The MissionForeign Cinema is an iconic SF restaurant perhaps best known for its charming open-air patio with twinkle lights and movies playing on the wall, but it wouldn’t have survived for 20+ years if the food weren’t also ambitious, a little playful, and consistently delicious. Chefs and co-owners Gayle Pirie and John Clark met working at a restaurant near the Civic Center and then went on to work at Zuni, first as line cooks and then co-chefs de cuisine, eventually taking over to save Foreign Cinema which was floundering at the height of the first dotcom bust, and we are all happier San Franciscans because of it. Especially after a few cocktails at brunch.How to order: Foreign Cinema is seating people at the restaurant and is also offering brunch and dinner to-go.

At night, the heated outdoor patio, twinkle lights, and movie playing on the big white wall in the back makes Foreign Cinema feel like a romantic drive-in theater. During the day, sunlight floods the Mission patio and makes it a bright, breezy place to have croque madames big enough for four, crispy potatoes you’ll be talking about for weeks, and homemade Pop Tarts that rival store-bought. Movies won’t be playing on the wall, but you won't mind—the sunshine, the french toast, and Bloody Marys make Foreign Cinema a brunch spot to keep in your back pocket for cozy dates, or, really, any occasion.

Foreign Cinema boasts a dining experience which has widely been hailed as ‘quintessentially San Francisco’. As one might expect, Foreign Cinema is indeed a foreign cinema, with foreign films and independent films alike screened in a covered outdoor dining area, with seating also available indoors and along a semi-private mezzanine. With experience in the San Francisco restaurant scene that has been ‘fermenting’ for 20 years, Gayle Pirie and John Clark’s brunch menu shows their extensive experience.

Fifteen years in, Foreign Cinema is now something of a venerable elder on the Mission hipster scene. Chef/owners Gayle Pirie and John Clark refuse to rest on their laurels, however, and the restaurant arguably improves with each passing year. The interior features an open-air courtyard where classic foreign films are screened against the back wall (there are tableside speakers for those who want to listen).

The stellar cuisine is the real scene-stealer here, which is why Foreign Cinema is consistently ranked as one of the city’s best restaurants. Chef Gayle Pirie and her partner, chef John Clark, have transformed this into a destination restaurant. Reservations are still tough to get, especially for Saturday night and Sunday brunch, but plan ahead and you’ll be glad.

Tomorrow is Sunday--many places will be open for lunch or brunch (Foreign Cinema and Dosa, the latter for South Indian food, are two of my favorites).

It is impossible to write an article listing the best outdoor dining destinations in San Francisco without mentioning everyone's favorite brunch and dinner date place: Foreign Cinema. Everything about this venue's outdoor eating setup is purposeful and adds an essential element to the experience, especially at night when servers break out the mood lighting with candles and the strings of light overhead. A generous dusting of heaters to keep everyone cozy, and, of course, the pièce de résistance of any dinner at Foreign Cinema is an overhead projector playing a classic cinematic masterpiece for diners to enjoy as the evening's entertainment.

A one-of-a-kind combination of food, art and film that's pleased both movie buffs and gourmands in the Mission District for two decades. Foreign Cinema's dining room and magical patio, where countless patrons have noshed on brandade and oysters while watching Nicolas Cage thrash around on a projector screen, is open again, outfitted with plenty of heaters to make those sunset 35mm movie screenings perfectly comfortable. Over the past two decades, chef-owner Gayle Pirie and owner John Pirie have made their restaurant a mainstay of California cuisine, with a menu that constantly straddles the line between old-school and new.

Mission: Foreign Cinema: http://foreigncinema.com—while I would typically recommend this for dinner as eating and watching movies in an open courtyard is magical, their brunch is delicious. From the homemade, adult pop tart to the champagne omelette, or heavenly scramble with a Meyer lemon salsa, the food is California fresh with innovative flavors. The brunch is only on weekends and the Mission is a great place to explore art (Clarion Alley for street art), Mexican culture, and if you love ice cream, some of the best creameries in the city.

