Such a special evening at ANIMAE Led by Executive Chef and James Beard Award Finalist Tara Monsod, ANIMAE brings a personal, deeply cultural perspective to San Diego's fine-dining scene. One of the things I appreciate most about Chef Tara Monsod is how she stays true to the Filipino dishes and flavors so many of us grew up with, while still finding a way to elevate them beautifully. The Tuna Kinilaw, Crispy Pig Ear, Short Rib Kare Kare, and Pork Tomahawk Tocino were all standouts. Each dish still felt unmistakably Filipino, but Tara brought her own creativity through technique, texture, presentation, and refinement. The Short Rib Kare Kare felt familiar and comforting, but completely elevated. And the Pork Tomahawk Tocino was such a fun interpretation of a flavor so many Filipinos recognize instantly. Then came dessert. We tried the Sticky Rice Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Crémeux, Buko Pandan, and Matcha Mousse. I especially loved seeing Buko Pandan, another familiar Filipino favorite, presented in such a polished and creative way. And we absolutely LOVED our waitress, Joy! Her enthusiasm for the menu was contagious. She was genuinely passionate about recommending the different dishes and explaining them to us, which made the experience even more fun. And I have to give her extra credit because her Filipino pronunciations were on point! We noticed, Joy! That is what I love about Tara's food. She respects where these dishes come from and keeps the heart and soul of the flavors intact, while still making them feel fresh, sophisticated, and completely her own. And what made the evening even more special was Tara taking the time to come visit with us after coming over from her other restaurant, Le Coq. She was gracious enough to stop by our table and spend some time visiting with us. Such a thoughtful gesture and such a wonderful way to end an already memorable evening. Amazing food, incredible service, beautiful surroundings, wonderful company, and a chef helping Filipino cuisine shine in such a beautiful way. Definitely a night to remember. read more

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This place was amazing and lived up to the hype. As a Filipino, I'm usually hesitant when it comes to reiterations of our cultural food. However, Animae successfully captured the flavors of my youth and elevated them. I shared three dishes with another person: the lobster palabok, short rib kare kare, and wagyu corned beef (of course we needed rice with our meal). Kare kare has to be my favorite Filipino dish and this place did a phenomenal job. Also, the latik creme brulee I was hesitant to try but our server said it was the most popular. I'm glad we tried it because it was awesome. I wish I could've tried all their cocktails - I love the Filipino inspired twists. The inside had a nice large ceiling and cool decor but needs a bit more to complete the vibe of the place. Jeans and a collared shirt felt appropriate for this place. I dropped my review by one star specifically for the parking situation. I went to valet my car and was told by the two guys who were busy chatting away that they were full. I see that a car pulls up to them not more than a minute later and they valeted their car. I was lucky enough anyways to get street parking right up front that was free because of the weekend/time of night. There is a paid parking lot right across the street that's $25/2hrs. Valet is also $25. read more

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The lighting was okay, not as inspired as it could be but it will do. Just to give context, I am a lighting designer so I am more focused than others in this area. The velvet booth/seats were comfy! The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. The cold start tuna kinilaw (coconut, calamansi, cilantro oil, tiny copped cucumber) is one of the most delicious bites I have EVER had! Some say that it's overpriced. It was a fair price for such fresh tasty tuna et al. The wagyu fat washed bourbon, koji, bitters old fashioned was extraordinary! I look forward to next time! read more

Animae - Tuna - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

Where to start... this place is beautiful, the dishes innovative, and the staff very attentive. Everything I got here was something I've never had, or at least in a way that they presented it. I started with the pig ear and tuna, both very delicious. The pig ear was the standout of the night. I would've never ordered it if it wasn't for the recommendation of my friend and the waiter. If you get one dish, get this one. The braised beef was also absolutely delicious, but I was so full. It was equally good the next day. The peanut sauce worked so well with the beef. I got a side of rice to soak up all the sauce, and it kinda turned into a curry. It was a great experience, they are clearly going for a Michelin star, and I would've been for it, but I think they could dial down the chattiness of the staff, a tad. I would've gone back if my wallet wasn't screaming. Definitely will return and definitely recommend for a special night out. read more

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Lovely spot for date night! Love the southeast Asian inspired flavors in each dish. Highlights for me were the hunan lamb chops (perfect for spicy lovers), and the pig ear salad (love the sweet/sour/umami dressing). Also loved how tender the sea bass was with the creamy curry sauce and crunchy rice noodles. The sticky rice crème brûlée was perfect with the citrus elements. Only critique is that the sauce with the short rib was a bit too heavy and mostly tasted like a peanut satay sauce. Service was very attentive and the wait staff were incredible. Husband loved the sake flight and my mocktail was incredibly refreshing. Parking on a weekday evening was easy- metered parking nearby. I imagine it's worse on weekends but there is a paid lot nearby as well. read more

