Chef Raheem Sealey, known for his influential roles at KYU and Drinking Pig, in partnership with Forward Hospitality Group, have successfully opened Shiso—an Asian Smokehouse that uniquely fuses Caribbean influences, Japanese precision, and wood-fired BBQ techniques.
Drawing on his roots from St. Croix and refined training at Le Cordon Bleu in Miami, Chef Sealey has created a menu that celebrates global flavors with innovative twists. The dishes, crafted for sharing, have quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Standout offerings such as the “Shiso Chicken Please”—a Cornish hen presented both smoked and fried with a distinctive white BBQ sauce—and the inventive Oxtail Gunkan, which layers smoked BBQ oxtail with pickle relish, rice, and a house-made oxtail ‘ju-su’ wrapped in nori, are a testament to the chef’s passion and culinary mastery.
Shiso Chicken Please
Shiso’s physical space marries raw urban energy and refined elegance in its contemporary design. The venue, located at 239 NW 28th Street, offers an environment where exposed concrete beams adorned with graffiti art contrast with an illuminated quartz stone bar and polished weathered brick corridors. Inside, serpentine banquettes and expansive views of Miami’s horizon invite guests to linger and savor the dynamic atmosphere.
The restaurant’s impact is further extended by its striking 6,500-square-foot rooftop area. This vibrant space features a 35-seat racetrack-shaped bar with a retractable roof and semi-private dining cabanas, all set amidst a 2,000-square-foot green garden teeming with palm trees. This outdoor setting has quickly become a hotspot for those seeking a unique blend of culinary excellence and social engagement.
Inside Shiso, the dining experience goes beyond food. An open-kitchen layout infuses the space with culinary theater, where chandeliers illuminate dining areas framed by local murals and exposed brick. A 15-seat Chef’s Counter offers guests an exclusive, interactive Omakase experience, further enhanced by the expertise of Miami-based mixologist James MacInnes, who leads a world-class bar program emphasizing both craft and spectacle.
The venue is equally noted for its artistic elements. From a captivating street art mural that guides guests toward the rooftop, to a Harajuku-inspired bathroom featuring bold anime art, every detail reflects Wynwood’s creative spirit. Additionally, an origami-inspired entrance crowned with a sculptural wooden paper crane sets the stage for what has become a landmark destination blending food, culture, and art.
Brisket Nigiri
Now open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 PM to close, Shiso has quickly become more than just another restaurant—it is a dynamic hub where Miami’s culinary innovation meets the creative energy of Wynwood. The venue invites diners to connect, explore, and celebrate an integrated experience where tradition and innovation coexist. With its bustling indoor dining space and extensive rooftop area, Shiso is set to remain a centerpiece in Miami’s vibrant dining scene.