A Review — Miami
Komodo
A multi-level Brickell destination where Southeast Asian cooking meets the Miami party. The Chicken Karaage and Tiger Prawns are the reasons to come.
By Tony Abraham
Visited October 11, 2025
Cuisine Southeast Asian
Neighborhood Brickell
Komodo offers a unique fusion of Southeast Asian cuisine and a South Florida party vibe. The three-story indoor-outdoor space — complete with floating birds' nest seating pods — does the heavy lifting on atmosphere. We came to see whether the kitchen of nightlife mogul David Grutman's flagship has more to offer than just the room.
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Appetizer
Chicken Karaage
Komodo's menu is full of tempting options, but the Chicken Karaage is a true standout that you simply can't miss. This isn't just another fried chicken dish; it's a perfectly executed plate that delivers on every level of flavor and texture.
From the first bite, the chicken itself is impressively tender and remarkably flavorful, a clear sign of quality and expert preparation. What truly elevates this dish is the masterful combination of its accompanying sauces. A drizzle of hot honey provides a subtle sweetness that is immediately followed by a gentle, pleasant heat.
This is perfectly balanced by the wasabi lemon pepper aioli — creamy and zesty, with just enough wasabi kick to cut through the richness without overpowering. Each piece has the ideal amount of crispiness, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to the juicy interior. A symphony of flavors and textures — a dish that hits all the right notes.
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Main
Tiger Prawns
While Komodo offers an array of culinary delights, the Tiger Prawns deserve special attention. This is a plate that impresses not just with its star ingredient but with the thoughtful combination of every element.
The prawns themselves are super flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and grilled to perfection — a slight char enhances their natural sweetness. But the silent hero is the avocado sauce. Creamy and rich, it provides the perfect counterpoint to the grilled prawns.
Adding another layer of complexity is the radish coleslaw — pickled onions and apples impart a distinct flavor profile that is both slightly sweet and delightfully crispy. It provides refreshing crunch and a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the prawns and avocado sauce. Every component works in harmony.
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Side
Wagyu Fried Rice
For those seeking a truly satisfying and aromatic dish, the Wagyu Fried Rice is a fantastic choice — coming very close to being perfect. From the moment it arrives, the dish impresses with its incredible fragrance.
It's clear that this fried rice has all the right ingredients. Tender egg and fresh edamame provide a classic base, but it's the wagyu that truly shines — beautifully cooked to a crisp, adding rich, savory depth to every spoonful. The dish is well-seasoned with just the right amount of saltiness.
A notable component is the chili crisps, which add welcome slight heat and a delightful crunchy element. However, for my palate, they were a bit too salty, which slightly tipped the balance of an otherwise perfectly seasoned dish.
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Dessert
Japanese Cheesecake
After a great meal, the Japanese Cheesecake is the perfect dessert. With its great presentation, it arrives as a beautiful final course that tastes as good as it looks.
This is a super light cheesecake, with a texture that is more like a very fluffy Japanese pancake than a traditional dense cheesecake. This airiness makes it a refreshing choice after a flavorful meal. The cake itself is not too sweet, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through.
The accompanying berry compote and cream are essential additions, giving the dessert a different, welcome texture and a touch of fruity sweetness that complements the light cake perfectly. The portion is generous and good for two people to share.
Order
Ginger Passionfruit Mule
Wonderfully refreshing with a familiar twist. Ginger and passionfruit front and center. Incredibly smooth — you don't really taste the vodka or the sparkling sake, allowing the vibrant fruit and spice notes to shine.
Order
Fortune Told
Passionfruit-forward and fruity. Prosecco combines beautifully with the passionfruit to lend slight sweetness, with welcome effervescence. The fortune cookie served alongside is a charming detail.
Technical Execution
3
/ 5
Honestly Speaking
Order the Chicken Karaage and Tiger Prawns. The Wagyu Fried Rice nearly perfect — the chili crisps tip it slightly off balance.
| Honestly Speaking | 3 / 5 |
| Yelp | 4.3 / 5 |
| Google | 4.6 / 5 |
| The Infatuation | 8.7 / 10 |