Take a seat in this industrial chic restaurant and enjoy the foreign films screened against the covered patio wall, providing a one of a kind ambiance. The indoor dining room is beautiful as well, with funky hanging lights and a warm color palette, making you right at home as you nibble on fresh oysters on the half shell. Don’t miss out on their saffron risotto galettes with spiced baby carrots or the pork chop brined with lavender, and make sure to check their menu to see what film will be accompanying your meal that evening.

What feels like a romantic drive-in with patio lights, overhead heaters to protect you from the fog, and movies playing on the back wall at night, Foreign Cinema is a hard reservation to get for dinner. During the day, the patio floods with natural light, making it an equally stunning place to enjoy oysters on the half shell, their famous pop tart, french toast, or the duck leg confit. Movies might not be playing on the big screen, but brunch at Foreign Cinema is an easier table to snag.

Pass through the retro movie theatre doors in this Mission District staple and you’ll emerge into a rustic, exposed-brick banqueting room and adjoining outdoor patio filled with intimate tables. The silent, foreign or independent movie, screened nightly on the rear courtyard wall, lends a silver screen sparkle to a discreet tête-à-tête over dishes such as smoked salmon and salmon caviar with ruby grapefruit crème fraiche and grilled cocoa-ajwaan kobe bavette steak.

To help connect diners to the best outdoor seating areas for patrons to catch a cool breeze and some open air ambiance, OpenTable analyzed 13.6 million verified diner reviews to find the 100 best eateries. SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Summer is heating up on the West Coast, meaning Californians are on the lookout for the best patio scene. Five Riverside County restaurants landed on OpenTable's prestigious list of the 100 best restaurants for outdoor dining in the U.S.

One of the first upscale eateries in the Mission when it opened in the 1990s, Foreign Cinema has long been the place to sit outside and eat, specifically in its ambient courtyard while a classic film is projected on the wall. On a nice night, tuck into a bowl of the truffle-sprinkled gnocchi, a lavender-brined pork chop, or beef sirloin carpaccio. Counting down the days to your trip to San Francisco so you can start devouring all the delicious food in sight?

Foreign Cinema is an iconic experience in the Mission with upscale brunch in the morning, then dinner and a movie when the sun goes down. Because the menu changes every night, be sure to call ahead to make the staff aware of your food allergies and they can easily make accommodations. There is a prix fixe kid's menu that comes with fresh fruit, an entree (which can easily be modified for allergies) and ice cream for dessert with a milk-free sorbet option.

Foreign Cinema is an iconic experience in the Mission with upscale brunch in the morning, then dinner and a movie when the sun goes down. Because the menu changes every night, be sure to call ahead to make the staff aware of your food allergies and they can easily make accommodations. There is a prix fixe kid’s menu that comes with fresh fruit, an entree (which can easily be modified for allergies) and ice cream for dessert with a milk-free sorbet option.

The distinction matters little to Foreign Cinema, where diners get to savor a delectable Californian-Mediterranean fare while screening a preselected film in an outdoor space. Choose from a collection of over 2,000 wines to complement your meal, as you marvel at the exquisite interior design composed of marble, stone, and bare lumber. The venue shows classic and contemporary movies every night, making it one of the fun things to do in San Francisco.

While Foreign Cinema's misleading moniker may seem a better fit for a movie theater than an oyster bar, this restaurant's real attraction is their Mediterranean-inspired menu and outstanding oysters. They do, in fact, offer film showings in the adjoining courtyard, an added perk for those savoring tasty shellfish like the Hog Island Sweet, Marin Gem, Chatham and Steamboat oysters. The dinner menu changes regularly, and brunch is served on weekends.

As the name suggests, you get more than a delectable meal at the Foreign Cinema, you also get a movie!. Going strong for 20 years, this is one of the best romantic restaurants in San Francisco, where you can enjoy a meal and a movie without worrying about being late for either. The courtyard is decorated with string lights and heat lamps which create a cozy atmosphere that even romantic rooftop restaurants in San Francisco can’t compete with.

