Foreign Cinema
A Mission stalwart with a covered courtyard where classic films are projected during dinner.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling as a couple and you're traveling solo.
Short answer
Is Foreign Cinema worth it?
Foreign Cinema deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
The candlelit courtyard with a film flickering on the wall is genuinely atmospheric and romantic.
- 02
The novelty is real, and the Cal-Mediterranean food holds up.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Foreign Cinema is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Foreign Cinema is an easy yes.
Food is a reason to travel
Foreign Cinema rewards a trip built around food & drink.
You're planning for two
Foreign Cinema rewards a trip built around romance.
Think twice if
You're traveling with kids
With kids, skip Foreign Cinema.
History and culture matter to you
Foreign Cinema is the wrong stop for history & culture.
You're watching the budget
Foreign Cinema can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Foreign Cinema only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
The plates that decide it
- The Madras curry-sesame fried chicken — the dish the kitchen is known for, with hummus and Moroccan carrots
- The oysters to start, and the seasonal pop tart at weekend brunch — the raw bar and brunch are reliably good
- Coming only for the food — the projected-film courtyard is what makes it special
Plan it well
- Cost
- $$$
- Timing
- Evening, for the projection; request a courtyard table
- Booking
- Reservations recommended
- Allow
- 2 hours
- Accessibility
- Covered courtyard plus indoor seating
Sources and method (3)
- Established 1999 at 2534 Mission St; classic films are projected at dusk in the heated outdoor courtyard. foreigncinema.com ↗
- Open for dinner and weekend brunch; reservations open daily at noon up to 60 days ahead. foreigncinema.com ↗
- yelp.com ↗