This charming spot offers Californian-Mediterranean bites under the stars, complete with cozy outdoor seating and classic films adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
"When someone says "patio" and "San Francisco" in the same sentence, we’re struck with a burning desire to head to Foreign Cinema. More specifically, to head to their striking patio with high white walls, string lights, and an orange glow at night (we also love coming here for brunch). Wherever you end up sitting, get a glass of wine, order a bunch of oysters, and enjoy it while you watch whatever movie is being projected on the wall." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"Most of the Foreign Cinema charm is usually experienced out on their patio, which is always lit in an orange-y glow by overhead string lights and whatever movie is being projected on the wall. But a well-kept secret about their indoor dining room is the fireplace, which radiates heat throughout the rustic space. Keep the oysters and wine coming and revel in the fact that you’re not even wearing a light jacket right now." - julia chen 1, lani conway
"At night, the heated outdoor patio, twinkle lights, and movie playing on the big white wall in the back makes Foreign Cinema feel like a romantic drive-in theater. During the day, sunlight floods the Mission patio and makes it a bright, breezy place to have croque madames big enough for four, crispy potatoes you’ll be talking about for weeks, and homemade Pop Tarts that rival store-bought. Movies won’t be playing on the wall, but you won't mind—the sunshine, the french toast, and Bloody Marys make Foreign Cinema a brunch spot to keep in your back pocket for cozy dates, or, really, any occasion." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"Whether you’re doing a birthday dinner with just a few people or gathering a big group with everyone from your childhood best friend to your coworker, Foreign Cinema is always a great bet. To get there, walk down the red carpet and emerge into a beautiful courtyard with twinkling string lights and a movie playing in the background. Then, kick back on the relaxed patio with wine, oysters, and something else from their frequently rotating menu, like beef carpaccio, smoked salmon, or ceviche." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, ricky rodriguez
"An ideal summer night for us usually involves oysters, a glass of sparkling wine, and the patio at Foreign Cinema. The Mission spot projects movies onto the walls of their hidden back courtyard, and the glow from the twinkling string lights overhead makes us feel like we’ve left the city entirely. More impressive for a restaurant showing movies: the seasonal menu changes weekly, but it's difficult to find a dish you won't love." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, lani conway