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We sat at the bar after a Padres game and had another great meal. Service was excellent, drinks were great (I tried the A5 old fashion) and the food did not disappoint. They changed the crispy rice preparation. We liked the old one better. The new spices in this version were not some of our favorites. The pork tomahawk continues to be awesome. We tried the fried rice and it was a non event, but maybe it was drowned out by the richness if the pork. We had leftovers! read more

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Recommendation: Short rib kare kare. The short rib was so tender and juicy, it literally slid right off the bone. The service is top notch! The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. Felt like a VIP experience. Can't wait to return. read more

Animae - Coal-roasted cabbage - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

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The first thing you think of when you walk into this restaurant is how upscale it is. That tells you what target demographic it aims for. As such, the price was in the expensive side. That being said. It could be justified if the food was amazing. The food was delicious and good, but not mind blowingly amazing. We had the lobster Palabok and the pork tomahawk tocino. The pork was delicious and very flavorful. Because of the tomahawk nature, it was also very filling. I even had to save some as leftovers. The lobster Palabok was also good but honestly not super memorable. Overall it's a good spot to check out for its food if not also its ambience. read more

Animae - Lobster Palabok - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

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Animae has been at the top of my San Diego restaurant list for a while now, so when the group chat finally decided to stop talking and actually make plans, this place was booked immediately. We went on a Saturday night and were seated right away. Our server, Carol, was super sweet and made our first visit even better. Even though I had practically memorized the menu already, I still had her explain everything and give us her recommendations. She shared her favorites, what's popular, and even what customers don't usually order. She felt very genuine and honest and never once seemed like she was trying to upsell us. Then I looked over and saw Chef Tara. I had already told my friends about her, only to find out they follow her on Instagram too. Eventually, we worked up the courage to talk to her, and she was incredibly nice. She took her time answering our questions about Filipino culture and explaining how her dishes came about. You can really feel her passion and pride in her work. I truly admired that. And the food? WOW. Easily the best meal I've had in 2026. It's been a week and I'm STILL thinking about it. I knew I wanted to write a review, but I honestly didn't expect the experience to exceed my expectations this much. Love at first bite. We started with the Tuna Kinilaw, Carpaccio, and Crispy Pig Ears. Carol taught us how to eat the kinilaw: put all the good stuff on the spoon for the perfect bite. Rich coconut, calamansi, cilantro, fish, jalapeño, and onion on a crispy wonton. It was an absolute explosion of flavor. My taste buds were not ready! The carpaccio was fresh and paired with what I believe was pear or another refreshing fruit. Then the crispy pig ears came out. I was hesitant because not everyone at our table is a pork fan, and I had already convinced them to order the pork tomahawk tocino. But after Carol and Chef Tara both recommended it, we gave it a shot. SO glad we did. The ears were incredibly crispy, with a sweet-and-sour tamarind glaze. Then I realized there was tofu in the dish and immediately thought, "Oh my God, this is the chef's version of tokwa't baboy!" Chef Tara later confirmed it. Such a creative and unexpected take on a Filipino classic. The Roasted Cabbage was supposed to be a side, but honestly, it could've been a main. Roasted perfectly with miso brown butter and lime. Simple but incredibly flavorful. The sauce was so good one of my friends started putting rice in it. Next was the Short Rib Kare Kare. I grew up not eating bagoong, so I usually just use patis with my kare kare. Chef Tara intentionally incorporated bagoong into hers instead of serving it on the side because she wanted people to eat it the way she intended. She was right. That sauce was AMAZING. I'm pretty sure the bagoong was homemade, and the combination had me dunking my rice straight into the sauce. The short rib was tender, flavorful, and practically falling off the bone. The Chicken Adobo sa Pula was another surprise. Chef Tara described it as her French-Filipino fusion take on adobo--and there's no soy sauce! The chicken was incredibly tender, the sauce was killer, and the crispy garlic on top added the perfect crunch. Then came the star of the show: Pork Tomahawk Tocino. Sweet glaze, mango sawsawan, a meaty portion on one side and pork belly on the other. The meatier part reminded me of classic tocino and home cooking, with just the right amount of sweetness. Then we got to the pork belly... It melted in your mouth. I've never shaken my head this much during one dinner. Every dish just kept coming out swinging. For dessert, we had the Sticky Rice Crème Brûlée, and this one completely blew me away. I expected a Thai-style sticky rice dessert with coconut milk and condensed milk. Nope. THE STICKY RICE WAS BIKO. OMG. Chef Tara stayed true to the Filipino dish and elevated it instead. Mind blown is an understatement. We also had the Buko Pan Dan, which was great, along with another dessert that was also delicious. But that sticky rice crème brûlée had me sitting there thinking, "Why did it take me so long to come here?" And the restaurant itself is such a vibe. I loved the anime-inspired artwork throughout the restaurant--even in the men's restroom! I cannot say enough about this place. I was telling everyone at work, my cousins, my friends, and pretty much anyone I passed on my walk back to the hotel that night. Animae is an absolute gem. Amazing food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere, but most importantly, you can feel the passion and pride behind the food. Chef Tara isn't just creating dishes--she's telling stories and bringing Filipino culture to the table in such a creative way. Thank you, Chef Tara, Carol, and the entire Animae team for an unforgettable night. read more

