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Animae, San Diego, CA
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Animae

$50 and over
Contemporary Asian

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2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 93 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Fancy
  • Innovative
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
  • Area
    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

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: 30 August 2024

                                                                          What 3,259 people are saying

                                                                          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
                                                                          • 4.3Value

                                                                          Noise • Moderate

                                                                          Review summary

                                                                          AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                          Animae in San Diego offers a "Michelin-worthy experience" with its exquisite fusion of Filipino and Asian flavors. Guests rave about the "beautiful decor" and "exceptional service," making it ideal for celebrations. Standouts include the wagyu, short rib kare kare, and innovative cocktails. Animae promises a "cultural culinary journey" that's both delightful and memorable.

                                                                          3,259 Reviews

                                                                          1. Cheryl

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            22 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            22 reviews

                                                                            Dined today

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Everything was exceptional here! Attentive service, great choices of food and drinks, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. We ordered way too much food because we wanted to try everything.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          2. Caitlynne

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            Dined 2 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            I have been to Animae four times already and it never disappoints! The server was very nice and did a great job explaining each dish we were curious about. Our favorite dishes from our recent visit: Tuna Crispy rice, pork tomahawk tocino, and surpisingly the crispy pig ear. We also always get the short rib kare kare. This brings us joy to see Filipino food at such an upscale restaurant and loving how they modernized the dish.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          3. jules

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                            Dined 3 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            We had an excellent experience. The food had very good interesting flavors and the service was terrific. There is valet parking out front.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          4. Kevin

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            Dined 3 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                            Amazing experience food was great server was super helpful for my first time I had reserved for a special occasion for my wife Asked for the fried chicken with thiachili was delicious nothing compared to the short rib that is a must ! On top of the tartar for deserts save space for last

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                                                                          5. Carleigh

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            6 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            6 reviews

                                                                            Dined 4 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Animae is a very consistently amazing experience. The food is always good as well as the service. :)

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          6. Alyssa

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                            Dined 6 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Incredible NYE fixed menu. Vibes were immaculate for the occasion. Most gorgeous restaurant in San Diego.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          7. Steven

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            Chicago

                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            5 reviews

                                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            We loved the experience! Cool vibe. Great food and thought it was a great price for the atmosphere.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          8. Jacob

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            Orange County

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            We have never had the same or bad experience at Animae. They keep the menu fresh and exciting every time we come in, and it’s always incredible. The wontons get ordered every time and the drinks are always fantastic. Even if you only get a seat at the bar, the service is fantastic and the vibes are great across the whole restaurant. Animae is great for a celebration or just a nice weekday dinner. Never a miss!

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                                                                          9. Arlen

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            9 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            9 reviews

                                                                            Dined on 30 December 2024

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Food and service are excellent. A real unique way to experience filipino food

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          10. Anne

                                                                            Chicago

                                                                            20 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            20 reviews

                                                                            Dined on 30 December 2024

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Absolutely fantastic! Food, service and ambiance = perfection.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          FAQs

                                                                          Animae is rated 4.8 stars by 3259 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                          Make a booking

                                                                          2 people
                                                                          7:00 pm
                                                                          Booked 93 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
                                                                          • Area
                                                                            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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