Island Prime
Steakhouse · San Diego · $$$$
San Diego, CA · $$$$
Animae is a modern Asian steakhouse in downtown San Diego, located in the landmark Pacific Gate Tower. Led by James Beard Finalist Chef Tara Monsod, the restaurant blends wood-fired cooking with bold Southeast Asian flavors, drawing inspiration from Filipino, Thai, and Japanese cuisines. The menu highlights premium steaks alongside signature dishes like Wagyu with housemade sauces and shareable plates layered with spice, acidity, and depth. Seasonal ingredients and thoughtful sourcing drive a menu designed for both indulgence and balance. Inside, Animae delivers a striking dining experience. Inspired by the architecture above it, the space is a futurist take on Art Deco glamour—lush, cinematic, and high-energy. The dining room is designed for celebration, whether you're planning a date night, group dinner, or special occasion in the heart of downtown San Diego, just steps from the waterfront and the Gaslamp Quarter.
“This was our second visit to Animae and it proved we’ll keep coming back. We haven’t tried one bad thing on the menu. All the dishes are unique, elevated, and have the most interesting flavor combinations. This visit we did have some repeat menu items: the tuna kinilaw, crispy potatoes, and the chocolate cremeux for dessert. I love the dessert so much that last time I got a second one to go! If you’ve ever had chicken adobo, try Animae’s twist on this Filipino classic. It was out of this world! The service is excellent and the ambiance is superb (although it’s a little jolting when they lift the blinds and the evening sun rushes in). Animae is definitely one of our favorite restaurants!”
“Bailey was an absolute rockstar! She was so welcoming and did a great job in guiding us through our meal. The table next to us had a customer who was very rude and Bailey handled the situation so professionally. The food and cocktails were fantastic and I feel so lucky I got to experience a meal here!”
“Tried Animae for the first time to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, and it did not disappoint! We were seated right away, even though we arrived a few minutes late. The atmosphere was warm and elegant, and I loved the playlist—it was totally my kind of music. We ordered the Cucumbers, Taiwanese Chicken, Wagyu Corned Beef Fried Rice, Pork Tomahawk Tocino, The Malarkey, Melon Milk Tea, Kollo Iced Tea, Buko Pandan, and Sticky Rice Crème Brûlée. Let me tell you, every single dish and drink was amazing. The standout for me was the Pork Tomahawk Tocino. The flavor instantly reminded me of the Filipino pork barbecue I used to eat as a kid. It was so nostalgic and comforting. Everything was delicious, the service was great, and the overall experience made our anniversary celebration extra special. 100000/10. Would definitely come back!”
“Was told this was the place to go when in San Diego, and after trying it, I can confidently say that I agree! The service and ambience were impeccable and the food was delicious. Had an ube mocktail that might be one of my favorite mocktails of all time, and the service was amazing. They did not mind answering all the questions we had and giving their recommendations on what to get. Loved the Taiwanese chicken and the lamb chops they were cooked to perfection. They also came out with this sorbet dish on the house after the meal was done that was infused with matcha and I wish I could’ve ordered more that’s how good it was. So glad I got to experience this restaurant and I have zero complaints fantastic dining experience from start to finish!”
“The venue is stunning. Immaculate detail to everything. Very high end atmosphere. Server was Bonnie and she was exceptional. We got the below Cocktails - old fashion - Ube (on the sweeter side) Cold plates - scallops - absolutely divine. These were so perfect and the dill was such a nice touch. Hot plates - Taiwanese chicken - divine and the sauce really made this dish. The chicken was extremely tender as well. Mains - lobster Palabok - noodles were a bit hard and the lobster amount was very minimal definitely wouldn’t get it again - tomahawk - incredible. Juicy and perfectly cooked and the sauce paired very nicely with it too. Dessert - sticky rice crème brûlée - very good I did find it a bit too tart for my liking very lemony taste but my fiancé loved it. For two people this was plenty and our total came to $332 (4 total cocktails) and we tipped 20% Truly magical place and will be back because the Kare Kare I am regretting I didn’t get.”
Never miss a table
Watch Animaeand we'll alert you.
More like Animae