Came here for a pop up they were doing drinks were fantastic and staff were really nice and friendly. The drink I had was close to an old fashion and it was rich with flavor and well balanced they did it with Korean liquor which was really nice and a change of pace from the normal drink. Can't wait to go back. read more

While in DC had to check out Edward Lee's Shia for their 7 course offering for $177 per person. Had a beer and glass of wine to boot. The neighborhood is cool with an old school tofu factory across the street. Entrance for Shia is understated and can be easily missed. Front area is coat check and bar and a small seat waiting area. We were led inside to the kitchen for a quick meet and greet with the kitchen staff and an app paired with a small drink, then seated nearby. The inside not very large and was intimate. Dishes started off inventive and morphed into more traditional dishes with an Edward Lee modernist twist. Staff and service were amazing. Note one of our diners spilled her water on the table and folks were on it immediately! Staff was relaxed and interacted with us nicely. I didn't have notes on specific dishes as I was catching up with an old classmate but definitely worth a try. The boss was in Korea dealing with the restaurant there as he expands his empire: read more

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Loved everything here! That said this is not a casual " what do I eat tonight?" Place. It is definitely a treat. We saw this on Eater and the head chef has been on some culinary class wars .... Which if you are into cooking shows you know. Everything was great but as the menu changes a lot not sure how helpful it is to go into that haha. Service was amazing and personal. Everything is top notch. This place is a real treat. Go if you can. Prices are high but it is worth it read more

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Absolutely loved every single bite. You can tell how much thought and intention went into every dish not only in the flavors but also in the presentation. The atmosphere of the bar and lounge area (separate from main dining area) was warm, elegant, and perfect for an elevated dining experience. From start to finish, the food, service, and ambiance were beyond great. They also emphasize sustainability and are a plastic free establishment, making it even more of a reason to visit! read more

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We needed to stop by Chef Edward Lee's restaurant once I found out he had a restaurant in DC. We got lucky and snagged a bar reservation that offered a 5 course menu. We started with a one bite mackerel which was crunchy and the oyster had really good texture. The sam mung bean was fresh and had sesame flavor. I'm not a huge fan of sundae and this dish gave me a new understanding of it, monkfish liver was creamy. Loved the crispy. The main entree with steak was super tender, fish was light. The dessert had crunchy topping with the cherry and chocolate which paired well. Overall a nice elevated experience! read more

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Staff was super helpful, and informative about everything. The bar area was nice enough, but the lighting was too bright. At the bar and had the 5 course tasting menu. My other half opted to add the small grilled lobster course as well. The small bite I had was not fully cooked and was quite mediocre as was all of the extremely small portions I ate this night. For my main I chose the lamb. The one piece of lamb I received was tasty, but only about the size of my thumb. For $200 per person (with booze pairings) it simply wasn't worth it. I had to eat when we got home because I was still hungry. These obnoxious Barbie size course do not impress me, and always make me mad......especially at these prices. I've been twice, first and last. read more

After watching season 1 of culinary class wars, I knew I had to try Chef Edward Lee's restaurant. Super intimate fine dining restaurant. Incredible service and very attentive. All the dishes are pretty unique. A modern take on Korean dishes. The drink menu is also worth trying out too. I recommend the bokbunja muscat if available (sweet grape drink) I would highly recommend trying the restaurant out. Menu changes seasonally. You do need a reservation though read more

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This was a nice spot for Korean fine dining, and I can see why Culinary Class War fans love this place. Overall, it was a smooth and tasty experience for seven courses. The presentation was lovely, alongside the descriptions for each of the dishes. The service was very accommodating and friendly, even with Edward Lee dropping by to each table and asking us how everything is. However, I personally did not find any of the dishes that jaw-dropping. I'd say I particularly liked the ipgasim sorbet and steak with the gochujang sauce, but everything else was fine or good; nothing too special. I did find the saengsun jjim a bit bland in terms of flavour. The hobak juk - I felt literally tasted like pumpkin soup above some chili oil. I also left the restaurant hungry once my two Apples to Oranges drinks settled (the drinks were refreshing and addicting, though). As a result, I'm not entirely sure if the price is worth what was served, but still a great time. I am not sure if I'm fully convinced to make a second trip to SHIA, but it is nice to check out at least once! FYI, SHIA is located next to Blue Bottle, with a door alone showing that it's SHIA, which may be tricky to find. read more

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I was really looked forward to Shia and booked this well in advance and was the main reason we visited DC! It was a really nice experience and service was great. The food was good and I loved that they gave us special touches because it was their birthday too, such as seaweed soup, and also special touches for our anniversary with extra drinks too. I loved the pairing that went along with the food. I love Korean food and all the twists on korean classic foods. We also especially liked the juicy fruit (chewing gum) inspired dessert. Overall, a really enjoyable experience, though the price point was steep. Unfortunately nothing was amazing but it was all very good. We also really liked the ethos of this place that the staff were explaining to us that they are not for profit and zero waste and would recommend people checking it out when they're in DC! read more

