Restaurant Guide

Supernormal: Restaurant review

Part of Andrew McConnell's empire, this is the younger, buzzier, carefree sibling to the grown-up Cumulus Inc further up Flinders Lane.

Address

180 Flinders La
Melbourne, Vic

Hours

Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight

Prices

E $16-$32
M $36-$43
D$12-16;
Banquets $69-$95

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Andrew McConnell is too creative to slavishly follow the rule book. On face value, Japan is the touchstone for Supernormal, both in the aesthetic – vending machines; individual light boxes for every place at the bar – as well as the influence present in many dishes. But this approach is mixed with the chef's devotion to flavour, no matter its origins. Spot the signature pot-stickers making their way to every table, then order your own. Follow them up with lamb shoulder, braised for eight hours and presented with sesame-crusted flatbread to dip into a Sichuan pepper broth. From the raw bar, ubiquitous kingfish sashimi becomes something to write home about, with mandarin dashi and a ruffle of hijiki seaweed providing punch. The floor team ably balance duty and fun, showing just enough care without smothering you, while consideration abounds on the menu, with a page of staff recommendations from the hefty wine list and helpful explainers of the different sake styles. Welcome to the world of Andrew McConnell: free-wheeling, fun, flavour-forward and far better than any carbon copy.
Phone:
(03) 9650 8688
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
  • Licensed
  • Bar
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Wheelchair access
  • Private room
  • Impressive wine list
Accepted card types:
  • American Express
  • Eftpos
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
Chef(s):
Andrew McConnell & Perry Schagen
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.