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Foreign Cinema

New American Restaurant and Movie Theater$$$$

Mission District, San Francisco

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Foreign Cinema

9.3^/10

1,868

ratings

On the list: #BabysFirstTime: SF Edition
Ranked #6 for fried chicken in San Francisco
Has a stamp of approval from Travel + Leisure and Eater
"Be sure to try the brown sugar bacon and pop tarts!"(33 Tips)
"If here for dinner, get the sesame fried chicken and a sexy beast."(6 Tips)
"Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun"(7 Tips)
"Brunch is always amazing here- get the Bloody Mary!"(26 Tips)

356 Tips and reviews

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good for dates
trendy
brunch food
Pop-Tarts
good for groups
restaurants
outdoor seating
healthy food
bar
pork chops
sticky buns
breakfast food
eggs
meats
spacious
French toast
dinner
alcohol
cheesecake
bacon
(15 more)

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Cassie PJuly 17, 2013
The best sesame chicken hands down. I don't know what batter they use but it's a winner. Such a great outdoor ambiance with a free movie that plays on the wall. Definitely a go to place!
Victoria U.October 3, 2016
Very romantic. Great food with small plates to share. This place is an institution for a reason make sure to make a reservation.
SFistAugust 3, 2014
Breakfast bites like gourmet Pop Tarts and pecan sticky buns to creative dishes like truffle omelets and balsamic fried eggs. If you're struggling, the hangover soup will get you through your Sunday. Read more
Upvoted Mar 21
Luke BornheimerAugust 10, 2016
An upscale, oasis on Mission Street, Foreign Cinema serves up delicious and creative brunch dishes with impeccable (if claustrophobic) service. The homemade pop tart is a hit, but you can't go wrong.
SFGateAugust 2, 2014
Specialties: Beef carpaccio; oysters on the half shell (up to 20 varieties); house-cured sardines; sesame fried chicken; harissa-spiced pork chop; chocolate pot de creme. Read more
BommySeptember 3, 2018
Beautiful restaurant to bring a date or parents to. Food tastes very "california". Service can be slow on off days. Order the curried fried chicken if it's on the menu and get a dessert, any dessert.
Mike WinstonMay 8, 2017
This is a killer brunch spot. You must order the spicy Indian-inflected Madras Bloody Mary along with the now-famed Pop Tarts, Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun, & decadent Croque Madame. WinstonWanders.com
SFGateAugust 2, 2014
Don't miss the Dijon pork belly ($7), a flavor powerhouse served with peach chutney. Portions are tiny and choices few, but you can also order from the full menu. Read more
AFAR MediaAugust 12, 2014
Foreign Cinema is a culinary favorite in this city of foodies. It has everything - an innovative menu, one of THE BEST Bloody Marys in the city, a sun-kissed indoor/outdoor patio & classic movies. Read more
Cody HardAugust 17, 2014
Everything's pretty great. Good coffee, mixed berry pop tart is okay, baked goat cheese is fantastic, berries and figs are okay. Heavenly scramble is outstanding, croque madam is great. Great ambiance
Pacific UnionSeptember 24, 2013
This is a unique San Francisco gem in the heart of the Mission District. Brunch is always a winner with its chic space and homemade pop tarts.
SFistJuly 22, 2016
One of multiple fine, Italian or Cal-Med restaurants around town where you'll find granita on the menu this time of year, Foreign Cinema is well known for its watermelon granita in the summertime. Read more
Adrian PhillipsJuly 23, 2016
While the fried chicken is an excellent choice, be sure to consider the duck or the steak. For dessert, get the cheesecake (this is coming from someone who hates cheesecake).
Kim PhamApril 1, 2015
Appetizers: poke and tagliatelle. Entrees: pork chop and duck. You are welcome.
Tara MedeirosJanuary 8, 2017
Beautiful interior décor and ambiance for a date or special night out with friends - we loved the fried chicken and charcuterie plate!
SFGateAugust 2, 2014
The darker Desperado (Tequila, vermouth and amaro, $10) goes great with that pork belly. As a rule, the drinks skew toward the sweet. Read more
EaterApril 12, 2016
With North African and Mediterranean menu leanings and a deepened wine program, it's one of the city's most romantic restaurants, with staggering decor and engaging food. Read more
Doug de WetJuly 20, 2015
A wonderful brunch spot in a lovely, open, airy setting. The poached eggs with tender pork, chickpeas, mole verde, and crispy plantains are spicy and delicious.
John KhuuDecember 17, 2015
I went here solo and sat in the back bar area. Honestly this is a great date spot. The food is semi-pricey but well worth it. Had the 'Champagne-Truffle Omelet', a bloody mary, and some oysters.
PureWowMay 23, 2017
We couldn’t round up alfresco dining spots and not include Foreign Cinema’s famous enclosed patio, strung with café lights and bounded by a blank wall where classic movies are projected. Read more
Tom CoatesAugust 6, 2014
Been here 5+ times
I think the brunch is a more fun experience than the dinners. Only available on the weekend, go for the weekend picnic, and book a couple of weeks in advance (or turn up on the door as it opens).
SezOctober 21, 2014
I came here for brunch and everything was amazing. Be sure to try the brown sugar bacon and pop tarts! And don't forget their delicious bloody mary's!
Moody JonesJanuary 26, 2019
Been here 10+ times