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Such a beautiful, elegant, and thoughtful meal. The $185 7-course tasting menu is so so worth it. When you first enter, you'll see their bar and a few tables. Behind the next door is where most people dine with a very open kitchen concept. The restaurant is quite dark and small (22 seats), but very zen feeling. Our server was very attentive, kind, and knowledgeable about the menu. We came during the summer menu for our anniversary: Scallop & Fried Oyster Ssam, Black Sesame Guksu, Mul Hwe, Soon-Dae, Seared Saengsun, Glazed Rohan Duck, and Gwail (dessert). We were mind-blown by all the dishes! The flavors were so unique and complex. I loved all the different textures. Even the mocktails were amazing. I love how Chef Edward Lee really elevates Korean food. I also want to support SHIA because of their commitment to sustainability. Even every single menu practices sustainability!! You must make a reservation! read more

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I've been dying to come here since the end of Culinary Class Wars S1! My partner surprised me with this reservation as a Christmas gift, and we just went last night. I truly don't have words. I was so impressed by the atmosphere as soon as you walk in, and the service was so warm. The tasting menu for this season couldn't have been more perfect for my palate as a long-time Korean cuisine enthusiast. My favorite was the ssam and the guksu, and the ipgasim was incredible that I wanted to bathe in it. I was not a big fan of the gwail dish but that was driven by the uncanny spot-on juicyfruit-flavored ice cream. You have to have one bizarre dish at these things, right? I was sincerely blown away by the quality of the flavors in all of the dishes presented, even if they all weren't exactly my taste. What a great interpretation of Korean food! Genuinely already missing it so much. It's not an everyday restaurant but definitely putting myself back in the queue when another good menu pops up! read more

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SHIA Overall Rating: (5/5 Stars) A nonprofit modern Korean fine-dining restaurant led by a chef I first saw on TV? Tell me more. SHIA completely realigned my understanding of what sustainable Korean cuisine can be. Elevated, intentional, and deeply thoughtful. 5 Course Bar Tasting Menu $100 * Ssam: I am not a big seaweed person, so I approached this cautiously. Paired with the welcome drink, it was balanced and not overpowering. It eased me in without overwhelming my palate. * Hobak Juk: Soup season truly is a gift. What looked unassuming turned into something layered and beautiful. Each spoonful revealed different textures and subtle spice. Comforting yet refined. * Soon-Dae: I ate this like my life depended on it. Every element worked. The apple added a crisp contrast that made perfect sense. A standout. * Grilled Roseda Farms Strip Loin: A Korean-style steak moment is always welcome. Cooked properly and confidently presented. * Golden Rice with Local Millet Banchan: You cannot have galbi without the proper accompaniments, and these were exactly what they needed to be. Thoughtful, balanced, and supportive rather than distracting. * Pumpkin and Perilla: Perilla appears throughout the menu, and seeing it used in dessert with pumpkin was bold. I am not always a pumpkin fan, but this worked. That says everything about their control of ingredients. À la carte: * Local Oysters ($24): I told myself I was done ordering oysters. I lied. I inhaled them. * Grilled Fishcakes ($13): My least favorite dish. Not poorly executed, just not my preferred style of fish cake. Service: There is something special about dining solo and ending up in a deep conversation with the bar manager and fellow guests while the hours disappear. That is how you know a restaurant has created the right environment. Service was seamless, pacing was precise, and I never once had to ask for anything. Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions. Please try these restaurants and form your own judgments--it's what I would do. read more

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Yep, we'll be back for the spring menu. Phenomenal service, sleek design, very interesting front of restaurant/bar area with a corridor that leads to the main dining room and kitchen. Start with a first course at the kitchen meeting the team making your dinner - very nice touch. And a delicious ssam to begin! Solid pacing, good amount of food, some excellent and intriguing bites. Was definitely satisfied walking out the door. Nice assortment of non alcoholic drinks, interesting cocktails, and teas. Very accommodating to a corn intolerance for a member of our party, made us feel like it wasn't a big deal at all, while making sure they were aware that the team was aware! Hats off to the team at SHIA, looking forward to coming back. read more

You have two options: 7 courses in the dining room at $175 per person, or 5 courses at the bar/lounge for $100pp. We made the reservation on OpenTable the day before, so it wasn't hard to get in. My husband and I had the 7 course meal in the dining room, which came out to $500 after tax and tip (we had one drink each). The meal took us just under 2 hours. My rating is a 4, because IMO the meal wasn't worth $500. I wish we went with the 5 courses at the bar instead for better value. The servers were very friendly and attentive from start to finish. We received written descriptions for each course. Edward Lee, the chef, was around and said hello to the patrons! The dining room has about 10 tables, and I believe the bar has about 8 seats and a corner table. The dining room feels separate from the bar (the restrooms are in between). We parked at the garage at La Cosecha, which is probably the best option when there's no available street parking. The door to the restaurant is easy to miss, so look for it right next to Blue Bottle Coffee. read more

