Best Date Night Restaurants in San Marcos

Great food and atmosphere although the restaurant was busy so the food was slow at arrive. Even so, it was a great place to spend time with family.

This was our second visit to Animae. Last night we dined as a couple, and I think we enjoyed the dinner even more than with a group of 7. We were not distracted by the friends and conversations, and we appreciated the amazing creativity and innovation that Chef Tara is bringing to San Diego diners! We began with the Kampachi Crudo with Yuzu sauce as a cold starter, and it was excellent. We also had the Beet Salad from the cold starter section, and the beets were on a ricotta creamy sauce. Also Excellent! My favorite burst of flavor from both visits was the Hunan Lamb Chops which have Szechuan Peppercorns as one of the lively flavors, from the Hot Starters section. We ordered the Wagyu Fried Rice, and enjoyed it very much with the Lamb Chops and with the final meat course: Roast Duck Leg, with an Asian flavors sauce. We had the Chocolate Cremeux dessert, and it was also a show stopper! The table service was gracious, informative, friendly, and not irritating in any way. The scene inside the restaurant was very cheerful, and the room is dramatic and very arty! Animae is definitely our go-to restaurant for out of town guests who might have preconceptions that San Diego dining is not on an international level.

Loved the music! John Katchur is an amazing guitarist and songwriter. The service was ok... multiple people were attending to our table, with suddenly someone new and no consistency, and yet long gaps when no one showed up... There was only one option for hot sake and it wasn't very good. Miso soup was very mediocre but Sushi was delicious.

Prices have risen, since name change from “The Grill,” but so has the venue’s appearance, food quality and service. I’ll visit less often, due to prices, but I’ll consider Brickmans for special meals, such as my recent birthday dinner. Really great experience!

Great neighborhood restaurant, amazing Food, drinks top notch and our server was awesome!! Will go back!!