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Delicious and unique menu options with a modern ambiance! Everything we ordered was wonderful--can't go wrong with this place for a nice meal out! Wonderful service as well read more

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10/10 no notes except all the notes. Animae hits every single time! Cocktails and mocktails were delicious and unique. Food is spot on, have never had a bad dish. read more

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Ultra-luxe Asian fusion restaurant by Brian Malarkey that feels more like it belongs in New York City than San Diego. That's probably part of the reason why it's so popular. The food is bold and flavorful and the variety wide for all tastes. Here's what we tried. Apps: Tuna Kinilaw: small plate of sashimi style tuna with a delicious sauce. 5/5 Tuna Nam Khao: crunchy and bold but didn't really taste like tuna. 3/5 Hunan lamb chops: tender and flavorful meat popsicles. 5/5 Coal roasted cabbage: earthy and bold, more on the adventurous side, tastes like it sounds. 4/5 Wagyu corned beef fried rice: didn't taste like anything special. Somewhat disappointing. 2/5 Mains: Short rib kare kare: melt in your mouth tender braised, bold beef flavor. 5/5 Pork tomahawk tocino: unique presentation of a sliced slab of pork varying from some fat to fatty. 4/5 Perilla pesto tteokbokki: I give it a lot of style points but it's not the best dish. 3/5 Dessert: Peach sorbet: delicate contrast of peach and Matcha flavors with crunch texture contrast via an inventive coconut crumble. 5/5 Buko pandan: it's different, it's pandan, still good. 4/5 Sticky rice crème brûlée: who knew these two would make a good combination? I don't even like crème brûlée. 4/5 Chocolate cremeux: chocolate lovers rejoice. The chili candied cashews provide a wonderful contrast. 5/5 The restaurant is well staffed and the service very good, although you may need to flag people down at times. read more

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I've been wanting to come here for years after seeing so many amazing reviews. But I can't lie..it wasn't as great as I expected it to be. The ambience was gorgeous. It had a luxurious Art Deco feel with a modern Hollywood-Regency influence. A very upscale, dramatic restaurant vibe. Great place to grab a drink or two at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere. Our server, Tessa, wasn't very attentive and friendly. She just seemed like she was just going on with her day. There was no excitement in her voice and actions. Not a bad server by any means but you'd expect a little more from a restaurant so highly regarded. The food runners and bussers were much friendlier, enthusiastic, and always had a smile on their face. The food was solid but it didn't blow me away. The standouts were the lamb chops and pig ears. Lamb chops were succulent and tender. They had a nice char and smokiness with a cilantro sauce to balance it out. It came with 5 of them for $28. Could be an entree itself but it's a hot appetizer. Pig ears seemed to be a twist on pad Thai with the bean sprouts, tamarind flavor and lime. Thin and crispy ears. Very unique. Cucumbers were standard and similar to Din tai fung but felt they were lacking some acidity to balance out the salt. Crispy potatoes were very good but I think could be paired with a more unique sauce. The Chinese sausage jam was very good and brought the flavors up. The pork tomahawk tocino was what I was most excited for. It was about 20oz with a very thin bone. Pretty much all meat. The lean portion of the chop was tender but lacking in fat. However, the belly side of the chop was very nice and balanced with fat and a nice char. I think the chop could have used a little more smokiness to take the flavors up a notch. If they just turned this into a tocino pork belly, I think it would be much better. To close out the meal, we had the sticky rice crème brûlée which was incredible. Imagine putting the sticky rice from mango sticky rice and mixing it with crème brûlée and fresh citrus to balance out the richness. Definitely an incredible dessert. Overall, I'd come back for the ambience, lamb chops, and dessert. Would love to try more appetizers as they seem to be more unique than the entrees. It's tough to take Filipino food up a notch but I think they achieved it. Tip: Order a bowl of steamed rice to go with everything. It's a pretty decent portion and priced well! read more

