This week, a new culinary venture is set to emerge in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Shiso, an Asian Smokehouse led by Chef Raheem Sealey, opens its doors, inviting patrons to explore a unique blend of Caribbean and Japanese flavors, all presented through the art of wood-fired BBQ.
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For Chef Raheem Sealey, opening Shiso is a significant personal achievement. Growing up in St. Croix sparked his culinary passion, which flourished through roles in resort kitchens and later at Le Cordon Bleu in Miami. His background includes notable positions at Miami hotspots like Pao, ZUMA, and KYU, where he gained recognition for his innovative cooking style. His previous endeavor, Drinking Pig BBQ, showcased his expertise in bold, smoky flavors, setting the stage for this latest venture.
“Shiso is a reflection of my culinary journey and influences,” Sealey shares. “It’s fulfilling to have a project that embodies my passion for the culinary arts.”
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At Shiso, each dish is crafted with a focus on technique and inventive flavor combinations, ideal for sharing and enjoying in a vibrant atmosphere. Featured dishes include the Shiso Chicken Please, a Cornish hen served in two styles—one smoked and one fried, accompanied by a creamy white BBQ sauce. Another highlight is the Oxtail Gunkan, consisting of smoked BBQ oxtail layered with pickle relish and rice, elegantly wrapped in nori paper. This combination of Caribbean heritage and Japanese craftsmanship, enhanced by wood-fired preparation methods, establishes Shiso as a distinctive dining experience.
The restaurant’s design, envisioned by Lambrini Palmieri-Schwartz of House of L, reflects Sealey’s culinary vision: a blend of raw energy and refined elegance. Concrete beams showcase urban art, contrasting with a brilliant quartz stone bar. Glossy corridors reveal weathered brick and comfortable serpentine banquettes offer stunning views of the Miami skyline. The expansive rooftop, spanning 6,500 square feet, features a 170-seat dining space, a unique racetrack-shaped bar with a retractable roof, and private cabanas amid lush greenery within a 2,000-square-foot garden.
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Shiso incorporates elements from Wynwood’s vibrant art scene in every aspect. The bathrooms feature striking Harajuku-inspired anime art, while commissioned pieces from local artists enhance the ambiance. An origami-themed entrance showcases a sculptural wooden crane. The open kitchen allows guests to experience the culinary process firsthand, with warm lighting illuminating the space accented by exposed brick and original murals. A 15-seat Chef’s Counter transforms the traditional Omakase experience into an intimate gathering.
The bar program, managed by noted Miami mixologist James MacInnes, pairs cocktails with the culinary creativity of the kitchen, enhancing the overall dining experience. The combination of low lighting and curated live music crafts an immersive atmosphere. With its expansive rooftop, dual bar concepts, and thoughtfully designed indoor-outdoor areas, Shiso is destined to be more than a restaurant; it promises a bold culinary destination.
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Shiso stands ready to become a culinary landmark in Miami, offering both adventurous dining and a rooftop setting ideal for relaxation and enjoyment.
