Animae in San Diego offers an immersive dining experience that fuses opulent Art Deco elements with the ethereal beauty of Japanese zen gardens. Designed by Bells + Whistles, the restaurant's 7,600-square-foot interior evokes the mossy forests of Yakushima Island, featuring a jewel-toned palette of emerald, gold, and salmon. Serpentine velvet booths line bespoke wool carpeting, while meandering terrazzo "rivers" flow through the space, enhancing the naturalistic ambiance. The 20-foot ceilings are adorned with minaret-style chandeliers, and central columns anchor the expansive room. A striking mural of a giant robot floating in a koi pond adds a whimsical touch above the bar, juxtaposing traditional and futuristic aesthetics. The overall design creates a theatrical, dreamlike environment that transports guests into an enchanted forest, setting the stage for a unique dining adventure.