Foreign Cinema pairs California-Mediterranean cooking with films projected onto a courtyard wall at 2534 Mission St in San Francisco’s Mission District. At dinner, settle beneath string lights and patio heaters for the movie and dishes such as oysters, tuna ceviche or sesame-fried chicken. The menu changes, so check what is being served before you go. Weekend brunch brings a different feel: sunlight fills the patio, and the menu has included French omelettes, seafood sandwiches and house-made fruit Pop Tarts. It suits a date or celebration where the setting matters as much as the meal.
Dinner beneath the courtyard screen
Foreign Cinema is a restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District, at 2534 Mission St. Its defining feature is the open-air courtyard, where films play on a wall during dinner. String lights, candles and patio heaters add warmth to the setting, and the courtyard is covered. The restaurant also has indoor seating, including a dining room with exposed brick and timber details.
The film is part of the atmosphere rather than a reason to expect a conventional cinema visit. If watching is important to you, request a courtyard seat when booking and check which film is scheduled. The indoor room has its own character, but a courtyard table puts the projection in view.
A menu that changes with the season
The kitchen draws on California and Mediterranean cooking, and the dinner menu changes regularly. Seafood has included oysters and tuna ceviche; other dishes mentioned on the menu include sesame-fried chicken, ribeye steak and pork chop. The selection can shift, so treat these as examples, not guaranteed orders. The wine list is extensive, and cocktails such as an Old Fashioned and a Woodford Manhattan have been noted.
There is a practical trade-off: some diners find portions small for the price. Sharing a few plates can help if you want to try more of the menu. For allergies or food preferences, contact the restaurant ahead of time; the menu’s changing nature makes that more useful than relying on a past dish description.
Weekend brunch in the Mission
Brunch gives the courtyard a different mood. Daylight reaches the outdoor tables, and the weekend menu has included French omelettes, seafood sandwiches, French toast and fruit Pop Tarts made in-house. Tuna ceviche has also appeared at brunch. The movie projection is associated with dinner, so choose brunch for the food and the sunlit patio rather than the evening film.
Families can find a children’s prix fixe menu mentioned for brunch, with a choice of pasta, chicken or steak and ice cream to finish. The restaurant also has high chairs and a kids’ menu. Brunch reservations are recommended, as the patio can fill up.
Planning your visit
Dinner service runs every evening, with later closing times on Friday and Saturday; brunch is served on weekends. The restaurant accepts reservations, and advance booking is especially useful for a Saturday dinner or a busy brunch. If the dining room appears full, the bar may still have seats, though availability is not guaranteed.
Parking in the surrounding area can be difficult. Plan your transport before arriving, particularly for an evening meal. Foreign Cinema is best suited to a leisurely dinner or celebration where the courtyard, movie and meal are all part of the plan; if you want a quick meal or large portions at a lower cost, it may not be the right fit.
FAQ
Does Foreign Cinema show movies during dinner?
Films are projected onto a courtyard wall during dinner. Ask for a courtyard table if you want to watch.
Does Foreign Cinema serve brunch?
Yes. Brunch is served on weekends, with dishes that have included French omelettes, seafood sandwiches and fruit Pop Tarts.
Should I make a reservation at Foreign Cinema?
Yes. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch.
Does Foreign Cinema have indoor seating?
Yes. You can choose between indoor dining and the courtyard.
What food is served at Foreign Cinema?
The changing California-Mediterranean menu has included oysters, tuna ceviche, sesame-fried chicken and ribeye steak. Check the current menu for available dishes.
