Here’s a little preview of Mui, the high-end Japanese “supper club” that’s expected to open in the next few weeks at Pike & Rose. Construction appears to be nearing the final stages, and the restaurant says it has hired a Michelin-starred chef, but the opening date and other details remain under wraps. Mui was originally announced as a Japanese restaurant that would replace The Block food hall next door to West Elm. The project stalled for two years before it was reimagined this summer as an ultra-posh restaurant specializing in wagyu beef, “theatrical” tableside dining, and an omakase 12-course tasting menu. Also: “membership” fees of $1,000 to $5,000 per year. Mui 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 Genki Wagyu House at Twinbrook Quarter — as well as more casual spots like Akira Ramen, Urban Hot Pot, Molly Tea, Gyuzo Japanese BBQ, Kyoto Matcha, Uzu Revolving Sushi, Kanpai, Kajiken, Okaeri Japanese Cafe and The Spot Asian food hall.
It’s too early to try the food at Mui, but you can check out Store Reporter’s Restaurant Discovery Guide right now to find more than two dozen Japanese restaurants in Rockville, Potomac and North Bethesda. (And none of them charge membership fees.)
Related: Mui is back on track at Pike & Rose
Related: The Block goes dark at Pike & Rose
