This week, we were fortunate enough to indulge in a preview of Masu’s brand-new lunch offering — and we’re calling it, this is your new midweek go-to. Available Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12–2pm, Masu’s Express Lunch distils everything we love about Nic Watt’s contemporary Japanese institution into a fast, flavour-packed midday escape.

The menu centres around modern donburi — generous rice bowls layered with standout proteins and crisp vegetables — each served with white miso soup and housemade pickles. We tried the Tekka Don, a pristine assembly of tuna akami, spicy tekkadon sauce, and glistening ikura: light, clean and intensely satisfying. For something heartier, the Pork Katsu Don hits the spot, pairing a golden, crispy cutlet with soy egg and edamame atop fluffy rice.

Other highlights include the shabu-shabu wagyu with tenkasu crunch, a delicately smoky grilled eel donburi, and the fresh diced sashimi bowl with citrusy yuzu and takuwan. Round things out with a spicy tuna maki roll or Masu’s signature wagyu and kimchi gyoza — crisp, juicy and deeply umami.

Priced from $29.90 and designed to have you in and out in 45 minutes, it’s polished without being fussy, ideal for impressing clients, catching up with colleagues, or just treating yourself midweek. Diners spending $40 or more also get complimentary parking until July.

Bookings are now open for this limited weekly service, and our advice is to get in early. Masu’s lunch might be express, but it’s executed with the same care and detail that’s made it a longstanding downtown favourite.