4 slices of duck on lettuce. Would not return.

Amazing menu, combinations I had never had before - it was like an education, which I love. The setting was super cool, sat outside in the courtyard with North by Northwest projected on the wall. Lovely wine, a Portuguese Alvarinho. We had the arugula, calamari and lamb sugo to start. For main course we had clam/shellfish dish and the swordfish. All in all a very pleasant experience. The bread was amazing and from Tartine and was amazing on its own or as a dipper!

The concept and space are very cool. We were 4 women dining together and were pretty ignored by the wait staff. We had an issue and asked to talk to a manager, but we never saw one. We ordered mostly appetizers - which were not particularly tasty. A lot of money for a fairly poor experience.

Arrive at 1045 to get in line, as walk-up waiting lengthens beyond an hour by noon. We were seated upon 11am opening, however. Great setting. Coffee cream cheese cinnamon bun, maple-orange baguette French toast, chile verde bowl, and champagne omelette made for the best morning table of the trip out west.

We dined here this evening with our son and his wife. We were able to walk from their residence and our table was ready at the time of our reservation. The staff was attentive and Profesional. Service was impeccable and food was delivered at just the right time. The four of us each had a different entree. Two fish one pork and one chicken. We all shared tastes and thought each entree was perfect. Appetizers and salads were also good. We shared two deserts between the four of us and both were great. The only thing that kept this place from being perfect was that they were out of the flourless chocolate cake at 8PM on a Monday. The other chocolate desert on the menu was very good so really no complaints.

This was the first restaurant in the US that had great food where the serving sizes were perfect (and not enough to feed a small nation). Great wine selection. Fun atmosphere.

First impression was positive as you enter and see the nicely appointed dining rooms...but, then we were escorted to our table in the overflow room. This had to be either the kiddie room or extra space. Nothing about this room was appealing. From there, the experience was all downhill! Our server was snippy...not pleasant. While the food is very good, the portions are very small. More of a tasting then a meal. For the $, definitely not worth going back.

Our second visit and enjoyed it as much as the first. Two appetizers to begin - both were delicious. Mains - two in our party had the half crab; one with risotto as a side and the other with salad. Both felt the crab was good but perhaps had been frozen - they felt the crab lacked that strong, sweet sea smell of fresh crab. Both side dishes were rated highly. The other two chose the curry fried chicken with slaw. We both liked the chicken but we weren't jumping up and down. Slaw was fine. Didn't have dessert. Got a nice bottle of pinot for a very decent restaurant price. Service was very good - attentive but not rushed or intrusive.

Our children took us for dinner for my birthday celebration. It was a great choice. Staff is courteous humble attentive to your needs. Ambience of the restaurant is nice with decors and cinema. Food was delicious and lots of choices on the menu. Definitely a great place to enjoy dinner and celebrations.

I read an article on Foreign Cinema recently, so when my husband and I planned a trip to San Francisco, we had to add it to our list! The movie playing in the courtyard was such a novel idea and that’s what took us there, but the food and cocktails were very good as well. Very fun night out!