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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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Talia Koren
2 weeks agoWe came in for a 530 reservation and I feel like this experience would have been better when the movie was actually playing. Next time we’ll have to try to get a later reservation! The food was really good but we wish we skipped the arugula salad. It was just okay. The duck and smoked salmon were amazing and the oysters were so good too. The vibe was a little off since it was still light out. Service was okay - our drinks took a long time but after that it was solid.
Amal S
2 months agoWe went in for brunch on a cloudy day. They did have heaters on for outdoor seating. Food was good. Special mention for the ricotta, beets and carrots. Others had the champagne omlette and French toast and commented that was good as well.
Amy Alphonse
2 months agoGet the dessert. The “birthday cake” chocolate cake was the highlight of my dinner. I would give this review 5 stars if we’re basing it off the dessert! The cookie trio was wonderful as well. The food was alright, I ordered the miso-yam and it could have had more flavour and depth to the dish. and my cocktail was delicious!
Lindsey Williamson Christy
a month agoHad a wonderful late dinner at Foreign Cinema. The food was excellent, highly recommend to wine flight as it paired well with each course. Service was attentive but not overbearing and the venue is warm and inviting. I would definitely return.
April Zheng
2 weeks agoAnchovies stuffed olives are great; oysters are quite fresh with a big selection. The duck breast is way too salty. I told the server, and she walked away movie time starts after sunset.