Few restaurants can claim to be transportive, but Bridge Street’s MUSU delivers an experience that takes you far from the Manchester we know and love. Stepping inside from the city centre brings us to an intimate and atmospheric restaurant and bar that has plenty in common with how things are done in the Japan that inspires its food. Clean finishes, delicate fixtures, a timeless low-lit blend of sophistication and subtle futurism, most visible on giant screens that adorn the venue with breathtaking imagery of Japan.
The interior is impressive, but so is what comes out of the kitchen. Chef Patron Michael Shaw is well known on the North West dining scene, garnering international repute through The White Hart gastropub before stints with Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Aubergine, and Richard Neat. At MUSU he turns attention to captivating menus that take inspiration from Japanese cuisine, offering three ‘experiences’ to go at. The ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ tasting menu has a choice of 5, 8 or 12 courses, each dedicated to various traditions and cooking styles used in Japan, an Omakase experience which features 15-20 courses of the finest seafood on the planet and lastly a vast sushi menu with sashimi, nigiri and hosomaki options to choose from, allowing people to curate their own culinary journey.
Finally, dip in to the Sushi Menu for your own choice of masterfully prepared sashimi, nigiri and hosomaki made with the finest ingredients and best catch. Dining done, we also urge you to sample the excellent selection of Japanese wine and sake wines, rarely found in UK establishments. Opulent cocktails are also served, these also taking inspiration from Japanese heritage and ingredients with infused gins, and tantalising exotics such as yuzu, lapsang souchong and lemongrass.