After only a year, this highly-praised Asian smokehouse is closing in Wynwood

One of the most highly anticipated restaurants of 2025 is closing in Wynwood.

Shiso Asian Smokehouse, which opened at 239 NW 28th St. with the aim of highlighting the considerable culinary talents of chef Raheem Sealey, is shutting down to become an event space.

Restaurant ownership announced that this weekend marks the final days of Shiso, which opened in March 2025 and specialized in Asian smoked meats and other exotic fare, like uni on cornbread. and smoked oxtail.

After July 12, the restaurant will shut down, and the space will transition into the Wynwood Event Center, which will host private events, parties, weddings, corporate meetings and other gatherings.

“We’re incredibly proud of what Shiso accomplished,” the ownership said in a statement, adding that the Shiso culinary team will be one of the catering options at the new event space. “Thank you to everyone who dined with us and supported Shiso. We can’t wait to welcome you to this exciting new chapter.”

The move comes only months after the announcement that On & On, Shiso’s rooftop bar, would be opening to host music events.

Sealey will continue his work at Drinking Pig BBQ at 3444 Main Highway in Coconut Grove, which opened in the fall of 2025. The restaurant serves the barbecue that Sealey made famous when he started the business at his North Miami home during the pandemic.

Opening Drinking Pig was a dream come true for Sealey, who drew a following when he worked at Wynwood’s KYU.

“I’m super grateful for Miami, for the people that believe in me,” he told the Miami Herald in 2025. “I’m just part of the community and trying to build things that the community wants and likes. I’m grateful to where I came from and where I’m at. I just love the city and raising my family here and being able to do this type of stuff in the community.”