Ilkay Gundogan's wife, Sara Arfaoui, has eaten a slice of ‘humble pie’ months after claiming all Manchester eateries just ‘served frozen food’. The Italian model hit the headlines last year after she came under fire for branding all restaurants in Manchester as 'horrible' and claimed they were 'just focused on making money...not quality food'.
But she and the Manchester City captain returned to the city centre for a meal out last night, and says she’s finally found an establishment she loved ‘everything’ about.
The couple made a visit to Michael Shaw’s MUSU, on Bridge Street, which opened at the end of November, and had an ‘amazing food experience’. The mum-to-be shared her evening through a series of photos on Instagram stories, taking her half a million followers along with her.
In one snap, Sara - who married Ilkay in 2022 - captured a pair of chopsticks and tagged the high brow Japanese restaurant before posting photos of not two, not three - but five courses of food, each one as beautifully presented as the last.
Sara was particularly fond of one of the desserts, posting a heart-eye emoji next to the dish.
In a following post, she wrote: “I finally have a favourite restaurant in Manchester. Food amazing, good service, everything perfect, not loud music. Amazing food experience.”
The comments come just months after the 28-year-old was criticised for branding all restaurants in Manchester as 'horrible'.
After being asked to name her "Favourite restaurant in Manchester?" She replied: "Sorry I'm sad to be honest but nothing. I tried so bad to find a good restaurant but... horrible food everywhere.
"Can't find a real Italian or good sushi or just fresh food .. everything frozen. Restaurants here are just focus on making money with drinks and shot like night clubs not quality food.
"Maybe in London but in Manchester nothing. I'm sorry."
Her comments sparked major backlash among foodies and critics. One local restaurant owner, who reportedly contacted Sara directly, told her in a message: "There’s so many great restaurants in Manchester. I suggest you do research before you speak."
They added: "And only because your husband is a footballer and you have money and you have everything probably paid for and a great life given to you here in Manchester. You should be grateful for that instead of slagging restaurants."
But Sara blamed her refined Italian palette for her high standards, hitting back: "So because we are successful people we can’t give an honest opinion? I tried all the best restaurants here but for me it’s a no. I can’t lie. Unfortunately I’m used to Italy so you can imagine it’s hard to compare."
She added: "It’s a great city, great people but not for restaurants."
However, Sara’s answer to that question may be a very different one after her Friday night dinner.
The TV presenter heaped praise on MUSU, with chef Michael Shaw sharing a photo with the couple that same night, writing: “Big thanks to @sarabenamira and @ilkayguendogan for there [sic] visit to @musu and such kind words about us.”
Ilkay and Sara aren’t the only celebrities to have been spotted at the luxury restaurant, either, with singer Jason Derulo and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also seen enjoying the unique dining experience in the city.
The MUSU restaurant opened in November and promises to "bring something very different to the city – a new breed of restaurant that offers both the pinnacle of fine dining and a totally immersive experience".
MUSU is the creation of two of Manchester’s most experienced hospitality specialists - Vincent Braine and Marius Kamara - whose past credits include venues such as Suede, The Milton Club and Dive Bar & Grill.
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