At Foreign Cinema, you can say “I do” under the stars in their covered courtyard while a romantic film silently plays in the background. This venue offers a unique blend of a Californian-Mediterranean menu, an extensive wine list, and an elegant setting, making it an exceptional place to celebrate your love story. From the rustic indoor spaces to the enchanting outdoor dining area, every corner of Foreign Cinema promises a magical experience.

California dishes with a Mediterranean flare make the food at Foreign Cinema approachable to even kids who are the pickiest of eaters. Many date nights in San Francisco take place at Foreign Cinema since the restaurant screens movies on their back patio wall. But the same reason this is such a popular places for dates, makes it just as popular of a destination for family friendly restaurants in San Francisco — the movie screenings!

Like Delfina the year before, the opening of Foreign Cinema in 1999 confirmed that the Mission was a bold new frontier. The restaurant where classic films were screened above the interior courtyard was one of the most ambitious projects the city had ever seen but it wasn't until 2001, when its kitchen changed hands, that Foreign Cinema also became known for its inventive Cal-Mediterranean food. The rest, as they say, is history.

Foreign Cinema: As adored now as it is when it opened 17 years ago, Foreign Cinema lives up to its name by screening films—from Dead Poets Society to Ratatouille—in its incredibly charming backyard while you feast on fresh, locally-inspired food that reflects the ongoing influence of Alice Waters on Bay Area dining. It’s absurdly romantic, and brunch is a great option if you’re on a budget but still want a piece of the magic.

For a unique and memorable dining experience, look no further than Foreign Cinema. Combining romance, culinary artistry, and cinematic flair, this celebrated Mission District establishment projects classic and international films onto an outdoor courtyard wall, providing an enchanting ambiance. Feast on Mediterranean-inspired fare made from fresh, local ingredients while catching glimpses of the film beside your partner.

Foreign Cinema — perhaps the most uniquely intimate restaurant in San Francisco — offers a truly magical evening out. Imagine enjoying a carefully crafted Mediterranean-inspired and California-forward menu while classic films are projected onto the restaurant's outdoor wall. The enclosed courtyard (with its twinkling lights and hand-picked movie selection) creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and enchanting.

The Foreign Cinema is putting a modern twist on “dinner and a movie.” Right at home in the hipster Mission District, this restaurant projects classic films (now playing 1927’s “Sunrise”) on an outdoor screen while patrons enjoy dinner. Step out to their rosily lit patio, adorned with romantic string lights and candle-lit tabletops, to enjoy the specially crafted dishes as much as the ambiance. Where: 2534 Mission St

We couldn’t round up romantic alfresco dining spots and not include Foreign Cinema’s famous outdoor patio, strung with café lights, warmed with heat lamps and bounded by a blank wall where they project a mix of classic and contemporary movies nightly. Sneak in a kiss between scenes and courses of farm-to-table dishes, such as mushroom risotto and golden beet salad. Outdoor seating: Yes, large open-air patio

The iconic SF restaurant draws the crowds every day, and although it’s a prime date spot, you wouldn’t believe it’s also seriously kid-friendly. The three-course prix fixe meal comes with chicken or steak, veggies, and pasta, and ends with an ice cream sundae while a feature film is shown in the background. Who knew a kids' menu could be so grown-up, but still add some fun with crayons and a coloring book?

Anyone who’s been to Foreign Cinema will tell you to get the fried chicken, and they aren’t wrong. Housed in an old theater, the 20 year old restaurant is one of the city’s most cherished spots serving everything from that famous fried chicken (just order it) to oysters and caviar. Once inside, you’ll be enjoying your meal under a canopy of string lights while a movie takes over the entire back wall.

With good eats and a lively vibe, Foreign Cinema in the Mission District offers top-notch food without the same air of formality as many other locations on this list, although reservations are required. The unsuspecting outdoor dining area, nestled between cement bricks, offers a unique dining experience in the Bay Area. It's heated, and strings of lights and candles at the table add to the ambiance.

