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ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Executive Chef Tara Monsod. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Monsod’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.
Fashionable restaurant showcasing high-end steak & Asian fusion dishes in a luxurious atmosphere.
Hours
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 5–9 PM |
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 432-1225
Website: https://www.animaesd.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: animaesd.comopentable.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Tanganekia Kaguwo
Our experience at Animae was beyond amazing! A huge shoutout to our server, Deanna, who was absolutely fantastic. She was incredibly attentive, kept our drinks filled, offered great recommendations, and was so friendly throughout the evening.
The atmosphere and ambiance are “such a vibe.” The decor is elegant, classy, and intimate. While the music was a bit on the loud side, it didn’t detract from the experience.
The food, however, was the real star. We split our meals two ways: half the table shared everything family-style, while the other half shared sides but ordered individual entrees. In my opinion, sharing everything is definitely the way to go here! Every dish was flavorful and spot on the short ribs, pork tomahawk, mantou buns (my personal favorite!), beet salad, cucumbers, chicken, fried rice, and lamb chops were all outstanding. The only slight miss mentioned by a few was the beef belly, but for my side of the table, everything was perfection. We were too stuffed for dessert, but I’m already salivating thinking about my next visit!
… moreThe atmosphere and ambiance are “such a vibe.” The decor is elegant, classy, and intimate. While the music was a bit on the loud side, it didn’t detract from the experience.
The food, however, was the real star. We split our meals two ways: half the table shared everything family-style, while the other half shared sides but ordered individual entrees. In my opinion, sharing everything is definitely the way to go here! Every dish was flavorful and spot on the short ribs, pork tomahawk, mantou buns (my personal favorite!), beet salad, cucumbers, chicken, fried rice, and lamb chops were all outstanding. The only slight miss mentioned by a few was the beef belly, but for my side of the table, everything was perfection. We were too stuffed for dessert, but I’m already salivating thinking about my next visit!
Jenna McConnico
Amazing and unique dishes, friendly and attentive service, and a cozy atmosphere!
Grape Expectations – 5/5
Beet Salad – 5/5 (incredible flavor)
Beef Tendon Salad – 5/5 (table’s favorite app)
Tuna Crispy Rice – 5/5 (delicious!!)
Cucumbers – 5/5 (better than DTF’s)
Scallop Crudo – 5/5 (no notes)
Taiwanese Chicken – 4.5/5 (great flavor)
Mantou – 4.5/5 (buns were so soft and tasty, sour cream butter was very sweet)
Grilled Beef Belly – 3/5 (meat was very tough)
Wagyu Corned Beef Fried Rice – 2/5 (not a lot of flavor and was very salty)
Pork Tomahawk Tocino – 5/5 (incredible dish, highly recommend!)
Chicken Adobong Pula – 4/5 (juicy and flavorful)
Assam Seabass Curry – 2.5/5 (very overcooked and dry unfortunately)
… moreGrape Expectations – 5/5
Beet Salad – 5/5 (incredible flavor)
Beef Tendon Salad – 5/5 (table’s favorite app)
Tuna Crispy Rice – 5/5 (delicious!!)
Cucumbers – 5/5 (better than DTF’s)
Scallop Crudo – 5/5 (no notes)
Taiwanese Chicken – 4.5/5 (great flavor)
Mantou – 4.5/5 (buns were so soft and tasty, sour cream butter was very sweet)
Grilled Beef Belly – 3/5 (meat was very tough)
Wagyu Corned Beef Fried Rice – 2/5 (not a lot of flavor and was very salty)
Pork Tomahawk Tocino – 5/5 (incredible dish, highly recommend!)
Chicken Adobong Pula – 4/5 (juicy and flavorful)
Assam Seabass Curry – 2.5/5 (very overcooked and dry unfortunately)
Anna K
Amazing service, atmosphere, everyone who comes to San Diego should come to this restaurant. We loved every dish we tried (doesn’t happen often). I recommend you to try wontons, wagyu fried rice, crispy potatoes and shortrib (I usually don’t like shortribs, but this one was phenomenal). Sticky rice crème brûlée was also pretty good.
… moreMary Grace Garcia
We celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary here and had such a memorable experience. With a Filipina chef at the helm, the menu offers a creative Asian fusion that feels both elevated and nostalgic. The ambiance is vibrant, with fun 90s/2000s music that makes the whole evening feel lively yet intimate.
