Animae

"An Asian diasporic restaurant where Tara Monsod, a semifinalist in the Best Chef: California category, showcases her culinary talent." - Nicole Adlman

"Animae’s Art Deco-style dining room is a romantic backdrop for any date night, whether you’re in a rounded velvet booth in the main stretch of the room or tucked into one of its cozy dining alcoves. Dinner might include dishes like sweet and sour cauliflower, wagyu and pork wontons, hot honey-flecked Taiwanese chicken, short rib kare kare, and a Nori Caesar salad — all inventive Asian diasporic dishes from chef Tara Monsod. If you don’t have room for dessert, at least take some of the ube profiteroles home with you." - Helen I. Hwang, Eater Staff

"Executive chef Tara Monsod, a 2024 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: California, is cooking the restaurant’s most compelling menu to date. Earning Michelin Plate honors for the restaurant, Monsod’s cuisine brings a new perspective to classics like lumpia and kare kare by showcasing Filipino flavors and ingredients on an opulent stage." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang

"Executive chef Tara Monsod, a 2024 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: California, is cooking the restaurant’s most compelling menu to date. Earning Michelin Plate honors for the restaurant, Monsod’s cuisine brings a new perspective to classics like lumpia and kare kare by showcasing Filipino flavors and ingredients on an opulent stage." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang

"Animae’s dedicated private event space, Nima, has large floor-to-ceiling windows for dramatic views of the city skyline and an upside-down zen garden hanging overhead. The room can accommodate up to 75 people for events. Another area to consider is the Heart, secluded by curtains, which can seat 60 seated and up to 75 standing. Executive chef Tara Monsod works with the parties to customize the menu, but be sure to consider her signature uni shrimp toast and kare-kare short ribs." - Helen I. Hwang