Animae

Review summary

1. T

   Theresa

   VIP

   San Diego

   28 reviews

   5.0

   28 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Animae. The food is unique and delicious and the service is top notch.
   

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2. D

   Daniel

   San Diego

   9 reviews

   4.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The menu was fixed for Valentines day. My fiance and I both got amazing dishes and were thoroughly pleased with all of the service. The tuna crudo and the seabass curry were definitely the favorites for us. We also enjoyed some very well crafted cocktails. I think our only dig on this experience was I specifically requested a good seat. We were sat 12 inches from a couple on each side. Now I know this is normal in a lot of ways BUT this was a $450 dinner you'd expect there to be room for you. Please please never do this to anyone who is specifically asking for a GOOD seat. I even got the reservation at a later time for this reason. Anyway the food and service were awesome otherwise.
   

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3. B

   Billy

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Overall, good Vday experience. The fried oysters were nasty but the soy braised short rib was absolutely delicious! Citrus salad and deserts were good.
   

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4. N

   Nicholas

   VIP

   San Diego

   30 reviews

   2.0

   30 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   500 dollars for valentines menu for two. Seated us at a tiny table. Not worth it. Won’t be returning. We have been there other than Valentine’s Day. Regular menu is much better, but restaurant layout is ridiculous. They cram as many people as possible into the restaurant. Almost sitting on top of each other.Asked for a booth a month ago and did not honor our request. Staff overall was nice and attentive though. in my opinion, experience was not worth the price.
   

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5. M

   Marcus

   San Diego

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 1

   The food was incredible, and the staff were attentive and made sure our Valentine’s night was special. Unfortunately, it is clear they used temporary tables to fit more people in. These tables were small and wobbly, and cocktails, water, and food barely fit. Our server even said that this is not their normal table configuration, and we were maybe 1.5 feet away from the next table, close enough to grab the food off of my neighbor’s plate. Why charge over $400 for 2 people if you can’t provide a true fine dining experience? My partner and I only eat at this cost maybe twice a year, and we felt that the restaurant oversold the seats. Even the women’s bathroom had a line, since they only had 2 working stalls and over 150 diners. Maybe the experience would have been 5 stars on a regular day and worth it, but for our experience it felt like we were second class patrons compared to the diners in their permanent tables.
   

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6. P

   Patrick

   Washington DC

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Animae for Valentine’s Day was a worthwhile epicurean adventure. Highest recommendation. Was it on the expensive side? Yes. One of the most expensive steaks I’ve ever eaten. Worth it. As the server said…decadent and unctuous. And the bonchon was perfect. Would have preferred to sit next to my date instead of across from, but I totally get it. Only so many tables and so much space. Our server was attentive, engaging, just the right amount of funny, and enhanced the experience. Every plate surpassed expectations by the 4oz A5 Miyazaki steak and deconstructed tuna crudo were my favorites.
   

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7. D

   David

   Seattle

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We did the Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu and the options were pretty varied for each course and tasted delicious and were decently sized portions. We also had great service!
   

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8. K

   Ki Young

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It is 100% a staple to San Diego. From phenomenally crafted cocktails to exquisite, seasonal dishes— Animae never fails to deliver. :)
   

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9. L

   Lori

   Las Vegas

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   I recently visited this restaurant for a belated birthday celebration with friends, and unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. While the ambiance and decor were lovely, as usual, and the music was great, the food was way too salty. It was so overpowering that we couldn’t enjoy the actual flavors of the dishes. My husband also ended up with a stomach ache that lasted until the next day, and since he’s allergic to fish sauce, we suspect that some of the dishes, like the pork tomahawk and pig ear appetizer, contained it, as we’re Asian and recognized the umami taste, although it wasn’t listed on the menu. I didn’t want to be rude and ruin the celebration, but it was hard to enjoy the meal. I’m not sure if there’s been a change in the kitchen or if the menu has shifted, but based on this experience, I can’t recommend this place for a meal. The ambiance and drinks are still good, though.
   

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10. M

    Misael

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    I made a reservation to celebrate a few milestones with my wife. The hospitality - attention to detail, service, quality of care were all great and the food was phenomenal. This is a kitchen team that definitely takes pride and every item that is prepared is done great - as a chef myself I appreciate the effort that go into every aspect of every dish. Great work Animae!
    

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