Frequently Asked Questions

Reservation

How do I make a reservation?

Reservations can only be made through OpenTable . We do not accept reservation requests through email, social media, or phone. If you do not see any availability, please try again another date.

As a 22-seat restaurant, our availability is limited, and we receive a high volume of reservation requests each day. SHIA is open only for dinners from Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. We are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays.

When are reservations released?

Reservations are released via OpenTable 30 days in advance at 5:00 PM EST.

For example, this means that on January 23, 2025, at 5 pm, we will release availability for our reservation on Saturday, February 22, 2025. On January 24 and 25, we will not release any new reservations because 30 days from those days are Sunday, February 23, and Monday, February 24, the days SHIA is not open. The following new availabilities will be released on January 26, 2025, at 5:00 pm for February 26, 2025.

I don’t see any availability on OpenTable. How can I reserve?

We may be fully booked if you do not see any availabilities on OpenTable. Be sure to take advantage of OpenTable’s “Notify Me” option, which will allow you to receive notification the second a new reservation becomes available.

We also may release a small number of same-day reservations if they become available. Those reservations will be released before 2:00 pm, and we will contact you via phone to obtain any dietary restrictions or occasion information. Please make sure to have your OpenTable account updated with the most recent information so we can get in touch!

Do you take walk-ins?

We accept walk-ins at our bar/lounge area for cocktail service. However, reservations are required for all dining-related services to align with our sustainability practices. The best time to arrive is between 6:30 - 7:30 pm or 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

What is the cancellation policy?

We ask 48 hours notice for cancellations or reservation rescheduling. Cancellations/reschedules made within 48 hours of your reservation date will incur a charge of the full price of dinner per person + tax and 20% gratuity. This helps align with our sustainability mission, as we prepare specific portions of meal each day for our guests.

I’m a single diner and can’t make a reservation at OpenTable. What can I do?

We accept limited single diners for our 5-course menu at the bar, as well as for our Bar A La Carte program. These reservations are available on OpenTable for the 6:00pm and 6:15pm seating times for the five course, and 8:30pm to 9:45pm for our a la carte program.

I have a 6+ group and can’t make a reservation at OpenTable. What can I do?

We accept limited 6+ large group reservations when available for our 7-course menu in the dining room. Please use our Private Event booking form to request your reservation. Given our limited seating capacity, we recommend planning for 30 days or more in advance.

I want to host a private event at SHIA. What can I do?

Thank you for your interest in hosting your gathering at SHIA.

We can accommodate 22 guests for a seated dinner in our main dining room or a full buyout of 30-35 guests for a standing reception in our main dining room and bar/lounge area. We recommend planning at least 45 days in advance to secure your preferred date. Please utilize the Private Dining inquiry form on our website to contact us about hosting your event at SHIA.

I'm still having trouble with reservations. What can I do?

We're here to help. Please email us at info@shiarestaurant.org and we'll be happy to assist you with your questions.

Food

Do you have a gluten-free or vegan menu? What if I have allergies?

We are happy to accommodate all dietary needs as best we can. Please note all details on OpenTable when making your reservation. We ask all dietary-related needs be relayed to our team 48 hours prior to your reservation (don’t worry, we’ll reach out!), permitting the kitchen to customize the menu to your needs. Given our sustainability practices and tasting menu format, we may omit an ingredient instead of substituting it to accommodate your needs. For any needs we receive less than 48 hours before your reservation, please note that we may not be able to adapt our menu adequately, as we prepare only food for the evening to reduce food waste.

Can children dine, too?

At SHIA, we are dedicated to providing an immersive and refined dining experience. To preserve this unique ambiance and ensure that every guest can fully savor their time with us, we kindly request that only adults join us for their reservation. Older children are welcome to accompany adults and will be served our full 7-course tasting menu at $185. There is no separate kid’s menu or a la carte option in the dining room. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in maintaining the atmosphere we strive to create.

Will the menu change?

The menu changes seasonally, based on the availability of ingredients and at the discretion of Chef Edward Lee.

What are the different menu and dining options?

We provide three different experiences at SHIA.

• The 7-course tasting menu in the dining room at $185 per person
• The 5-course tasting menu in the bar/lounge area at $90 per person
• Our Bar à la Carte at SHIA menu in the bar/lounge

Our menus change seasonally. Please find our latest menu and information on our new dishes on our website (Menu) and our Instagram page (@shia_dc).

Our Bar à la Carte at SHIA is available beginning February 1, 2025, so our bar guests can enjoy drinks and bites at our bar/lounge area. Reservations for our Bar à la Carte at SHIA were released via OpenTable on January 22, 2025 and follow the same reservation cadence as all other reservation types.

I have a reservation and have other food-related questions.

We look forward to having you at SHIA. Please send us your questions and details via OpenTable.

Experience

How long is the dinner?

Our 5-course meals in the bar/lounge typically take 70 to 90 minutes, while our 7-course meals in the dining room can last 90 to 120 minutes.

What is the dress code at SHIA?

Smart business attire is appreciated. Please refrain from wearing athletic wear, casual shorts, or flip-flops. We do ask that our guests refrain from strongly scented perfumes and cologne.

Where is SHIA located? I can’t seem to find it.

SHIA is located at 1252 4th Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. Our entrance will have a door with the sign SHIA, and it is located next to a coffee shop. If you have any questions, call us at 202-802-5166.

Do you have valet parking?

We do not have valet parking. Street parking is available throughout the neighborhood across the Florida Avenue NE heading south. Public parking garages are available nearby. The closest metro stop is NoMa-Gallaudet U New York Ave. We encourage our guests to arrange transportation that fits for their arrival.

Is SHIA accessible?

Yes, SHIA is fully ADA accessible. Our restaurant is designed to accommodate guests with mobility aids, and we are committed to making your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If you require specific accommodations or seating arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us in advance. This allows us to ensure you’re seated at the best table to fit your needs. We’re here to help make your visit seamless and memorable. For more information or to notify us of your requirements, please call us at 202-802-5166 or email info@shiarestaurant.org.

Will Chef Lee be there?

Although we can't predict when Chef Edward Lee will be available due to his busy schedule with multiple restaurants and projects, we always appreciate his surprise appearances. With or without Chef Lee's presence, SHIA remains committed to providing all guests with the best possible experience. We're confident that you'll enjoy the exceptional cuisine and meticulous details that Chef Lee has crafted for you, regardless of whether he is present.