India Buildings, 8 Brunswick St, Manchester, M3 3BN

Harden's says

High-end Japanese set to open in the former Randall & Aubin site, with sentaku (a ala carte), kaiseki (set menu) and omakase (chef's table) options - the name translates as ‘infinite possibilities’.

survey result

Summary

£95
 ££££
4
Very Good
3
Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“A real feast for the senses and already very popular”; “a quite incredible fit-out for this newish opening” is just one of the attractions at this October 2022 debut, on the site that was previously Randall & Aubin (RIP), but which has been subject to a £3.5m refit. The name means ‘infinite possibilities’: here, that translates into seven-course or eleven-course Japanese omakase menus for up to £150 per person – “expensive to visit but quite fabulous ingredients prepared by Michael Shaw and his team” (he was previously at a traditional pub in Lydgate, near Oldham so this is quite the change, but his pedigree includes stints at Le Manoir, Ramsay’s Aubergine and Richard Neat). In a March 2023 review, The Guardian’s Grace Dent declared it “gigantically ambitious and pointedly bonkers”, resembling “nothing so much as the Starship Enterprise, albeit one with geishas on the walls” and with “outstanding… Japanese food served in the manner of Le Manoir… Every bowl is a minuscule portion of exquisite pleasure”.

Summary

Open from November 2022, this exciting-sounding arrival occupies the site that was previously Randall & Aubin (RIP), now transformed into a very ambitious Japanese restaurant, under chef-patron Michael Shaw. Musu translates as ‘infinite possibilities’ – here that’s translated as an à la carte, 7-course or 11-course kaiseki menu; or an omakase experience delivered at a special six-seater counter, looked after by head sushi chef, Andre Aquiar. Delicacies will include A5 grade wagyu beef and wild, certified bluefin tuna. At the weekends a more drinks-led operation is planned.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at MUSU?

Owner's description

Welcome to MUSU, a vibrant contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar. Whether you’re seeking a delightful dining experience or simply looking to unwind with a refreshing drink, our doors are open to all. Explore our diverse menus offering enticing à la carte options and a carefully curated tasting menu. And for those who prefer a standalone bar experience, we invite you to indulge in our wide range of cocktails, beers and wines.

India Buildings, 8 Brunswick St, Manchester, M3 3BN
Make A Booking
Opening hours
MondayCLOSED
TuesdayCLOSED
Wednesday5 pm‑12 am
Thursday12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑12 am
Friday12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑12 am
Saturday12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑12 am
SundayCLOSED

The 2024 Harden's Guide

2024 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

Financial Times