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Came back a 2nd time and did the 7 course tasting with the Korean drink pairing. So good and the venue is intimate. I love they start you off at the kitchen prior to your table. They had a bday card for me too and that was a nice touch. They didn't notice my friend was left landed but they were attentive. Definitely worth trying the drink pairing as they have more than one type but I would go with the Korean offering vs the wine. Well worth it and so happy to have been able to go again! read more

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Everything was just perfect! The vibes when you come in is very exquisite and luxurious, but then you notice their sustainable setup and materials used. Service is topnotch! Everyone says hi and explains the food as they come. As for the food, no words. You can what you pay for. 100/10! read more

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Had a great experience with my in-laws. We all did the tasting menu with either sool or wine pairing. The food was great, particularly the cold noodle dish and the mango sorbet with bubblegum dessert that had a story behind it. I particularly love restaurants or menu items with meaningful stories showcasing the chef's heritage/background/style or explanation of innovation. The sool pairing was okay (might just not be my thing) but I loved the Camellia tea paired with dessert. The restaurant's ambiance is very comfortable and elevated without feeling stuffy. Excellent customer service - I even received a happy birthday letter from the staff which is an awesome touch. read more

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Chef/Owner Edward Lee's non-profit restaurant which doesn't use any plastics was a great dining experience. They even use electric stovetops. My wife who has been watching Netflix Culinary Class War really wanted to dine here. Tasting menu is $185 for eight courses, which isn't too crazy high. We were happy Chef Lee was here. At the end of the meal, he greets you and you can take pictures with him. I really enjoyed most of the courses. Your first course they bring you to the kitchen where you can observe the cooks and eat your first course. My favorites were the Black Sesame Guksu, Mul Hwe, Seared Saengsan and the Korean Gyeoja-Glazed Duck. The service was fantastic. My wife got the cocktail pairing while I had the 5050 cocktail and Old Fashioned. It's a great concept where it's a non-profit restaurant. They don't use any plastics nor do they use a gas range. It's a small dining room, so definitely make reservations in advance. I've been to several fine dining Korean restaurants in NYC, and this one ranks up there with them. read more

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After watching Culinary Class Wars, I really wanted to try Chef Edward Lee's food! Since I was visiting DC, it was a perfect opportunity to meet up with my friend here. The entrance to the restaurant is rather discreet and we almost walked past it at first. Once you enter, you're in the bar area which feels sophisticated and was very well air-conditioned (perfect for a super hot day). We had opted for the 5 course tasting menu. Most of the items on there are seafood-heavy(as is Korean cuisine), so be aware if you don't enjoy seafood. Having a mild shellfish allergy, I had some replacements in my tasting. For example, instead of the fried oyster and scallop in the ssam, I had tofu instead. While every course tasted delicious and arguably had unique flavor profiles that would be hard to find elsewhere, the only course I was impressed with was the Glazed Rohan Duck which was seasoned and cooked to perfection. The duck had a perfect balance of sweet and savory and it was incredibly tender. I would love to have that duck again. The dessert, hwachae, was slightly too sweet for my personal taste. I also got the alcoholic drink pairing with this menu and thought that the drinks were all good, but nothing special. Throughout the meal, service was pretty attentive. We had rather thorough explanations of each course and drink. I will note that they had forgotten one of the drinks in my drink pairing (the food came but no drink) and I had to ask for it. Overall, I felt that the 5 course tasting menu was priced fairly and an enjoyable experience! Food: 4.25/5 Service: 4/5 Price: 4/5 Ambiance: 4.5/5 Overall: 4.25/5 read more

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Does anyone know where Shia is? For an anniversary party, our group ventured out to Shia and spent a few minutes wandering around the corner of 4th and Morse trying to find it. The entrance is a nondescript opaque glass door, but it was worth the wait. An underground speakeasy, once you walk past the bar, you'll find yourself in a cool, dark stone room where they present the evening's menu (either a 5-course or a 7-course tasting menu that you select when you make your reservation). After a few decisions on drinks, the food started to arrive... First the Scallop and Fried Oyster Ssam, a bite-sized wrap with fish roe and asian pear. Delicious! Next, the Black Sesame Guksu, a dollop of gluey porridge, full of flavor. Then the Mul Hwe, three bite-size assemblages of fermented fish and goodies. The main courses were Doenjang abalone with clams and white kimchi, a subtle pile of briny ingredients, not too fishy. And the Korean Mustard-glazed Duck, small but filling slices of duck atop Job's tears. We finished with a dish of Ssuk ice cream with sweet corn puree and honeycomb topped with a small shortbread cookie. And last but not least, a special dessert for the anniversary couple. Holy cow this place is good! My food vocabulary is ineffective in describing how good this place is. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's hard to find. But honestly, this is THE best Korean food experience in the DMV, no question. If you haven't tried it, you are missing out! read more

