Shiso Lands in Wynwood: Chef Raheem Sealey Opens a Game-Changing Asian Smokehouse in Miami
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Fire and Culture
Miami’s dynamic food scene just got a new cornerstone. On March 28, acclaimed Chef Raheem Sealey will officially open Shiso, an ambitious Asian smokehouse in Wynwood that’s as personal as it is bold. Presented in collaboration with Forward Hospitality Group, Shiso is the culmination of Sealey’s culinary evolution—one that’s carried him from the resorts of St. Croix to Miami’s most celebrated kitchens.
“Shiso means a lot to me. It’s an opportunity that came to me at the right time in my career and is a culmination of being able to work with some of the top talents I’ve had the privilege of meeting in my professional journey. Shiso reflects my culinary inspirations and how they’ve impacted me at different times in my life. It’s an honor to have a project I can call my own, and that truly shows my passion for this industry.”
Chef Raheem Sealey
On the Menu: Where Smoke Meets Precision
Chef Raheem’s culinary signature—wood-fired BBQ rooted in island heritage—is refined through Japanese technique and plated with finesse. Shiso’s menu is unapologetically original and designed to be shared. Dishes like Oxtail Gunkan, layered with smoked BBQ oxtail, pickle relish, house-made jus and nori, or the Shiso Chicken Please, a Cornish Hen served both smoked and fried with white BBQ sauce, speak to Sealey’s gift for surprise flavor pairings that remain grounded in technique.
Expect creativity at every turn. Each dish is a conversation, a nod to his roots and a wink to his fine dining background at acclaimed spots like ZUMA, Pao, and KYU.
A Space That Dares to Speak
Designed by Lambrini Palmieri-Schwartz of House of L, Shiso is an architectural study in dualities. Grit and gloss. Steel and stone. Urban edge meets delicate detail. Graffiti-painted beams rise above an illuminated quartz bar; serpentine banquettes face Miami’s skyline.
The aesthetic choices echo Chef Sealey’s own approach to cuisine—high-concept with a personal twist. Walk through an origami-inspired wooden entrance and you’ll find yourself inside a space that is both intimate and theatrical. A 15-seat Chef’s Counter offers a progressive take on Omakase, where the line between kitchen and guest disappears.
A Rooftop Worth the Climb
Upstairs, Shiso's rooftop transforms into a 6,500-square-foot playground. Surrounded by 2,000 square feet of lush greenery, the open-air terrace includes a 170-seat dining area, 35-seat racetrack-style bar, and cabanas that feel like your own private corner of the city. With a retractable roof and live vinyl-spun soundtracks, the rooftop will host curated nightlife, special dinners, and impromptu celebrations beneath the stars.
For an added jolt of design whimsy, step into the Harajuku-inspired bathroom, where bold anime art meets Miami eccentricity. Throughout the venue, commissioned murals from local Wynwood artists ground the experience in place, reminding guests that this is not just a culinary destination—it’s a love letter to Miami’s creative soul.
The Bar Program: Crafted for Drama and Detail
Helmed by celebrated mixologist James MacInnes, Shiso’s bar program matches the kitchen’s energy with drinks rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling. Expect bold flavors, precise pours, and unexpected visual elements. Cocktails are treated as extensions of the food—meant to spark conversation and heighten the overall sensory journey.
From omakase to open flame, the restaurant balances refined hospitality with unfiltered expression. At every table, you’ll find a bit of performance—and a lot of purpose.