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This is probably one of the very few restaurants that just keeps getting better each time I come back, even when I though it was impossible for them to outdo themselves yet again. The ambience is posh and decadent, perfect for a fancy date night, but each time we came with friends, so we can try as many of the delicious dishes as possible. Definitely recommend family style. The service was impeccable and attentive. I never felt like we needed to flag someone down. They just magically showed up at the perfect time. Someone even brought out a little stool for my purse, which I've never seen outside of the best Michelin starred restaurants. The drinks were well-balanced and inventive, and perfectly matched the food. Apologies for the poor photos of the dishes - I was tipsy ;) The menu is mostly Filipino fusion, with some additional Asian fusion (ie Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean). If you expect traditional flavors and textures, you might be disappointed. Come with an open mind and your taste buds will thank you. The finesse and effort was evident in even the most humble sounding dish. The roasted cabbage was the dish that came to mind. It was at once soft in the center and crispy on the edges, with a flavor punch from the brown butter miso. The cucumber appetizer was such a hit, that we ordered it a second time. The kare kare short rib was fall off the bone tender. As far as creativity, I have never heard of tteokbokki with perilla pesto, but it absolutely works. It was probably my favorite dish of the night, even if it didn't quite match the rest of the dishes we ordered. Some dishes will still hit that nostalgia factor. For me, those dishes were the Wagyu fried rice and the Taiwanese chicken. Were they the best dishes ever? Probably not, but they were tasty and felt like a warm hug. Sometimes cooking with soup is just as important as all the fancy tricks. This time we did not order any of the mouth-watering steaks, because we wanted to try so many of the dishes on the menu. However, the last time I did have steak, and it was divine. They've done the A5 wagyu justice, and it is well worth the money. In short, I highly recommend checking out Animae. I know I for sure will be back! read more

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I am probably one of the few Filipinos that I know of (lol) who is not a snob and does not normally make "my lola cooks it better" statements and can appreciate and embrace filipino fusions. I think creativity like this one is what chefs stand out for me. I am super grateful that a friend of mine decided to invite me for dinner here and it totally lived up to how I imagined it to be - presentation and service alone will give this place 5 stars. Unfortunately, I forgot the server's name but to have a server who is not originally Filipino and can speak about flavors and cuisine is amazing to me.cI attached the photo of everything we ordered from the beef belly, crispy pig ears, kare kare, and pandan (to name a few). Actually, the tomahawk tocino is brilliant. Everything was flavorful and a gastronomical experience. What also really warms my super Filipino heart is seeing other ethnicities coming to eat here and enjoying the dish. I look forward to coming back here to treat myself and whenever I am in the area. read more

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Was in the area for San Diego comic con and knew about this restaurant from YouTube videos. We took the trolley to the San Diego depot station and this restaurant is across the street. The inside is very modern and clean. We had a reservation at 7pm but were seated early. Had a nice view from our table to the outside. We ordered the midnight in Manila drink. 4/5. Was delicious but didn't really taste any Ube. You wouldn't know it was Ube if it wasn't purpose. Tasted more coconut. For the meal Tocino tomahawk Wagyu corned beef rice Crispy potatoes Cucumbers Everything was 5/5. It was "I wasn't on my phone all meal" good. That's huge these days. The crispy potatoes were especially a pleasant surprise. So good. The pork tocino tomahawk was worth the hefty price. Love a good meat + vinegar dish. For dessert we got the turon tart. Delicious and aesthetically pleasing. Shout out to Bailey our waitress for being very attentive and super friendly. This place was super busy on a Saturday night and we can see why. Definitely recommend. I feel like the San Fernando valley could use an elevated Filipino fusion place like this. read more

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A five-star night from beginning to end. The service was reserved but polished and professional. I have had warmer, more personable servers here in the past, but there was absolutely nothing wrong with the service. The Japanese Wagyu was the best steak I have ever tasted. I had the pork tomahawk, which was incredibly tender and delicious. The sea bass was amazing, the filet was five-star, and every side dish was excellent. The rice pudding crème brûlée was completely out of this world. Beautiful food, a great atmosphere, and an overall fantastic evening. read more

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Finally got a reservation to Animae! This place stays busy and books out well in advance, so a reservation is absolutely a must. We came here to celebrate an anniversary, and it turned into a night to remember. The restaurant is located on Pacific Highway. Parking is tough, and we were pressed for time, so we went with their valet -- reasonably priced and super fast. We were greeted by two kind hosts who congratulated us on our anniversary, which set such a sweet tone for the night. The ambiance is gorgeous: vibey music, dim lighting, very high ceilings, and a long, narrow layout that feels dramatic and intimate. Behind the host stand is the bar, which is walk‑in friendly and offers the full menu -- a great option if you don't have a reservation and don't mind bar seating. Service was excellent. I had a lot of questions about the menu, and our waitress answered everything with ease, gave thoughtful recommendations, and explained dishes we weren't familiar with. The menu is divided into cold, hot, sides, and entrées. We ordered the Tuna Nam Khao, coal‑roasted cabbage, short rib plate, and the wagyu steak (one of their signature items). Everything was incredible. For drinks, they have a wide selection of cocktails, wine, and mocktails. I tried the Spirited Away mocktail -- hands down the best mocktail I've ever had: crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. My partner ordered two cocktails and loved both. Close to sunset, they rolled up all the shades to reveal an amazing city view, and the entire dining room cheered and clapped. It was such a fun, unexpected moment that added to the vibe. The staff was on it -- dishes came out quickly, waters were constantly refilled, silverware swapped out between courses. Very impressive given how busy they were. We ended the night with a surprise anniversary dessert: matcha, cream, berries, and boba -- sweet, thoughtful, and just the right amount. We left full, happy, and with plenty of leftovers that they boxed up for us. Definitely recommend Animae for a special occasion -- the food, service, and atmosphere all deliver. read more