Foreign Cinema is a cozy eatery that specializes in traditional fine dining with an artistic twist. Although its menu is not entirely gluten-free, they offer a good variety of gluten-free options and are willing to accommodate diners with food preferences or allergies. Because many of its meals are made with traditional and simple ingredients, many of them are gluten-free without special preparation.

When facing a 36-page wine list, that’s a reasonable question to ask. Take your time to peruse the offerings at Foreign Cinema and settle in for whatever is playing, like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”!. We personally love the Urban Picnic offerings, like the lavender-scented goat cheese plate paired with a bottle of something similarly rustic, like a bottle of Janvier’s Pineau d’Aunis.

Dine among film screenings, vintage film posters and thousands of vinyls at Foreign Cinema. Weekend brunch offerings range from savory (sirloin beef tartare with truffled horseradish sauce, Dungeness crab frittatas) to sweet (fruit pop tarts with tangelo marmalade, warm cinnamon rolls with citrus-scented cream cheese frosting) and everything in between. 2534 Mission St., 415.648.7600

Marrying the best of two worlds, Foreign Cinema in the Mission District of San Francisco offers a unique dining and movie-watching experience. Enjoy sumptuous dishes under the stars as you watch classic and contemporary films on their outdoor screen. The ambiance is intimate, making it one of San Francisco’s most romantic restaurants and a must-visit spot for movie-loving couples.

Never to be overlooked, Foreign Cinema is a San Francisco staple for its outdoor seating and movie screenings. Twinkling lights hang overhead where a large projection of foreign and independent films greets you on this celebrated patio in the Mission. Meanwhile, a fusion of California-Mediterranean cuisine from the kitchen (plus a renowned brunch!) seduces the rest of your senses.

Sit on the patio complete with twinkly lights strung overhead and watch a silent foreign film as you dine on divine dishes. The inside seating is still connected to the outside so no worries you’re still getting the ambiance and alfresco experience you crave. We had a fondue-like cheese board which was full of gooey goodness, followed by a Mediterranean version of fried chicken.

Foreign Cinema allows you to do just that; if you sit on the outdoor patio, you get a chance to catch a movie on the wall. Topped with fairy lights and unique concept, this is indeed where you should spend your night dining. Try their grilled five-spice duck breast for a scrumptious dinner entree, or go for their sesame fried chicken for an unusual combination that goes well.

Foreign Cinema is home to one of San Francisco’s most renowned patios. The outdoor space has gone strong since 1999, with classic films projected onto the garden wall. Nothing beats dinner and a movie under the stars alongside Foreign Cinema’s Californian Mediterranean menu, which includes oysters on the half shell, peppercorn-spiced duck breast, and roasted za’atar chicken.

This magical SF restaurant is famous for its romantic outdoor patio adorned with string lights and a large screen to project films. The soft lighting contrasts beautifully with the industrial concrete walls, a theme that applies to their indoor dining room as well. Enjoy beautifully-prepared oysters and shellfish, creative salads, and entrees made from seasonal ingredients.

Take dinner and a movie date night to the next level with an evening at the Foreign Cinema. Found within the popular Mission District, Foreign Cinema is a restaurant that showcases classic films on an outdoor screen while you enjoy your dinner. The outdoor ambiance is complete with candlelit tabletops, romantic lighting throughout, and a cozy space, perfect for date night.

Kids delight in the prix-fixe menu, which includes veggie starters and a choice of pasta or chicken, all while watching a classic film projected on the courtyard wall. The outdoor setting with string lights adds a magical touch, perfect for a family night out. Crayons and coloring activities keep young minds busy, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the creative cuisine.

This kid-friendly restaurant in San Francisco is a more upscale option for parents that offers unique entertainment for kids. From a three-course prix-fixe kids’ meal to a house-designed coloring book with crayons, Foreign Cinema keeps kids in mind. This restaurant is known for screening films on a giant outdoor wall, which can be entertaining for the whole family.