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This is in Union Market in DC, there is a parking garage nearby that provides parking up to 3 hours. We were a little early but had to wait for our entire party to be present to sit down. We were asked if we wanted water or something to drink at the bar. After everyone arrived, we were brought to the counter and given a welcome sip along with a Scallop and Fried Oyster Ssam which was delicious. I do wish the seaweed was just a little more crispy but the Fried Oyster was very good and added good texture. We were then escorted to our table and there was a Birthday Card and a birthday note inside which was very considerate. To start, we ordered a bottle of the White Lotus Makgeolli which we had chosen over the Red Monkey Makgeolli due to our server's recommendations as an overall better pairing with the menu. I enjoyed it but it was quite floral. The Black Sesame Guksu was very good and I loved the pickled cucumber. There was a lot of Black Sesame sauce that did overpower the uni a little bit but it was all paired well together otherwise. The Mul Hwe wasn't my favorite but the sauce on the bottom (I think it was a kimchi sauce) was probably the best part of the dish. A small kick but overall, it was just okay. The Doenjang Pork Belly, while I loved the flavor of the Pork Belly and how tender it was, I do think the 7 Grain Jook could used just a tad more flavor. I did enjoy the White Kimchi and the clams and abalone as well. The Seared Saengsun was cooked beautifully and the broth was delicious. I also loved how falvorful the Kelp Fish Cake was. The Spring Greens, however, were not fresh and quite stringy. They were difficult to eat. The Korean Gyeoja-Glazed Duck was amazing with the Black Garlic and the Banchan were all very good. The duck was cooked very well and soft and tender. The Ssuk Ice Cream was very good and quite refreshing. There was an additional birthday dessert prepared - a bruleed banana that was also very good. Finally, the Seoul Han-Ip was a quick and nice bite sized ending to the meal. The only other notables of the experience was that there were some very long lags between courses which dragged out the experience to be longer than expected. In addition, the condensation from the AC dripped down on the table and some of our items that were next to us on the seat so be mindful of the above. Otherwise, the service was mostly good, sometimes it was difficult to get the attention to get an additional drink but overall, food was pretty good and it was an interesting experience. read more

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Was here New Year's Eve. The dining room is just past the bar, through a stylish, symmetrical wood paneled hall. The doors open and you are ushered into a soothing and intimate dining room. From there the service is wonderful and attentive. A couple of us opted for the Jacquesson Dizy Terres Rouges Extra Brut 2015 for $50 but honestly it was just okay compared to their amazing cocktails. We all opted for white truffle supplement on the pumpkin soup and they are very generous! (The soup was so flavorful, I wish I opted for the truffle on the steak instead). Dinner was amazing, quite creative...I did send back my steak for some more heat since I really don't enjoy it so rare but that's just me....everyone else loved it as came out. Everything here is Michelin level quality so I'll be surprised if they don't get one soon read more

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Wow I wish I could give a 10/10 for this place. The only thing was the entrance sign was really discrete so we walked past it, but eventually saw the door. There's street parking as well as a few garages nearby and the restaurant lets you know there's free parking for 3 hours somewhere. The restaurant was cozy with few seating in the main area with open kitchen. At first the noise level was decent but then it became harder to hear since more people came in. The service was really attentive of my shellfish allergies and overall great at managing when dishes came out and grabbing plates and refills. The restroom door blends into the wall, but they show you where it is. Lighting was nice and music wasn't too loud. The food was beyond delicious that I'd come back here again just to eat more. Every dish left me wanting more which doesn't happen often. It was well proportioned out that we were worried we'd be too full to finish. Only struggle was the choice of bowl for the soup, it was sometimes hard to get the soup out although probably just for the flavor. read more

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Shia was a delightful culinary experience! The ambiance is cool and chic. I've had the opportunity to try the full set menu and the bar al a carte. The entire staff is personable! Pre-fixed Menu: There is a misconception that fine dining food will often leave you hungry. This is truly not the case! Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, bursting with flavor and freshness that truly stood out. Whether you're a fan of bold or subtle, well-balanced tastes, Shia delivers on all fronts. It's a twist on traditional Korean dishes. Shia is a sustainable practice from the menu, to the decor, infamous yeti containers, etc. Do note that if you are looking for a $10 traditional Korean Jigae, this is not the place for that! It's like comparing apples to oranges! The flavors will bring you back to dishes of your Childhood if you are Korean ( i,e, the taste of shrimp jeot, Mandu, etc.) with a more elevated flavor palette! Bar Al A Carte: if you're looking for a good time with a friend or a date, definitely recommend this option! The options are delicious and the front of the house space is gorgeous! The staff goes out of their way to make the experience extraordinary! I was able to order a bar al a carte menu during the pre fixed dinner! Kudos to Chef Edward Lee! read more

