SHIA Restaurant

Name: SHIA Restaurant
Address: 1252 4th St NE, Washington, DC, United States, 20002
Telephone: (202) 802-5166
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (173)

$50 and over

Korean

1252 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Innovative
Charming

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.

**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Korean, Contemporary Korean, Farm-to-table
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(202) 802-5166
Website
http://www.shiarestaurant.org/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Chef Edward Lee

Location
1252 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Neighborhood
Washington
Cross street
On the corner of 4th St NE & Morse St NE
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
NoMa / Gallaudet on the Red Line. Buses 90/92.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

7 Course Pre-Fixe (Dining Room)
Multiple dates available
Welcome to SHIA, where each dish is a celebration of Korean-inspired flavors and meticulous craftsmanship. Our seven-course tasting menu ($185 per person) is served in our open-kitchen dining room and invites you on a culinary journey that blends tradition with innovation, highlighting the season’s finest Hansik ingredients. SHIA will plant the seed for innovation in the restaurant industry, conducting on-site, real-time research with in-house researchers and university partners to solve for zero-gas kitchens, zero plastics and waste reduction. We invite you to relax, savor, and let us guide you through an evening of discovery. Thank you for allowing us to share this experience with you—it’s an honor to have you at our table. **Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed!**
5 Course Pre-Fixe (Lounge Only)
Multiple dates available
Join us in the lounge for an exclusive $90 five-course tasting menu, crafted specifically for this intimate lounge setting. These seats (lounge + bar) offer a distinct experience, separate from our dining room, allowing you to enjoy a curated selection of seasonal dishes in a more relaxed, up-close atmosphere. Perfect for those seeking a taste of SHIA with a unique perspective—these seats are limited, so reserve yours today! **Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed!**
Singles Inferno: A Solo Dining Series
$185.00 per person
Prepaid
Aug 5, 2025 only
5:00 PM
Inspired by the hit Korean reality series, Singles Inferno at SHIA is a dining event for solo guests seeking heat—whether culinary, conversational, or something in between. You’ll be seated communally for a seven-course Korean tasting menu, joined by others who enjoy dining solo. There’s no pressure to mingle, no games, and no eliminations—just beautiful food, shared presence, and a little spice. Each guest receives a complimentary spicy soju martini to start and a secret spicy dessert to finish. Beverage pairings are optional and will be available for selection once you are seated. Come as you are, and (maybe) leave with something new. Only 10 tickets available per evening.

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Scallop and Fried Oyster Ssam
Myeongran Roe | Asian Pear | Ssamjang
Black Sesame Guksu
Mugwort | Uni | Caviar | Picked Cucmber
Mul Hwe
Joetgal | Winter Mu | Gamtae | Red Frill Mustard
Doenjang Pork Belly
Abalone | Clams | White Kimchi | 7 Grain Jook
Seared Saengsun
Jeju Broth | Bitter Greens | Kelp Fish Cake
Korean Gyeoja-Glazed Duck
Braised Ma | Black Garlic | Sot Bop | Banchan
Ssuk Ice Cream
Sweet Corn Puree | Bourbon Honey Glaze | Shortbread | Mint Oil

What 173 people are saying

SHIA Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Best Ambiance
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Best Ambiance
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Innovative

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

SHIA Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with "unique and absolutely delicious" Korean-inspired cuisine. Chef Edward Lee's creativity shines through, combining traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Guests rave about the "amazing service," "intimate yet engaging" atmosphere, and "impeccable" hospitality. A must-visit for a memorable and sophisticated culinary journey.

