Description:

  • This place is so chic and well-hidden that it eludes me every time I drive past it on Mission Street (hint: look for the valet stand). The "cinema" here is a bit of a gimmick: It's an outdoor dining area (partially covered and heated, but still chilly) where mostly foreign films are projected onto the side of an adjoining building without any audio. What's definitely not a gimmick, however, is the superb Mediterranean-inspired menu created by husband-and-wife team John Clark and Gayle Pirie. Snackers like me find solace at the oyster bar with a half-dozen locally harvested Miyagi oysters and a devilishly good brandade (fish purée) gratin. Heartier eaters can opt for grilled halibut with chanterelles and roasted figs in a fig vinaigrette; fried Madras curry-spiced chicken with gypsy peppers; or grilled natural rib-eye with Tuscan-style beans and rosemary-fried peppercorn sauce -- all made from seasonal, sustainably farmed, organic ingredients when possible. Truth be told, even if the food weren't so good, I'd still come here -- it's just that cool. If you have to wait for your table, consider stepping into their adjoining bar, Laszlo.

  • © Frommer's 2013

show more reviews

User Reviews for Foreign Cinema

  •  

    Eclectic

  • Hiked from the Mark Hopkins hotel to the Foreign Cinema, based on a peer's recommendation. I thought the place was very cool, interesting spot, but a bit far to cab our way over....

  • Read full review on TripAdvisor
  •  

    Yummy food, family fun!

  • Families can enjoy dinner and a movie at Foreign Cinema, where food and entertainment are married into one family-friendly event. Films...

  • Read full review

Awards:

CitySearch Frommer's
7x7
  •  Eat + Drink Award Winner 2009
San Francisco Chronicle
  •  Top 100 Restaurant 2008
  •  Top 100 Restaurant 2009
CitySearch
  •  Outdoor Dining 2006 – Editorial Winner
  •  Outdoor Dining 2007 – Editorial Winner
Frommer's
  •  Highly Recommended 2009
  •  Highly Recommended 2010
  • Details
    • Contact:

    • visit website
    • tel: 415/648-7600
    • fax: +1 415 648 7669
    • Address:

    • 2534 Mission St
    • Between 21st and 22nd sts
    • San Francisco, CA 94110
    • Payments:

    • amex mastercard visa
    • Hours:

    • Mon-Thurs 6-10pm; Fri-Sat 6-11pm; Sun 5-10pm; brunch Sat-Sun 11am-3pm

Get Our Newsletter
Stay caught up on our latest news, tips, & ideas for travelers, by locals.

Subscribe
Thanks for joining us
Now just keep an eye out for our confirmation email (and check that it doesn't end up in your spam folder).
The NileGuide team
Copyright ©2013 Travora Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Trip Planner
<
 

Get our Newsletter.

Stay caught up on our latest news, tips, & ideas for travelers, by locals.

SIGN ME UP!