Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Foreign Cinema – San Francisco
Foreign Cinema - San Francisco
Photo from Foreign Cinema
Foreign Cinema at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 135 of the guests
#1231 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#61 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
983
Reviews
71.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cinematic Ambiance
- Attentive Service
- Enjoyable Menu
Frequently criticized
- Hidden Surcharges
- Small Portions
- Service Inconsistency
The restaurant Foreign Cinema in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers you a truly unique dining experience. You’ll discover an American culinary journey where the ambiance is as captivating as the menu.
Renowned for its exceptional desserts, this spot promises a sweet ending to any meal. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a trendy gathering, you’ll appreciate the cozy atmosphere and thoughtful touches.
Overview: Introducting Foreign Cinema
Foreign Cinema offers a distinctive dining experience, often celebrated for its captivating atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the unique cinematic ambiance and the generally enjoyable food and drinks.
It’s a place that aims to provide more than just a meal, creating a memorable outing for many. However, some visits reveal inconsistencies, particularly with certain dishes being described as bland or having surprisingly small portions.
While the setting is a major draw, diners should be aware of potential issues that can detract from the overall experience, including occasional service hiccups.
Good
7.4
out of 10
983
Reviews
71.9%
Satisfaction
222
negative
54
neutral
707
positive
Foreign Cinema achieves a respectable overall score of 7.4 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. This is supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.9%, indicating that most guests leave content.
The restaurant’s strongest suit is its Ambience (8.2), which consistently earns high marks for its unique setting. While the Food (7.6) is also rated well, there’s a notable contrast with Value (4.3), which falls into the poor category.
Service (6.6) lands in the average range, suggesting room for improvement. These insights are drawn from a substantial 983 customer observations, with 707 positive remarks balancing 222 negative ones.
What people like
- Unique cinematic ambiance
- Attentive, accommodating staff
- Enjoyable food and drinks
What people don't like
- Unexpected surcharges
- Small portion sizes
- Occasional service lapses
If you’re seeking a dining spot where the atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the meal, Foreign Cinema is certainly worth considering. Its unique setting and generally good food make it a compelling choice for a special occasion or a distinctive night out, reflected in a solid 7.5 recommendation score.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for smaller portions, as the value proposition isn’t its strongest point. While service is often attentive, occasional lapses occur.
Go for the memorable ambiance and a generally pleasant meal, but manage expectations regarding cost and consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Foreign Cinema
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests generally rave about the experience, with a solid 7.6 score and 75.5% customer satisfaction. Out of 515 comments, 389 were positive, highlighting the amazing food and high-quality ingredients. Many appreciated the presentation and flavors and the thoughtfully curated menu, making for truly memorable meals.
However, not all feedback was glowing, with 95 negative remarks. Some diners found issues with portion size and occasionally inconsistent food quality or flavor. A few also mentioned limited or uninspired vegetarian options, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in these areas.
Food
515
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
95
negative
31
neutral
389
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food quality
- Excellent presentation
- Curated menu
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent food quality
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodThe staff at Foreign Cinema did a fantastic job executing the couple's vision and making their day seamless. Not to mention the delicious food! I think Foreign Cinema is an excellent venue to work with and an ideal place to have your unique San Francisco wedding.
- dishesThe atmosphere is like a pleasant cinema with black and white film projections. The dishes are very enjoyable.
- oystersThe food and vibes were pretty good, but I felt it was a bit overpriced. For starters, we tried a selection of oysters, which were pretty fresh with a wide selection of sources, though they didn't taste too different from each other (lol). The crudo was also good, with a super appetizing and well-blended sour sauce that complemented the fish nicely.
- FoodFood:5
- cocktailsThe cocktails were enjoyable and strong
- menuIt's a great place for a date and also accommodates big groups. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I tend to like the mains and desserts the best.
- drinksnever been disappointed on drinks
- pork chopEntree was the pork chop as recommended by my server. All very good!
- appetizersI thought the appetizers were better than the mains
- dessertsI tend to like the mains and desserts the best
Frequently criticized
- foodOur host was warm and nice, and the atmosphere was great, as were the food runners. It’s just the food was bland and undercooked. My triple chocolate cookie was Walmart brand; not that I have anything against Walmart, but come on, be creative, it’s a fine dining restaurant!
- food qualitythe portion sizes and food quality were abysmal
- portion sizePasta portion size was so small it was laughable
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The portions were sooo small, leaving us hungry and really dissatisfied. While the food was just ok, nothing was outstanding or memorable.