173 Reviews

C
Charles
Toronto / Ontario1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The 5 x course meal experience was memorable and entertaining for my taste buds 😄
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J
John
Greater Boston2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the most curated and attentive meals I’ve had. The staff was extremely kind, meticulous, and attentive to our every need. The experience was incredible, and the food was amazing!
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L
Laurence
Washington, D.C. Area1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding experience. Food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. We were very lucky to meet Chef Lee (the owner) and also the chef in charge of the cooking, Max. Truly wonderful restaurant.
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K
Katy VIP
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful time at Shia. We sat at the bar, where both our server and the bartender were incredibly friendly and engaging. Chef Edward was also present and took the time to greet us and explain a few of the dishes, which made the experience even more special. A truly enjoyable evening — highly recommended!
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A
Anusha VIP
Washington, D.C. Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had! The team was attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere was intimate yet engaging. The food was unique and absolutely delicious. Worth every penny!
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J
Jack VIP
Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant was exceptional. I had the pleasure of seeing Chef Edward, who exuded an extraordinary level of humility. He skillfully presented and introduced the delectable dishes, making a warm greeting to each patron and ensuring their utmost comfort. The staff possessed a profound understanding of the culinary creations and demonstrated exceptional accommodating behavior. They ensured that our dining experience was truly memorable, addressing all my inquiries regarding the ingredients, optimal dining techniques, and the creative inspirations behind the dishes. I extend my sincere gratitude to Mason for your time and patience in providing such comprehensive insights.
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J
Jiwon
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Must experience at least once in your lifetime! The service was amazing and the people were very friendly and sweet. Food (and drinks) was extremely good, experimental with strong and bold flavors of Korean ingredients. You can really taste and feel the curiosity and affection Chef Lee has for Korean cuisine. I tried the five-course menu along with wine pairing; as an avid raw seafood lover, the Mul Hwe has to be my favorite (Red Hanbok for drinks!) Didn't expect to meet Chef Edward Lee in person, but was excited to see him! Chef Lee was very cordial and oozes a commanding charisma that lowkey stuns (and sweep you off your toes) you. It was my first time trying out fine dining and would love to come back and try out new menus in the future!
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E
Elizabeth
Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing service, food, thoughtfully curated drink menu. Please keep the pacing as it is, as someone that can’t do huge tasting menus anymore this was the perfect portion size and pacing (I did the five course). Loved the jook course and the main courses with golden rice, must have starches on the tasting menu. Will definitely be back when the menu changes seasonally. Also love the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and no plastics!
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M
Mia VIP
San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
After months to get trying to get a reservation, while trying to find a place to celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we got one! Our anticipation was through the roof, and the restaurant did not disappoint! From the first bite, “Ssam”, every dish was an explosion of flavor and every bite was filled with complex and unexpected combinations. And yet there was still an undertone of Korean flavor that reminded me of my grandmothers cooking. The service was off the charts with perfect ambience. We will definitely be back with our kids to share the experience! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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L
Leah
Washington, D.C. Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
TL;DR: everything is amazing. the staff are wonderful. a must go! We were late finding parking and the hostess called - not to say "you're late, we're going to cancel you" or anything like that, they called to say "Are you okay?". I was pleasantly surprised. It was very tough finding parking on a Friday night...so word of caution, uber or metro, or just park far away and walk... we ended up parking by the metro and walked about 10 mins. Or you might get luckin in one of the many garages. The main Union Market lot was turned into a drive-in movie that night, so it just made parking a living nightmare. On the phone, I told the hostess about our parking woes and we'd be there soon, she ended with "drive safe and see you soon". They genuinely care and expressed concern for us. That meant a lot because I was stressing over finding parking. We arrived in the area at 7:45pm for an 8:15pm reservation, and finally parked at 8:30pm! Once we arrived, the hostess was gracious and welcoming, and we chatted and she made us feel better about the parking challenges. It was like she was welcoming us to her home. As we sat down, the servers were also gracious and warm. They said it was a little loud because of the larger party + music, and if it's too loud to let them know. They were very considerate. We ordered cocktails and mine was taking a little bit of time... 2 people stopped by to apologize for the wait and they comped my drink. After a couple of courses, they asked how the pacing was of the courses. Again, how considerate. The food was AMAZING. The service was AMAZING. The atmosphere was AMAZING. The staff were AMAZING -- every employee we encountered was genuine, passionate, and caring. You could tell that they are all doing work they believe in - not just serving food, but the way they are serving it, what they are serving.
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FAQs

SHIA Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 173 OpenTable diners.

SHIA Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.