Supernormal is an Asian-inspired restaurant by Andrew McConnell in the heart of Melbourne CBD. We heard mixed reviews from friends prior to our visit so we came in with a slight edge. We got a last minute booking on Christmas eve.
Food
This was a unique take on the tartare, a raw beef dish with yuzu kosho, black sesame and tofu cracker for $24. The beef, onions and chives were chopped perfectly. They blended deliciously into a more creamy tartare with a strong umami flavour and soft mouthfeel. This was balanced well on the tofu cracker, which was airy and aromatic. The tofu itself was shy with the beef, but eaten on its own we could taste the soy milk 🤤.
This was Shark Bay scallop roasted in kelp butter for $14. It was simple and delicious. The scallop was charred perfectly with a depth of umami, that was brightened by the lemon squeeze.
Ooooftt, finding a good lobster roll was always a mission but we’ve completed it now completed thanks to this $24 New England beauty. This was soooo good and we would return for this roll.
The lobster meat was sweet, fresh and tender. The brioche bun elevated the crustacean’s sweetness even more. The leaves added the right amount of earthiness to balance the bite.
The lobster meat was sweet, fresh and tender. The brioche bun elevated the crustacean’s sweetness even more. The leaves added the right amount of earthiness to balance the bite.
We were fascinated into ordering this dish because the chef preparing it was SOOO good! This was the yellowfin tuna with pickled wakame and white soy for $28. The tuna had a thick and fresh. And with the combination of wakame, it gave the fish a jelly-like mouthfeel. The flavours was a light umami that really highlighted the tuna.
If there’s duck on the menu, you know we’re ordering it. This was the duck bao for $34 – twice cooked duck leg, black vinegar and plum sauce. Our cholesterol levels are high but our palates are satisfied.
The duck was juicy and tender, with the most delectable crispy, well-seasoned crust. This duck was higher on the greasy side, especially combined with the oily but crispy scallion pancakes. The chilli pickles helped alot to cut through the fat – but my gosh, it was sooooo delicious 🤤🤤🤤. It was probably one of the more affordable and delicious ducks we’ve had in Melbourne.
The duck was juicy and tender, with the most delectable crispy, well-seasoned crust. This duck was higher on the greasy side, especially combined with the oily but crispy scallion pancakes. The chilli pickles helped alot to cut through the fat – but my gosh, it was sooooo delicious 🤤🤤🤤. It was probably one of the more affordable and delicious ducks we’ve had in Melbourne.
Drinks
We got suckered into try the house martini and THIS WAS DEADLY. It was Applewood ‘Supernormal’ gin with kombu and Americano bianco for $26. It was smooth – one of the nicest martinis we’ve tried that we ended up getting 2 more lol.
Service
The service was amazing. Everyone from front of house to chefs and servers were friendly, technical and efficient. It felt like a place where people enjoyed their jobs, considering they genuinely seemed cheerful for working on Christmas Eve.
Review
Despite the mixed reviews, we really enjoyed Supernormal and have been advocating for it amongst our friendly discussions. We recommend this spot! And they have a very extensive menu so we want to return and try other dishes (and more martinis 🤫).
Thanks for reading. Happy eating!
Thanks for reading. Happy eating!
