Former USC Pop-Up Kings open artsy Muse restaurant in Santa Monica

In 2022, a group of friends from the University of Southern California produced a pop-up restaurant showcasing rotating cuisines and fine art. It was called the Museum and quickly became a sensation, serving nearly 3,000 students during its run. That same year, Eater sent a direct message requesting a spot at the Museum, to which co-founder Fardad Khayami responded, “We’ve put you on our waitlist (6,000 people) and will be in touch shortly when we have an opening, which is currently four months.”

This week, 24-year-old self-trained chef Khayami will transform his popular Santa Monica pop-up into a full-service restaurant with a slight twist on the original name. Muse will open Friday, August 16, at H.wood Group’s closed Mason Supper Club, serving European fare in a cozy, modern, Art Deco-style space. The space will be filled with hand-selected art and will seat 35 people, plus four more at the bar.

Khayami will work with seasoned industry professionals, including Juliet chef Jason Gonzalez and Matthew Rogel, previously of Felix Trattoria, who will serve as general manager and wine director. A look at the menu reveals classics from France and Italy, including heirloom tomatoes and a Comte fondue, a lobster pomme soufflé with caviar and brioche puff pastry for the table. The team will also prepare veal bonbons, eggplant cappelletti, a wild-caught fish of the day with beurre blanc and spicy tarragon pistou, and a Provencal-style rack of lamb. The menu’s only surprise Southern California-flavored touch is the hamachi with yuzu olive oil and Calabrian chile coulis.

The a la carte menu is divided into four sections, allowing guests to choose their own adventure within the main categories. Although prices for the current menu are not listed, a spokesperson says guests can expect to pay an average of $125 per person.

Rogel’s bottle and glass selection includes Italian, Spanish and French winemakers. Gelland created the cocktail Au Soleil with vodka, saffron and clarified apricot. Khayami’s former roommate David Gelland is the head bartender and he developed a concoction called Barbarossa, which includes mezcal, Brucato Orchards amaro, Vermouth di Torino and cacao. Muse will also feature rotating art exhibitions. At the opening, visitors will see works by Catalan-Spanish painter Joan Miró. Marc Ange Design Studio designed the space, lighting and furniture. Starting in September, Muse will also offer a private dining room for 12 people.

Muse is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is located at 108 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, CA, 90402. Reservations can be found at Resy.