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Foreign Cinema

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110-2512 (Mission)
415-648-7600
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Ranked #120 of 3,793 restaurants in San Francisco
Price range: $31 - $41
Cuisines: American, French, Mediterranean, Seafood, Californian
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Bar Scene, Groups, Business, Local cuisine, Outdoor seating, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Neighbourhood: Mission
Cross street: 21st St.
Transit: MUNI: 14 Mission bus; BART: 16th & 24th/Mission station
Description: Foreign Cinema is a 'one of a kind', nationally acclaimed restaurant combining foreign and independent films with Cal-Med cooking. Enjoy an industrial chic setting, complete with outdoor courtyard, mezzanine and full bar.
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233 reviews from our community

79% Recommend
    106
    79
    34
    11
    3
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
London
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

On a recent visit to San Francisco we took friends for dinner at Foreign Cinema to say thank you for putting us up. And we could not have been happier. The meal was definitely the best I have had all year – at least! Brilliant atmosphere, great service. My duck with apricots was simply delicious. And the nicest surprise was... More

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El Dorado Hills
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

We took our friends (who are newlyweds) to Foreign Cinema for dinner. When we got out of the cab, we were a little worried, as it is tucked away and not readily apparent. But luckily, we tracked it down (we also had reservations). We asked to sit outside (excellent choice - they have heaters if its cold). While quite pricey,... More

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See 2 more reviews by Kris F for San Francisco
Menlo Park, California
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
43 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

Don't be deceived by the exterior, it is easy to miss this gem walking by. In true movie fashion, you are welcomed by red carpet entrance that leads to a gorgeous outdoor courtyard seating area with 2 side indoor spaces, so nicely done and inviting. Brunch was delicious: started with Rhubbard poptart- homemade flaky pastry filled with just enough rhubarb... More

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See 8 more reviews by CJK38 for San Francisco
francoforte
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

set in the mission district, around 21st street. The area is beautiful, alive at night and pictoresque through the day, with lots of murales to be seen. The restaurant is nothing special from outside, but just amazing when you step in. Huge and spectacular dining area, amazing flower pots here and there, almost artistic compositions. Films are projected on a... More

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Fresh Meadows, New York, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

What can i say, I'm a foodie, and everything on the menu was better than the next thing. Hands down though, the balsamic glazed pork chop was to die for.

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See 2 more reviews by sarancoco for San Francisco
Lodi, California
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

It's not immediately obvious from the street: there is no typical big restaurant frontage. Once through the doors there is a walk down a long-ish (50 yards) corridor tot he hostess table. Then you are through into a big dining area: there is a courtyard, a dining room and there is also some upstairs dining. Menu was excellent: food was... More

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Victor, New York
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

delicious seafood, thoughtful service, interesting setting - and celebrating my daughter's birthday. varied menu with something appealing for most dietary preferences. server was attentive without hovering.

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South San Francisco, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

An absolutely great setting to sit, eat dinner, and watch a movie. The outdoor patio is well heated, and the food is pretty solid. The waiters take a while to get to you, and the food comes out pretty slowly, but it's made really well, and the ambiance is fantastic. I also like how the outdoor setting is walled off,... More

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Budapest, Hungary
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
28 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

I loved this place. We had a playful waitress and really good food. We enjoyed the atmosphere and people watching, along with a movie! The combinations of tastes were excellent. I highly recommend the experience.

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See 9 more reviews by nmk3550 for San Francisco
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

LOVED this restaurant. Although it's located a bit out of the way in a neighborhood that's not so nice, the restaurant itself is just stunning and uses high ceilings, outdoor areas and the general flow of the buildings around it in such a unique way. When the sun goes down, a silent foreign film (with subtitles) is displayed in the... More

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See 3 more reviews by kswygert for San Francisco

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