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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
7:30 PM
Booked 57 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 3,581 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
                                                                      • 4.4Value

                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                      Review summary

                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                      Animae offers a unique dining experience with "exceptional service," "beautiful presentation," and "flavorful dishes." The ambiance is "stunning," creating a perfect setting for special occasions. Highlights include the "coal roasted cabbage," "tuna kinilaw," and creative cocktails. While some dishes may not meet everyone's expectations, overall, it's a standout spot for a memorable meal in San Diego.
                                                                      3,582 Reviews

                                                                      1. Hortencia VIP

                                                                        San Diego10 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Dinner, service, and cocktails were amazing. Andy was very attentive and gave us great recommendations. It was a little pricey but worth it. We had a combination of different dishes from each section and everything was delicious. Loved the cabbage, chicken Adobo, and the tenderloin. Every cocktail was very taste. There Old Fashion was my favorite.

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                                                                      2. Jeff

                                                                        Hawaii1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 2 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Audrey was a fantastic server that made us feel special on our special day! The entire staff was proud and professional and the kitchen delivered Lights-out food!! Recommend reservations to everyone that I can tell.

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                                                                      3. Thesala

                                                                        San Diego5 reviews

                                                                        3.0

                                                                        Dined 4 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 3
                                                                        Wasn’t like we remembered it. Some of the menu items had changed which was to be expected with the season but the existing options lacked the appeal and excitement that was present in many of the former dishes. The food was just fine/ok. The service was exceptional just like we remembered it. Consistency is hard.

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                                                                      4. Lilit

                                                                        Los Angeles2 reviews

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Great music and vibes. Food was good but not exceptional.

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                                                                      5. Gail VIP

                                                                        New York City5 reviews

                                                                        3.0

                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                        2. Food 1
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        I ordered three appetizers as my meal. I informed the waitstaff that the pea salad was too salty. The crispy potatoes weren't crispy and had the skins on them. The lamb was well-cooked but too spicy. This was our third trip to Animae, and it might have been our last based on the food we were served.

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                                                                      6. Michelle

                                                                        San Diego5 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Outstanding!! This is one of the best restaurants in San Diego:)

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                                                                      7. Olivia

                                                                        Sacramento / Sacramento Valley2 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        The server was attentive and explained the menu well. The only time slot was 930 on a Friday and we never felt rushed. We enjoyed our time!

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                                                                      8. Lorenzo

                                                                        San Diego1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        I’ve been many times and never disappointed. The food portions are great, with variety of options and good price point. Very great place for date night. Romantic with elegance, style and class.

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                                                                      9. Mathias

                                                                        San Diego1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        food was spectacular, very interesting and bold flavor combinations pulled off with perfection. the pork tomahawk sauce is worth every lick of the plate. the taiwanese chicken is another delicious symphony of flavors, each layer a new surprise. the service might even be better than the food, server alex was spitting facts and dropping wisdom like class was in session. leo was amazingly helpful as well!

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                                                                      10. Amber

                                                                        Baltimore / Maryland4 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Animae was a 10/10 experience! We came with a party of 11 and were absolutely blown away. From the moment we pulled up (valet is $20) to the last bite of dessert, everything was exceptional. The ambiance is stunning — chic, modern, and full of energy. Service was flawless — shoutout to Andre and Madeline for taking such great care of our large group without missing a beat. They were friendly, attentive, and knew the menu inside and out. We tried almost everything and there wasn’t a single miss. Top cocktail? Hands down the 2ta Mango — bright, balanced, and dangerously drinkable. Midnight in Manila and Artemis were also good, but Mango stole the show. Favorites on the table: •Humana lamb chops — perfectly cooked, rich and flavorful. •Yellowtail crudo — light and refreshing. •Tuna kinilaw — packed with flavor and a subtle kick. •Coal roasted cabbage — YES, cabbage… an unexpected favorite with incredible depth. •Chicken Adobong Puti and the Pork Tomahawk Tocino — absolute highlights. If you’re choosing mains, these are musts. For dessert, we tried them all (no regrets). The chocolate cremeux and the Turon tart were the standouts — rich, indulgent, and beautifully presented. If you have to skip one, the sakura panna cotta didn’t quite hit the mark for us. Every dish was plated beautifully — this place knows how to wow on presentation and flavor. Can’t wait to go back. A truly memorable night.

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                                                                      FAQs

                                                                      Animae is rated 4.8 stars by 3581 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
                                                                      7:30 PM
                                                                      Booked 57 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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