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
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User Reviews for Foreign Cinema
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Eclectic
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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....
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 11.24.12
- by FHANDS
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A.W.E.S.O.M.E
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Highly recommend to any and all. Even though I was told there were no reservations available, we walked right in and were seated in a great location. Figured that reservations must...
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 11.06.12
- by Valerie L
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A favorite SF dinner experience!
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Super cool vibe - excellent, unique ambiance. Without even taking the food into consideration, the experience itself was great. If you're seated outdoors (definitely worth it),...
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 11.05.12
- by Jessica B
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Yummy food, family fun!
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Families can enjoy dinner and a movie at Foreign Cinema, where food and entertainment are married into one family-friendly event. Films...
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review
- posted on 11.06.12
- by by Jenny J. at KidScore
Awards:
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
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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:
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Hours:
- Mon-Thurs 6-10pm; Fri-Sat 6-11pm; Sun 5-10pm; brunch Sat-Sun 11am-3pm
- User Rating
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NileGuide CitySearch 99 IgoUgo 1 TripAdvisor 189 sign in to rate it
