C&G Scoop: Supernormal Canteen Joins the Southside

Local Community

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard the big foodie news that the CBD’s Supernormal Japanese eatery will be opening a little sister restaurant in St Kilda mid-July. In case you missed any of the details, C&G has the full scoop:

Uber popular Japanese foodie destination, Supernormal, currently sits neatly hidden away from the main bustle of the CBD, serving up their signature lobster rolls and that peanut butter parfait in sweet, sweet harmony. But owner Andrew McConnell is keen to shake things up, so he’s opening a permanent iteration of the Fitzroy Supernormal Canteen of yesteryear in the Fitzroy Street space that previously housed Luxembourg. 

Andrew says the ‘canteen’ pop ups – despite St Kilda’s offering being permanent – are his chance to get playful with the food, and develop and test new menu items. Fear not, the lobster rolls will be coming, too, as well as a whole host of exciting new dishes with that tell-tale Supernormal moreishness. Stressing that the new St Kilda venture isn’t “Supernormal 2.0”, he’s keen for customers to understand that it’s a faster-paced, more laid back younger sibling to Supernormal proper. Staff will wear t-shirts, there’ll be paper napkins and a stripped back version of the CBD’s extensive wine list. Sommelier Leanne Altmann will still curate the vino selection, but without any added filler or fancy additions. 

At its core, Supernormal canteen will be reminiscent of a Japanese izakaya. The air will be heady with the mouth-watering scent of smoke coming off the yakitori grill, with a chilled, relaxed dining vibe. Think dumplings, pork buns, pig’s head bao and Chongqing popcorn – all with that signature Supernormal razzle dazzle.

Fitzroy Street’s Supernormal Canteen is due to open mid-late July, so mark your calendars and get in quick – those lobster rolls are calling your name!