Fav brunch spot. Go with someone so you can share. You need to split the burger in half - get the ceviche or beef tartar to start -share the heavenly omelette. Fries could be better.
Adam BraceSeptember 21, 2014
For brunch the key is to start sweet. Pisco Punch cocktail with the organic apple pop tart will start you off nicely. Follow up with the poached eggs and duck and as an extra add the sausages. Amazing
Meghana DharMay 26, 2013
Brunch: Champagne omelette disappoints. Try the homemade pop tarts, baguette French toast, and scramble. Drinks / sodas are great (esp. Lavender lemonade for non alcoholic beverage).
Nathan WrightMay 30, 2017
Inventive menu and great atmosphere. The oysters are fantastic and I finished with a Fernet Branca nightcap. My only regret is that I didn't experience their legendary brunch. Eat here!
Sarah E.April 15, 2018
I got the duck, calamari and arugula salad. The duck was great, everything else was average. Service was amazing and the ambiance was quite unique. This is definitely a great date night spot.
Frances JamesDecember 1, 2014
Excellent execution every time at this beautiful new American restaurant and bar. Great for dinner or brunch. You can also order off the brunch menu at their sister bar next door, Laszlo
Ranu RajkarnikarMarch 28, 2015
Amazing food. Although service was a bit slow. Order oysters, beef carpaccio, 5 spiced duck, and the Yellowtail Jack entree was amazing.
Liz GoodbandMay 23, 2017
Oysters, crab hush puppies, oysters Rockefeller... on and on. The food is so good! And the service was amazing. So friendly and attentive
Kenneth BergerApril 27, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Everyone knows they have great cocktails and oysters. That the light and people watching in the courtyard are great. But did you know they make the best tuna salad sandwich in the city? Now you know.
Tasting TableDecember 2, 2014
Part of SF's brunch honor guard, thanks to fresh-baked pastries (including an infamous seasonal Pop-Tart-like pastry) and a killer raw bar. Oh, and that gorgeous atrium-like patio, of course. Read more
Brett LiderJanuary 11, 2015
Been here 50+ times
The have a gorgeous and delicious poké on the menu right now. Don't miss it. Sublime.
SFGateAugust 2, 2014
Best seat: The counter seats opposite the bar lend some privacy, but all seats are good, especially since it can be standing room only. Read more
Bridget GaelJuly 2, 2021
Honestly, just ok. Very cool, buzzy vibe but when asked what my favorite thing was, nothing came to mind. Got the arugula salad, prosciutto & melon, plancha dip, fried chicken & creams brûlée.
Kendall ThorntonOctober 15, 2017
Here's your perfect brunch for two: madras bloody Marys, seasonal poptart, caramel pecan sticky bun, champagne omelette, and croque madame
Natalie MApril 28, 2015
Such a cool spot. Had an amazing dinner here. All the food was fantastic and the ambiance unique. Service wasn't the best but I think that was just our server; not the entire staff
Eliot ChangJune 26, 2019
Brunch and dinner are both excellent. Be prepared to order several small dishes alongside the main since portions can be small
Jessica RaeSeptember 15, 2013
Zagat 24. Cost $49. Cal-Med fare in beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy the stars, both above and in films projected on the wall; strong cocktails; don't miss" brunch with gourmet Pop Tarts.
Kyle MeyerNovember 28, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Be sure to get a reservation and request the patio! Come around dusk so you're there for whichever movie is playing. If the fried chicken is on the menu, get it. Thank me later.
SAugust 19, 2014
The pork chop is a staple here but the Moroccan chicken is out of this world. Stay for the movie that plays at sunset.
Alexandra PrevidiDecember 29, 2016
Organic pop tart, Bloody Mary, hash, and fried eggs were all amazing. The pop tart makes a wonderful shareable appetizer!
Tablet HotelsFebruary 26, 2013
An interesting take on the standard dinner and a movie. Try the oysters and pork chop before viewing a foreign film projected on the wall, and if you'd rather follow by ear, you can request speakers.
Aleksandra GarbaczSeptember 8, 2016
Amazing spot for a get together with friends, however i'd rather go there for a drink or a small bite than a dinner, since food was mainly average, with one exception - smoky eggplant toasts.
Celine HOctober 8, 2018
Solid brunch spot to bring the out of towners to impress. Yes the eggs are a tad overpriced, but we’re paying for atmosphere and presentation here. Reservations are a must!
Fon StarFebruary 21, 2015
I think it suits better meet lovers. Pasta plate was a great vegetarian alternative really tasty. Beautiful place. a bit crowded and the tables really close to each other.
Rebecca GobersteinMarch 19, 2012
Been here 5+ times
FAV. The ambience makes you feel happy - warm, cozy, & funky all at once. At night, old films project on the wall. The food is farm fresh, unique, and incredible. And they make fantastic bloodies.
Yotam TroimFebruary 16, 2015
The venue is great, the service was fantastic and the Bloody Marys were amazing (both the regular and the Persian). They are even super friendly to kids but the food was just ok.
Tasting TableJuly 19, 2012
Ask for the off-menu balsamic-fried-egg-topped burger. Covered in grilled onions and Dijon aioli, this is brunch at a new level: Read more
G. SaxNovember 24, 2013
The scene outside these doors hides a gem of a restaurant that will delight locals and visitors from afar. The wine list is worth a snoop. The seafood is ready to order.

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