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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
10:00 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 3,545 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
                                                                      • 4.8Food
                                                                      • 4.8Service
                                                                      • 4.8Ambience
                                                                      • 4.4Value

                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                      Review summary

                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                      Animae, a downtown San Diego gem, dazzles with "amazing food," "exceptional service," and a "stunning ambiance." Guests rave about the "creativity and care" in the dishes, with standout offerings like the tuna crispy rice and charred cabbage. The setting is "modern but comfortable," perfect for special occasions or a stylish night out.
                                                                      3,545 Reviews

                                                                      1. Gabriel

                                                                        San Diego6 reviews

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        The drinks where in small glasses. The lobster Palabok was mucho more pasta and very little lobster for the price $85 and the Sea Bass was very fishy smelling and was returned!

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                                                                      2. Anna

                                                                        San Diego1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 2 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        I had a great experience! Food was awesome, my favorite is cucumber salad, yellowtail crudo and a plate with shiitake. For dessert I recommend a tart with caramelized bananas. Serves and host were nice and pretty polite)

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                                                                      3. Kristine

                                                                        Portland / Oregon8 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 4 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Excellent service and delicious food. Everything was amazing. Will definitely be back.

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      4. Terri

                                                                        San Diego3 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Server honored our anniversary dinner w glass free bubbles to start and to end our meal. Nice touch!

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      5. Karen VIP

                                                                        San Diego20 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Another wonderful experience @ Animae! The service was amazing and dishes were superb.

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                                                                      6. Andrew

                                                                        San Diego25 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined 7 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Always an outstanding experience! The menu is simply amazing, the cocktails are delicious, and the staff is incredibly attentive! The cucumber appetizer is a must have!

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                                                                      7. Julie VIP

                                                                        Kansas City / Kansas136 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined on June 21, 2025

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Great food, atmosphere and vibe. One of my favorite places to bring guests.

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                                                                      8. Daniela VIP

                                                                        New York City1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined on June 21, 2025

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Wow -what an incredible experience! I will be going back each time i'm in San Diego.

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                                                                      9. William VIP

                                                                        Phoenix / Arizona48 reviews

                                                                        3.0

                                                                        Dined on June 21, 2025

                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Food lack of presentation Too pricey Wrong music all night for an art deco ambience

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                                                                      10. OpenTable Diner

                                                                        Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        Dined on June 20, 2025

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Server and food were amazing! The wine and drinks were great as well, will definitely go back.

                                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                                      FAQs

                                                                      Animae is rated 4.8 stars by 3545 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
                                                                      10:00 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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