The cocktails were standout. Favorites included the Uncle Iroh, Midnight in Manila, and a unique Old Fashioned. They even surprised us with complimentary champagne for our anniversary, which was such a thoughtful touch.
For food, the scallop crudo was fresh and bright with beautiful acidity. The short rib kare-kare with garlic rice was incredibly tender and flavorful (slightly salty, possibly from the bagoong, but still delicious). The pork tocino tomahawk was a highlight — amazing on its own, and the mango sawsawan took it to another level. Even the coal-roasted cabbage was a revelation — deeply flavorful and perfectly cooked.
Desserts were just as impressive. The turon tart was a creative deconstructed take with brown sugar custard, banana ice cream, jackfruit gel, and a crisp turon wrapper. They also treated us to a complimentary matcha sponge cake with boba, berries, and strawberry Pocky — both desserts were fantastic in their own way.
The staff, especially our server Tessa, were attentive, warm, and genuinely made the night feel special. Little details — like the scent of sampaguita near the restroom — transported me back to the Philippines in the best way.
Highly recommend for a special occasion or anyone looking for a refined yet heartfelt Filipino-inspired dining experience. It would be amazing to see taho added to the menu someday for an extra touch of Filipino nostalgia.
… moreThe cocktails were standout. Favorites included the Uncle Iroh, Midnight in Manila, and a unique Old Fashioned. They even surprised us with complimentary champagne for our anniversary, which was such a thoughtful touch.
For food, the scallop crudo was fresh and bright with beautiful acidity. The short rib kare-kare with garlic rice was incredibly tender and flavorful (slightly salty, possibly from the bagoong, but still delicious). The pork tocino tomahawk was a highlight — amazing on its own, and the mango sawsawan took it to another level. Even the coal-roasted cabbage was a revelation — deeply flavorful and perfectly cooked.
Desserts were just as impressive. The turon tart was a creative deconstructed take with brown sugar custard, banana ice cream, jackfruit gel, and a crisp turon wrapper. They also treated us to a complimentary matcha sponge cake with boba, berries, and strawberry Pocky — both desserts were fantastic in their own way.
The staff, especially our server Tessa, were attentive, warm, and genuinely made the night feel special. Little details — like the scent of sampaguita near the restroom — transported me back to the Philippines in the best way.
Highly recommend for a special occasion or anyone looking for a refined yet heartfelt Filipino-inspired dining experience. It would be amazing to see taho added to the menu someday for an extra touch of Filipino nostalgia.
Jenna Tan
This place is a perfect 5 stars! The restaurant is sumptuously appointed with luxurious drapes, and brass lighting. For an upmarket place they accommodate kids very well with fun NA drink options. We had the tuna crispy rice (served fried rice style), smashed cucumbers and wagyu wontons. They were superb!! For mains we got the beef short rib, sea bass tamarind curry with sides of wagyu fat potatoes and miso cabbage. The short rib fell off the bone and the seabass paired so beautifully with the curry. Service was spot on, they even lowered blinds when the sun started coming through. Tables were cleaned after every course and we never had to ask for anything, it was always offered. Dessert was just as delightful. We had the peach sorbet and the young coconut mouse with pandan (this one is a must). Overall one of the best dining experiences we have ever had
… moreLora Lee
The food was amazing. Welll balanced dishes, presentation and Ambience were all tremendous.
Can hear noise of conversations but not audible what otherd are saying, and at the table you can hold a conversation and hear clearly. Music loud but not overwhelming. You can tell there was some strategic planning with acoustics.
Pacing of dishes were well timed Not overy slow like some establishments. Drinks came out very promptly after ordering. You didnt feel stalked or constantly asked questions, yet servers were very attentive.
I always snoop the restrooms for cleanliness. Very clean, paper towels instead of blowers. Individual stalls with doors going all the way to the floor.
I would 100% return to this restuarant and recommend to friends.
… moreCan hear noise of conversations but not audible what otherd are saying, and at the table you can hold a conversation and hear clearly. Music loud but not overwhelming. You can tell there was some strategic planning with acoustics.
Pacing of dishes were well timed Not overy slow like some establishments. Drinks came out very promptly after ordering. You didnt feel stalked or constantly asked questions, yet servers were very attentive.