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My wife and I were finally able to grab a reservation at the bar for a weekend where we were in town and didn't have plans. It was well worth the wait! Everything from the food to the staff to the drinks, were absolute perfection. There are two different options, you can either choose to sit at the bar or the dining room. For our experience that night, we sat at the bar, which comes with a smaller (5 course) pre-fixed dinner menu. The portions were perfect for us. The love and craftsmanship in each plate could be seen and each bite just brought out flavor after flavor. There wasn't a single dish that I had a negative comment about and there were ingredients in some dishes that I was not a fan of, but this could make me change my mind. We were fortunate to have a great server/bartender, Geoffrey Chang, guide us through drinks based off our palates and we were lucky enough to get the last bottle of Edward Lee's makgeolli. If you're a fan of makgeolli and have the opportunity to get a bottle, please do so! The ambiance is what you would expect of a fine dining establishment mixed with that feeling of a speak easy. The kind of space where you can be comfortable and not feel like it's stuffy. Before we left, we had the chance to speak with the manager about our experience and able to book a dining room reservation for Father's Day weekend. I love how the staff is willing to go above and beyond here. read more

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4.5 stars - Like many others, since watching Culinary Class Wars, my fiance and I have been dying to try one of Chef Edward Lee's restaurants. I managed to snag a reservation about a month in advance of my his birthday, and we made the drive down from NY the day of. From the outside, Shia is entirely unassuming, but opens up into an upscale and cozy restaurant space. From the time we entered to the time we left, service was absolutely phenomenal - 5 stars all around. In chatting with the GM, they are definitely trying for a Michelin Star (and I hope they get it!). The service is excellent, and didn't carry a pretentious or snooty vibe. I mentioned that we were coming from NY and that it was my fiance's birthday, and Shia added in all the extra little touches that made our dining experience special. Chef Edward Lee wasn't there unfortunately. We selected the 7-course tasting menu, and we enjoyed experiencing the different interpretations of Korean flavors. Each dish was carefully crafted, and the staff took the time to explain each one. Of the 7 courses, highlights for me were the scallop & fried oyster saam, black sesame guksu, mul hwe, and ssuk ice cream. I didn't love the doenjang pork belly jook, but my fiance said that this was one of his favorites. I also didn't find the seared saengsun to be particularly memorable, but still enjoyed the dish nonetheless. The actual tasting menu is moreso where I took off half a star. Pacing was excellent though, and portions were great. Definitely worth a try for special occasions (before they get a Michelin Star and the prices go up even more!!). read more

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My brother and I are big fans of Culinary Class Wars (he got everyone in the family to watch it) so we were excited at the prospect of trying Edward Lee's newest restaurant, especially since our friends had gone before and loved their meal. We also came to celebrate my parents' anniversary, and the staff were very sweet in making my parents feel special and celebrated. I enjoyed the meal overall - I thought the food was good and the flavors and ingredients were interesting and in fun combinations. I did stop short of five stars because I didn't think the food blew me away (and at this price point especially after watching the delicious things Edward Lee came up with on the show) and at this price point, I do have higher expectations. Still, a really enjoyable meal and worth checking out if you can afford the treat but not a must go in my opinion. My friend and I even compared menus from what they went and they said their menu sounded better lol, so it might depend on what they have on rotation. I did love their dessert that tasted like gum like they really captured the chewing gum flavor (gwail). The place is also really beautiful inside, so it's a fun place to celebrate a special occasion. We personally did skip the drinks pairing, but we did try a few of their a la carte drinks. read more

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Best dining experience I had, all the food was very creative and innovative. Nice ambiance where kitchen is somewhat visible. Amazing service, waiter was very patient read more

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Amazing experience at SHIA ! We had a beautiful and wonderful dinner for my husband's birthday and we really enjoyed our experience ! We were greeted from the hostess with a smile and our server Joe was wonderful! We also had the Korean drink pairings with our meal and we throughly enjoyed our meal and drinks. We were lucky enough to get a table facing the kitchen which I loved so I could see how the foods were made and kitchen experience. Now on to the food. I can honestly say it was one of the best fine dining experience I had ! It is pricey but each dish was delicious and presented beautifully. My personal favorite was the mugwort noodles and the blood sausage. We also had the pleasure of meeting Chef Edward Lee and we had a great time chatting and he was very friendly and welcoming. It was a wonderful experience! I learned that they change their many 5 times a year so I'm going to have to come back again to try the food again read more

