Nice place to be after a night out. Welcoming and warm staff. Been here twice and enjoyed both…read more Thanks!

However infrequent, im always coming back! I always have that lek yum craving!…read more I like how much toppings were on the soups but I know my daughter would highly disagree!

Animae has been at the top of my San Diego restaurant list for a while now, so when the group chat…read morefinally decided to stop talking and actually make plans, this place was booked immediately. We went on a Saturday night and were seated right away. Our server, Carol, was super sweet and made our first visit even better. Even though I had practically memorized the menu already, I still had her explain everything and give us her recommendations. She shared her favorites, what's popular, and even what customers don't usually order. She felt very genuine and honest and never once seemed like she was trying to upsell us. Then I looked over and saw Chef Tara. I had already told my friends about her, only to find out they follow her on Instagram too. Eventually, we worked up the courage to talk to her, and she was incredibly nice. She took her time answering our questions about Filipino culture and explaining how her dishes came about. You can really feel her passion and pride in her work. I truly admired that. And the food? WOW. Easily the best meal I've had in 2026. It's been a week and I'm STILL thinking about it. I knew I wanted to write a review, but I honestly didn't expect the experience to exceed my expectations this much. Love at first bite. We started with the Tuna Kinilaw, Carpaccio, and Crispy Pig Ears. Carol taught us how to eat the kinilaw: put all the good stuff on the spoon for the perfect bite. Rich coconut, calamansi, cilantro, fish, jalapeño, and onion on a crispy wonton. It was an absolute explosion of flavor. My taste buds were not ready! The carpaccio was fresh and paired with what I believe was pear or another refreshing fruit. Then the crispy pig ears came out. I was hesitant because not everyone at our table is a pork fan, and I had already convinced them to order the pork tomahawk tocino. But after Carol and Chef Tara both recommended it, we gave it a shot. SO glad we did. The ears were incredibly crispy, with a sweet-and-sour tamarind glaze. Then I realized there was tofu in the dish and immediately thought, "Oh my God, this is the chef's version of tokwa't baboy!" Chef Tara later confirmed it. Such a creative and unexpected take on a Filipino classic. The Roasted Cabbage was supposed to be a side, but honestly, it could've been a main. Roasted perfectly with miso brown butter and lime. Simple but incredibly flavorful. The sauce was so good one of my friends started putting rice in it. Next was the Short Rib Kare Kare. I grew up not eating bagoong, so I usually just use patis with my kare kare. Chef Tara intentionally incorporated bagoong into hers instead of serving it on the side because she wanted people to eat it the way she intended. She was right. That sauce was AMAZING. I'm pretty sure the bagoong was homemade, and the combination had me dunking my rice straight into the sauce. The short rib was tender, flavorful, and practically falling off the bone. The Chicken Adobo sa Pula was another surprise. Chef Tara described it as her French-Filipino fusion take on adobo--and there's no soy sauce! The chicken was incredibly tender, the sauce was killer, and the crispy garlic on top added the perfect crunch. Then came the star of the show: Pork Tomahawk Tocino. Sweet glaze, mango sawsawan, a meaty portion on one side and pork belly on the other. The meatier part reminded me of classic tocino and home cooking, with just the right amount of sweetness. Then we got to the pork belly... It melted in your mouth. I've never shaken my head this much during one dinner. Every dish just kept coming out swinging. For dessert, we had the Sticky Rice Crème Brûlée, and this one completely blew me away. I expected a Thai-style sticky rice dessert with coconut milk and condensed milk. Nope. THE STICKY RICE WAS BIKO. OMG. Chef Tara stayed true to the Filipino dish and elevated it instead. Mind blown is an understatement. We also had the Buko Pan Dan, which was great, along with another dessert that was also delicious. But that sticky rice crème brûlée had me sitting there thinking, "Why did it take me so long to come here?" And the restaurant itself is such a vibe. I loved the anime-inspired artwork throughout the restaurant--even in the men's restroom! I cannot say enough about this place. I was telling everyone at work, my cousins, my friends, and pretty much anyone I passed on my walk back to the hotel that night. Animae is an absolute gem. Amazing food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere, but most importantly, you can feel the passion and pride behind the food. Chef Tara isn't just creating dishes--she's telling stories and bringing Filipino culture to the table in such a creative way. Thank you, Chef Tara, Carol, and the entire Animae team for an unforgettable night.

