3.5 stars.
First things first, the fit out is amazing. We arrived just before our 3pm reservation (the only time slot available) and were told the table wasn’t ready yet. So fair. When we were shown to our table there was no effort to place our napkins down and the host kept looking around and not at us. We then had another waiter come over, not introduce himself, not ask how our day was going, just hover awkwardly. It wasn’t clear whether he was allocated to our table or was even employed there. He did note how many dishes he recommended for sharing and offer to speak to the somm when I queried about some wines but the response I got back (from the Somm) to what I’ll admit was a bit of loaded question, as to whether one of the particular (cheaper) sparklings was good was to the effect of “it wouldn’t be on my list if it wasn’t”. Well okay then.
All cocktails were very average. I can’t remember what I had it was that unmemorable. I tried two of my friends’ and equally can’t remember theirs. I remember the martini. That was quite good.
Wine list was good, but I was slightly put off by the aforementioned comment. Very little under $100 for anyone budget conscious. To be expected I guess.
The lobster roll was good. I really enjoyed the anchovy toast. One of my friends loathed the oysters. I thought they were average at best. They were still attached to the shell, which none of us liked.
Standout dish was the duck for sure. The highlight of the meal and the overall experience. Expensive ($80+) for not a lot of meat though.
What tipped this over the edge for me was that we had also ordered the lamb main, crushed cucumber and gai lan. However, next minute we being given dessert menus (by the third or fourth different waiter we had that day). Ummmm. Fortunately we all quite full (probably on the “wouldn’t be on my list otherwise” sparkling). Still - this was pretty unacceptable in my opinion. Whether it was intentional or not (it was towards the end of our two hour booking) it left us with a pretty sour taste in our mouth. We told the waiter and there was no offer of a free drink or dessert or anything. They clearly just wanted the table back. When the bill came, the cucumber was still on the menu. The cost was still over $640 for four. I would get so much better for the same amount of food and drinks at Rick Shores.
Overall, very disappointed. The duck and the fit out saved the day. I would not recommend, or choose to return, but I would consider if someone else reallyyy wanted to - that kind of...
Read moreSupernormal Brisbane is a stunning spot right on the riverfront in the CBD, set in a sleek new tower with views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. Supernormal is a sleek and stylish addition to the city’s ever-evolving dining scene with everything from the food to the service is absolutely top-tier. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. Warm, welcoming, and effortlessly attentive, the staff truly elevated the experience. A special mention must go to the lovely waitress who looked after us-she was genuinely outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble and made sure we were comfortable, offering to adapt dish sizes for both sharing and solo dining, which made navigating the menu an absolute breeze. The sommelier was equally impressive, guiding us through an extensive list of sake and wine with thoughtful, well-pitched recommendations that paired beautifully with each course. To start, we shared the New England lobster roll—a toasted brioche bun filled with sweet, tender lobster and crisp watercress. It was indulgent. The soba noodles with seared tuna and bonito-infused soy delivered clean, umami-rich flavours that were beautifully balanced.
The prawn and chicken dumplings were a standout—plump, juicy, and paired with a chilli vinegar that cut through the richness perfectly.
Our main course, the Stockyard rump cap, served with caramelised shallots and pickled mustard seeds, offering a magnificent flavour and just the right amount of tang to complement the richness of the beef. Perfectly cooked and packed with flavour.
Then came dessert—warmed apple gratin with ginger custard and black tea gelato. It was nothing short of sublime. The black tea gelato was a clever touch, adding a sophisticated edge to a comforting, nostalgic dish. Paired with Pedro Ximénez, it was the perfect way to round out the meal.
Wine and sake pairings were expertly chosen with entrees, the Inaba ‘Stella’ Junmai Daiginjo Muroka from Ibaraki was elegant and aromatic, while the bold and structured Jim Barry ‘The McRae Wood’ Shiraz from the Clare Valley was a superb match for the rump cap.
All in all, Supernormal Brisbane delivers on every level—delicious, well-executed food, standout drinks, and service that truly goes above and beyond. I’ll definitely be...
Read moreMediocre at best, if I were to be most charitable. Walked in without a reservation to which my friend and I kindly acknowledged to the front counter lady, only to be met with a discontented sigh and flat monotonous "I only have seats outside". After we got seated, we were greeted by our waiters, who were lovely and kind. The menu was, in all honesty, nothing special but I can understand it may appeal to some people. We ordered the kimchi and onion flatbread, vegetable dumplings, southern calamari with burnt butter dashi, as well as a wagyu 9+ marbling 400g for our main dish. The flavour of the wagyu was really good, however the texture (we ordered medium rare) felt very tough and rubbery, despite the colour of the meat looking exactly like what you'd expect a medium rare meat to look like. The vegetable dumplings were a disappointment as the dumpling wrapper was too thick, and it felt like the wrapper was undercooked. The southern calamari dish with burnt butter dashi was a little confusing as it reminded me of Domino's garlic bread ... which then led me to my question of where is the burnt butter taste/dashi taste? Calamari was well cooked though, very tender and easy to chew. The kimchi and onion flatbread... did not allow for much consistency with each bite. Certain bites contained too much kimchi, and others, almost none. I grew up eating kimchi so it wasn't like I was unfamiliar with the taste of kimchi.
I have to admit I was mildly surprised by their cocktails and enjoyed the drinks: Cameron Heights and Meiri. So I would recommend coming here for a pre-drink/after dinner drinks if you're in the area.
We were rather quickly asked to leave once they saw that we had finished our meal and the bill was brought to us. I found that a little off-putting as I would've been keen to get another drink, but nevertheless, we obliged and left after paying.
In general, I would give this place another try again before making my absolute(!) final verdict on it but the thought of coming back is not particularly...
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