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On taste alone, SHIA is worth a trip. For the five course menu, each dish was packed with flavor and aesthetically beautiful. The steak was perfectly cooked, oysters were deliciously peppery, and the soup was packed with such a rich pumpkin flavor, it left me wanting to experience it all over again. Hence leaving one star off. I ate the five course tasting menu + the add-on courses + the Korean drink pairing. There was nothing left to order, so I left hungry after $200 and crushed a 12" pizza by myself. Even seven courses at the average size of each wouldn't have been enough. If they added a bread to munch on, some kind of heavy carb-based course, or gave the option of at least doubling the size of the main meat dish, that would do the trick. Reason being, the difference in a $200 meal leaving hungry and a $300 meal leaving full will always have me choosing the latter. As is, would only go back having eaten before. If however there was a promise of leaving full for an extra $100-150, I would definitely go back. read more

We had a very tasty and very gracious dinner at Shia. From the start, the staff was very courteous and totally engaged in what they were doing. It was so interesting to watch them at work, in all the glorious details, in the very open kitchen. It is amazing what they can produce from such a small area. Even though the space is small, both in the bar area out from and in the hidden dining room behind, the table was very comfortable. The seven course tasting menu was presented with a flourish and an explanation of all the complexities that went in to every dish. You can tell that each aspect from taste to texture to plating was very well thought out. Each dish was different and the portions were large enough to enjoy but not so big that you felt over full at the end. Note that it can be hard to park around the restaurant and the evening we were there the lots (even with a spothero reservation) were nuts. Once parked, finding the restaurant can be a little tricky. Look for the manila colored brick building with the cocoa beans (I think that is what they are) painted on the front. Once inside, the bathrooms can also be hard to find behind their hidden doors. But, once you find your way there - from the first drink to the last treat, the meal at Shia was a very special occasion. read more

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great experience at shia, stopped in for the 5 course bar menu. solid cooking at an accessible price, the dishes were executed well and the menu fills a gap in dc for elevated korean cuisine. the korean pairing was reasonable at $55, cocktails were decent as well. Pacing was quick, service was warm, would come back for this format or for the longer dining room tasting. read more

I went to Shia for our birthday / Valentine's Day dinner and we were blown away by the 5 course meal (even though of course Chef Edward was not there). It was dimly lit at the bar area which gave more of a romantic vibe but the warm colors of the interior made us feel cozy. I thought the service was exceptional and we really appreciated how the servers explained how to eat each dish. My personal favorite was the strip loin - it was perfectly cooked and seasoned well and the side dishes (their radish and kimchi were SO good). My next favorite was the soon-dae! Wow, what a creative dish but it was executed so well!!! For each dish I love how thoughtful they were in the different flavors and textures they intended to bring out! I was so happy that we went to celebrate our birthday / Valentine's because they also gave us some caramels in a beautiful Korean box and then for their Valentine's Day special they gave us a lovely strawberry drink to be paired with our dessert! read more

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I was excited to visit Shia but I'm sorry to say it didn't live up to expectations. Dinner was just ok and I would only recommend it if you are really into Korean food and if you stick to the cheaper 5 course menu (get the duck). I am very confused about the menu pricing. The 5 course menu is $90 and the 7 course menu is $185. The menus have the same dishes with two differences: the 7 course menu has a Black Sesame Guksu dish (with uni and caviar) and includes *both( the fish course and the duck course, whereas the 5 course menu excludes the Guksu and you pick *either* the fish or the duck. So just two courses cost $95 -- more than the entire rest of the menu? The Guksu was my least favorite dish, and while the duck was a highlight, the rice with it was my second least favorite part of the meal. I can't justify the 7 course menu given the steep price increase and those disappointing dishes. Shia was extremely difficult to book when it first opened, but now it's pretty easy to get in. I got reservations about 3 weeks in advance for the main dining room on a Saturday at 5 PM for two people. We arrived a bit early and waited outside, along with a few others. I noticed most guests were couples and were visiting for special occasions, as were we. The dining room was small with only ~8 tables. It felt like a small, elegant cave (no windows) with simple, modern, white-and-tan decor. It has an open kitchen in the back. I liked the decor a lot. We were seated near the entry, farthest from the kitchen, so couldn't really see any of the action (fine). Service was very good. They gave us a card for our special occasion, plus a small extra dessert and dessert drink pairing, and they described the menu and all of the dishes and pairings. Some descriptions were more helpful than others. I don't know many Korean words for dishes, ingredients, preparations, etc. so I would have liked longer descriptions (like, "Guksu is a traditional noodle dish..."). They did this sometimes but not always, and it's hard to absorb so much information between all the dishes, ingredients, and dinks. We got the 7 course menu and the Korean drink pairing ($65). There was also a European wine pairing option ($75). Their website has an accurate food menu but no drink menu (boo). One favorite was the small ssam bite, which was a delicious combination of textures and flavors. They served this in the kitchen while we had a short chat with the chef (not Edward Lee, who wasn't there, also fine). Another highlight was the duck, which was some of the best, most tender duck I've ever had. I wish there were more than 4 small pieces and I wish the rice was better -- it was exceptionally bland, one of the worst parts of the meal. Another highlight was the Mul Hwe, which was fresh fish with kimchi foam. I liked the blood sausage dish and the summer fruit dessert, although both were pretty basic. The fish dish was good, but my fish was a little overcooked. A big letdown was the Guksu (one of the premium dishes!) which was a cold noodle dish with tons of black sesame sauce. There was so much black sesame flavor that the uni and caviar were completely lost; there was no point including those premium ingredients. We also got a small extra dessert bite and two small bites with the check. The Korean drink pairing was fine. A few were more like wine, a few more like liquor, and the last pairing was hot tea. Except for the ssam bite, courses were all about medium size. We were appropriately full at the end. read more

