Following much anticipation since the initial announcement in 2022, Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann’s Supernormal will open in Brisbane on Tuesday, 23 July. As Brisbane’s dining scene continues to flourish, the Melbourne import pulls on the cuisines of international cities including Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong, all while celebrating the climate, produce and people of South East Queensland.
The move is the first interstate expansion for McConnell’s Trader House group (Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co, Supernormal, Meatsmith, Marion Wine Bar, Gimlet, Apollo Inn and a slew of other high-profile Melbourne venues). And while Supernormal’s sibling venue Bar Miette – a Euro-inspired all-day diner with everything from Scandi breakfasts to Gildas and seriously strong Martinis – opened several weeks ago, Supernormal is the opening that gourmands in the Sunshine State have been most eagerly awaiting.
Both venues have been designed by ACME, who were in charge of the design behind Total Fusion Platinum and previously worked with McConnell and McGann on the interiors for Melbourne’s Apollo Inn and Gimlet.
Unlike Melbourne’s paired-back neon-lit and contrasting white surrounds, Supernormal Brisbane has taken on a more tropical brief, with warm tones, rattan details, green terrazzo and timber.
“It feels like the right evolution for Supernormal. Whilst the design sets the two restaurants apart, there is a DNA that runs through them that is grounded in the food, the service, the drinks and the sense of location,” McConnell said in a statement.
Located on the riverside level, the grand dwelling has views to the Story Bridge, with both indoor and riverside dining for up to 150 guests, plus an upstairs private dining area for up to 50.
The menu is structured much like Melbourne’s — think whitebait and bug fritter; whole steamed coral trout with brown butter and lime dashi; delicate spanner crab tossed through hand-rolled noodle salad with sesame; and rump cap with green peppercorn sauce. While many of the dishes are new, there are also a couple of signatures Supernormal fans will be familiar with, such as handpicked lobster on brioche rolls; golden fried vegetable dumplings with a crisp lattice; and scallop roasted in an ultra-umami kelp butter.
Supernormal is set to open on Tuesday 23 July 2024. Bookings are now open via the Supernormal Brisbane website.
