Overview
2024 is the year that Supernormal will stop being a one-city restaurant, with the famed Melbourne eatery from acclaimed chef Andrew McConnell making the leap to Brisbane. The expansion has been in the works since 2022; however, those plans have just gotten bigger. While one new venue from McConnell is great, two is even better — which is what 443 Queen Street in the River City CBD will welcome.
Perched between the Queen Street Mall and Howard Smith Wharves, the site that the culinary figure is turning into his Brissie base sits on the riverfront, boasting views of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge. It's the kind of location that you want to make the most of, so McConnell is. Alongside Supernormal, Bar Miette will set up shop.
Supernormal Melbourne
McConnell and Jo McGann have announced that the watering hole will sit on street level, so above Supernormal — but still benefit from that riverside perch and those vistas. Accordingly, while you're getting comfortable at the European-inspired terrace bar, you'll be in a killer spot whether you're stopping by for breakfast or cocktails.
Operating seven days a week, starting with morning coffees, Bar Miette will feature an indoor-outdoor and a relaxed vibe. From the curved bar, not just your caffeine fix and boozy concoctions — including a hefty wine list — but also brekkie dishes, salads, seafood and charcuterie will be on offer.
Supernormal Melbourne
While either venue has an exact launch date as yet, they're slated to open midyear. On staff at both venues: Jason Barratt (Paper Daisy, Rae's at Wategos, Attica and Stokehouse) as Executive Chef and Alex Tuckett (Frida's Field at Nashua, Harvest at Newrybar, Pilu at Freshwater) as Venue Manager.
Aesthetics-wise, Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of Sydney's ACME were already on design duties for Supernormal Brisbane, and are also doing the honours for Bar Miette.
"The spaces are coming together beautifully, and we cannot wait to share these equally extraordinary, yet very different, offerings in the coming months. Bar Miette is classically European and a fitting juxtaposition to Supernormal," said McConnell about the two openings.
Both Supernormal and Bar Miette will hero local produce from Queensland farmers and fishers — and also foragers — with Supernormal seating around 120 diners both inside and out — including in a private dining setup.
While the menu hasn't yet been revealed, Supernormal Brisbane restaurant will plate up contemporary Australian dishes that also take inspiration from McConnell's time in both Hong Kong and Shanghai. Fingers crossed that Melbourne's marinated claims, New England lobster rolls, Hunan-style beef tartare and whole roasted flounder make the jump.
Supernormal Brisbane and Bar Miette are set to open at 443 Queen Street, Brisbane in mid-2024 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced. For more information about Supernormal Melbourne, head to the restaurant's website.
Images: Supernormal Melbourne, Nikki To / Jo McGann / Kristoffer Paulsen.