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What an incredibly delightful, delicious experience. My husband and I opted for the seven course tasting menu for his birthday. From the moment you step in Shia, you're taken on a thoughtfully curated journey and all I can say is if you're looking for a beautiful meal in a beautiful restaurant with warm, welcoming staff, book the reservation. They also provided the perfect birthday gift: my husbands late grandmother was from Seoul and being at Shia offered so much nostalgia for him. Thank you. read more

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Shia is, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary dining experiences I have ever had in DC. Tucked behind an unassuming door in Union Market District, it's a true "hidden gem." We walked past it twice before finding the entrance, but the mystery only added to the vibe. The Atmosphere & Service The moment you step inside, the outside world vanishes. The decor is serene, sophisticated, and warm. Note: They do wait for your entire party to arrive before seating, but we were happy to relax in the lounge first. The service is impeccable; the staff makes you feel like a truly special guest rather than just another customer. The Kitchen Experience The night kicked off at the open kitchen counter. Getting to meet the staff immediately was such a personal touch. We enjoyed our first course--a delicate amuse-bouche with artisanal soju--while watching the team in action. The Food & Pairings This 7-course meal is a masterclass in elevated Korean fine dining. The Highlight: The 21-day dry-aged Galbi. The depth of flavor is unlike anything I've ever tasted. The Drinks: I highly recommend the Korean alcohol pairing. It was a journey of its own, though our friends loved the traditional wine pairing as well. The Dessert: A whimsical tribute to Juicy Fruit gum (a nod to 80s/90s Korean culture). It was nostalgic, beautiful, and a touching tribute to my mother's era. The X-Factor Chef Edward Kim was in the house and took the time to share his story and inspiration with us. Seeing that level of dedication firsthand was the icing on the cake. If you're looking for the best food in DC, do yourself a favor and find that unassuming door. It isn't just a meal; it's a memory. read more

We dined at Shia for a celebration and to experience the hype. The positives: our server Ally was amazing - lots of knowledge on the menu and dish composition. Checked in frequently. Every dish was a creative clean take on a traditional korean dish. We could eat endless amounts of every dish because it was so clean tasting. Each dish also included many healthy elements/ingredients (i.e. gingko beans). Who knew - not everything needs to be fried to be delicious! The favorites included the sea bass and black sesame mugwort noodles. The negatives: Time in between courses took too long - meal could have been at least 30 minutes shorter. Aside from a card and candle, no special small token dessert to celebrate a birthday. The main protein dish of our menu (duck) was our least favorite, which is disappointing as that is what the evening was building up to. It lacked flavor and wasn't anything special. You would be back to try a different seasonal menu. read more

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I loved Chef Edward on Culinary Wars and had to visit Shia! The restaurant had a very chic vibe and is great for a date night. I was able to meet Chef Lee in person and he was so friendly and even explained a few of the dishes to us! All of the dishes were so creative and had a flavorful twist to korean flavors. I 100% recommend!! read more

