The time has finally come. Perhaps one of Brisbane’s most anticipated restaurants, Supernormal, is ready to open. Forget the neon-lit, industrial, Tokyo-inspired aesthetic of its Melbourne counterpart, however – Supernormal Brisbane embraces its subtropical home, penning a new chapter of its story with a warm, welcoming setting, refreshed menu and energetic team. Ahead of its official opening on Tuesday July 23, here’s everything you need to know about Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann’s second Brisbane venture.
When news broke in 2022 that Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann were bringing their beloved Supernormal north, the food-loving folk of Brisbane were more than just a little excited. Why? The award-winning Melbourne all-day diner has solidified itself as one of the city’s best, drawing crowds from across the globe. Perpetually pumping in Flinders Lane, Supernormal is one of Melbourne’s most-lauded purveyors of Asian-inspired eats, with a menu that draws on the cuisines of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong.
And now, Brisbane is getting a taste.
The highly anticipated venue is set to officially open on Tuesday July 23 at 443 Queen Street, mere weeks after Andrew and Jo opened Bar Miette in the same building. Sitting below its sibling venue’s elevated position, Supernormal hugs the river’s edge, gazing over the water and offering unobstructed views of the dazzling lights of the Story Bridge.
While both venues draw influence from Asian cuisine, Brisbane’s Supernormal is no copycat. “We didn’t want a cookie cut of what we do in Melbourne – copy the fit-out, copy the food identically – that’s not how we like to work,” remarks Andrew. “What we’re doing here is really responding to the environment around us and also our customers. Firstly, the produce really informs what we do and it’s so different in Queensland and Northern New South Wales – there’s this incredible seafood, fruit, vegetables, meat. It’s really exciting for us to have a different palette to work with.
“The climate also influences the menu and design process,” he continues, “so it’s a combination of many things that make [the Brisbane venue] quite unique. It still has the DNA of Supernormal, but I think it’s a good chance for us to evolve what we do”.
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As with Bar Miette, and Melbourne venues Gimlet and Apollo Inn, Andrew and Jo have collaborated with Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of ACME on the architecture and design of Supernormal Brisbane. With an aim to reflect Brisbane’s subtropical landscape, climate and lifestyle, while still capturing Supernormal’s energy and vibrancy, the design team layered natural tones with raw materials, creating a warm, organic and inviting space.
Although entirely new, Supernormal emanates a sense of familiarity. The space welcomes you like an old friend – it feels like it’s always been here. Like it belongs here. A monolithic hand-sculpted emerald marble maître’ d’ station greets you as you enter, offset by the warmth of an oversized, undulating tapestry draped on the wall behind it. The subtropical nods are evident throughout the restaurant – from the dappled carpet and vibrant green peppered terrazzo floor, to the carved timber bar, which emulates the growth rings of tropical trees.
Organic hues and materials feature through the venue, with panelled timber, rattan detailing, bamboo pendant lights and parchment-tiered wall sconces helping to ground the double-height space. Sun spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows by day, casting a warm glow over the dining room, and by night diners can watch in awe as the lights of the city dance on the water below.
Natural timber shutters screen the upstairs private dining area, The Bridge Room, which continues the main dining room theme. The 50-seat space is flanked by views of the river and the heritage-listed Petrie Bight retaining wall, crafted from Brisbane tuff – a source of inspiration for the design of both Supernormal and Bar Miette.
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The aesthetics are just the beginning of your sensory Supernormal experience. The captivating aromas of Asian cuisine float from the utilitarian open kitchen, which immediately commands your attention upon entering the venue. Jason Barratt is once again at the helm, working closely with Andrew to craft Supernormal Brisbane’s menu, driven by the Queensland climate and access to fresh local produce.
“I’ve worked with a lot [of producers] before when I was working in the Northern Rivers [at Paper Daisy],” says Jason, “Falls Farm, Buck’s Farm, some beautiful oysters from Stradbroke Island. Weather dependent, we’ll also be buying seafood directly from local fishermen. Being in the Northern Rivers for so long, I’ve built strong connections with the farmers down there too, so I’ll definitely be utilising them where I can”.
The menu is divided into appetisers and raw-bar bites, entrees and dumplings, main courses, side dishes and desserts. You can start your Supernormal journey with the likes of scallops roasted in kelp butter, whitebait and bug fritters, or smoked beef with mustard leaf and clam mayonnaise. Clay-pot sticky pork rib, ginger and prawn dumplings are a standout, alongside hand-rolled noodle salad with spanner crab and sesame, and baked abalone pastries.
Whole steamed coral trout with brown butter and lime dashi, sour-and-salty crispy lamb with Yuxiang vinegar and coriander seed, and whole Northern Queensland mud crab with Chinese celery headline the main courses, alongside sides of smashed cucumber with ginger and white soy, gai lan with sugar snaps, and braised cat’s-ear noodles.
For lovers of the Melbourne venue, don’t fret – Supernormal’s signature New England lobster roll and the salt-cured, spiced and twice-cooked half crispy duck with steamed bread and condiments are available on the menu too.
As to be expected, Supernormal’s beverage list has been carefully crafted to perfectly pair with the bold flavours and textures of the food. Close to 400 bottles grace the wine list, selected for their quality and versatility, and favouring family-owned producers. Our subtropical climate and local produce are also reflected in the cocktail menu, which takes a tiki-style lean alongside retrained interpretations of classics.
Supernormal is open from midday until 11:00 pm, seven days a week, with the kitchen remaining open for the entire day. You can access the restaurant via stairs from Queen Street, from the Riverwalk, or down the lift from Bar Miette. For opening hours and contact details, head to our Stumble Guide.
Image credit: Earl Carter