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Animae, San Diego, CA
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Animae

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Visa Dining Collection

$50 and over
Contemporary Asian
969 Pacific HWY, San Diego, CA 92132

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2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 56 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Fancy
Located just steps from the waterfront, ANIMAE is where West Coast flair meets Asian soul. Under the direction of Executive Chef Tara Monsod, a James Beard Award finalist, the menu delivers bold, genre-defying dishes like her signature Pork Tomahawk Tocino—a smoky, sweet, deeply umami showstopper grilled over a traditional coal-fired oven.

Inside, ANIMAE stuns with a maximalist-meets-modern aesthetic: think art deco glam, velvet banquettes, mirrored ceilings, and an energy that’s both sultry and celebratory. Whether you're dining in the main room or sipping cocktails in the tucked-away lounge, every corner invites you to stay awhile.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Brian Malarkey

  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Plate2022

From the OpenTable editors: Filipino American chef Tara Monsod takes fusion food to the next level at this groovy Art Deco space. Expect opulent riffs on classics like crispy pig ears and kare kare—Monsod is one of the few chefs in the country putting Filipino food on the fine-dining stage. The approach earned her numerous awards, including a prestigious MICHELIN Plate.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Asian, Californian, Steakhouse
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 432-1225
  • Website
    https://animaesd.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    The Great Gatsby-meets-Madmen-meets-The Matrix interior is a fantastical futurist’s journey, transporting diners to the Shikoku firefly forest in Japan, an event venue that’s both ethereal and theatrical. ANIMAE is the perfect space to host and celebrate your special events.
  • Location
    969 Pacific HWY, San Diego, CA 92132
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Pacific Highway and West Broadway
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Animae's menu was last updated on 4/30/2025.

Hot Dishes

  • Wonton

    wagyu, chili garlic oil, soy vinaigrette

    • Taiwanese Chicken

      schezuan peppercorn, hot honey, thai basil aioli

      • Hunan Lamb Chops

        cumin, szechuan peppercorn, cilantro cream

        • Crispy Pig Ear

          sweet tamarind glaze, bean sprouts, tofu, peanuts

          • Mantou

            chive steamed bun, soy glaze, sour cream butter

            • Gimmari

              shirmp & pork roll, gochujang, trout roe, perilla leaf

              Cold Dishes

              • Tuna Crispy Rice

                charred chili ponzu, spicy aioli, turnip

                • Cucumbers

                  soy, fresno chili, sesame, cilantro

                  • Tuna Kinilaw

                    coconut, calamansi, cilantro oil

                    • Nori Ceasar Salad

                      little gem, crispy anchovy, parmesan

                      • Spring Pea Salad

                        coconut cream, pinipig, lime leaf, cotija

                        • Mussel Escabeche

                          cucumber, Nam Jim seafood, pickled green strawberry

                          Sides

                          • Coal Roasted Cabbage

                            brown butter miso, charred lime

                            • Wagyu Fried Rice

                              maitake, trumpet mushrooms, garlic, egg

                              • Crispy Potatoes

                                A5 fat, chinese sausage jam, koji sour cream

                                • Crab Fried Rice

                                  chino farms egg, lemon, old bay masago crisp

                                  • Charred Carrots

                                    maple black garlic glaze, smoked almonds

                                    Japanese A5

                                    • Miyazaki Strip Loin

                                      • Miyazaki Tenderloin

                                        American Steaks

                                        • 8 Oz Prime Filet

                                          • 16 Oz Prime New York

                                            • 38 Oz Dry Aged Ribeye

                                              Other Plates

                                              • Grilled Half Chicken

                                                lemongrass, nam jim jaew sauce, thai pickles

                                                • Short Rib Kare Kare

                                                  long beans, eggplant, bagoong peanut oil

                                                  • Pork Tomahawk Tocino

                                                    sweet beet glaze, mango sawsawan

                                                    • Szechuan Spicy Seabass

                                                      cabbage, garlic chive, spicy broth, mala oil

                                                      • Yu Xiang Rice Cakes & Shiitake

                                                        green beans, mushrooms, pickled fresno, cilantro

                                                        • Lobster Palabok

                                                          bucatini pasta, chicharron, trout roe

                                                          Delectable Desserts

                                                          animae serves globally-inspired delectable desserts created with popular eastern flavors and ingredients

