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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 p.m.
Booked 57 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Innovative
  • Fancy
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
  • Neighbourhood
    Downtown / Gaslamp
  • 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

  • NYE at ANIMAE

    US$128.87 per person

    Dec 31, 2024 only
    Enjoy a glamorous New Year's Eve celebration at ANIMAE! $115, 4 course prix fixe menu to be released soon. Parties of 2 - 5 have reserved the table for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Parties of 6+ have reserved the table for 2 hours and 15 minutes. We kindly ask that you keep your experience within this time frame in order to honor later bookings. Thank you!
    NYE at ANIMAE photo

  • LATE NIGHT NYE at ANIMAE

    US$145.68 per person

    Dec 31, 2024 only
    Enjoy a glamorous New Year's Eve celebration at ANIMAE! $130, 4 course prix fixe menu from Chef Tara Monsod. Your experience includes a champagne toast to ring in the new year at midnight!
    LATE NIGHT NYE 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 3,247 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 dining experience with "exquisite" dishes and a "stunning" ambiance. The restaurant excels in Filipino cuisine, with standout items like the Taiwanese chicken and Wagyu. Guests rave about the "excellent service," emphasizing attentive staff and memorable culinary adventures. Perfect for special occasions!

                                                                          3,247 Reviews

                                                                          1. Catherine

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            London

                                                                            12 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            12 reviews

                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            it was our last night in San Diego and we took out my son and his girlfriend for dinner to celebrate a wonderful day. Our waiter Alex was absolutely terrific, the food was fantastic and we had a wonderful time. I do not drink alcohol and the mock tail they made me the malarkey was so good. I had two of them!

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          2. Kristy

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            San Francisco

                                                                            7 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            7 reviews

                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Incredible food, great service and super cool vibe. With the money and lived up to the hype.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          3. Kathleen

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            4.0

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 4
                                                                            4. Ambience 3
                                                                            Place is beautiful. Everyone was kind and courteous. Food was very delicious, the chef hit the ball out of the park with her elevation of Filipino cuisine to fine dining. Only con was the lack of lighting. It was a little too dark for me. The man seated at the table next to us asked the server for a flashlight so he could read the menu.

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                                                                          4. Angie

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            Dined 1 day ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            The ambiance is very classy. All the food we ordered are exceptionally flavorful. They really elevated Filipino/Asian cuisine. Highly recommended are Pork Tocino, Taiwanese Chicken, Kare-kare, and Turon Tart. Lastly, service is outstanding. We didn’t have to ask for anything because the staff are on top of things. We’ll definitely be coming back for more awesome dining experience.

                                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                                          5. Angie

                                                                            Washington DC

                                                                            4 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            4 reviews

                                                                            Dined 2 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            An overall great experience! Ambience was outstanding and service was warm and courteous. Food was on the heavier side (grateful that our waitress didn’t pressure us to order more, which seems to happen more often than not at restaurants of this caliber) - we did think the Japanese wagyu was worth it. Not running back only because of the price point.

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                                                                          6. Junius

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            San Francisco

                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                            2.0

                                                                            2 reviews

                                                                            Dined 4 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 2
                                                                            2. Food 2
                                                                            3. Service 2
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Underwhelming at best. Boring food. None of the food is innovative and intriguing

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                                                                          7. Miriam

                                                                            Yucatán

                                                                            3 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            3 reviews

                                                                            Dined 4 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Buena experiencia, muy recomendable la comida, aunque no fue a la carta ya que asistimos a la cena navideña con el Menú preestablecido pero todo muy rico

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                                                                          8. Annie

                                                                            VIP

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            36 reviews

                                                                            4.0

                                                                            36 reviews

                                                                            Dined 4 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 4
                                                                            2. Food 3
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            I LOVE Animae, but the pre-fixe Christmas Eve menu wasn't the restaurant's best impression. The pork belly, tomatoes, tuna and bread starter were perfection! But the fish was dry and too salty, while the rice was hard and overcooked. The service is always consistent and wonderful. I will definitely be back, just not on a pre-fixe evening.

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                                                                          9. Eric

                                                                            Orange County

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            2.0

                                                                            1 review

                                                                            Dined 5 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 2
                                                                            2. Food 1
                                                                            3. Service 4
                                                                            4. Ambience 4
                                                                            Not for me. Maybe this is good Philippine/South Asian. But it was not great food and left us desperate for a plate cleansing. Cucumbers too oily chilis bland. Pig ear reeked of fish sauce. Crunchy rice and crag fired rice were decent but overly salted. Had the pork, sea bass and kare kare fine. I clear what the name has to do with the space or the menu. Service was great.

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                                                                          10. Michelle

                                                                            San Diego

                                                                            12 reviews

                                                                            5.0

                                                                            12 reviews

                                                                            Dined 5 days ago

                                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                                            2. Food 5
                                                                            3. Service 5
                                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                                            Highly recommended. We have the best experience ever! Dina was our server and she was excellent! Overall, the restaurant has given us a superb customer service from the entrance to our table. The food was delicious! Especially the Taiwanese chicken and Miyazaki wagyu tenderloin! This place was worth it. Will be back again.

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                                                                          FAQs

                                                                          Animae is rated 4.8 stars by 3247 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 p.m.
                                                                          Booked 57 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
                                                                          • Neighbourhood
                                                                            Downtown / Gaslamp
                                                                          • 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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