Overview
There's nothing quite like scoring some validation that your favourite local spots are also certified gems that the rest of the world is loving too. And that's exactly the kind of street cred that fans of Flinders Lane restaurant Supernormal can now lay a little extra claim to, after the venue received the coveted 2022 Hospitality Award in the annual Melbourne Awards.
At a ceremony held on Saturday, November 12, Andrew McConnell's famed Japanese-inspired eatery took out top honours in the hospitality portion of the City of Melbourne-run awards, as they returned to celebrate their 20th edition.
A pop-up turned perennial favourite, Supernormal first opened the doors to its current Flinders Lane digs in early 2014 and has been earning fans ever since for its crafty fusion fare — including the famous signature lobster roll.
Other finalists for this year's Hospitality Award included Southbank event space Metropolis Events, and the Arbory Afloat crew's new multi-storey CBD haunt HER.
Nikki To
"We're thrilled to recognise this year's winners, who have worked hard to create positive change, inclusive communities and make Melbourne a better place to call home," Lord Mayor Sally Capp said of all the venues, organisations and people honoured as 2022 finalists.
The awards celebrate the significant contributions of Melburnians across a variety of industries each year. Other 2022 winners included Antoinette Braybrook — named Melburnian of the Year for her long service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the first Aboriginal woman in history to win the award — and PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography, which scored the Arts and Events Award.
Last year's Hospitality Award went to Alejandro Saravia's Gippsland-focused restaurant Farmer's Daughters, earning the title for its commitment to local sourcing and sustainability.
Nikki To
For more information about the Melbourne Awards and this year's winners, head to the City of Melbourne website. You'll find Supernormal at 180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
Top Image: Nikki To