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Foreign Cinema opened in 1999 in San Francisco’s Mission District. Offering eclectic California-Mediterranean cuisine, Foreign Cinema’s Chefs/Owners Gayle Pirie and John Clark change the menu daily to reflect the finest organic, seasonal produce, meat and fish available. Foreign Cinema provides an industrial chic setting with a warm yet lively vibe. The indoor dining room features a fireplace and open kitchen, and foreign and independent films are screened against the white wall in the covered outdoor patio. Adjacent to the restaurant, Laszlo Bar serves as the perfect stop to sip a cocktail after dinner with a bar program paying a playful homage to noteworthy classic and modern films with cocktails such as La Dolce Vita and Vertigo.
Meet the Business Owner
Business owner information
Gayle and John C.
Business Owner
Gayle Pirie and John Clark have been deeply involved in the competitive and innovative ferment of the San Francisco restaurant scene for over two decades. Long standing tenures at Zuni Cafe and Chez Panisse earned them critical approval for the purity, quality and consistency of their cuisine.
In 2001 the duo took over the kitchen of Foreign Cinema as Chef/Owners and implemented an ever changing Mediterranean influenced menu and full oyster bar, earning the restaurant three stars from the San Francisco Chronicle and ten consecutive “Top 100” rankings. They have also received rave reviews from the New York Times, Gourmet, Cosmopolitan, San Francisco Examiner, SF Weekly, and San Francisco magazine.
Additionally, Pirie and Clark have published two cookbooks, Country Egg, City Egg in 2000 and reprinted in 2008 by popular demand, and Bride and Groom, published in 2006.
Pirie and Clark live in Berkeley with their two children, Magnus and Pearl.
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Chris Roberts
2 months agoPros: The pork chops were among the best I've had in my life. That's saying something as I've tried pork chops at a few Michelin star restaurants. The fried pork skin was among the best I've had and appetizers was great. I also enjoyed the movie. Service was top notch and my tab came to $70 including taxes and tip. Cons: A bit too crowded and loud for my taste. Overall I'd recommend coming here for excellent food.
Alicia DiGiammarino
a month agoI love the atmosphere (old movies are often projected up on the wall) and the food is great too! Lots of good NA drink options. Pop tarts and cinnamon roll for the table are a must.
Michelle
a week agoHad a really good time here with my friend celebrating her recent promotion! I think this is a very romantic spot for girlsโ night or for date night! It is definitely on the fancier side, so food was not inexpensive, we also got this bottle of champagne to celebrate. Foodwise, we ordered the โ5 Spice duck breast & legโ and โSteak frites! Grilled Wagyu Akaushi bavette steakโ both highly recommend! The duck we ordered medium, and was super tender and the skin was a great add. The wagyu steak we ordered medium rare, and it was super tender and delicious. The fries were actually potatoes soaked in gravy which was much preferred by me! We also ordered oysters which were fresh and sweet, would recommend if you like raw oysters. Drinkwise we ordered a bottle of champagne. The champagne service was a bit slow, we kept having to ask the waiter to give us another pour. Otherwise it was a great bottle to finish. Atmospherewise, the movie on the wall is a brilliant idea, and dining in the courtyard was super romantic - the lighting for the area was perfect, not too bright, and not too dark. Will plan to bring my team here for team dinner events in the future!
Susie S
a week agoAnother wonderful meal in this favorite establishment of ours. The food is so great and so diverse. The service, wonderful. We'll be back again soon.
Lisa Huang
2 months agoReally great place for a nice dinner. Lovely ambience and delicious food. We enjoyed the paneer appetizer, beef tartare, five-spice duck, and their famous sesame fried chicken. Everything was beautiful and tasty but the duck was the most memorable for me.