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Foreign Cinema
- Restaurants
- San Francisco, CA
About this business
Opened by a team that believes dinner and a movie are a natural combination, this courtyard restaurant and bar keeps an internationally intellectual atmosphere by projecting the films of Fellini, Godard and company on its neighbor’s walls. Tableside speakers add a drive-in feel to the French bistro fare, letting the films function as either the background or a main attraction. Reservations are recommended as Foreign Cinema is one of the leading contestants in the Mission hipness race.
Location details
2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Get directions| Weekday | Schedule | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Closed | |
| Tue | 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | |
| Wed | 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | |
| Thu | 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | |
| Fri | 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | |
| Sat | 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | |
| Sun | 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
subpar – Foreign Cinema is cute, but not great for groups. A grouped of us went last weekend, and were seated outside. Our table was close to the wall showing the movie. Our table did not have a table cloth (others did) and had only one heat lamp which we shared with another table. But since our table was at the very end, we did not have the overhanging tarp, or both side walls to block the wind (others did). When I asked our waiter for another heat lamp, he said they didn't have anymore, and tried to turn the one toward us ... read more
Great Atmospher but service and food are... – not that great. I had three people in my party including myself and the food very unexpectedly disappointing. I've ordered a pork loin with olive sauce but the sauce seemed like some sort of soy sauce with some chopped green onion in there. My friends ordered a duckbreast which was over-cooked and the salmon was alright. The service was absolutely minimal, the waiter appeared like a ghost. She doesn't seemed to care but it's a routine for her to "check" on our table.
Good but not Great – I guess I thought the food was going to be a bit better than it actually was. All the food tasted OK but nothing really stood out except for the raw oysters and most of the credit for that has to go to the poor oyster. I liked the setting. The place was full of fun and energy, the staff was busy but showed up at the right times. I was kind of disappointed but probably willing to give it another try sometime.
Industry Insider Favorite – A-maz-ing. The menu changes daily, but I have never been dissapointed. The service is prompt yet unobtrusive and delightfully intelligent. Their oyster selection is extensive, and if you cannot decide, then try the mini-mer or a mixed dozen! For dinner I tried the kumis and then the carpaccio and grilled calamari (I was hesitant on this one, but amazed at the actual dish.. how common is calamari?... yet how uncommon the way it had been prepared! absolutely delicious.) For entrees we had the pork a... read more
Foreign films in English? – I like the Modernist Museum idea, gives one something to do while waiting for food as well. One doesn't go for the food itself (it's alright, not bad) or the movie even (you can't hear a thing), solely for the ambience.. The fact that it's a restaurant in a decorated alleyway makes it special. Service was accomodating but busy. Didn't card.
just to clarify... – i went (maybe stupidly) expecting to actually watch the movie that they so exactly schedule on their website. you don't actually go to watch the movie. it's more of an "ambience" thing -- which, by the way, was nice enough to make you overlook the mediocrity of the food. service was excellent, but appetizers seemed a bit uncreative and oversalted. our entrees weren't stellar, either. it was a nice *place* to eat; it was not a nice place *to eat*. i'm glad i saw it, but would rather spend the same amount ... read more
dine about rip-off – if you are a DINE ABOUT TOWN-er, beware of getting a late reservation, they may run out of an entree leaving you with a only a pasta dish as an option. I also got the feeling that we were 2nd class citizens for participating in this menu option. The restaurant shouldn't participate if they don't want to do the option CHEERfully. Should be still good service & fair-priced food. Instead indifferent servers & over-priced food. I don't mind spending money of food as long as it 'worth it' for the money, which... read more
Unbelievably Romantic Venue – You enter the space walking on literally a red carpet. The promenade continues with a hall jewelled with candles and smelling of jasmine. Tables with white linens to the floor and ceilings that near regal standard make you feel princely. Not the place for "Dinner and a Movie!" There's no sound inside, only 'drive-in" speakers outside. The movie creates an overwhleming aire of romance. The food is not as romantic. My last dinner, what I remember most about the food is the wait between courses. It... read more
A shameful rip-off – I enjoy paying good money for a great night out, and deeply scorn restaurants, such as Foreign Cinema, that are very showy for very little substance. After starters I ordered my entree: an ahi-tuna based dish. I thought I saw her snicker, but wasn't sure, so I brushed it off. What arrived was pitifully small for an appetizer -- I heard her later explain to my neighboring table that this was one of their smallest dishes. As soon as it arrived she returned with a smile and menu, asking if i needed anything... read more
Frequently asked questions about Foreign Cinema
How is Foreign Cinema rated?
Foreign Cinema has a 4.5 star rating with 4,601 reviews.
When is Foreign Cinema open?
Foreign Cinema is closed now. It will open at 5:30 p.m.
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