First look: Domo Japones

Housed in a refurbished post office, Domo Japones goes for a sleek yet friendly vibe. Photo courtesy Domo Japones.

 

By Sara Liss

The goods: Progressive Japanese cuisine finds a stylish home at Domo Japones. The urbane bistro, new to the Design District, comes courtesy of restaurateur Amir Ben Zion (Miss Yip, Bond Street) and chef Timon Balloo (Azul, SushiSamba) and sushi chef Naohiro Higuchi (Nobu Bahamas). Décor is understated chic with dark wood tables, leather banquettes and color provided by the evocative contemporary art on display. A gleaming sushi bar staffed by handkerchief-ed chefs crafting rolls in time with the pulsating music gives the dining room energy.

The grub: Rare Asian ingredients pepper Domo's eclectic menu. Think fried capers, mushroom dust and wasabi puree. Novices can relax, as there's plenty of familiar fare like miso cod and spicy tuna rolls. Portion sizes veer towards small and medium-size plates so diners can opt for several appetizers ($7-16) and rolls rather than typical entree-heavy meals.

The hip and hungry can get their sushi fix on with rolls like the "Italiano" made with oba (Asian pesto), sun dried tomato and avocado. Yuzu kosho, made from a tart Japanese citrus fruit, is added to an eggplant appetizer layered with yellowtail and shows up again in a "Tri Color" roll made with tuna, salmon and whitefish. Mains include a filet mignon seasoned with sansho pepper (a cousin of Chinese Sichuan pepper) and udon noodles with duck breast, wild mushrooms and a bursting quail egg.

For dessert try the warm chocolate cake with Okinawa sea salt and a miso apple strudel served with ginger ice cream.

Early verdict: Food fiends will be migrating over the causeway to sample Domo's delicacies. Late night noshers will appreciate Domo's loungey atmosphere and extensive sake and cocktail list.

Domo Japones, 4000 NE 2nd Ave., Design District; 305.573.5474. domojapones.com

Speak up!

Average rating based on 2 reviews.

1.5

What you said

11

bullish2

1

Posted on Fri, 03.21.2008 @ 21:04

If you are looking for a place that is high on attitude and prices, this is it! Starting from being ignored by a big black transvestite-looking woman with a heroine addict looking sidekick blocking the entrance, we wound up with excellent sushi; miniature portions and insanely high prices. I just don't get it! This is Miami, is everyone in town a financial jackass? Everything was priced stupidly high. Design district or not, who the hell wants to go off like a lamb to slaughter when you want some good food with a little atmosphere. There is sushi on every corner here. Who do these folks think they are? Even on the quality of fish alone: Though excellent, it wasn't worth an unexaggerated 400% increase over a "regular" Miami sushi joint... particularly for the teeny pieces. Sorry. I won't be going back, even if an enemy picks up the tab. 'Cause "I wouldn't wish this [place] on my worst enemy." I can people watch for free." ... Read more

23

rhirsch

2

Posted on Fri, 02.15.2008 @ 14:40

This is a really cool space, and the sushi was excellent. We had delicious lobster rolls and a unique roll that featured shrimp wrapped in proscuito with a citrus dipping sauce. But....the service was a lot more South Beach than Design District -- waited nearly an hour between appetizer and main course, and only got served after asking if we'd been forgotten. Based on the food, I'd give them another chance.... Read more

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