- steakthe steak to be cooked medium, but it came out almost rare and somewhat chewy
- breadThe food is very tasty and original. The bread was a bit hard, but the desserts were also of good flavor!
- butternut squash risottowas such a disappointment. It was so underseasoned
- dishesall 4 dishes came with pea puree and were essentially the same dish
- duckWe then had to wait ages for someone to take our order and even longer for the food to arrive. By the time the main dishes were there, I was starving and had finished the whole plate, even though the duck was dry and oversalted. We didn't even order dessert, fearing we'd be stuck there for another half an hour.
- fettuccineMaybe we ordered the wrong thing? The fettuccine's portion was small and so was the flavor; it was just okay, and he finished his meal in literally 4 bites. The risotto was cooked nicely but it lacked flavor as well and was honestly pretty flavorless.
Overall, the food here is a strong draw, offering delicious and well-presented dishes that often impress. While some minor concerns about portion sizes or specific dietary options exist, it's definitely worth trying for a generally excellent culinary experience.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had truly wonderful experiences, racking up 126 positive remarks out of 206 total. Youll often find the staff described as attentive and friendly, with servers who genuinely go above and beyond, even offering fantastic kid-friendly service. While the overall score is an average 6.6, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 61.2%, theres clearly a dedicated team making a difference for many.
However, it's not always smooth sailing, as 74 negative comments indicate some areas for improvement. Some diners have unfortunately encountered slow or inattentive service, with a few even describing staff as rude or the overall experience as disorganized. It seems consistency can be a challenge, leading to some frustrating moments.
Service
206
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
74
negative
6
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Servers go above
- Kid-friendly service
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Staff can be rude
- Inattentive, disorganized service
Often praised
- serviceI particularly enjoyed the shaved porcini mushroom dish, a delicious salad with fresh nectarines, steak, pasta, and cheesecake, all prepared perfectly. The service was the best in the business, evident from the long tenure of their servers. The ambiance was pretty romantic, and the overall vibe made it a very good spot for a special occasion or for guests visiting.
- staffThe beautiful historic building and courtyard made it my dream venue to work as a wedding photographer. The staff at Foreign Cinema did a fantastic job executing the couple's vision and making their day seamless. Not to mention the delicious food!
- ServiceService and atmosphere are excellent!
- serverThey truly know how to take care of their guests. The food was delicious, and our server went above and beyond to make our anniversary dinner special. I'm gluten-free and was pleased to find many options available.
- accommodatingThe drinks were very good, though I wish they had some beer on tap. They were very accommodating for me having my dog there.
- attentiveVery attentive and you can tell he loves his job.
- birthday cardGot a birthday card from the restaurant upon arrival
- hostthe host was very kind and accomodating
- serversVery long tenure of their servers shows
- waiterThe waiter was great and super attentive
Frequently criticized
- serviceI had to approach the maître d' twice and the bar once to get another glass of wine, as no one attended to our table. While the food was good once it finally arrived, the service felt understaffed and overwhelmed.
- dining experienceThis was further compounded by passive-aggressive comments to any inquiry. In fact, we felt like for much of our dining experience we were forgotten.
- reservationI had booked a table at this restaurant for a very special occasion, and Janine had confirmed the reservation for a private dining room. After receiving email confirmation, Janine suddenly canceled on our party last minute without providing any explanation. Despite multiple calls and emails, I received no explanation, alternative solution, or apology from Janine.
- serverour server had a bet with someone to say as few words to us as possible
- staffI recently had a private dining experience that was extremely disappointing. The service was sluggish and inattentive, with staff seeming unprepared to handle basic requests. Overall, the private dining setting failed to deliver the intimate and well-executed experience I had anticipated.
- waiterour waiter (tall man with black glasses) was rude
- actual serverWhile the food was good, scoring a 4 out of 5, and the atmosphere was excellent at a 5 out of 5, the service was a significant letdown, receiving only a 3 out of 5. The backwaiters were more attentive than our actual server, and I received warm tap water when everyone else's was cold. The host's fakely 'elegant' and unwelcoming attitude upon arrival was off-putting.
- apologyOr apology from Janine
- attitudeThe angle/attitude he came at us with
- billing errorthe waitress by mistake charged my card with 300 USD instead of 35
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag. While many guests praise the attentive and friendly staff, some experiences point to slow or disorganized moments. If youre seeking consistently flawless service, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 with a good customer satisfaction rating of 85.4%. Out of 213 total comments, a whopping 182 were positive, praising the "unique dining experience, " "captivating atmosphere, " and "cinematic ambiance.
