South Beach has landed in New Kingston!

Equal parts dining haven and nightlife retreat, Komo Mai transports guests into a lush paradise built for indulging and celebrating. The forces behind the magic? Directors Romeich Major, Nicholas Mahfood, Jermaule Adair, and Chef Shea Stewart.

Thursday Food secured an exclusive preview on Friday, July 10, ahead of the grand opening of Jamaica’s newest fusion restaurant, joining select guests at the eatery’s Knutsford Boulevard address.

Ascending the steps, patrons are immersed in high-definition 300 ft LED displays of vibrant flora and fauna, setting an inviting tone before they even step inside. Once through the doors, the lounge unfolds like a tropical oasis — complete with a striking cherry blossom tree, floral décor and co-ordinated seating that exudes relaxation. Co-director Chef Stewart spearheaded Komo Mai’s look and feel. The 5,000-square-foot space seamlessly transitions from its general dining area featuring plush purple seating to a balcony lounge outfitted with royal purple couches.

The mood aligns perfectly with the venue’s name. Komo Mai translates to “welcome” in Hawaiian. Chef Stewart, despite the geographical distance between Hawaii and Jamaica, both island cultures share a core commitment to hospitality that guests will readily embrace.

“Although Hawaiian [culture] is not from the Caribbean, we share a lot of similarities in our island life,” Stewart shared with

Thursday Food. “So we wanted to kind of represent that we are [international] but still grounded in the roots of Jamaica.”

That cultural synergy naturally flows into the menu, pairing local Jamaican ingredients with international techniques honed throughout his career.

“Throughout my culinary endeavour, I have been exposed to a lot of different cuisines and I wanted to represent Jamaica but using influences from all over the world. So [its about using] natural flavours but incorporating different techniques and different dishes that I have learnt through my culinary experiences and tie it down to the Jamaican culinary experience,” Stewart said.

Among the house specialities are the tamarind and honey lamb chops, coconut miso salmon, fire-roasted chicken, and pimento steak satay, In keeping with the tropical theme, the bar menu pairs selections including the Lychee martini, Kingston Negroni, and Whisky Sour — with stand out house signatures like the Guava Margarita, Clarified Watermelon, and Passion Fruit Cognac Highball.

Officially opening soon, Komo Mai is set to become New Kingston’s ultimate go-to spot.

Komo Mai

69 Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston

Photos: Garfield Robinson

Instagram: @komomai.lounge

Tamarind lamb (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Pimento steak satay (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Dynamic 300-foot LED screens set a vibrant, tropical scene along the staircase leading into Komo Mai. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

The general seating area inside Komo Mai (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Server Natalia Henderson (left) greets recording artiste Cholita with sparkling water to kick off the evening. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Calamari fritti (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Chef Shea Stewart puts the finishing touches to the coconut miso salmon. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Coconut miso salmon (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Crab rangoon (Photo: Garfield Robinson

Wright Image Limited Managing Director PJ Wright and his wife Dr Brittany Boyne-Wright raise a toast with their Passion Fruit Cognac Highball and Clarified Watermelon cocktails, respectively. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Guests enjoy the private dining showcase at Komo Mai.(Photos: Garfield Robinson)

 Komo Mai’s bar area (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Some of the cocktails on offer include (from left) the Clarified Watermelon, Passion Fruit Cognac Highball, and Whisky Sour. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Enjoying the atmosphere with their Guava Margarita and Passion Fruit Cognac Highball cocktails are Wisynco Chief Commercial Officer Tabitha Athey, entrepreneur, and Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic Jimmy Joseph. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

[PAGE 8-9] Charred cauliflower (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Fire roasted chicken (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Fidcom Limited General Manager Joanna Smith (left) and 360 Dental principal Dr Chinel Lee gave the miso salmon full points. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

[PAGE 8-9] The Passion Fruit Cognac Highball and Whisky Sour kept content creator Kerrian Thompson and Phenomenal Systems CEO Robert McKenzie smiling throughout the evening.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Komo-Mai co-directors (from left) Romeich Major, Jermaule Adair and Chef Shea Stewart share a laugh during the private dining event. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Congratulating Komo Mai co-director Nicholas Mahfood (second left) on the new venture are (from left) prroject manager Jeremy Mahfood, Motortrade Limited Managing Director Anthony Mahfood and Fidcom Limited General Manager Joanna Smith. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)