Supernormal

Supernormal’s positive reviews and its convenient location on Flinders lane sealed the deal when my dinner companion and I needed a spot for an after-​work catch-​up. The staff was quite attentive — it was almost like I was back dinning in the US again. They were also well versed on a smooth upsell — «would you like a G & T while you wait for your friend?» «Anything else before I bring out the dessert menu?»
The Asian inspired dishes are designed to be shared. Which is great for someone like me that suffers from food envy and a desire to try *everything* on the menu. Between the two of us, we ordered the kimchi, calamari and mussels, kingfish, and vegetable dumplings. (Those toasted pumpkin seeds gracing the table also deserve a special shout out.) Everything was delicious, but the kingfish from the raw bar was the real standout for me. I would go back again just for that.
Supernormal is a place that you can take your parents, a date, or work colleagues. I’m looking forward to returning and trying a number of other menu items we didn’t have room for the first time.

Really enjoyed it here. The cuisine is Asian fusion and very tasty indeed. We had a wide variety of dishes and couldn’t fault any of them. Nice wine list too. Service was brisk and warmly friendly. Much to admire here. There’s not a doubt I’ll be back.

Not as good as I though it’d be, went early on in its infancy and was a forgettable experience. Perhaps it has improved with time as the potential was always there.

Boring atmosphere but Amazing food. Especially the peanut dessert (tastes like ice cream snickers bar)

Supernormal was Super-​good!
First time here so the Super-​polite waitress helped us through the menu. She confirmed we’d made great choices and no need to order more at that point, which was nice rather than trying to up-​sell.
Pan fried spicy beef bun,
Lobster in Brioche bun,
Wagyu Rump, tomato salad & Tofu,
Cold Pork Belly… amongst others were highlights.
Nothing normal here, everything was super-​super!
We’ll definitely be back :-)

Supernormal is located just near Regents Theatre so you can head there to get an early dinner before your show.
Great staff assist you through food selections, and a delightful sommelier who was young, vibrant and well informed, helping identify a great wine to match your taste preferences.
Seated by the bar, overlooking the action in the kitchen, we were able to watch the art of creating each meal.
The food was an exploration of complimentary flavours, textures and design on the plate.
We were treated to efficient and friendly service.
So glad we got to experience this restaurant.

See the photos to believe it. This was my last meal in australia and man was it worth the 1.5 hour wait. The slow cooked schezuan lamb is the best i have had in years! Everything we had from the tuna, duck bao, wagyu rump to the smoked beef was cooked to perfection. You can not go wrong ordering anything at this place. It is worth the wait!

Do yourself a favour and check this place out!
Came here during my visit, glad I did. We came on a Saturday night at about 6pm. No problems getting seat.
We opted for the $ 65 a head banquet so we get a try a bit of everything.
Started we had pumpkin seeds. Mmm so nice and toasty.
Then tuna sashimi which was the bomb. The tuna melts in your mouth the chicken noodle dish was amazing too. Then Chicken dumplings, lamb curry with pancakes. Chocolate parfait for dessert. Overall awesome!

The squad wanted lobster rolls so of course we succumb to their craving (not me, I have a seafood allergy).
We had a party of 10+ so were obligated to go with the banquet which was $ 65pp.
It was alot of food and unfortunately we couldn’t finish the main dish which was the slow cooked szechuan lamb.
I felt awful seeing the food go to waste but they don’t permit doggy bags.
I can confidently make the call and say that I prefer the ‘Feed Me’ menu at Chin Chin.
The hero of the day is the dessert which was the peanut butter parfait with salted caramel and soft chocolate.

Had dinner here lastnight with my sister in law and my cousin in law who came down from sydney. I’ve always had it on my to eat list but always failed to actually go and end up elsewhere. I assumed fhe restaurant wasn’t that big from outside but entering the restaurant it was pretty big and quiet spacy with an open kitchen for viewing. It was lovely. We ordered the banquet for 65aud per person which we thought at the beginning it might not be enough food from all the entrees we received. I kid you not we were stuffed by the end and could barely finish dessert. My favourite dishes was the raw tuna, chilli chicken&prawn wonton and the sichuan lamb. It was to die for but very hearty. Staff are very attentive and the dishes came out quick. Great experience. Definitely come back for dinner with my husband.