The service was impeccable! Tasha was an amazing waitress and took such great care of me as we…read morecelebrated my 40th birthday. I have an almond and walnut allergy and she went as far as printing a menu and crossing off all that I couldn't have. All servers were aware of the allergy as well. I felt so taken care of the whole time! The decor and ambiance was perfection and ube vanilla coconut cocktail was delicious. The star of the show was the mango sticky rice crème brûlée!! The food was good but it didn't outshine the service.

Shank & Bone have very modern decor for a Vietnamese restaurant but it was very fitting for North…read morePark. We ordered Com Dac Biet, Bun Dac Biet, and their Wagyu Picanha Pho. I absolutely loved the rice dish and noodle bowl. Their fish sauce was flavorful and their meat was seasoned very well, especially their shrimp. I thought their pho was ok, the wagyu had a nice smokey flavor but their broth was lackluster for me. Sometimes they can be very busy but we were able to be seated right away on a Sunday evening. Parking might be an issue as well. Even though Shank & Bone is on the pricier side, I would definitely come back again.

In little Italy. Street parking only. Dogs allowed in their small patio area…read more My friend got their wagyu pho special which she really enjoyed. You can choose flat or thin noodles. Broth was very flavorful. I got the tri tip and bone marrow special with chimichurri. It was rich but good. Ok amount for the price but would've preferred a little more meat. Service was good and I liked the decor.

Such a good spot' great food nice people very recommend…read more I'll be back for sure great ambience!

Nice decor and different vibe than the usual Thai restaurant that we have been too…read more Staffs are welcoming friendly and attentive. We both love the duck salad and drunken noodle we got. Flavor is on point and spicy level is perfect. Will definitely come back to try more of their menu items.

This restaurant was a Yelp recommendation, and it definitely lived up to the reviews! I ended up…read moreeating here two days in a row because our first meal was so good. The food was consistently delicious, fresh, and came out quickly both times. The service was just as impressive--everyone was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome. It's always nice to find a place that's this consistent. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in the area!

Friendly service, cute location and ambiance, and the food was alright. My husband, best friends,…read moremy niece, and I dined here during our Cali trip and everything was pretty good. Can't say it was the best tasting when comparing it to other Japanese restaurants we've all enjoyed, but it had a small happy hour and our server Abraham made the experience worth another visit in the future! We ordered a bunch of things to share and I think everything we ordered was alright. Sushi and roll options were good. The ramen was a bit salty according to our friends, and my husband thought the Korean galbi bowl was good. All the shareable stuff was alright, and I did enjoy that they offered a couple healthier options.

Great spot with wonderful service. Food is creative and delicious. Our favorite was the dry rub…read morechicken wings, super crispy. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area!

Dylan was an incredible server. We're visiting town and will be back before we leave…read more He was kind, patient, and very attentive. The food was great, and you can't beat the oyster happy hour. See you tomorrow, Choi's.

Books & Records Delivers Live Jazz, Standout Cocktails, and Exceptional Happy Hour Bites…read moreAs a fan of Common Stock, expectations were high for its Bankers Hill sister spot, Books & Records--and it easily delivered. The moment you step inside, the bi-level space makes a striking impression with its mid-century accents, exposed brick, and warm, moody lighting. It manages to balance a lively, energetic atmosphere with an effortless chicness that feels tailored for a memorable night out. The happy hour here is an absolute standout, featuring an expansive array of creative food options and crafted drinks. The menu brings an inventive Asian fusion twist to bar bites, offering flavor-forward small plates that pair seamlessly with the beverage program. The drinks deserve equal applause: the craft cocktails are meticulously balanced, and the signature ube-inspired cocktails are as vibrant and distinct as they are delicious. Adding to the venue's overall charm is the live music program. Catching live jazz, soul, and blues sets elevates the entire experience from a simple dinner run into a full sensory event. The music creates a vibrant, soulful backdrop without overpowering table conversation, striking just the right rhythm for intimate catch-ups or energetic group gatherings. Whether you are dropping in for a quick drink, indulging in a multi-dish happy hour spread, or lingering late for the live tunes and exceptional cocktails, Books & Records captures everything that makes CS Hospitality's concepts so special. It is a stylish, fun, and flavorful addition to San Diego's dining scene.