For a more upscale but kid-friendly dining in the Mission, we LOVE LOVE LOVE Foreign Cinema on Mission St at 20th. You need reservations, and dinner is best. The owner has young kids and wants to introduce kids to great food young, so he has this fabulous kids tasting menu which includes kids faves as well as fresh veggies and fruit served in interesting ways.

The Foreign Cinema offers a unique dining experience in which foreign and independent films are screened against the white wall in the covered spacious patio, while you indulge in an eclectic menu that is simply delightful. Oysters are available for around $4 to $4.50 each. I tend to steer toward their risotto, duck breast or one of their seafood dishes.

Originally opened as a movie theater serving bistro food, Foreign Cinema is now an open concept restaurant with old films playing on the wall via 35mm film projector. Since there is an open courtyard in part of the restaurant, there is plenty of natural light flooding in, adding to the pleasant vibe. The kitchen has won many awards for its food.

Foreign Cinema actively encourages families to visit and make kids feel as special as the grown ups. Parents get to enjoy some of the consistently best food in town while their kids get their very own menu catered to their pallets but not dumbed down for their age. It’s a perfect brunch or date night experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Peppercorn Duck breast with parsnip purée, golden chanterelles, and sautéed kale. Foreign Cinema remains a top-rated, magical and kid-friendly restaurant on the west coast and specifically the city of San Francisco. An attractive place with a sensual environment, Foreign Cinema serves savory evolving menus, prepared by very experienced chefs.

Whenever I get asked what my favorite restaurants in San Francisco are, Foreign Cinema often comes to mind. The Californian (or what I consider to New American) restaurant is also located in the Mission District. It has a beautiful courtyard with string lights and a projector for a classic movie to be shown on the courtyard’s wall after dark.

Found in the neighbourhood, The Mission, you’d probably miss the entrance if you weren’t paying attention. Once inside you’ll soon spot all of the clichés; the ones with the cool beards, the ones with the top knots, the yummy mummies…it’s a super fun place to people watch. The food is just as cool and features a little bit of everything.

A SF institution which serves ‘fine-dining’ style food while screening vintage movies on a big screen. They have a kids prix fixe menu at brunch (veggie and fruit to start; pasta, chicken, or steak; and ice cream to finish) which comes with crayons and colouring in. Foreign Cinema, 2534 Mission St, San Francisco (415) 648-7600

Foreign Cinema is a magical restaurant with vintage movies playing on a projector in the courtyard, flickering candles and a lively atmosphere. The Mission District favorite has been serving San Franciscans since 1999, and no matter how often we dine there, it never gets old. 2534 Mission St., 415.648.7600, foreigncinema.com

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, Foreign Cinema is the place to be. This restaurant combines delicious food with classic films projected on a large outdoor screen. The menu features fresh oysters alongside incredible cuisine and a wide selection of wines, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner date.

Take “dinner and a movie” to a new swoon-worthy level at this San Fran staple that screens subtitled films on the back wall of their enchanting courtyard, complete with heat lamps and twinkling string lights. Bask in the charming cinephile ambiance as you devour local oysters, caviar, and whole-roasted Dungeness crab.

Totally sheltered from the wind, the patio is excellent for working on your sunburn while brunching on poached eggs and frisee, or for enjoying esoteric cinema in the evenings. Move inside, and there is a huge fireplace and industrial-strength chic to keep you toasty. 2534 Mission St., San Francisco, (415) 648-7600

Established in 1999, Foreign Cinema redefines the dining experience, combining the allure of Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with the enchantment of outdoor movie screenings. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, this iconic venue serves as a beacon for culinary and film aficionados from around the globe.

This place has been open since 1999 and is still going strong. And yes, as the name suggests you will get dinner and a movie (during dinner service). They do take reservations via Open Table but if you want a dinner reservation on Saturday I suggest planning ahead as they are usually booked a month out.

Foreign Cinema is an indoor/outdoor restaurant that streams old films on a projector outside against a brick wall. Not only is it popular for brunch, but it’s also popular for dinner. However, if you’re going to choose to visit for brunch OR dinner I highly recommend visiting for brunch.

