As a contemporary Asian cuisine restaurant in the heart of downtown Dallas, Gensler designed Musume to embody a bold and rebelliously cool attitude through the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine elements, elevating the dining experience.

The Japanese-inspired restaurant joins the Dallas food scene following its successful parent restaurant. Musume means daughter in Japanese, and follows this narrative of the bold and irreverent child, attracting an urban and sophisticated clientele. This theme is expressed in an interior that is as rough and raw as it is sleek and refined. The masculine design features include Texas mesquite wood, exposed structure, and a mix of steel and concrete, while the feminine features integrate cherry blossom murals, filtered natural lighting, and tattoo-style custom art painting into the space.

The 165-seat restaurant includes a sake bar, sushi bar, main dining room, and optional private dining capabilities. Locally-crafted furniture and distinctive finishes like ebonized mahogany wood and charred wood beams add to the uniqueness of the space. Tables and chairs are locally sourced from the Dallas area and the lighting fixtures are custom made by a local artisan. The sake bar is a visually appealing statement piece visible from the street front, with a custom, backlit shelving unit to display Texas’ largest premium sake program, with over 125 selections including sake on tap.

Gensler created a narrative that is woven through every element of the design of the space—a main request of the client. Sophisticated restaurant-goers will be able to simultaneously appreciate the culture and food, and the unique, striking design as they immerse themselves in its storyline.

Design: Gensler Photography: Garret Rowland

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