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Foreign Cinema Reviews List
Foreign Cinema
Foreign Cinema is a 'one of a kind', nationally acclaimed restaurant combining foreign and independent films with Cal-Med cooking. Enjoy an industrial chic setting, complete with outdoor courtyard, mezzanine and full bar.
See more Foreign Cinema details
551 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 551 reviews
5 stars
(249)
4 stars
(230)
3 stars
(52)
2 stars
(18)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(374)
- great for outdoor dining(298)
- special occasion(292)
- neighborhood gem(263)
- hot spot(208)
- romantic(205)
Foreign Cinema Reviews List
Review 1 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth the trip
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Just an outstanding experience."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Mother's Day tradition
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have a 21 month old daughter, and this is the second year that we have gone to FC for Mother's Day brunch. Most places make you feel like you are cattle for holiday meals like this. Not Foreign Cinema. Their quality and service are the same on MD and Valentines day as they are on a random Thursday. We had te same waiter this year as last, who was wonderful. He even remembered talking to us about his nephew who is the same age as our daughter.
We absolutely love Foreign Cinema and have been there many times for dinner. I even held my birthday dinner there with a large group a couple years ago. We really aren't the type to repeatedly go back to a restaurant since we live in such an amazing culinary city. But Foreign Cinema is our go to."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Awesome space, great food!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Definitely worth the visit. I had dinner with my family while on vacation in SF and it was a great find. The space is gorgeous and the food was really good. I'll try to get a spot outside next time to get a glimpse of the movie :)"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 4 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food is excellent! I have never had a bad meal there. The service was HORRIFIC! Everything we ordered was wrong or the waiter came back with "the kitchen is backlogged". I was so disappointed and it actually ruined my Mother's Day!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Kid Friendly and Romantic? Yes!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a destination restaurant. Be sure to time dinner and dessert to the "show "and ask for a table by the wall so you may have access to vintage drive- in- movie- speaker- boxes. We take friends here to relax and celebrate. FC manages to accommodate family and business meetings, birthday parties or couples wanting a corner table, casual to tuxedo. Our service is consistently good. The roast chicken is always a hit. The wine, divine. At our last visit we joined a group of strangers to sing Pavarotti opera tunes. Enjoy!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 6 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun time with friends
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I went there for a Brunch and had a very good time with my friends. Good food in a nice place."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth Every Penny
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Starting from the dramatic entrance into the restaurant, I just knew that Foreign Cinema was not going to disappoint. The food was delicious! I had the mussel chowder and the fried chicken and for dessert, the strawberry tartlette. It was all INCREDIBLE. The mussels were sweet and swimming in a delicious light broth of potatoes, onions, and BACON. It was topped with crunchy croutons and afterwards, I used to bread to mop up all of that chowdery deliciousness. The fried chicken was SO MOIST and it was in a tempura-esque batter so it was super light and airy. Hands down some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. It was just so flavorful as well, I don't know how they do it. All in all, worth every penny I spent."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 8 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Dining Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Thsi was a very fun place to dine in and the food was awesome. I definitly recommend this place to to anyone wanting a unique San Francisco dining experience."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 9 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Visitor from Canada
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice ambiance but the whole "Cinema" aspect is only in half the restaurant. Kind of misleading.
Very noisy. Food was good but not spectacular. You pay for the charm and ambiance."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 10 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great ambiance, OK food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Foreign Cinema is an absolutely beautiful and unique dining experience. For that alone I would recommend this place for friends who have not been. It is a must see. The food however, was rather disappointing. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't that great- and in a city with hundreds of great places to eat, I'd think they'd aim a little higher."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 11 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place for visitors
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent choice for any foodie visiting San Francisco!!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 12 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not as good as last year
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was pretty good but the server was distracted, the chef came out multiple times thinking we got the wrong food, and the music was too loud. Although I had requested to sit in the outdoor space, we were seated in what I think might be a new dining room."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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Review 13 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wow
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"the waiters were amazing. the top notch food was outstanding. and I'm still fantasising about that Rose Creme Brulee. the best I've ever tasted.
Love the atmosphere. FC is a VERY special place.