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We were excited for our first visit to Animae. We had an early dinner reservation. The service was attentive from check-in thru our entire dinner. We ordered the Hunan Lamb, Taiwanese Chicken & the Wagyu Fried rice. All the dishes were flavorful. The lamb had a wonderful spicy kick. The chicken was amazingly tender. For dessert we had the Pandan dessert & Sticky rice brûlée, both were fantastic and went well with our tea & coffee. We enjoyed our entire evening and would highly recommend Animae for a delicious dinner. read more

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A fantastic fine dining experience. If you're a fan of Asian fusion and wagyu, this place is a must. Parking is horrific by the way and you can ask for valet for $25 or make a few circles to find some street parking. This place does not have a large sign facing the street. It's very easy to miss when you're driving to look for it. I would just aim to park near the giant art sculpture and the entrance will be towards the other side of that. When coming in, the art was already breath taking. They had the Iron Giant painting above the bar area, with very nice booth seating throughout the middle. The blinds were down for the harsh sunlight, but nearing 8 p.m. the blinds were brought up for us to see the sunset (it was cloudy though haha). Our server was excellent. His name was Raphael (Rafael?) and he frequently checked in on us to see if we needed anything else. He was amazing at his job! Shout out to him! We ordered several items tonight: Tuna Kare Kare - has shellfish, therefore I did not try it. Hunan Lamb Chops - amazing! Doesn't taste earthy or musky at all. The cilantro cream was a great touch. Crispy Pig Ears - probably the star out of all the appetizers. Tasted exactly like chicharrones. There's a smell when it arrives, but that didn't matter once you took a bite! It was perfection. Wagyu Corned Beef Fried Rice - yes, therefore is wagyu, but I thought it was okay. Fried rice is rice to me. Crispy Potatoes - this was good. I enjoyed the cream the potatoes were in and its crispy texture. Short Rib Kare Kare - I couldn't have this because of my shellfish allergy. Pork Tomahawk Tocino - FANTASTIC. MUST GET. Perfectly marinated and perfectly soft. Absolutely mouth watering. Sea bass Cha Ca - pleasantly soft and delicious. Did not taste fishy. It was a nice surprise and the curry was great as well. Buko Pandan - tastes exactly like Pandan! It was a nice copy of actual Pandan. Turon Tart - my favorite. Tasted exactly like Turon. The banana ice cream was good. Sticky Rice Crème Brulee - very good! Not my favorite, but my family enjoyed it. Overall, I truly enjoyed this place for its Filipino inspired dishes. The servers were all super attentive. Every time they brought out a dish to us, they reminded us about the shellfish allergy to insure I wouldn't eat it; they were mindful of our allergies. The experience was heightened with the cocktails we ordered as well. Again, an exquisite experience which I'd highly recommend to anyone. read more

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Came here for belated anniversary dinner. Short walk from our hotel so the location was convenient. Inside Ambience was modern and decor was pleasing to see. Service was excellent, appreciated the attentiveness. Food was excellent. Ordered the bass dish with curry like flavor, very rich taste and it was easy to eat. The best dish of the night was the Miyazaki a5 wagyu. It was out of this world. The combination with the banchan was an excellent touch. Dipping the meat in the egg soy sauce was a flavor that was unforgettable. Wagyu was melt in your mouth type of experience. Reminded me of the Kobe beef I had while in Japan. Dessert was sticky rice crème brûlée. So glad we tried it. Super tasty. Highly recommend this place for anyone. This was an experience that was well worth the trip. read more

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Sexy pick for date night, but make it poly so you can share all of the flavor-packed Asian fusion dishes family-style. ;) Reservations highly recommended--this place gets busy! Our party of 4 kept pressing our ever-patient service team for their personal faves, resulting in the following extravaganza-- Cocktails: GRAPE EXPECTATIONS clarified vodka milk punch, white grape, rhubarb, thai basil ARTEMIS gin, lychee liqueur, white peppercorn orgeat, lemon, egg white MIDNIGHT IN MANILA toasted coconut infused rum, ube-coconut syrup, pineapple, lime Mocktail: MELON MILK TEA honeydew, jasmine tea, oat milk, boba Wine: Nebbiolo, Arnaldo Rivera, "Undicicomuni", Barolo, Piedmont, 2020 Small Plates: TUNA KINILAW coconut, calamansi, cilantro oil TUNA NAM KHAO crispy coconut curry rice, chili vinaigrette, fresh herbs HUNAN LAMB CHOPS cumin, szechuan peppercorn, cilantro cream WAGYU CORNED BEEF FRIED RICE pork, tomato, egg, green onion Large Plates: SHORT RIB KARE KARE green beans, eggplant, bagoong peanut oil PORK TOMAHAWK TOCINO sweet beet glaze, mango sawsawan PERILLA PESTO TTEOKBOKKI rice cakes, peas, garlic bread crumbs, parmesan, yuzu Dessert: PEACH SORBET matcha cream, coconut crumble, fresh peaches, matcha meringue BUKO PANDAN young coconut mousse, pandan anglaise, pandan gelée CHOCOLATE CREMEUX miso sesame cream, chocolate crumble, korean chili cashew STICKY RICE CREME BRULEE vanilla custard, fresh citrus, kumquat, latik read more

