Service was unusually distracted, with table clearing occurring prior to permission and large periods of time between service. Reaching across guests and late bottle of wine delivery caught my attention. Perhaps there was a shortage of staff last night? The kitchen did not disappoint which is always my experience at Animae. ❤️❤️
BusinessTraveler
This was a business dinner, and I chose it because they had Japanese wagyu on the menu. Nice ambience, but I wished the food was better. Beet salad, cavier shrimp toast, crab fried rice, tuna crispy rice, and crispy potatoes were okay. Either too salty, or they were trying to do too much a plate. The wagyu steaks ( tenderloin and strip loin) were the biggest disappointment. The tenderloin was too salty and the strip was bland. Unfortunately, I don't think most restaurants know how to prepare Japanese wagyu steaks. Not likely to come back.
LYDR
The food was excellent even though it did not show the originality and creativity you could expect in a 1-star Michelin restaurant. The service was perfect, very attentive but not intrusive or pressing. However, the restaurant was very dark, and we would have appreciated better lighting.
I've never had the same experience in the 6 times I've been here and every time trumps the other. Writing this from the passenger seat of my wife's car as I've had too many wagyu fat washed old fashions to drive. Keep killing it Animae. Never a dull moment.
Ankita Aparajita
Was recommended by couple of friends and went in for my birthday,I had an amazing experience ,ambience and food(even simply veg noodles) were spectacular! Worth the hype ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
LarryK
The food at Animae is excellent to outstanding. The wontons, caviar shrimp toast, and the Hamachi apps were really great. The sea bass was also outstanding. The aged rib eye, while excellent, is overpriced. Note the Wagyu that we didn't order would have been even more outrageously expensive. While I would generally recommend Animae, one needs to be aware of the very high end items before you bring a party of several there.
Everything we ate and drank was delicious. If you're looking for elevated Pilipino inspired food with great steak, this is the place. The Taiwanese chicken was absolutely incredible, tender breaded chicken with a unique and tasty sauce. The pork was one of the best dishes we had and the branzino was cooked perfectly as well. You honestly can't go wrong with anything on this menu, we tried almost everything and it did not disappoint. It is family style so very accommodating for large parties. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun night out.
As a Filipino-American, I was very excited to see Animae serving upscale dishes inspired by some of my favorite foods that I grew up eating. I appreciate the knowledge of the menu that the staff had and their experience with their personal favorites. Everything I had was delicious and I can't wait to come back to try some more things on their menu. Compliments to Executive Chef Tara.
TeddyR
My wife and I came to the conclusion that this was the greatest meal we have ever had... And it's not an exaggeration. The food was so insanely savory and delicious. The hospitality matched. We will attempt to eat here at least once every single time we come anywhere near San Diego. 
Jens Granholt
Stylish interior, serviceminded staff and amazing food.
From the moment we walked into this beautiful artdeco setting room we knew we were in for an exceptional experience. Our waitress was lovely, knowledgeable and the food was beyond outstanding. Two of us did wonderful shareables! The third person ordered just for himself and he loved his choices too. Yes, it's expensive but it is worth every penny!
MonicaC
The service from beginning to end was great. Everything we ordered was amazing! The inside was beautiful and elegant. The bathroom was clean. A wonderful experience overall. Definitely recommend!
AlainA
Animae has created an experience, not just a restaurant to dine in. Wonderful ArtDeco decor. Absolutely loved every dish we had. Made for a wonderful birthday celebration for our family. We will definitely be back.
Tony Petruzzelli
Great experience, wait staff was very knowledgeable, food was delicious, atmosphere was relaxed. Would definitely come back.
All of the food was incredible and the service was world class. Recommend this dining experience to anyone who appreciates food. Highest compliments to the Chef for such a creative, flavorful and fresh spread.
Service was unusually distracted, with table clearing occurring prior to permission and large periods of time between service. Reaching across guests and late bottle of wine delivery caught my attention. Perhaps there was a shortage of staff last night? The kitchen did not disappoint which is always my experience at Animae. ❤️❤️
This was a business dinner, and I chose it because they had Japanese wagyu on the menu. Nice ambience, but I wished the food was better. Beet salad, cavier shrimp toast, crab fried rice, tuna crispy rice, and crispy potatoes were okay. Either too salty, or they were trying to do too much a plate. The wagyu steaks ( tenderloin and strip loin) were the biggest disappointment. The tenderloin was too salty and the strip was bland. Unfortunately, I don't think most restaurants know how to prepare Japanese wagyu steaks. Not likely to come back.
The food was excellent even though it did not show the originality and creativity you could expect in a 1-star Michelin restaurant. The service was perfect, very attentive but not intrusive or pressing. However, the restaurant was very dark, and we would have appreciated better lighting.
I've never had the same experience in the 6 times I've been here and every time trumps the other. Writing this from the passenger seat of my wife's car as I've had too many wagyu fat washed old fashions to drive. Keep killing it Animae. Never a dull moment.
Was recommended by couple of friends and went in for my birthday,I had an amazing experience ,ambience and food(even simply veg noodles) were spectacular! Worth the hype ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food at Animae is excellent to outstanding. The wontons, caviar shrimp toast, and the Hamachi apps were really great. The sea bass was also outstanding. The aged rib eye, while excellent, is overpriced. Note the Wagyu that we didn't order would have been even more outrageously expensive. While I would generally recommend Animae, one needs to be aware of the very high end items before you bring a party of several there.
Everything we ate and drank was delicious. If you're looking for elevated Pilipino inspired food with great steak, this is the place. The Taiwanese chicken was absolutely incredible, tender breaded chicken with a unique and tasty sauce. The pork was one of the best dishes we had and the branzino was cooked perfectly as well. You honestly can't go wrong with anything on this menu, we tried almost everything and it did not disappoint. It is family style so very accommodating for large parties. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun night out.
As a Filipino-American, I was very excited to see Animae serving upscale dishes inspired by some of my favorite foods that I grew up eating. I appreciate the knowledge of the menu that the staff had and their experience with their personal favorites. Everything I had was delicious and I can't wait to come back to try some more things on their menu. Compliments to Executive Chef Tara.
My wife and I came to the conclusion that this was the greatest meal we have ever had... And it's not an exaggeration. The food was so insanely savory and delicious. The hospitality matched. We will attempt to eat here at least once every single time we come anywhere near San Diego. 
Stylish interior, serviceminded staff and amazing food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
From the moment we walked into this beautiful artdeco setting room we knew we were in for an exceptional experience. Our waitress was lovely, knowledgeable and the food was beyond outstanding. Two of us did wonderful shareables! The third person ordered just for himself and he loved his choices too. Yes, it's expensive but it is worth every penny!
The service from beginning to end was great. Everything we ordered was amazing! The inside was beautiful and elegant. The bathroom was clean. A wonderful experience overall. Definitely recommend!
Animae has created an experience, not just a restaurant to dine in. Wonderful ArtDeco decor. Absolutely loved every dish we had. Made for a wonderful birthday celebration for our family. We will definitely be back.
Great experience, wait staff was very knowledgeable, food was delicious, atmosphere was relaxed. Would definitely come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caviar Shrimp Toast, Tuna Crispy Rice, Wagyu Fried Rice, Lemongrass Chicken
All of the food was incredible and the service was world class. Recommend this dining experience to anyone who appreciates food. Highest compliments to the Chef for such a creative, flavorful and fresh spread.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Taiwanese Chicken