Animae

Perhaps worth a second shot, but Thanksgiving was disappointing. Expectations are the thief of joy? Here's what was frustrating: My partner is celiac. For this food service, we contacted the restaurant ahead of dinner service to ensure dietary substitutions would exist. We try to avoid inconveniencing restaurant staff which is why we call ahead to make sure not to put unnecessary pressure. The answer wasn't the most confident inducing, but figured at the price point, they would have everything figured out ahead of time. Whoops. At other fine dining restaurants at the $PP have made no challenges and have arrived with either marked or separately curated menus ready for this situation. Now into details: Greeting and seating were fine, ambiance was dim-lit with a modern deco vibe and exuded fine dining with one exception: guest noise and children. Our table was well-set and nicely lit (candle was out, but can't win them all.) There were NA options for us to drink which were unique and unseen elsewhere. Upon mentioning the dietary restrictions, it took around 15 minutes before the staff returned with a marked menu. Great...except my partner had very few options to work with. They offered to make one dish separately because of how few of items she could have. Shattered. We were looking forward to the meal so much to this point only for her to feel so left out and having paid for more. $105 for her 2.5 dishes was not expected. My food was delicious though unfortunately, sensitivity to onions, which set me off after service concluded. The ube buns were a nice touch. The desserts were the highlight of the meal. Lowlight? Oysters Rockefeller but with a twist. They were so briny I thought they may have spoilt. The texture felt mushy and the warmth coupled with brine felt like regurgitation. Surely we were the only ones with this take but her and I both couldn't complete the dish. Summary: Rave reviews for the Chef through social, but we had an unfortunately out of ordinary meal. We try to eat around dietary restrictions for the experiences fine dining establishments offer and were so happy to have another local option that didn't require travel. Will we go again? It's hard to say as the holiday service left so much to be desired. We expected fine-dining service before arrival through the conclusion, but were met with patchy performance. At the cost, we'd probably rather try something new than return. For most, Animae is likely incredible and certainly a cut above most of the restaurants in San Diego. For those seeking fine dining service, seek elsewhere. For dietary restrictions, note the cuisine may be full of triggers: spice, onion, meat, dairy, and gluten.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Animae in San Diego, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Animae has truly carved out a unique space in the culinary landscape with its innovative approach to both food and drink. Cocktails: The cocktail menu is a masterpiece in itself, with each drink meticulously crafted to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. The award-winning cocktails are not just beverages; they are a journey through flavors and creativity. The mixologists at Animae have truly outdone themselves, blending unexpected ingredients to create harmonious and unforgettable tastes. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or a casual diner, these drinks are a must-try and will leave a lasting impression. Potato Dish: Among the various standout dishes, the potato dish was a revelation. It’s not often that a simple ingredient like potato can be transformed into something so extraordinary. The preparation and presentation were both impeccable, and the taste was out of this world. This dish alone is worth a visit to Animae, showcasing the chef's ability to elevate everyday ingredients into gourmet delights. Seabass: Another highlight was the Seabass, which was cooked to perfection. The fish was tender, flavorful, and accompanied by sides that complemented it beautifully. It’s clear that the chefs at Animae pay close attention to every detail, ensuring that each element on the plate enhances the overall dining experience. Overall, Animae is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary adventure. From the unique, award-winning cocktails to the remarkable potato dish and perfectly cooked Seabass, every aspect of the dining experience at Animae is thoughtfully curated and executed with excellence. I highly recommend Animae to anyone looking to explore new flavors and enjoy a top-tier dining experience in San Diego. Gluten friendly options available.