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I had been to Anime before, but not in a while, so the menu was completely different. Let start by saying the ambiance is modern, luxe, and fun. Even down to the cool art in the bathroom. I notice details. lol Music very cool! I loved it. Best moment was while we were having our drinks at our table at a booth next to the window, the shade all in unison all went up and we saw the sun set! Yes!! Anyway, the staff from host to the waitress to bus-lady. Everyone was top notch and pros at their craft! The waitress was really on top of her game and really nice. Loved her! Thank you to her. I didn't catch her name. I'm sorry. Wine selection was fab. Ordered the chicken and wagyu rice. Omg! Soooo delicious! I literally when I ate it was saying "omg". I tasted a bite of the pork tomahawk and that was amazing as well! Everything was amazing. I honestly couldn't believe we waited so long to come back. Thank you everyone at Anime for all your hard work and for making our experience amazing. read more

Animae - Chicken and Wagyu rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

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This was my 3rd time at Animae and I will continue bringing my friends/family here! - close to the waterfront so great to take a nice walk after dinner - interior was classy and elevated - very attentive staff who made great recommendations and knew the menu well - recommend the roasted cabbage, pig ears, scallop crudo - honestly anything you order will be great! - parking is difficult around there so recommend trolley since there is a nearby stop! read more

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Heard about this place and wanted to give it a try. It's supposed to be asian/Filipino food. Very lively as soon as you walk in with music, dimmed lights, and people dressed up to the nines. We ordered: Kare Kare, you definitely know it's a Filipino dish - 9 out of 10 Garlic Rice Scallop crudo, had thai influence - 9 out of 10 Spring pea salad, very fresh and crispy with a yogurt sauce - 9 out of 10 Beef carpaccio - 8 out of 10 Tomahawk pork, tasted like a Filipino barbecue on a stick - 8 out 10 Turon Tart, definitely tasted like a Turon - 8 out of 10 Latte - 8 out 10 Prices are on the higher side for what you get, but definitely worth a visit - 9 out of 10 for me! Enjoy. read more

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Would give it 6 stars if I could! Everything about this place was amazing and it might actually be my new favorite spot in SD! We had a reservation at 5pm to celebrate our anniversary and got seated right away with super quick service. Our waiter Matthew was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. I had the sea bass and it was sooo amazing 10/10! The wagyu corned beef fried rice was also killer! I got the midnight in Manila cocktail and wow, favorite cocktail i've had ANYWHERE! Will 1000% be back, I loved it!! read more

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This place is very sexy and perfect for date night! We had reservations at 9:30pm on a Saturday night but I saw they close at 9:30pm so I was scared they were closing soon and decided to come a bit earlier. When we arrived, the restaurant was bustling. Fortunately, the bar is located in the front next to the check in counter and they have couches where you can sit while enjoying a drink and browsing the menu. The only thing I didn't really like was that they make you close your tab at the bar before you get seated instead of adding the tab to your final bill. For drinks, we ordered the Artemis, Midnight in Manila, and 7 Star Sling. Midnight in Manila tasted like coconut juice with a hint of ube flavor. That was our favorite drink. The Artemis was also good but I wish the lychee flavor was stronger. We did not like the 7 Star Sling because it tasted very sharp and bitter. For a non-alcoholic option, we ordered the Melon Milk Tea which was surprisingly really good. The drink was light and refreshing and the boba was the perfect chewy texture. For food, we ordered the tuna kinilaw, coconut prawns, coal roasted cabbage, wagyu corned beef fried rice, and lobster palabok. Everything was good except for the coal roasted cabbage. The portion sizes were bigger than expected so don't be like us and order too much. Their dishes are definitely meant to be shared. Overall, I loved the ambiance and service was great. Our dishes came out fairly quick and the servers were good with clearing out finished dishes and switching out the silverware. Would definitely come back next time I'm in San Diego. read more

