Animae · Restaurant · San Diego
James Beard finalist Tara Monsod's Asian-inspired wagyu steakhouse in the Marina District
Animae is Executive Chef Tara Monsod's Asian-inspired wagyu steakhouse in San Diego's Marina District, pairing the indulgence of a classic steakhouse with the flavors of the Asian American experience. In 2024 she became San Diego's first-ever James Beard Award finalist, then repeated it in 2025, both times in Best Chef: California. Her cooking draws on her Filipino-American upbringing, and a coal-fired oven and a Japanese robata grill anchor the kitchen.
The room is a futurist take on Art Deco glamour inspired by the tower above it, with velvet, terrazzo and a forest-inspired carpet. Start with the Tuna Kinilaw with coconut, calamansi and cilantro oil. The Short Rib Kare Kare comes with green beans, eggplant and bagoong peanut oil, and the Taiwanese Chicken brings Szechuan peppercorn and hot honey.
For sharing, the Lobster Palabok brings Maine lobster to a Filipino noodle tradition, and the Pork Tomahawk Tocino arrives with a sweet beet glaze and mango sawsawan. The steakhouse side leans on Japanese A5 wagyu from Miyazaki, with the Strip Loin and Tenderloin sold by the ounce, plus an Australian wagyu New York Strip and a 30-ounce dry-aged American ribeye; the Wagyu Corned Beef Fried Rice and Coal Roasted Cabbage are worth adding.
Set in the Pacific Gate Tower at 969 Pacific Highway, Animae was named to the Los Angeles Times list of the 101 best restaurants in California in 2025. Dinner runs Sunday through Thursday until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 9:30 p.m.
Address: 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, San Diego
Animae takes reservations through OpenTable. This MyRSVP guide covers the room, what it is known for and when to go in San Diego; use the booking link on this page to reserve direct.
Hours of operation
- Monday: 17:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 17:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 17:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 17:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 17:00 - 21:30
- Saturday: 17:00 - 21:30
- Sunday: 17:00 - 21:00
Frequently asked about Animae
How do I get a reservation at Animae in San Diego?
Tables at Animae are booked directly with the restaurant. If it is part of a bigger San Diego plan, our San Diego partner handles the nightlife around your dinner and can point you to the venue's own reservations channel.
What should I order at Animae?
Animae is best known for its signature dishes and shareable plates. Tell MyRSVP your party size and any dietary needs and we note them with your request.
What is the dress code at Animae?
Animae keeps an upscale dining dress code: smart, dressed-up attire, no athletic wear or beachwear. MyRSVP confirms any current door specifics with your booking.
Where is Animae located?
Animae is in San Diego, at 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101. MyRSVP can build it into a full San Diego itinerary alongside the surrounding nightlife.
Featured in
Other San Diego venues
- Coco Maya · Rooftop patio and glass atrium bar serving modern American coastal food in Little Italy
- Cucina Urbana · Italian kitchen and retail wine shop in Bankers Hill since 2009
- George's at the Cove · Rooftop Ocean Terrace and Level2 dining above La Jolla Cove since 1984
- Herb & Wood · Wood-fired Mediterranean cooking with a California ethos in Little Italy
- Ironside Fish & Oyster · Fish and oysters in a 1920s Little Italy warehouse on India Street
- Juniper & Ivy · Daily-changing seasonal American cooking in a converted Little Italy warehouse
- Lionfish · Seafood and sushi inside the Pendry in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.
- Malibu Farm San Diego · Farm-to-table coastal California cooking on the bay at Seaport Village
- Mister A's · Iconic rooftop fine dining above San Diego since 1965
- Nobu San Diego · Nobu Matsuhisa's Japanese-Peruvian fusion in the Gaslamp Quarter
- Onyx Room · Three dance rooms on two levels at 852 Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter
- Rustic Root · Two-level Gaslamp restaurant on Fifth Avenue with a street-level dining room and a rooftop
Browse all San Diego venues · Build a custom itinerary · MyRSVP home