Animae is an Asian-inspired steakhouse in downtown San Diego that combines a menu of steaks and seafood with flavors drawn from across Asia, including Filipino dishes and ingredients. Executive Chef Tara Monsod has led Animae’s kitchen since 2021, bringing a Filipino-American perspective to a menu that draws from her own culinary background. Monsod has been named a James Beard Award semifinalist three times and was a finalist for Best Chef: California in both 2024 and 2025, becoming San Diego’s first chef to reach the finalist stage in the category. The restaurant is located at the base of the Pacific Gate tower, with a dramatic dining room that leans into Art Deco-inspired design, velvet and gold accents, and a large-scale, theatrical feel. SHORT RIB KARE KARE - green beans, eggplant, peanut sauce, bagoong oil. The kare kare subs in braised short rib for oxtail and uses the pungent bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste. MANTOU -chive steamed bun, soy glaze, sour cream butter. Delish. For dessert, the Turon Tart combines caramelized brown sugar custard, jackfruit gel and banana ice cream in a take on the Filipino fried banana-and-jackfruit dessert. The custard was smooth and caramelized, with the jackfruit and banana bringing the familiar fruit flavors of turon into a much more composed dessert. Grade: A