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FINALLY tried Animae during our babymoon back in February and it definitely lived up to the hype. Reservations are hard to get, but we got lucky and found a good dinner time a few weeks before. Every dish felt thoughtful, creative, and beautifully presented. You can really tell the chef puts a lot of love into reimagining Filipino flavors in a different way. We started with the Taiwanese chicken and WOW -- so delicious. Perfectly coated, crispy, and seasoned perfectly. We also got the cabbage side dish which ended up being one of our favorites. It was so different and flavorful. My husband usually does not even like cabbage, but he loved this one and still talks about it to this day. The wagyu corned beef fried rice was probably the only dish that was just okay for us. Not bad at all, but nothing super memorable and probably wouldn't order it again. The short rib kare kare was AMAZING. The peanut sauce flavor was rich and unique compared to traditional kare kare we're used to. The bagoong is already mixed into the sauce which was different but went well with the dish. Could maybe use a few more vegetables, but overall the dish was incredible. The short rib was perfectly cooked and so tender. We also tried the pork tomahawk tocino. Definitely a different presentation for tocino, but it was delicious. Some of the end pieces were a little dry, but the rest was tender and flavorful. The vinegar sauce paired with it perfectly. For dessert, we got the turon tart. Basically a deconstructed turon on a tart shell and we were honestly impressed when it came out. Not what we expected visually at all, but it was so good. Service and ambiance also stood out to us. We noticed how much care the employees put into setting the tables and placing the plates and glasses. Even the women's restroom reminded me of a nice Vegas hotel bathroom -- dark, clean, spacious, and upscale feeling. Overall, Animae was such a memorable experience and one of the best ways to enjoy Filipino-inspired food in a creative and elevated way. Definitely worth the hype and somewhere we'd happily come back to for another special occasion. read more

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Spectacular service by Raphael (and Russell), also very friendly table hostess Serene. The Reception Host was a bit standoffish though... Inside ambiance is loud and Instagramable. They have specialties that were delightfully delicious; the Taiwanese Chicken appetizer (better than in Taipei!!). The Midnight in Manila cocktail is truly special. Also the Adobong Pula Chicken is delicious (get a side of their white rice and it's enough for two). We did not care much for the Short Rib Kare Kare; it's tasty but feels over-tenderized and for $54 not worth it. We had a great time because of Raphael. He is The Experience... Thanks Tocayo! read more

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If you don't have a reservation, I suggest showing up in the first 30min of opening. They also have bar seating that's first come first serve. When it comes to the food, I can't say I was blown away by every dish. The standout one based on uniqueness was the cabbage with miso brown butter. Drinks were strong, as were the ambience and service. Bonus points for having our water refilled constantly without having to ask read more

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We have been wanting to try Animae since moving to SD in 2020. Finally got to do so and everything exceeded our expectations. So proud to see how Chef Tara was able to elevate humble Filipino dishes while still sticking to their roots. We loved all the dishes but my most favorite would be the pork tomahawk tocino. The servings are pretty good for two people to share. They also have a lot of Filipino-forward cocktails to choose from and I had a hard time deciding which one to get. Everything was amazing and service was impeccable! Dining out in SD is already pricey as it is so I love it when a restaurant is actually worth it. read more

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This is my second time here and I absolutely love it!! Both times, our servers were incredibly attentive, and didn't really miss a beat. The inside is beautiful with dim lighting at night and vibrant vibey music. Parking is a little hard on busy days, and the closest/cheapest would be street parking. Reservations are highly recommended when trying to go during busy eating hours, but the bar often has open seating and they also serve food. When waiting for the bar, there's a few couches to wait on (that are also perfect for photos!) I highly recommend the lamb! I think it's great value and not gamey at all. The pork tomahawk is also very tasty, but reminiscent of chinese bbq pork, so it may not be worth it to some. Other than that, I think their menu is pretty consistently good, and there's nothing you can go wrong with. read more

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Beautifully decorated restaurant on the first floor of a downtown high rise. Great spot for a date night or celebration with unique filipino-inspired asian fusion cuisine! Food and drinks were good, standouts were the taiwanese chicken (I was skeptical about spending $20 for a few pieces of fried chicken, but trust! it will be worth it), and the braised beef belly which just melts in your mouth. The short rib was cooked perfectly in a delicious peanut sauce. The lamb chops and carrots fell a little flat in my opinion, especially compared to the price. Service was fast, and our server was very helpful with recommendations. Overall a very unique spot that i'm very glad I tried! read more

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As a Filipino myself, it took me a long time to finally try this place. I was skeptical of an elevated, sit-down Filipino dining experience compared to the casual, home-style cooking the cuisine is traditionally known for. But Animae proved me wrong. We ordered the wagyu corned beef fried rice, short rib kare kare, and the pork tomahawk tocino. All three were excellent, and the main dishes paired beautifully with the rice. The sauce that came with the tocino was traditional and delicious. I would definitely recommend checking this restaurant out if you're curious about an elevated Filipino dining experience. The atmosphere, ambiance, and customer service were also on point. read more

Animae - Pork Tomahawk Tocino - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

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Cabbage - my actual Favorite dish of the night; the sauce was so good Braised short ribs - so yummy Wagyu fried rice - little dry, nothing special Curry Sea bass - just okay Sticky rice Creme brûlée - soo good Chocolate dessert was also tasty It's best to order a few things and split stuff. I would like to come back and try more of the menu I liked that the chef actually delivered our meal. It was a nice touch Our server seemed in a dad mood but did their job It's a really cute restaurant but you need to make reservations since it's very popular read more