New breakfast spot for me! Super cute decor. Love the vibe here. Bar seating looks cozy and open…read more I love the books & records they have displayed. Patio seating also very cute. Lots of inside seating. Our waitress Allie was super friendly. We had the short rib hash & the florentine Benedict. Both were delicious and the presentation was great. Visited on a Sunday morning and they weren't terribly busy. Looks like they have music on Saturdays. Not a huge menu but good options. We found parking on the street. Try it! Super cozy here.

I am so happy I was able to make last minute reservations to Kingfisher for right when they open at…read more5pm on a Saturday! They only had a table for 5 but we ended up having 6 people in our party. They were so kind to be able to accommodate the additional person! They had personalized menus that greeted my party and it wished my friends a happy birthday!! They actually got to take the menus home! This was really a nice touch, I appreciated the details. We family-styled everything which is honestly the way to go so everybody can try a little of everything! It was majority of our party's first time dining there. We started off with some drinks, I got the Non-alcoholic Guava Mocktail and I got to try what was the equivalent to an espresso martini too. Definitely liked the guava drink better because it tasted like guava nectar juice (kind of like Kerns or Jumex). The Expresso Martini had fresh mint in it and it tasted earthy which wasn't my cup of tea. For food we started off with the Heirloom Tomato Salad which was DELICIOUS!! I don't know what they put in the Vietnamese Green Goddess (probably fish sauce since all the dishes basically had this) but it was magnificent and one of my favorite dishes of the night. Then the Scallops and the Black Cod came out. The Scallops came in a set of 3 and we cut them in half so we could all have a taste. The sauce on this was DIVINE!!! It was citrusy but still really flavorful bursting with umami. I'm literally starting to drool reminiscing about it xD We wanted to keep it to use on other dishes because it was so good. The Black Cod was also delicious. It had fried skin attached and a sesame soy glaze. Next up came the Beef Tartare and the Wagyu Steak. The Beef Tartare was probably the least flavorful out of everything we ordered, but it was still well seasoned. My friend said it was really spicy but it might have just been her bite because I didn't think it was spicy at all. I like that the give you the option of leafy greens or shrimp chips to eat it with. The Wagyu though, was an all-star dish. It was the crowd favorite for sure, we all enjoyed not only the steak but the picked baby eggplants that come with it, and the sauce was phenomenal!! Lastly came the Dry Aged Duck which is what they're known for. It was definitely the biggest fish out of all. You were able to eat the duck with two different sauces, one they called a "Fish Sauce Chimichurri" and "Vietnamese XO sauce" which is more so satay. My friends liked the XO sauce but I liked the Chimichurri better. They had actually forgotten about the side of Buttered Rice but I was told it was incredibly flavorful on its own so we still asked for it. It had more than just butter in it, there was dried shrimp and sesame seeds, and it was made with coconut milk or something because it had a sweet but savory taste to it. I saved some of my duck and Wagyu to eat with it which was actually pretty good. Overall I liked that they brought out the dishes from lightest to heaviest and especially after they brought out out 2 sides of Buttered Rice we were all satisfied and full. It was the perfect amount of food. Honestly EVERY dish was different but amazingly dank and I think it's the fish sauce in everything. They were also sweet and kept the cake we brought in the fridge, placed the candles on it for us, and even after we sang they cut the cake for us!! 10/10 would recommend coming here for not only the food but the impeccable service!! Since we had a larger party there's an automatic 20% gratuity already added to the bill, which came out to be $555! (Look at that angel number!)

Came here in December of 2024, to celebrate receiving an award with my friends before going to turf…read moreclub. Near closing so we all got one drink and the kitchen was closed (we were all seated at the bar). Wouldn't let us to pay for our own drinks and we had to pay as a group; so they could hit us with the auto gratuity. Then they had the audacity to ask to tip the kitchen staff as well. Like excuse you, your kitchen is closed, why would I tip the kitchen staff on top of the 20% automatic gratuity when I'm seated at the bar. We couldn't even order food if we wanted to! Now I'm writing this review 2 years later because it rubbed me the wrong way on what was supposed to be a night to remember after winning an award. And I do remember and anytime asks if I would recommend coming here, they get a solid no.

