Best Seasonal Restaurants in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

This was our second visit to Animae. Last night we dined as a couple, and I think we enjoyed the dinner even more than with a group of 7. We were not distracted by the friends and conversations, and we appreciated the amazing creativity and innovation that Chef Tara is bringing to San Diego diners! We began with the Kampachi Crudo with Yuzu sauce as a cold starter, and it was excellent. We also had the Beet Salad from the cold starter section, and the beets were on a ricotta creamy sauce. Also Excellent! My favorite burst of flavor from both visits was the Hunan Lamb Chops which have Szechuan Peppercorns as one of the lively flavors, from the Hot Starters section. We ordered the Wagyu Fried Rice, and enjoyed it very much with the Lamb Chops and with the final meat course: Roast Duck Leg, with an Asian flavors sauce. We had the Chocolate Cremeux dessert, and it was also a show stopper! The table service was gracious, informative, friendly, and not irritating in any way. The scene inside the restaurant was very cheerful, and the room is dramatic and very arty! Animae is definitely our go-to restaurant for out of town guests who might have preconceptions that San Diego dining is not on an international level.

I guess this is my 5th times @ InsideOut, during my birthday; Thanksgiving; regular days without occasion & this is our first time for Holidays Oasis Experience with my husband. It was beautiful experience especially the ambiance was so fantastic, our server Jonathan, he’s so great. The food kind salty (oven chicken) but the filet mignon was so good very tasty tender, and juicy it was perfect, my husband love it so much that his favorite. It’s 10 score for me. I love the place and definitely is a must to come back and highly recommend 😘

Great service and deliscious food A favorite of ours for over 40 years We come back when ever we need to pick up friends from the airport in the evening as well as for special occasions

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 9/10 Dining at Seneca in San Diego felt like stepping into a dream — the atmosphere was enchanting, with breathtaking views and an ambiance that set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Our server, Victor, was nothing short of exceptional. His attentiveness, patience, and thoughtful menu suggestions elevated the entire experience. He navigated the evening with grace, making us feel truly cared for. The only reason this isn’t a perfect 10/10 is that the food took longer than expected to arrive. For a moment, time seemed to stretch — but when the dishes finally graced our table, every bite was a masterpiece. It was a delay we were willing to forgive for such a culinary experience. Seneca isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. I’ll be back — and next time, I’ll be ready to savor every second. 🍷✨

The only restaurant in San Diego better than Cesarina is Cesarina at Christmas time. The food and service are as good as you can find anywhere but the already beautiful space is taken to the next level with their stunning and spectacular decorations for the holidays. Cesarina is a MUST any time of the year, but especially so at Christmas.