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Animae is an absolute gem of a place that made my girlfriend and I's trip to San Diego, which was already amazing, that much better. I highly recommend booking well in advance because their books get full. I think I booked my reservation about a month out. Upon walking up to the restaurant, I was a bit underwhelmed, but then I walked in and was amazed by the ambiance: dark, moody, and sexy. The host was very nice and I could tell right away that she was a professional and really good at what she does. The same goes with our server, Andre, who was amazing at what he does. Even though he was covering quite a bit of tables, he made us feel totally taken care of. Huge shout out to Andre! The food was OUTSTANDING and so were the drinks. I got the Malarkey to start off. For food, we ordered the Beet Salad, Wagyu Corned Beef Fried Rice, Lobster Palabok, Chicken Adobong Pula, Sticky Rice Creme Brulee, and Matcha Ice Cream. Is that too much food for 2 people? Probably. But we ate every bite. It was that good! I would write a review on every item but that would be a VERY long review and all I really have to say is you can't go wrong with anything you order here it seems like. Maybe base your decisions off my pictures! The entire experience from the food, drink, atmosphere, service, everything was amazing. I cannot recommend this place enough! I look forward to my next visit. read more

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We dined at Animae with a group of seven and decided to order family style, which ended up being the perfect way to experience the menu. The food was excellent across the board. We shared everything from the scallop crudo and tuna nam khao to the grilled beef belly, Hunan lamb chops, charred carrots, coal roasted cabbage, wagyu corned beef fried rice, short rib kare kare, pork tomahawk tocino, and seabass cha ca. Every dish brought something different to the table, and there was not a miss among them. The cocktails were just as impressive. Beyond the food and drinks, the restaurant itself has a great atmosphere. The dark, modern aesthetic creates a fun energy without feeling overly formal, and the music added to the overall vibe of the evening. To finish, we shared a combination of all the desserts available and they were the perfect ending to an already fantastic meal. read more

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Animae absolutely delivered. The coal roasted cabbage, beef belly, and pork tomahawk were all packed with flavor, but the pork tomahawk was easily the star, insanely tender and basically melt-in-your-mouth. The ambiance feels upscale and modern with a beautiful open space, and service was quick and attentive throughout. They even surprised us with a complimentary treat for our anniversary, which made the night feel extra special. read more

Animae - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

I don't know how Animae did it. Everything tasted like what it was supposed to taste like, but at the same time it was different. The short rib kare-kare was the one I was going to judge hard because kare-kare is one of my favorite dishes. Short rib was great and all, but that sauce. Rich peanut sauce, bagoong oil, long beans, eggplant. I ended up adding white rice just so I wouldn't leave any of it behind. Tocino pork tomahawk. Sweet, savory pork. That's it. No notes. And that damn charred cabbage with butter miso. Soft, silky, little bit of miso. How does cabbage end up being one of my favorite things at dinner? Then I put the tocino, white rice and cabbage together. Favorite spoonful of the night. And the service was just as memorable. Chef Tara Monsod kept coming back to our table throughout dinner and basically became our tasting guide. We got to talk with her about the food while we were eating it. Then at one point I said I couldn't read the menu because it was too damn dark in there. Someone must've overheard me because the overhead lights were brightened above our table. I've had a lot of good meals, but this was probably my favorite dining experience I've had in the States. read more

Animae - Tocino tomahawk. - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

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Went for my boyfriend's birthday and we were super excited because we've been waiting to try this place for a year and we recognize Brian Malarkey from the Food Network, but we were super disappointed in our main entrees. The lamb chops and fried rice were both flavorful and delicious. The chops had the perfect amount of mild warm heat, that was counterbalanced with the cooling sauce on the bottom. The meat was cooked to a desired medium rare, although no one asked, and was juicy. The fried rice which is a side was our favorite dish. The rice was cooked perfectly, and the flavors were bold and surprised us both, we couldn't stop eating it. My lobster pasta dish didn't really work. The lobster was good on its own and the pasta was good on its own, but they didn't work together. The flavors felt muddled and one note, and the sweetness of the lobster couldn't come through when eaten the pasta and extra sauce. Also, we both wished the sauce was thicker, as it was very watery and didn't stick to the noodles well, which were cooked to a nice al dente. The short ribs were fall-off-the-bone cooked perfectly and the best part of the dish, but the sauce was just a miss. The texture was weird and the bad kind of chunky. The green beans were bland and i think a different braised root vegetables would be better. The eggplant was grilled nicely, but ruined by the sauce. Overall, the technique and skill was definitely present, but it felt like a few risks were taken that just pan out. Also, the atmosphere was amazing. I loved the music playlist and its volume because it wasn't too loud or quiet. The staff were friendly, but our waiter seemed intentionally and unnecessarily slow. We were right next to the waiter station read more

Animae - Hunan Lamb Chops - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

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