                                                            Sweets

                                                            • Apple Yuzu Sorbet

                                                              sorrel cream, coconut crumble, green apple, yuzu meringue

                                                              • Buko Pandan

                                                                young coconut mousse, pandan anglaise, pandan gelee

                                                                • Chocolate Cremeux

                                                                  miso sesame cream, chocolate crumble, korean chili cashew

                                                                  • Sakura Panna Cotta

                                                                    feuilletine, fresh strawberry

                                                                    • Turon Tart

                                                                      carmalized brown sugar custard, jackfruit gel, crispy wafers, banana ice cream

                                                                      Last updated: April 30, 2025

                                                                      What 3,488 people are saying

                                                                      Animae reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                      Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                      4.8
                                                                      4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                      • 4.7Food
                                                                      • 4.8Service
                                                                      • 4.8Ambience
                                                                      • 4.3Value

                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                      Review summary

                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                      Animae is a vibrant culinary destination offering "amazing food" and "exceptional service." Guests rave about its "beautiful decor," "creative dishes," and "unique flavors." Highlights include the wagyu wontons and short rib kare kare. While some find the music too loud, the "ambiance and cocktails" make it ideal for special occasions.

                                                                      3,488 Reviews

                                                                      1. Lukas

                                                                        San Diego1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Some of the best food I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating, pick anything off the menu and you won’t be disappointed. I will say, the Taiwanese chicken was absolutely amazing and so incredibly flavorful—probably my favorite! Incredible cocktails as well!

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      2. Lisa VIP

                                                                        Jacksonville32 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Everything was outstanding!! The service was great and the food ranks up there as one of the best meals we‘ve had!

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      3. Kevin VIP

                                                                        Indiana28 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Good fusion menu, excellent service, well presented and tasty!

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      4. Mike

                                                                        Orange County2 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        The best restaurant in San Diego. It’s awesome! I highly recommend it!

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      5. diane VIP

                                                                        San Diego12 reviews

                                                                        3.0

                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 2
                                                                        Mixed review, great service, nice food, although slow at times, the noise level is stratospheric, spending a lot of money for a meal/drinks/wine/ dessert and you can’t hear the people at your table downgrades the experience. We had a 6 pm reservation, so even at that early hour it was loud, and progressed through the evening. I would rather go elsewhere (there are plenty of places) where you can enjoy the food and your table mates than come back to Animae.

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      6. LUIS

                                                                        San Diego4 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 2 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Great WOW! Experience ! The food and drinks were amazing! The staff goes above and beyond!

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      7. Emily VIP

                                                                        San Antonio7 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 2 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Overall experience was super. Leela, the sever was professional and chill. The Tomahawk Tocino was delish. So was the cabbage. The A5 Old-fashioned was a great complement Can’t wait to come back and try the other dishes.

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      8. Patricia VIP

                                                                        San Diego12 reviews

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        Dined 3 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                        4. Ambience 3
                                                                        the food was delicious. best part was the potatoes. one of my favorites in san diego

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                                                                      9. Jon

                                                                        Philadelphia2 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 4 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Food was absolutely amazing. First time here and highly recommend! Server Alex was very knowledgable with his recommendations and couldn’t have had a better experience.

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                                                                      10. Paul

                                                                        Orlando3 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 4 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        The food, service and staff were all outstanding.

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      FAQs

                                                                      Animae is rated 4.8 stars by 3488 OpenTable diners.

                                                                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                      1. Home
                                                                      2. United States
                                                                      3. San Diego
                                                                      4. San Diego
                                                                      5. Downtown

                                                                      Make a reservation

                                                                      2 people
                                                                      11:00 PM
                                                                      Booked 56 times today
                                                                      Google Map for Animae

                                                                      969 Pacific HWY, San Diego, CA 92132

                                                                      Dining areas

                                                                      Additional information

                                                                      • Award-winning
                                                                        1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
                                                                      • Cross street
                                                                        Pacific Highway and West Broadway
                                                                      • Neighborhood
                                                                        Downtown
                                                                      • Hours of operation
                                                                        Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
                                                                      • Price
                                                                        $50 and over
                                                                      • Cuisines
                                                                        Contemporary Asian, Californian, Steakhouse
                                                                      • Dining style
                                                                        Fine Dining
                                                                      • Dress code
                                                                        Smart Casual
                                                                      • Parking details
                                                                        Street Parking
                                                                      • Payment options
                                                                        AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                      • Additional
                                                                        Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                      • Website
                                                                        https://animaesd.com/
                                                                      • Phone number
                                                                        (619) 432-1225
                                                                      • Private party facilities
                                                                        The Great Gatsby-meets-Madmen-meets-The Matrix interior is a fantastical futurist’s journey, transporting diners to the Shikoku firefly forest in Japan, an event venue that’s both ethereal and theatrical. ANIMAE is the perfect space to host and celebrate your special events.
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