" Guests consistently rave about the cozy, romantic settings, especially the outdoor seating with heaters and movies projected on the wall, creating a truly special and memorable experience. However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 21 negative remarks. Some found the movie difficult to follow or felt it wasn't a true movie viewing experience because the sound was hard to hear.
A few also mentioned it could get crowded and loud, detracting from a relaxed atmosphere, and parking was noted as a challenge.
Ambience
213
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
21
negative
10
neutral
182
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique cinematic ambiance
- Cozy outdoor seating
- Romantic, lively vibe
What people don't like
- Movie hard to hear
- Can be crowded/loud
- Not true cinema
Often praised
- atmosphereThis was my second visit to Foreign Cinema. It’s a fun and beautiful spot with a great atmosphere and good food. We didn’t stay long enough to catch the movie this time—maybe next time!
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by an artistic and lively ambiance, which successfully blended classic dining charm with a modern, cinematic twist. The menu offered California cuisine infused with global influences.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- viberestaurant's overall vibe was cool and up our alley
- ambienceThe ambience was fantastic when it started.
- experienceI always recommend this place to anyone I know that is visiting. It's just such a unique and special experience. Finally got around to writing a review since I can't get you out of my head!
- placea great place for friends or a date!
- spaceOn our first visit, we had lunch indoors. The space was open and the seating was very comfortable. This time, we sat outside for dinner, and the patio was just as pleasant and inviting.
- venueThe location is unique and is situated in an energetic Mission District. The beautiful historic building and courtyard made it my dream venue to work as a wedding photographer. The staff at Foreign Cinema did a fantastic job executing the couple's vision and making their day seamless.
- patioThe space was open and the seating was very comfortable. This time, we sat outside for dinner, and the patio was just as pleasant and inviting. The food was slightly on the pricey side, especially considering the portion sizes and relatively simple preparation.
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- ambianceThe food is still beautiful. But when hospitality feels conditional — when you realize it’s about who you are — no ambiance can redeem it. After years of returning, I won’t be back.
- ambiencegold leaf felt like tacky lipstick on a pig
- amplifiersbasically you can't hear anything
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- cinema experienceit is not a real Cinema
- crowdedA bit too crowded
- dark streets어두운 거리에는 단체로 마약에 취한 사람들.. 너무 많았고 굳이 여행와서 이런 경험해야하나 싶었습니다.
- decorationcheesy decoration
- difficult to followdifficult to follow it while eating
If youre looking for a truly unique and visually stunning dining experience, this place is definitely worth a visit for its captivating atmosphere. Just manage your expectations regarding the movies audibility and be prepared for a lively, potentially crowded setting.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed reputation, landing an average score of 4.3. Some guests genuinely felt it was worth it, praising the overall experience and even finding it a good deal. Out of 49 total comments, 10 positive remarks appreciated the justified price.
However, the picture shifts significantly with a poor customer satisfaction of just 20.4%. A substantial 32 negative opinions frequently mentioned the restaurant as expensive or overpriced, often frustrated by hidden fees and unexpected surcharges that detracted from the overall value.
Value
49
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
32
negative
7
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the experience
- Good deal
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Overpriced dishes
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceThe price is beautiful
- dealit was a great deal
- expensive restaurantsThe food and service were outstanding, making it one of the best restaurants I’ve visited in a long time. It's rare to find an expensive restaurant where the experience genuinely feels well worth the price.
- experienceThey've also thought through the outdoor seating really well, with heating and a clear cover. While it is costly, you're paying for a memorable and interesting experience. If you're looking for a dinner spot that's more than just a meal, I would definitely recommend it.
- moneyWorth the money.
- pricesPrices are not exorbitant.
- tabmy tab came to $70 including taxes and tip
- valuebut worth it for the right reasons
- worth itThe ambiance was pretty romantic, and the overall vibe made it a very good spot for a special occasion or for guests visiting. While it's a bit more pricey than other spots, it's definitely worth it in my opinion. I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe scallops were about 4-5 small scallops in a spicy broth with rice but were really bland and way too skimpy. I'm giving 3 stars because the pavlova was good, but leaving hungry after spending $80 including tip for one person was pretty disappointing.
- expensiveand expensive, but the flavors are absolutely worth it.
