Musu: First look inside swanky new Japanese restaurant opening in Manchester this month

A new high-end Japanese restaurant opens in Manchester later this month and it is already taking reservations.

MUSU, which means “infinite possibilities” in Japanese, will open on 24 November at 64 Bridge Street and hopes to bring a taste of authentic Japanese culture to the city.

Mysteriously, the restaurant’s website does not give any information about specific menu items, however they say that their food will combine both Japanese and locally sourced ingredients in a variety of different dining experiences.

Diners can opt for the Sentaku menu and choose their own dishes, or the Kaiseki set menu curated by Chef Patron Michael Shaw. There is also the Omakese menu by head sushi chef Andre Aguiar, which is described as a “theatrical and educational sushi experience” – the only menu of its kind available in the UK outside of London – and the cheaper Subayai lunch menu.

The bar is stocked with Japanese sakes and whiskies, some of which are exclusive to MUSU, such as the Mizunara – a collaboration between master blenders from Maison Courvoisier and Japan’s House of Suntory. MUSU also offers a flight of four whiskey taster.

At the weekends, the restaurant will introduce the Japanese after-dinner party tradition of Nijikai to Manchester, with residents DJs and Izakaya snack menu available until 1am.

The interiors of the restaurant pay homage to sleak Japanese design with a dark colour pallette and elaborate Geisha wall desings.

MUSU will be open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 5.30pm, with last table seating at 9.30pm, and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday from 12.00pm, with the last table seating at 2.00pm. The Nijikai party will take place every Friday and Saturday from 11.30pm to 4am.

Reservations are now open and can be made either online via the MUSU website or by calling 0161 8837753.