Elevate your dining experience at Komodo, located in the booming neighborhood of Brickell. This swanky 300-seat restaurant/lounge offers exquisite flavors by combining Southeast Asian cuisine with a South Florida vibe. It is decorated with unique multi-level dining options including a posh mezzanine level known as Komodo Lounge, lush gardens, and an elevated bird’s nests that creates a playful treehouse feel with its overstated décor, visual appeal, and four expansive bars throughout.

 

Speaking of bars, my guest and I decided to try a couple of handcrafted cocktails. I had the Ginger Passion Fruit Mule that was made with Elyx Vodka, Domaine de Canton, sparkling sake, passion fruit, and yuzu. I enjoyed its sweet and tangy taste as well as the fizz from the sparkling sake. My guest had the Pineapple Express made with a concoction of Volcan de Mi Tierra Blanco Tequila, Dos Hombres Mezcal, pineapple, Thai chili, and lime—it packed a punch with tequila, sweetness, and a hint of heat!

SOUTHEAST ASIAN FARES

Up next, we ordered the Duck Lettuce Wraps. Komodo uses top-quality ingredients, with each dish coming together as a work of art teeming with flavor and the Duck Lettuce Wraps did not disappoint. The wraps were made with fresh crispy lettuce and pickled vegetables, which were then garnished with peanuts and an edible colorful flower. It also came with a hoisin dipping sauce that had a sweet and salty flavor that really complemented the duck.

We also ordered the Super Sweet Potato. Let me just say, this is no ordinary potato. It’s a baked sweet potato with shaved black truffle, melted wasabi butter, and tobiko or flying fish roe—all garnished with a gold leaf. This Super Sweet Potato is out of this world and like nothing you have ever tasted!

THE FINAL TOUCH

For dessert, it was a tough decision between the Trio of Mochi or the Green Tea Tres Leches, but we decided to try out the Green Tea Tres Leches instead. When the waiter brought out the beautiful and colorful dessert we were taken aback. It was plated elegantly with raspberry cream and green tea whipped crème in a layered sponge cake—embellished with raspberries, raspberry dollops, and vibrant edible flowers. This Asian fruit dessert was delicious with a light green tea flavor and had a nice balance between the tart raspberry crème and the sweet milk sauce. Overall, I would definitely recommend this restaurant; we will be returning soon to try other dishes!

801 Brickell Avenue, Miami
komodomiami.com

By Vanessa C. Guzman