Melbourne’s Supernormal opens in Brisbane to intense interest

A new Brisbane venue has been heaving almost every day and night, largely with top chefs and restaurateurs from across the state.

Andrew McConnell at Supernormal in Brisbane City. Picture: Steve Pohlner

One of Melbourne’s most loved restaurants has opened in Brisbane, attracting some of Queensland’s biggest names in the hospitality industry as diners.

Supernormal – the funky Japanese canteen that has been winning fans for a decade in the Victorian capital – has launched in the heart of the city at the much-hyped 443 Queen St.

Owned by highly respected and revered chef Andrew McConnell and his wife Jo McGann, the venue has been heaving almost every day and night, largely with top chefs and restaurateurs from across the state keen to check it out.

Everyone from Simon Gloftis, owner of Fortitude Valley favourites SK Steak & Oyster, Hellenika and Sushi Room; to Ben Williamson, behind Australian Restaurant of the Year Agnes, as well as Same Same, Honto and Bianca; plus Frank Li from Southside and Gold Coast institution Rickshores, has been spotted dining at the pan-Asian newcomer.

“[The reception] has been really great – really warm,” Mr McConnell said.

Andrew McConnell at Supernormal in Brisbane City. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“A lot of people have dined at Supernormal in Melbourne and I think a lot of people are surprised that it doesn’t look exactly like Supernormal in Melbourne, which I think is a good thing.”

While the southern state version of the restaurant is intensely industrial and almost brutalist with heavy concrete accents, the Brisbane sibling is modern colonial, bright and glimmering, with a wall of mirrors reflecting stunning views over the Brisbane River.

“I didn’t want to do a copy and paste [of Melbourne] and I thought that we needed to create something that was really suited to the environment, especially with the materials and how you feel in the space,” Mr McConnell said.

It’s a design that is already winning fans, with the restaurant booked out at peak evening dining periods on weekends for weeks.

However, with the restaurant guaranteeing it will stay open until 11pm each night – something largely missing in the Brisbane dining scene – McConnell insists night owls will always be able to find a table.