Harumama Ramen + Sushi in Little Italy delivered another stellar five-star dining experience! From…read morethe moment you walk into this lively spot on Columbia Street, the fun, welcoming ambiance and efficient, friendly service set the stage for a great meal. The highlight was easily the ramen. Served steaming hot, the rich, savory broth was packed with incredible depth and layered flavors. It came generously loaded with fresh toppings, including sweet corn, bamboo shoots, scallions, and roasted Brussels sprouts that added a fantastic charred texture to every bite. Resting right over the bowl on a wire rack was a perfectly fried, golden-crisp katsu cutlet. Keeping it elevated off the broth was a brilliant touch, ensuring the panko coating stayed wonderfully crunchy until the very last bite. Between the vibrant atmosphere, attentive staff, and thoughtfully presented, delicious food, Harumama continues to prove why it's a must-visit destination in Little Italy. Highly recommended!

Love this place Service was exceptional and the menu has…read moreeverything if you are craving some Japanese Ramen sushi baos and more Great concept

Dao fu. You enter this cozy establishment and the first thing you notice is writing on the wall…read more And it's true the writings on the wall, that this place is amazing. You're greeted by a lovely waitress whose smile is a pleasant surprise. It is then you realize how much of a treat you'll be in for. For starters a complimentary salad is provided. This salad will set the standards of the rest of the dishes you will receive. We had the miso soup for our appetizer. Which was a plentiful serving for the both of us. The soup carried with chunks of dried garlic which gave it a very garlicy yummy miso soup taste. Mmm yes me so soup you so soup... very health conscious which we love. On to the next dish, Spencer ordered the pat thai. Plate was PHAT. The portion they provide are very substantial and the price is well worth it. If you're a sauce person it was drenched in a sweet savory sauce. BEWARE... order level zero spice level. Even a level one will set a small campfire on your tongue. Now Carina's dish. Drunken noodles. Plate also PHAT. Veggie roasted to perfection. Noodles brown and soft. Very savory and earthy with hints of garlic. At the end you get a sweet complimentary ice cream. The choice is yours, pineapple mango or cookies n cream. So bomb so fresh so clean. 10/10 !!!

I recently tried this restaurant, named "Dao Fu," in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego,…read moreCalifornia. I must say, I never would have stumbled upon this restaurant by myself, but it was highly recommended by my friends who live nearby. My daughter and I were visiting San Diego for a one-week trip because I was required to come here for work. My workdays were pretty packed, but my daughter and I also took advantage of this trip by filling our evenings with lots of fun activities. One thing we did was visit some wonderful friends who live in San Diego. My friend, John, told us that he found an amazing restaurant in San Diego a few decades ago, and he was really sad to find that it had closed down. Several years later, and more recently, he was surprised to find that this same restaurant owner reopened his restaurant in a new location, which is here on Adams Avenue in the Normal Heights neighborhood of San Diego. He was overjoyed to find that this restaurant had reopened in a different location, and he says that this is his favorite restaurant in San Diego. After a story like that, I had to come here to experience this place for myself! We parked on Adams Avenue, and I paid the meter for a reasonable amount of time for us to enjoy our dinner together. I would imagine that parking here can be a bit congested and tricky at times, so I would just suggest that you're patient and careful with where you decide to legally park. We had a party of five for our dinner together, and it was an absolutely wonderful evening with good friends and delicious food. Our waitress was Jun, and she was friendly and professional, as well as attentive to our dinnertime needs. The owner also came out to say hello to us, and he took the time to chat with us for a few minutes during our meal. He was so incredibly nice. I always appreciate it when an owner is willing to devote some time to connect with their customers. For an appetizer, I ordered the "Japanese Pork Gyoza," which are pan fried dumplings filled with pork, fresh ginger, onion, green onion, cabbage, garlic, and soy. It was absolutely delicious, and I had to resist the temptation of eating too many of them so that our friends could enjoy some too. For my meal, I ordered the "Katsu Chicken Curry," which is chicken thigh meat battered in Panko breadcrumbs, deep fried until golden brown and crunchy. I got my meal with a half-and-half mix of white rice and brown rice. My meal was prepared perfectly, and it was incredibly delicious! My meal was concluded with some of their delicious ice cream, which satiated my post-meal sugar cravings. Our evening with friends was special and memorable, and our meals and service at Dao Fu made our evening even more pleasant and enjoyable. Thanks to the owner, our waitress, and the staff for making our evening a wonderful one. The next time I'm back in this area, I'll be sure to come here again!