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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 76 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 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

Experiences

  • Mother's Day Brunch @ Animae

    $100.00 per person

    May 11, 2025 only
    Celebrate Mom with a beautiful spread of small plates from Chef Tara served dim-sum style!

  • Easter Brunch @ Animae

    $75.00 per person

    Apr 20, 2025 only
    Join us for Easter Brunch at Animae, where indulgence meets surprise with a dim sum-style service. Small plates will be presented tableside on trays, ready to be selected and shared. Instead of a traditional prix fixe, curate your own experience.

Private dining

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 3,369 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 is an exceptional dining destination in San Diego, offering innovative Asian fusion cuisine. Guests rave about the "amazing food," "outstanding service," and "beautiful ambiance." The restaurant's standout dishes include the wagyu steak and Taiwanese fried chicken. Animae is praised for its "incredible experience," making it perfect for special occasions.
                                                                          3,369 Reviews

                                                                          1. Kyle

                                                                            Las Vegas1 review

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Our server Bonny was incredible. Very knowledgeable about the menu. Had fantastic suggestions. She was absolutely awesome. If you come here, ask for Bonny. She was 10/10. Thank you again!!!

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          2. VerityB

                                                                            San Diego3 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Dinner was fabulous. The food was delicious, atmosphere was relaxed and service was excellent. We will definitely be back.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          3. Megan VIP

                                                                            San Francisco1 review

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined 3 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            One of the best meals top to bottom I’ve ever had. Balanced flavors that were so unique. None of us could decide what was best!

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          4. Joseph VIP

                                                                            Costa Rica5 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined 3 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Fantastic restaurant. Dishes were all very complex and flavorful. Plenty of good. Service attentive but not overbearing. Tuna crispy rice, wagyu fried rice and short rib Kare kare were all excellent. Good wine list.very nice decor. Will definitely eat here again next time I’m in San Diego

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          5. tracey VIP

                                                                            Pittsburgh10 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined 5 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            I’ve waited 5 years to go to Animae and it did not disappoint!! Outstanding in every way

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          6. Jo VIP

                                                                            New Orleans3 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined 5 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            We were only in San Diego for 24 hours, and Animae was the perfect foodie destination for our short trip. Chef Tara’s menu masterfully stays true to Filipino flavors while elevating them in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Every dish was beautifully executed, and the balance of flavors was impeccable. Our server, Chenise, made the experience even more memorable. She was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu with thoughtful recommendations. She kept the pacing and coursing of our meal just right, ensuring we could fully enjoy each dish without feeling rushed. The cocktails were another highlight - both inventive and perfectly balanced. Each drink complemented the food beautifully, and we could absolutely see ourselves coming back just to sit at the bar and work our way through the cocktail menu. From start to finish, Animae delivered on every level—food, service, and ambiance. If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience in San Diego, this is it. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in town!

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          7. CharlesW VIP

                                                                            San Diego9 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            We had a great experience at Animae. The food was of high quality .

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          8. AndreaM

                                                                            San Diego6 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                            The food is amazing! Flavors galore. Shared a variety of dishes. Service was exceptional. Great place for a new experience. Music was a little loud.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          9. Elijah

                                                                            San Diego1 review

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            Dined on March 9, 2025

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Riley was an amazing server! Got everything we need within minutes and all the food was 10/10. Will definitely be coming back here again. Also make sure you grab some desserts!

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          10. OpenTable Diner

                                                                            San Diego2 reviews

                                                                            3.0

                                                                            Dined on March 9, 2025

                                                                            1. Overall 3
                                                                            2. Food 3
                                                                            3. Service 4
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Cool restaurant, food was ok, drinks were good. One and done for me and my friends.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          FAQs

                                                                          Animae is rated 4.7 stars by 3369 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 76 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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