I waited over two years for Chef Raheem Sealey to open Shiso finally, and it was worth every moment. I’ve been a huge fan of his ever since his time at Kyu, back when Wynwood was far less crowded and lacked the vibrant dining scene it has today. Kyu—launched by a team of Zuma alumni, including Chef Sealey—introduced me to flavors and techniques I’d never experienced before. Their Asian-inspired barbecue was nothing short of extraordinary, making Kyu one of Miami’s most sought-after reservations. It was there that I had my first taste of whole roasted cauliflower, Korean fried chicken, and the most divine coconut layer cake.
When Chef Sealey left Kyu, it was never quite the same. So, when I heard he was launching Drinking Pig BBQ—a pandemic-born, backyard pop-up that became a cult favorite, I was enamored. Shiso remained a long-awaited project. In the meantime, he opened J&C Oyster Bar in Hollywood, but Shiso was always his passion project. Here, he masterfully blends wood-fired barbecue with Japanese precision and Caribbean soul.
Now, Shiso has finally arrived, located at the corner of NW 2nd Avenue and 28th Street in a newly developed section of Wynwood. Walking up the long staircase, past beautifully painted walls, I stepped into an urban rooftop oasis that took my breath away. After checking in—greeted by warm, welcoming hostesses (a refreshing change from the old Zuma days)—I was met with an expansive bar seating 35, a DJ booth, and a space that perfectly encapsulates Chef Sealey’s vision. Shiso is not just a restaurant; it’s a culmination of years of experience, passion, and culinary artistry.
There are plenty of seating options, all surrounded by lush greenery. A retractable roof allows for an open-air experience when the weather is just right, while the indoor dining space exudes a sleek, industrial-cool aesthetic. Concrete walls are adorned with bold graffiti by a local artist, and the ceiling is an artistic statement in itself. The open kitchen, with seating for just 15 lucky guests, offers an intimate chef’s choice menu—a front-row seat to the action. Overhead, cloud-like fixtures and dramatic modern lighting enhance the edgy yet inviting atmosphere. With a capacity of up to 170 guests, Shiso manages to feel both expansive and intimate, down to the stylishly designed bathrooms.
The menu is extensive, with a strong Japanese influence and a wide selection of rolls. For me, this was the weakest link—I’m a self-proclaimed sushi snob, and while the rolls were fine, they didn’t stand out. However, the rest of the menu more than made up for it. The BBQ-smoked sticky ribs were phenomenal, as were the chicken drumstick lollipops—Chef Sealey truly knows his way around chicken. The brisket-filled croquettes were both unexpected and delicious. But the star for me? The cornbread—hands down the best I’ve ever had. I’d happily order it as dessert, though they also offer an elevated version topped with uni.
Other dishes we tried included the duck dumplings, an oxtail udon dish, and crispy potatoes with a salami vinaigrette—an incredibly unique dish, though I’d dial back the cheese sauce just a bit. Still, we devoured them.
The bar program is ambitious, offering creative and well-executed cocktails. I particularly enjoyed the Martinelli Sling, a beautifully balanced mix of Bombay Sapphire gin, apple sake, falernum, and allspice. Their take on a spritz was also refreshing, and the sake selection was impressive. Interestingly, the bar menus differ between the indoor and outdoor spaces, offering variety depending on where you choose to sip.
For dessert, we chose two options, both delicious: the miso flan donuts—crispy and sugary on the outside, with a soft custard-like center—and a decadent sweet potato cheesecake that was rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
With Shiso, Chef Raheem Sealey and Forward Hospitality Group have delivered an exciting and innovative addition to Wynwood’s dining scene. This is a restaurant that will impress locals and visitors alike.
Valet parking is available for $25.
Happy dining,
Shanea
04/17/25