Great place. The one draw back– They don’t take small bookings, so it’s walk in, put your name down, have a cocktail for an hour.
Service was fantastic, good atmosphere, food was delicious … I liked it, but I’m reluctant to give it 5 stars because it didn’t feel the food was one of the best I’ve tasted. I’d give this 4 and a half if I could, but not quite 5.

Super-​awesome!
Supernormal is anything but normal, because nothing normal can make me mmm more times than I can count. Located on Flinders Lane, we got in early and it wasn’t long until there was a queue.
So what is it? It’s an interesting blend of your favourite Asian foods that you would see in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong re-​imagined and interpreted in a unique way.
There’s karaōke downstairs and vending machines with Peko candy. I wandered down there to find myself impressed with their restrooms. Clean, ambient, quiet, has nothing to do with food, but deserves a mention.
It’s a cool place, with a buzzing feel, neon cherry lights that look like eyes at the entrance. This place attracts hip people, you don’t want to leave, it has the perfect mix of food, noise and that social feel of, it’s an important place and I’m a part of it.
We couldn’t decide on the menu, so of course we went with the banquet at $ 65pp of amazing food. The waitress did a fantastic job, you’re almost tempted to tip and say thank you when you leave. Back to the food.
It starts with picked vegetables and a complimentary side of soy roasted pumpkin seeds that you couldn’t stop eating even if you tried.
The famous tuna, avocado, saltbush and kombu was brilliant, along with the white cut chicken with sesame, wombok and chili oil salad to balance the taste, both refreshing and lightweight. The New England lobster roll made its appearance with its friends, the prawn and chicken dumplings with chilli and vinegar sauce. You could tell the quality of the produce there, it’s divine, the sauce, the taste, they could talk you into buying these dishes again and again if you’re not careful because you will agree every time!
Naturally, the slow cooked Szechuan lamb with spring onion pancake, coriander paste, steamed white rice and lettuce leaves with nashi dressing followed. This dish is super-​amazing, super-​yum, super-​delicious and all the super words you could fit here. You’re smiling the whole time in amazement because you’re paying good money and feeling like a thief in the night because food tasting this good, it feels like you’re stealing it.
But wait, there’s more. The peanut butter parfait, salted caramel & soft chocolate is my current crush, the legends are true, and it’s as good as they say. Even if I told you about it, you wouldn’t believe me. It’s a symphony of pleasant-​tasting music for your stomach, it’s the key to anyone’s heart.
The cocktails are on the expensive side, but with the quality of the food and service, it’s worth it. My picks are the Supernormal Smash with Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, bitters and seasonal syrup and the Tequila Lychee Bird with Lychee (yep), Don Julio Tequila Blanco and grapefruit.
Go hungry, go early, get the banquet and spoil yourself, there’s not a better way to spend a super-​rare night in Melbourne.

I gotta admit I was a little worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype. I was happy to be proven wrong. This place delivers AWSOME food, faultless service and an overall experience you’ll want to head back for time and time again.
First up, get there early (or late). I got there at about 5.40 on a Saturday night. If I was 10 mins later, I would have had a bit of a wait. Secondly, get a seat at the ‘bar’. You’ll have a birds eye view of the kitchen. The further down the restaurant the better.
Now to the food. Each dish is designed to share (but if you’re flying solo, don’t worry — you’ll just have more). We had the banquet menu and would happily have that bad boy again.
Standout dishes were (although all were good) the lobster rolls, the lamb and the dessert. Now I’m not really a sweet tooth but OMG it was good. The salted peanut parfait with chocolate mousse is AMAZING. a perfect way to end a brilliant meal.