Please open one in London!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 14 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious, but expensive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I feel like if I wanted to get great food with nice ambiance for the amount I paid, I would have just gone to Chez Panisse. I was actually annoyed by the small portions and huge prices, and I'm used to expensive food. I also thing the front desk people were incredibly rude, even though our waitress was lovely. I just don't think food needs to cost that much. It's ridiculous."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Fun atmosphere, not-delicious food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been three times, and each time the food and service has been disappointing. Thought it's a fun date spot, and an upbeat space."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 16 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place - OK Food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The outdoor seating area was beautiful. The service was excellent. Unfortunately, the food was "average". The prices were high. The portions were small. The Kobe steak I had was sub par and the side dishes were drenched in oil. Not the best dining experience but I really enjoyed my time at Foreign Cinema. Next time I'll skip the food and stick with beverages."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 17 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As Good As Advertised
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very impressive. Great service, food & drinks. Somewhere I would readily visit again"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 18 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our first time eating here
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first time eating here and it won't be our last! Everything from the oysters to the entrees were delicious. The petrale sole was so good! We ate inside but had a view of the wall where the movies are shown. They wait until dark so if you are an early eater then you are out of luck during daylight savings time. We had dinner at 7 and were done right around when the movie began. No worries......we will definitely be returning here. Loved the long hall entrance....would never guess the restaurant was as large as it is from the street. Great find!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great time!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The waiter was a little bit rude in that he seemed impatient with our questions - we were first time guests and usually have a alot of questions anyway! I think it was also because we are mid 20-somethings and perhaps we came off as naive? In any case, he gave us great recommendations. The food and drinks were out of this world delicious! After we ordered, our waiter was warmer to us. I would have given this place all 5 stars if not for the tense start with our waiter. Everything else was wonderful. The movie that is projected on the wall outside is more of an after thought. You cannot hear it or really see if before it gets dark. In any case, the outdoor dining was still fantastic! And there is a lively bar attached!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We decided to try this restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We decided to try this restaurant out for brunch. The ambiance was lovely despite no movie being played (being broad daylight and all). Service was slow though and although our oysters were delicious, both our main dishes were only mediocre. We also found it odd that there was no option to buy wine by the bottle. It was far from a bad experience but I don't think it will become a fast favorite."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
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Review 21 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I work in the food service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I work in the food service industry at two different locations in San Francisco, so whenever I dine out I tend to not only focus on food and beverages, but service (silent, interactive) and energy. Foreign Cinema does an outstanding job at presenting a elegant and sincerely amazing atmosphere for
those seeking a taste of what San Francisco cuisine truly has to offer. Our server (Juan) operated with confidence and outstanding comprehension
in regards to the menu, drinks and table presence. He quickly guided us though several items and pointed his suggestions (which he nailed 100%) and knew the exact moment to communicate with us as well as maneuvering through our dinner in a non intrusive manner. I'll be coming back for several reason."
those seeking a taste of what San Francisco cuisine truly has to offer. Our server (Juan) operated with confidence and outstanding comprehension
in regards to the menu, drinks and table presence. He quickly guided us though several items and pointed his suggestions (which he nailed 100%) and knew the exact moment to communicate with us as well as maneuvering through our dinner in a non intrusive manner. I'll be coming back for several reason."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome experience, our waiter
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Awesome experience, our waiter was terrific."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 23 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, service and ambience!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, service and ambience!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 24 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything was great. Made
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was great. Made reservations. However, food took a long time to come out. Waitress was nice and took care of us while we waited."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 25 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect in every way! Great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Perfect in every way! Great shellfish. Fabulous plates with exotic spices and amazing touches."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 26 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I think the best seats are
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I think the best seats are outside, you get the cool interior gallery plus theres the movie. Although, i really think foreign cinema should at least put text so ppl can actually read the movie lines.
Food was good. Although i think some of the portions( had the seared ahi) was too small compared to the fried kitchen. Dessert was super good, prolly my fav part, the cheesecake was awesome....but they do change their menu set every month so thats good, the place isnt boring. Love the red carpet! Feels like hollywood. Service was great. Nothing much to complain, really."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 27 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The room we were seated in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The room we were seated in was "Meh!" (dining room on the left). Ask for the center open air courtyard instead. Great wine list, good food, Good service. I'll go back but just sit in a different section of the restaurant."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 28 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not it's usual service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I am a fan of Foreign Cinema and must visit once a month, I often recommend it to people visiting town but brunch on Sunday was nothing to rave about. I don't want to go into details, but it took 30 minutes to take our order, and over an hour for our food to arrive on the table, plus the food was less than brilliant. The waitress was happy to take orders for more drinks in the meantime without apologizing for the delay. My friend's dish was undercooked and had to be sent back to the kitchen. My dish was overcooked. It was super busy, maybe it was lack of staff on the floor and in the kitchen. I know that Foreign Cinema can deliver, but it seemed like it was running with a hangover on this particular Sunday."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently terrific
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love this place, and it did not disappoint. We had two out of town guests--one a well versed foodie, the other someone who barely knows San Francisco. Both were charmed and delighted by the food, energy and vibe of the place and our service. I will be back!"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Such a fantastic experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Such a fantastic experience and brunch. The decor is amazing and one of the best looking spaces we have seen. One of the best brunch experiences we have ever had. Would love to return for dinner as well."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 31 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Virginia Rider's Foreign Cinema Rev
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent experience from start to finish! Thank you!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always bring New York here
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always bring New York here when they are in town for business. We always have an amazing dinner."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 33 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Hard to have a bad experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Hard to have a bad experience here. good cocktails, menu, accomplished service. loved the smoked salmon and my wine; great to have the carafes as well as the glasses."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 34 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our party of four shared two
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our party of four shared two appetizers and each had a different entree. All of it was delicious. I had the risotto and it was the best I have ever had."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 35 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ever
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was amazing -like all 4 of us loved what we ordered - the steak, the mixed grill, the fried chicken, the duck - all great, which is rare . And the birthday recognition was nice too. Thanks again."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 36 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
a spot on spot for fine dining.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"a spot on spot for fine dining. great, inventive food--curried fried chicken was inspired--and our server's wine selection favored food pairing and value over up sell. our only disappointment was not being able to watch the movie from our table--we didn't know that you could only watch it from a specific room.
