Had a fantastic date night at Animo (though the sharing format might make it better for groups). Excellent advice on the menu.
The scallop was probably the best dish I've had all year - the fingerlime added crunch to the creaminess of the scallop. The lamb was fantastic for sharing. The kimchi rice got better from being left in the claypot to crisp as we ate.
My group of friends and I enjoyed a fantastic meal during our first trip to wine country. The service felt like family having us in their home for dinner. We requested they choose the whole meal for us and they did not disappoint. From start to finish the dishes were timed perfectly. They were unique and full of flavor. The group favorites were the Talbot, Manila clams and Kimchi fried rice. The next time we make it back to Sonoma we will be back! Thank you, Animo, for giving us an experience we will never forget.
Amazing flavors, great service.
They do an amazing job deboning the turbot, great texture and flavor. Keep drizzling on the sauce that comes with it.
The gulf prawns and calms are great starters.
Every meal is exquisite. The turbo and kimchi fried rice are a must have. Chef Joshua and his wife Heidi are the best! Def a fav and will go back every visit to Sonoma.
Fantastic and creative dishes with unique takes on traditional menu items. We'll see you again in summer of 2024!
Our fourth visit and just as delicious as the first. This restaurant should and will have a Michelin star soon I’m sure. Everything is amazing but my favorites are the smaller share dishes (starters) - particularly the clams with the dipping sauce, the asparagus with the mushrooms and the lobster with the broth. The turbot, lamb and duck are our other faves from the larger dishes but you can’t go wrong with anything you order here. Cheesecake is always a worthy ending - one time we even got it with caviar which was a whole other level I didn’t know existed!
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This is world class. Amino should have at least one Michelin star. A couple owns and runs the place. They care deeply about quality of everything. Heidi runs front of house and husband runs the open kitchen. She greets every guest like a family member and you can see him and his team working very diligently and delicately to perfect every dish. Menu had our name printed at top. Bill came in personalized thank you note at end of meal. Very touching. It’s not cheap but so worth it. Stands up directly to anything in New York, LA, Paris, etc - seriously, that good. There is no sign which is kind of cool and exclusive but a little annoying if you haven’t been before and go around it three times cursing Google maps who says it’s right here (and it is)! Two big palms out front, next to a McDonald’s and across from a strip mall which doesn’t sound inspiring but this restaurant is truly outstanding. Every dish was memorable. Got so excited we forgot to take photos of all of them for review! Wine list is strong. Wines by the glass are reasonably priced. Place is small but it works well. All good. Go for special night out. Reservations (maybe well in advance) are essential.
What a fantastic experience and memorable birthday meal. Highly recommended.
Low key location, with an open, wood burning dream kitchen (zero smoke noticed by us btw)
We were warmly greeted by Heidi and her staff, the experience was great from the start.
Delicious appetizers and shared plates (the Crudo and Manila clams were favorites), but the Summer Flounder and Flannery Beef Ribeye stole the show!
Everything felt simple, yet perfect, and every dish was a delight.
Thanks Chef Joshua, Heidi and the Animo team, we can't wait to come back!
PS- I took a pic of the wine list (3/1/2023), as I couldn’t find it to browse in advance.
My husband and I have eagerly been waiting for Animo to open and we managed to get reservations for their opening night. From the moment we walked in the door it was awesome.
When you arrive you walk through the kitchen and get to see where all the magic happens. We had a table with an excellent view of the kitchen and all the impressive kitchen gadgets.
We went with some friends and tried as many things as we could. Everything is definitely meant for sharing and each dish is thoughtfully prepared and well balanced. Our favorite dish was the clams, the broth and chorizo just made the dish so good. I’d return just to order the clams all for myself.
Service was wonderful and we honestly can’t wait to return!
On one hand I don’t want to leave 5 stars because I want to keep this place a secret! This is by far the best food I’ve had in over 4 years. The owners are friendly, they make you feel like family. They come talk to you at the table, explain everything so you don’t over indulge. Everything was cooked to perfection. I cannot wait to go back.
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