What a gem! Sat at the bar top with a friend and really enjoyed watching the crafting of the food. Attention to detail and plating here are a serious business! We shared the chilli dumplings, lobster rolls, and pickled veg. They were all tasty! Pickled veg was unexpected, fennel which was good! For dessert we shared the chocolate pb dessert and the green tea and berry sorbet. They were both tasty and beautiful. The waiter was so knowledgeable and made great suggestions that we enjoyed. Fun place!

Perched at the bar with a birds eye view of chefs creating was such a wonderful experience. Deciding on what to order was as easy as watching what caught our eye as it left the pass. The staff were lovely and knowledgable which only enhanced the dining experience.
As a first timer I was keen to have a variety of complimentary dishes to sample, so we enlisted the assistance of staff for recommendations. I was so impressed with the choices, they ticked all the right boxes for me… balance, taste, texture and visual appeal. I can’t wait to revisit.

Supernormal, super delicious, super service, super nice staff… altogether a rather super dining experiece.
Initially told we would have a 45 minute wait for a table on a surprisingly busy Wednesday night, imagine our delight when 5 minutes later we were seated :) Some rather tasty soy roasted pumpkin seeds were served up whilst we browsed the menu.
We decided to pick dishes from the menu rather than the banquet and each dish was quite yummy from the chicken noodle salad to the sauteed greens & black bean sauce.
As previous reviews have mentioned the Peanut Butter Parfait is quite simply a dessert & peanut butter lovers paradise. I would go back to just eat that on it’s own but the other food was so good I’d have to return for a whole meal.
The Spiced Pear & Ginger Beer pudding was scrummy but I’m not sure the presentation did it any favours as it looked less than impressive when compared to the other dishes.
The service was efficent with just enough time between the dishes being brought out.
I can’t wait to go back again!!!

Wow what an experience! I took my mum to Supernormal as an Easter weekend treat and we absolutely loved everything this popular restaurant had to offer. High praise given my mum can sometimes be picky (well always is very picky) about her food. No complaints and only praise made for a great night.
We ordered the chef’s menu. An excellent way to sample what Supernormal has in store. I loved the Korean and Japanese influences that informed the starters and the cold noodle salad was a joy too. The lobster rolls were a true standout and I will definitely be back for more of these delights. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow cooked lamb curry for main along with its exciting condiments too.
So much food, such great value and informative service! Tip. Go early to avoid the queue!

Collectively, everything came together wonderfully to make a tremendous meal and a great night out for our party of four.
Looking at the dishes individually though I have to say there wasn’t a single one that was the «best xxxx ever» to really push this to a five-​star review. Harsh perhaps, but then again Supernormal had been quite hyped so I was expecting nothing less than to really be blown away by something. As it was, coming at the end of a big ‘foodie’ weekend with interstate guests, it didn’t quite leave us as impressed as others.
Make no mistake, everything was still very good, and with four of us sharing everything we were lucky enough to taste plenty of dishes, the highlight perhaps being the full fish. All the accompanying sauces and spices are paired perfectly and really enhance the full flavours — they obviously know exactly what they’re doing there.
Staff were brilliantly attentive, chatty in the right way, and the wines by the glass decently priced and all pretty nice. Chose a bit of a dud sake at the end of the meal — avoid the Saito Shuzo unless you like really like sweet cordial — but that was on me for leaning to the cheaper end of the drinks menu after quite a few wines already.
Oh, and love the weird vending machines they have scattered around. Big fan of the Tom Yum Pretzel Sticks they sell!