that being said, we will definitely be back and will recommend to our friends."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
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Review 37 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was our 3 or 4th time
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our 3 or 4th time to Foreign Cinema. We've always enjoyed the wine/food and the ambiance is pretty nice. We were, for the 2nd. time in a row, tucked next to the fireplace which was a little too snug and not the greatest for people watching. The entree itself, (kobe steak) was too salty. It was my 45th Birthday night out and I didn't have grand expectations, but for 245.00, I expect something a little beyond. Pretty nice overall, but less salt and more coolness at reception desk would have made it great."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 38 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic restaurant. Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic restaurant. Great food and service in a comfortable setting."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 39 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic brunch menu! Delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic brunch menu! Delicious food, cocktails and the service was perfect. Great Vibe and ambiance."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 40 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
All our plates showed a similar
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All our plates showed a similar pattern of lack of taste and lack of flavor balance and integration."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 41 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The service was really expedient
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was really expedient and friendly, and our food was prepared pretty well. Now, my girlfriend's swordfish looked raw on the inside, and I'm not too sure if you can eat raw swordfish, so that's my only complaint (it's kind of a big one though to get served raw fish when you ordered a cooked one). I had the risotto, and the rice was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Their lavender baked goat cheese appetizer was also pretty decent, but there weren't many hints of lavender."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a lovely evening with fantastic food. Sadly one of the waiters accidentally knocked over the water bottle all over our table and my dress he was very apologetic but I was very disappointed that the management made no attempt to offer some form of compensation whilst I sat with napkins on top of my dress and on my seat trying to soak up some of the water.
It's a shame as that really put a downer on a great evening and now I feel as though I should've made more of a fuss, but that's not my style."
It's a shame as that really put a downer on a great evening and now I feel as though I should've made more of a fuss, but that's not my style."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 43 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have enjoyed Foreign Cinema over the years, but this last visit did not meet expectations. While the food quality still was good, the service was mediocre, and the staff did not seem to care...
There are too many places in the mission with great food to go back to FC."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2004
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Review 44 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sketchy No More
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"When it first open years ago, I was skeptical that this velvet-roped establishment would survive on a very sketchy section of very sketchy Mission Street. That is, until I first ate there.... It still provides fantastic food and service in a striking setting, with some of the more interesting clientele in the city. The outdoor area showing, yes, foreign films, seemed like such a gimmick years ago but instead provides a casual contrast to the more chic indoor areas."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 45 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
NO CINEMA AT FOREIGN CINEMA....
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"I am sure many reviews already say it: it is a good restaurant, good food, etc. etc. Yet, I was surprised to be in a room without a screen. indeed, it seems like most of the tables are not in the cinema room, which I think is a shame. And that night, they had a private partie in the cinema room...."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 46 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Love Foreign Cinema mainly
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love Foreign Cinema mainly for the ambiance - love watching an old movie under a heater. The wait staff can be a bit slow and snobby so just be prepared. Like everywhere, some dishes are outstanding while others not so great."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2010
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Review 47 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding dining experience at Foreign Cinema with old movies playing on the walls. Cocktails were also outstanding."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 48 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fit for Foodie
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What's not to love? Gorgeous space, excellent food, personable staff, cocktails made with quality spirits, extensive choices in wines e.g. glass, caraf, half bottle, full bottle, AND kids menu -! 3 nutritious and nicely plated courses that show respect both to food and their future customers. Impressive oyster list. Pristine beau soleil from New Brunswick. Delicious pickled sardine on avocado toast. Kobe bavette was grilled to spec and perfection."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 49 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food and great service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Amazing food and great service. Will return and also recommend."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 50 for Foreign Cinema
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A visit to Foreign Cinema
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A visit to Foreign Cinema has always equated to an excellent experience. The food has been consistantly great, the waitstaff superb and the ambience in regards to overall feel and noise level were comfortable. We ordered a carafe of wine which we ended up not liking and were given a more expensive replacement for the same price. We love to share this place with our out of town guests."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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