I always snoop the restrooms for cleanliness. Very clean, paper towels instead of blowers. Individual stalls with doors going all the way to the floor.
I would 100% return to this restuarant and recommend to friends.
Stephen Madden
Really really good. I savoured every bc each one was so tasty and so complex. The sear and salt levels on the Australian wagyu new York strip steak were perfect. A high quality beef flavor just shines through after the great mallard and salt crust flavor eases. Did not need sauce even though the sauce provided was good and the sauce on the grilled cabbage was excellent. It paired so well with the steak. The grilled cabbage itself is great, with a nicely balanced umami and acidic sauce… That I lapped the last drops off the plate. The Taiwanese chicken is stupid… It’s so good with a perfect balance of sweet and savory I couldn’t tell if it was dessert or main. The beet salad has big hearty fruit with great texture. Both desserts were great. This place is expensive but it’s worth it
… moreAgnes Bangsal
We finally had the chance to experience dining at Animae and fully enjoyed our time here! The decor and ambience are elevated, stylish, and we loved the 90’s/2000’s r&b/hip hop playlist. The pork tomahawk tocino and short rib kare kare tasted AMAZING! We also enjoyed the spicy cucumber salad as an appetizer and the turon tart and matcha cream cake for dessert. The service staff were very friendly and knowledgable about the menu. We even had the chance to chat with the Executive Chef, Tara Monsod, who is awesome & talented at what she does. Love how she is representing the Filipino community in the San Diego culinary scene! Highly recommend making a reservation and experiencing the best at Animae!
… moreNatalie Caldwell
Tara Monsod is the magic behind ANIMAE’s Asian fusion steakhouse in San Diego. Come for the wagyu, or don’t, and you’ll have an amazing experience regardless. The staff is super friendly and there to help with all the recommendations and fan favorites. Their full bar has some beautiful cocktails, as well as a great wine selection. We went with wine and the sake flight because when in a Japanese steakhouse, right? The food was exceptional and here were the highlights:
Starters- we went with the pork gyoza, Taiwanese chicken, and tuna crispy rice. Gyoza had amazing flavor. For the chicken, think small chicken nuggets with a hot honey sauce and great texture. The tuna crispy rice was a different take too— totally cold dish where the rice and tuna are all mixed together. All dishes were absolutely fantastic.
Mains- we got the pork tomahawk, hunan lamb chops, and the coal roasted cabbage. I’m going to start with the cabbage. GET IT. I don’t care if you don’t think you don’t like cabbage. After having this dish, you 1000% will. The tomahawk is as expected. Massive and presliced, you’ll have a mix of super meaty pieces and super fatty pieces. Great for sharing. The lamb chops are individually coated and have just the right amount of kick.
Dessert- we ended the meal with a matcha sponge cake with strawberry poke sticks. Perfect way to wrap up the meal. Chef Tara- thank you for an exceptional meal and experience for our first trip to San Diego.
… moreStarters- we went with the pork gyoza, Taiwanese chicken, and tuna crispy rice. Gyoza had amazing flavor. For the chicken, think small chicken nuggets with a hot honey sauce and great texture. The tuna crispy rice was a different take too— totally cold dish where the rice and tuna are all mixed together. All dishes were absolutely fantastic.
Mains- we got the pork tomahawk, hunan lamb chops, and the coal roasted cabbage. I’m going to start with the cabbage. GET IT. I don’t care if you don’t think you don’t like cabbage. After having this dish, you 1000% will. The tomahawk is as expected. Massive and presliced, you’ll have a mix of super meaty pieces and super fatty pieces. Great for sharing. The lamb chops are individually coated and have just the right amount of kick.
Dessert- we ended the meal with a matcha sponge cake with strawberry poke sticks. Perfect way to wrap up the meal. Chef Tara- thank you for an exceptional meal and experience for our first trip to San Diego.
Choucri Mansour
Great food, highly recommended. Diners often rave about the unique combinations that elevate traditional recipes to new heights. The ambiance complements the culinary experience, creating a perfect setting for both casual meals and special occasions. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in their signature dessert, which is the perfect way to end your dining adventure. Each bite is a delightful surprise, blending flavors that dance on the palate. The attentive staff enhances the experience, ensuring that every need is met with a smile. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this gem is a must-visit for any food lover. Make sure to pair your meal with one of their carefully curated wines for an elevated experience.
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