Weeks after we reported that plans for the new Japanese restaurant Mui appeared to be dead, the long-delayed project at Pike & Rose is apparently making a comeback — this time, reimagined as an exclusive luxury dining destination with pricey annual memberships. Originally announced in 2024 as a Japanese concept that would replace The Block food hall, Mui has resurfaced as a high-end “supper club” specializing in wagyu beef, “theatrical” tableside dining, and an omakase 12-course tasting menu. Dinner prices have not yet been announced, but Mui is already promoting “membership” fees of $1,000 to $5,000 per year. This might be the most upscale concept yet from Maryland-based Ivea Restaurant Group, the Godzilla of the Asian dining scene in Rockville and North Bethesda. Ivea’s local holdings include two high-end restaurants — Lao Sze Chuan at NoBe Market and the newly opened Genki Wagyu House at Twinbrook Quarter — as well as Akira Ramen, Urban Hot Pot, Molly Tea, Gong Cha, Gyuzo Japanese BBQ, Kyoto Matcha, Uzu Revolving Sushi, Kanpai, Kajiken, Okaeri Japanese Cafe, Chateau de Rockville and The Spot Asian food hall.
Related: The Block goes dark at Pike & Rose
Related: New Japanese restaurant for Pike & Rose
Related: What happened to Mui at Pike & Rose?


Joey King
WOW! 😲 $1,000 to $5,000 membership fees?!? 😳😱😖
Well, they can shove their Wagyu beef and snobby, exorbitant membership fees where the sun don’t shine! 😡
I look forward to reading your future post about their inevitable closing. SMH.