This place was amazing, but had a few little downfalls. There was a big group of us here on a Friday night so we were offered the $ 65 banquet. They were more than happy to accommodate dietary needs which was fantastic.
We started out with the pickle. This was disappointing. It tasted like a cucumber seaweed salad with seeds to sprinkle on top. Tasty but not special. Next was the prawn and chicken dumplings. Yum! Super spicy and sweet. Next was the steamed chicken with peanut noodles. This was my favourite dish! Order 5 if you can. It was tiny! I got one piece of sliced chicken and a couple strands of noodles. 1 dish was definitely not enough to share between 4 people! Immediately the New England lobster rolls arrived. A couple slices of lobster, generous helpings of kewpie sandwiched between a sweet bread top bun. What was not to like here? Delicious!
Next was the slow cooked curry lamb with spring onion pancakes and steamed rice with salad leaves. The lamb took on rustic Italian flavours with a spicy Asian twist. While lamb isn’t my thing the entire table polished it off in record time, barely leaving a mark in the bowl. The rice was just that and the salad was undressed and not needed. The pancake was delicious! By this stage I was so full I just stared at my portion before forcing down each tasty bite.
To finish off the meal we had the peanut butter parfait. OMG. If you only come here for this you will walk out satisfied.
In short, this was a fantastic meal with a few inconsistencies. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed by a peanut butter parfait!
Also — they were more than happy to split our bill with cash and multiple credit cards. Love this!

Asian fusion is always an interesting cuisine with chefs combining the best of the behemoth that is Asian cooking. Acclaimed and well awarded chef Andrew McConnell offers his take on Asian fusion in the form of Supernormal. After a brief experiment as a pop up canteen in Fitzroy, Supernormal had found a permanent home on the ever growing Flinders Lane.
Greeted by a glowing neon sign on it’s all glass front window, Supernormal opens up into a large open dining space. There is a mix of booth seating and individual tables. The open kitchen has bar-​style seating and runs along one wall.
Visiting on a Saturday night without a reservation, there were doubts on getting a table straight away but, like many places, there’s always a seat or two on the bar. I find this to be a more intimate dining experience as the bar will usually overlook the kitchen, giving insight into the hard work that goes into preparing dishes.
The food menu is organised into a number of categories — appetisers, raw dishes, dumplings and bao, share plates, large whole meat plates and desserts. There’s is also a banquet option available which includes a selection of dishes from all the categories and provides a easy way out for who can’t decide from the plethora of options.
I ordered the banquet in this particular visit. Oddly, the menu didn’t list what it was comprised of, but the surprise factor added to the experience (side note, it is listed on their website).
The first dish was cucumber and wakame pickle topped with sesame seeds, a creative melding of two of the appetisers from the à la carte menu. A nice starting dish with a subtle tang.
This was followed by sea bream with white soy and ginger. A similar flavour profile to the appetiser but with a bit more strength and the added texture brought by the tender sea bream.
Next was the white cut chicken with cold noodles, sesame, peanuts and chilli oil. This was a cold dish and one of my favourites from the evening. The moist chicken and cold noodles contrasted by spicy chilli oil, it was an exciting flavour combination.
The next dish was one of the Supernormal specialities, the New England lobster roll. Juicy lobster meat on a nicely toasted brioche bun, full of flavour.
Moving back to the theme of spicy dishes, the next one was prawn and chicken dumplings with chilli and vinegar sauce. The dumplings had a nice touch of being slightly juicy but the chilli nearly overpowered the flavours of the prawn and chicken.
The final savoury dish was the slow cooked Szechuan lamb with a spring onion pancake, coriander paste and a side of steamed rice and iceberg lettuce with ginger vinaigrette and mint. It’s hard to beat slow cooked lamb with soft, tender fall-​right-​apart texture that melts in your mouth. With an added dominant but not-​too-​overpowering spice kick. The crispy spring onion pancake, rice and salad provided a nice complimentary relief.
Dessert was another speciality, peanut butter parfait. Topped with salted caramel and crushed peanuts and soft chocolate, it had the perfect balance of creamy but textured parfait combined with the ever so slightly rich, soft, dark chocolate. An outstanding dish worthy of just a visit for it alone.
This wonderful dining experience was completed by a glass of a stunning 1989 D’Oliveiras Madeira from Portugal. The $ 37 glass aside, it’s a must try for any fortified lover.
Supernormal lives up to its expectation and proved its well deserving Best New Restaurant award from the ²⁰¹⁴⁄₂₀₁₅ Good Food Guide.