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My friend and I snagged a reservation this past Saturday evening and we were so excited to try the tasting menu at SHIA after watching Chef Edward Lee on Culinary Class Wars. Sadly, he wasn't at the restaurant that evening, but his staff was helpful and attentive. It was easy to miss the entrance (we definitely did) since it's unassuming like a speakeasy. The bar area in the front is darker, which is where we enjoyed our first bite-sized course and first drink. Afterwards, they led us into a more well-lit, intimate dining area where all tables had a good view of the open kitchen. We enjoyed our second bite-sized course and beverage here before we were seated at our table to enjoy the rest of the menu. PUMPKIN MANDU, CHESTNUT SAUCE, PICKLED GINSENG I expected the pumpkin mandu to be sweet, but it was surprisingly savory. The skin was steamed perfectly and the thickness was just right. We enjoyed a sip of the chestnut makeolli that came with it, which was creamy and sweet. SCALLOP & FRIED OYSTER SSAM, MYEONGRAN ROE The scallop, oyster, and roe were wrapped with a piece of nori and perilla leaf. This was a fantastic second bite of food, filled with lots of umami and the roe gave it an extra crunch (along with the fried oyster). We were told to drink the omija soju separately. PINE NUT, SOONDUBU & APPLE JUK MARYLAND CRAB, JEJU TANGERINE VINEGAR This was my favorite course of the night. The pine nut and soondubu (pureed into the juk) was a great combination for a nutty and creamy base that was topped with apple, crab, fried konbu -- all separated from one another. In the center, there was a mandu which contained roe that exploded in your mouth upon biting into it, YUM. I was told to eat the components of the juk separately, and I got a different flavor for every bite. With the fried konbu, it was an umami bomb with some brine. With the apple, it was lightly sweet, almost like a dessert. This course had me smiling the entire time. SUSTAINABLE TUNA "BIBIMBAP" QUAIL EGG, STURGEON ROE, GOCHUJANG & PERILLA SEED This is the iconic dish that everyone can recognize from the show. A piece of sashimi grade tuna (topped with a quail egg yolk and caviar) is wrapped around a dome of fried rice (like the char from a dolsot bibimbap) with spinach and bulgogi (?) packed neatly inside. All of this was sitting on top of the gochujang sauce. To start, we cut into it with the delightful sound of crispy rice. The course was very gochujang heavy, which had a kick but I thought there was too much sauce, masking the flavors of other components. The roe was briny and fresh, the quail egg was good and creamy. The bibimbap elevated and good, but overall, nothing crazy. DOENJANG PORK BELLY, ABALONE, CLAMS WHITE KIMCHI, 7 GRAIN JOOK This was a beautiful dish with pork belly, abalone, and clams topped on the grains with the white kimchi mixed in. The pork belly was juicy and tender, and both abalone and clams were cooked wonderfully. The kimchi had a good and fermented crunch and I liked that the sauce (on the watery side, like a broth) had a bit of the fermented flavor from the doenjang. For the next course, we chose between the beef or fish option*. Since there were two of us, we got both. Between the two, we liked the beef more. Each one came with a MUGWORT KALGUKSU IN PUMPKIN BROTH (broth was lightly sweet and very comforting for the cold evening but kalguksu texture was inconsistent) along with two banchans. The kimchi was on the fresh side rather than sour, which I prefer. The fried fish cake/tofu had the perfect crunch. * VA RIBEYE BEEF WITH KALBI BUTTER Each came with three strips of beef, which was incredibly tender with a sweet bulgogi-like marinade. The kalbi butter on the side was just, wow! Amazing. And they give you a generous amount, too. This dish was simple, but the flavors were phenomenal. * LOCAL ROCKFISH, PERILLA SPICE, XO, JUJUBE SAUCE The rockfish has very little natural flavor on its own even with the perilla spice topped. The XO on the side was very yummy with lots of umami from the dried seafood which elevated the rockfish a lot. I personally did not enjoy the jujube sauce (lightly sweet, similar to dates) with the rockfish and didn't think the flavors complemented one another. To close out the night, we enjoyed two desserts! "NURUNJI" RICE, LAVER, PERSIMMON, BORICHA ICE CREAM The rice was very crispy and the flavor reminded me of furikake seasoning. The persimmon was juicy and tart. The boricha ice cream was very wheat-y and roasty. This was the perfect dessert to close out the phenomenal eating journey and it's "not too sweet." HAN-IP This was bite-sized shortcake with the concept of a pecan pie. Lots of honey, pine nut and butter went into this! The hostess told us that SHIA's menu is "hyper-seasonal" (changes every 2 months or so depending on the fresh ingredients available). I'm not sure when I can get another reservation again, but I would happily return to try a different tasting menu. read more

After watching "Culinary Wars" on Netflix, my husband and I wanted to try out one of Chef Edward Lee's restaurants! We made reservations via OpenTable (which open one month in advance) and opted for the bar seating, 5 course tasting menu. Parking is available at the La Cosecha Garage. It's not managed by SHIA, but the first 3 hours are free. Start to finish we were there about 2 hours. The whole experience was so much fun! The booth was roomy and comfortable and had a sweet "Happy Anniversary" card waiting for us upon our arrival. We had a bonus welcome drink and were also given a complimentary dessert and a fun shot of plum wine. My husband also ordered one of the cocktails, which he enjoyed. The service was great and the food delicious (though mostly bite-size. We left satisfied but not stuffed!) A great, special occasion spot! read more