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Animae, San Diego, CA
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Animae

$50 and over
Contemporary Asian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 81 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Fancy
  • Great for creative cocktails
ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Brian Malarkey

  • Award icon

    MICHELIN Plate

    2022

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

Experiences

  • Valentine's Day at ANIMAE

    $173.69 per person

    Feb 14, 2025 only
    Enjoy a glamorous Valentine's Day dinner at Animae! Chef Tara Monsod's 4 course prix fixe menu to be released soon. You have reserved the table for 1 hour and 45 minutes from the time of your booking for parties of 2-5 people. We kindly ask that your experience does not exceed this time in order to seat later bookings. We look forward to celebrating with you! Treat yourself at the bar as well! Love yourself for Valentine's day! You can book a seat for yourself with our amazing bar team and enjoy the four course meal as well.
    Valentine's Day at ANIMAE Photo

Menu

Hot Dishes

  • Wonton

    wagyu, chili garlic oil, soy vinaigrette

    • Taiwanese Chicken

      schezuan peppercorn, hot honey, thai basil aioli

      • Sweet & Sour Cauliflower

        strawberry, peppers, onion, sesame

        • 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

              Cold Dishes

              • Hamachi

                endive, radish, kimchi vinagrette, nori goma

                • Tuna Crispy Rice

                  charred chili ponzu, spicy aioli, turnip

                  • A5 Wagyu Tartare

                    sesame cracker, wagyu aioli

                    • Cucumbers

                      soy, fresno chili, sesame, cilantro

                      • Ume Oysters

                        sour plum vinegar, strawberry, lemon

                        • Beet Salad

                          asian pear, chicory, tofu "ricotta", yuzu kosho vinaigrette

                          • Tuna Kinilaw

                            coconut, calamansi, cilantro oil

                            Sides

                            • Coal Roasted Cabbage

                              brown butter miso, charred lime

                              • Broccolini

                                gai lan, garlic chili oil, peanuts

                                • 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

                                      • Mushroom Sisig

                                        egg yolk, mustard seed, chili, pickled onion

                                        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

                                                      • Sambal Balado Clams

                                                        bacon, rice cakes, lime leaf, ginger

                                                        • Dinuguan

                                                          braised beef cheek, coconut rice bread, shishito peppers

                                                          • Pork Tomahawk Tocino

                                                            sweet beet glaze, mango sawsawan

                                                            • Szechuan Spicy Seabass

                                                              cabbage, garlic chive, spicy broth, mala oil

                                                              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

                                                                        • Ube Profiteroles

                                                                          ube pastry cream, coconut, cheese tuile

                                                                          Last updated: August 30, 2024

                                                                          What 3,271 people are saying

                                                                          Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

                                                                          Noise • Moderate

                                                                          Review summary

                                                                          AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                          Animae offers a "consistently amazing experience" with a fusion of Asian flavors, "outstanding service," and a "warm and inviting atmosphere." Standout dishes include the "pork tomahawk tocino" and "short rib kare kare." Ideal for special occasions, Animae is praised for its "incredible ambiance" and highly recommended for lovers of inventive cuisine.

                                                                          3,271 Reviews

                                                                          1. Adam

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            Washington DC

                                                                            15 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            15 reviews

                                                                            Dined today

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            One of the best meals of my life, and worth every penny. Our server made some amazing suggestions, so definitely ask. The cabbage, for example, was one of the best dishes of the night and we almost skipped it.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          2. John

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            23 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            23 reviews

                                                                            Dined today

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Every dish was great, with the beet salad and short ribs as the standouts.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          3. Bill

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            Washington DC

                                                                            23 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            23 reviews

                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Great restaurant. Loved it so much we ate there two nights in a row.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          4. Kevin

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            Los Angeles

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            3.0

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            Dined 2 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 3
                                                                            2. Food 3
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            The food was disappointing. I came here a little bit before and talked it up to my friend. The steak came out lukewarm warm. The Wagyu was great but it seemed like it was sitting a little bit.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          5. ZION

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                            Dined 2 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            We celebrated our 1 Year AnniversarY, and were well taken care of.👏🏼

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          6. brian

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            Las Vegas

                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                            3.0

                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                            Dined 3 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 3
                                                                            2. Food 2
                                                                            3. Service 2
                                                                            4. Ambience 3
                                                                            Over hyped, over salted. Definitely not worth the money. Will Not return

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          7. Howard

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            15 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            15 reviews

                                                                            Dined 3 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            I think Animae is one of the very best restaurants anywhere in San Diego. So creative and every dish exception

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          8. Corinna

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            3.0

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            Dined 3 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 3
                                                                            2. Food 3
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Taiwanese chicken was excellent, pig ears too chewy, crispy rice lacked flavor. Some of the sauces overpowered the main ingredients

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          9. Gary

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            Palm Springs

                                                                            41 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            41 reviews

                                                                            Dined 4 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            The experience was excellent. Food and service were awesome! Our server, Makenzie, was very attentive and explained any questions we had regarding the menu with great understanding of the food and how it is prepared.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          10. Peter Linda

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            Los Angeles

                                                                            45 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            45 reviews

                                                                            Dined 5 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Beautiful setting, great staff, delicious food. Music too loud.. We had the lollipop lamb chops, crispy pigs ear- both delicious! Would return and try other dishes.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          FAQs

                                                                          Animae is rated 4.7 stars by 3271 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                          Make a reservation

                                                                          2 people
                                                                          7:00 PM
                                                                          Booked 81 times today
                                                                          Experiences are available.
                                                                          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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