Chef Raheem Sealey & Forward Hospitality Group Open A New Asian Dining Concept In Miami

This week, Miami’s dynamic dining scene will welcome its newest gem: Shiso, an Asian Smokehouse helmed by acclaimed Chef Raheem Sealey in partnership with Forward Hospitality Group. Nestled in the heart of Wynwood, this innovative restaurant promises to captivate food lovers with a daring fusion of Caribbean soul, Japanese precision, and wood-fired BBQ mastery.

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For Chef Raheem Sealey, Shiso is more than just a restaurant—it’s a deeply personal triumph. Raised in St. Croix, Sealey’s love for cooking ignited in the island’s resort kitchens before he honed his skills at Le Cordon Bleu in Miami. His impressive résumé boasts stints at some of the city’s most iconic establishments, including Pao, ZUMA, and KYU, where he earned acclaim for his inventive approach. More recently, his Drinking Pig BBQ concept showcased his flair for bold, smoky flavors. Now, with Shiso, he’s ready to claim the spotlight with a project that’s entirely his own.

“Shiso reflects my culinary inspirations and how they’ve impacted me at different times in my life,” Sealey shares. “It’s an honor to have a project I can call my own, one that truly shows my passion for this industry.”

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At Shiso, every dish is a celebration of technique and unexpected flavor pairings, designed to be shared and savored in a lively, social setting. Standout offerings include the Shiso Chicken Please—a Cornish hen served two ways, half smoked and half fried, paired with a creamy white BBQ sauce—and the Oxtail Gunkan, a striking creation of smoked BBQ oxtail layered with pickle relish, rice, house-made oxtail ‘ju-su,’ and wrapped in nori paper. This masterful blend of Caribbean roots and Japanese finesse, elevated by the primal allure of wood-fired cooking, sets Shiso apart as a true original.

The restaurant’s design, crafted by Lambrini Palmieri-Schwartz of House of L, mirrors Sealey’s culinary philosophy: a seamless fusion of raw energy and refined sophistication. Exposed concrete beams adorned with graffiti art juxtapose an illuminated quartz stone bar, while glossy corridors reveal weathered brick beneath. Serpentine banquettes frame breathtaking views of Miami’s skyline, anchored by industrial concrete floors and ceilings. Upstairs, a 6,500-square-foot rooftop oasis awaits, complete with a 170-seat dining area, a 35-seat racetrack-shaped bar with a retractable roof, and semi-private cabanas nestled within a 2,000-square-foot garden of palms and lush greenery.

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Every detail of Shiso’s aesthetic nods to Wynwood’s vibrant arts culture. A Harajuku-inspired bathroom bursts with bold anime art, local Wynwood artists’ commissioned works punctuate the space, and an origami-inspired entrance features a sculptural wooden crane. Inside, the open-kitchen dining room offers a front-row seat to culinary theater, with chandeliers casting a warm glow over tables set against exposed brick and murals. A 15-seat Chef’s Counter reimagines the traditional Omakase experience, blending intimacy with innovation.

The bar program, led by esteemed Miami mixologist James MacInnes, promises craft cocktails and showmanship that rival the kitchen’s creativity. Dim lighting and vibrant, live-curated music set the stage for an immersive experience that extends beyond the plate. With its sprawling rooftop, two distinct bar concepts, and thoughtfully integrated indoor-outdoor spaces, Shiso transcends the typical restaurant—it’s a destination where food, culture, and creativity collide.

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Whether you’re drawn by the promise of boundary-pushing cuisine or the allure of a rooftop retreat in the heart of Miami, Shiso is poised to become the city’s next must-visit hotspot.