Fab Features: dynamic hotspot that combines art, film, and fabulous food, with several cool spaces for private dining • al fresco celebrations in the courtyard where films are projected on an exterior wall • the dishes draw on international influences and use fresh, seasonal ingredients

This renowned restaurant serves a unique and exciting brunch experience. From the moment you step foot into the stylishly designed space, you know you’re in for a treat. The menu offers an array of delicious options, including savory sausage plates and a perfectly seasoned bloody mary.

One of the first hot spots during the late ‘90s dot-com boom, this culinary (and still cool) stalwart in the Mission remains at the top of my list for its one-two punch of fantastic food and stunning atmosphere. Chef/owners Gayle Pirie and John Clark are on hand nightly, presiding…

Foreign Cinema offers a unique dining experience with its blend of California cuisine and foreign film screenings. The restaurant’s beautiful courtyard is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or evening out with friends. We came here many times over the years for celebrations.

With globally-inspired cuisine and a sustainable, seasonal and personalized menu, private dining at Foreign Cinema is a charming and distinctive experience. I have a separate blog post about Foreign Cinema linked below!. READ MOREForeign Cinema Wedding, San Francisco

For an extraordinary date night, Foreign Cinema is a must-visit. The combination of Californian-Mediterranean cuisine and outdoor movie screenings under the stars creates an atmosphere of pure magic. It’s a feast for the senses and a truly unique experience.

Gayle Pirie started out in the restaurant business as a means to put herself through college. As she raised through the ranks of different restaurants, she became a popular chef in San Francisco. Currently, she is one of two lead co-chefs of Foreign Cinema.

A fine-dining establishment called Foreign Cinema has been operational since 1999. Its outstanding terrace and breakfast are highly recognized. Furthermore, the laid-back attitude makes Foreign Cinema one of the city’s most significant experiences.

There's nowhere quite like Foreign Cinema for brunch when you're looking to impress or celebrate a special occasion. Served on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., we'd recommend making reservations as the sunny patio can get pretty packed.

To the surprise of many, Foreign Cinema not only survived the dot-com era, but the pandemic as well. The restaurant has actually shed some of its pretentiousness and thrived to become a staple of the Mission District nightlife scene.

Imagine savoring your eggs benedict while an indie film plays in the background. This place is a fusion of great food and great art. I listed it first because it’s one of my favorites; I try to come here every time I’m in the city.

Foreign Cinema– Screw the classic dinner-and-a-movie, this mission staple features romantic foreign movies projected in their chic outdoor courtyard. The menu is delectably Californian with an incredible Oyster selection.

Check the movie schedule ahead of time and request a seat in the (covered) courtyard (preferably near a heat lamp!) for dinner and show. The movie is really just background noise, but it definitely adds to the ambiance.

I started going to Foreign Cinema in the Mission years ago for brunch. It’s a wonderful place that features fresh California food. Right now, they have a Tunisian shakshuka with eggs, zucchini, and feta—it’s delicious.

Who doesn’t love to have a delicious bite while watching some movies?. At Foreign Cinema you can have it all!. This innovative spot besides offering great entertainment, has a well-catered culinary offer.

Foreign Cinema combines amazing locally sourced food with classic films. This restaurant is very much known for its food – particularly its fried chicken. They have an art gallery and a VIP lounge.

It’s been a San Francisco Chronicle “Top 100 Restaurant” for eighteen consecutive years. Plus, September 18th was actually proclaimed “Foreign Cinema Day” in San Francisco!. What makes it special?

Serving dishes that are a delicious mix of California local ingredients and Mediterranean specialties the Foreign Cinema offers indoor and outdoor seating. This restaurant shows independent films.

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110Phone: 415-648-7600 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Foreign Cinema (@foreigncinemasf)

One of the most beautiful interior spaces in all of San Francisco is found at Foreign Cinema. Stop by for dinner and a film.