- surchargecharge a 6% surcharge
- 6% chargeremove the 6% charge… so scummy ew
- SF Mandate feelabel it as a "SF Mandate" fee
- San Francisco mandate6% San Francisco mandate, ie rip off
- employee insuranceThe food was both expensive and overly salty. I was charged $38 for just six small pieces of duck, which, after tax and a "mandatory employee insurance" fee, amounted to $50 for a very small portion. The pork chop was also extremely salty.
- foodThis time, we sat outside for dinner, and the patio was just as pleasant and inviting. The food was slightly on the pricey side, especially considering the portion sizes and relatively simple preparation. That said, the service was excellent and the ambiance truly makes the experience special, which helps justify the cost.
- hidden feepassing business costs onto the customer in the form of a hidden fee
- hidden feesincludes hidden fees
If youre looking for a memorable "experience" and dont mind splurging, you might find the value here acceptable. However, be prepared for potentially expensive dishes and keep an eye out for hidden fees, as many felt it was overpriced for what they received.
How are the prices at Foreign Cinema?
On average, you’ll spend around 79 per person – from 135 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For an American Restaurant, that’s certainly a higher-end price point.
And looking at what guests actually spend, while the average is 79$, a good chunk of diners are happily spending even more, with many going above 100$, indicating a strong premium mix.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 135 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an American Restaurant in San Francisco, an average of 79$ suggests a more upscale or specialty experience. Wed say the pricing feels fair if the quality, ambiance, and service match this premium expectation. It’s likely a place for a special meal rather than an everyday bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Foreign Cinema
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Unreal Flavors and Next-Level Brunch!
My experience at the restaurant was truly amazing! The way the flavors come together is unreal. We came for brunch, and the steak and eggs were next level, definitely not your traditional boring version.
The omelette was fluffy like a cloud and full of flavor. A MUST try are the pop tarts, which were just amazing. The bacon was crispy with the perfect touch of brown sugar.
The French toast is more for sharing and very sweet.
- steak and eggs10
- omelette9
- pop tarts10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Good Food, Nice Vibes, A Bit Pricey
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food and vibes were pretty good, but I felt it was a bit overpriced. For starters, we tried a selection of oysters, which were pretty fresh with a wide selection of sources, though they didn't taste too different from each other (lol).
The crudo was also good, with a super appetizing and well-blended sour sauce that complemented the fish nicely. For the main course, we ordered the steak, which tasted good but was pretty standard. The clam pasta with fish roe was savory but a bit on the salty side.
Dessert was pretty sweet. Our server was super nice. We might have gone a bit early, as we didn't catch the movie.
The cost was around $100 per person after tax and tip.
- oysters7
- crudo8
- steak6
- price4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Service, Food, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding! The service was a perfect 10/10, with Josue being incredibly attentive and clearly passionate about his job. He's a true asset and should definitely be a lead server.
The food also received a 10/10, bursting with flavor. We enjoyed the smaller bites, which were satisfying. The drinks were top-notch, and the atmosphere was fantastic, creating a vibe akin to a high-end movie theater with delicious food and great cocktails.
- service10
- attentive10
- food10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Last-Minute Cancellation
I had booked a table at this restaurant for a very special occasion, and Janine had confirmed the reservation for a private dining room. After receiving email confirmation, Janine suddenly canceled on our party last minute without providing any explanation. Despite multiple calls and emails, I received no explanation, alternative solution, or apology from Janine.
I really liked this restaurant, but it is a shame how it has lost in service.
- service1
- reservation1
- explanation1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
An unforgettable dining experience!
I had one of the top ten meals of my life here. I went as a walk-in right when they opened at five. The food was so delicious, and the wife selected some great dishes.
We enjoyed the pork chop and the pasta for our mains. I'm sending all my friends here!
- food10
- pork chop9
- pasta9
What Foreign Cinema offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Foreign Cinema?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for you, especially for dinner, brunch, and lunch, to ensure you secure your preferred dining time at this popular San Francisco American restaurant.
What kind of atmosphere and accessibility can you expect at Foreign Cinema?
You’ll find an upscale, romantic, and trendy atmosphere with a cozy feel. Foreign Cinema is also fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What makes Foreign Cinema's atmosphere special?
Customers frequently praise the unique cinematic ambience, often highlighting the black and white film projections and the pleasant, inviting outdoor patio. It’s considered a distinctive and memorable experience.
Is Foreign Cinema considered good value for money?
While many find the overall experience worth it, the Value score of 4.3 suggests pricing can be a concern. Some customers note the food can be pricey for the portion sizes, and there are mentions of unexpected surcharges.