Penelope Bistro + Bar

Penelope Bistro & Bar is a glamorous dining, drinking and dancing den which is reminiscent of a chic European supper club, located in the heart of James Street's dining precinct in Fortitude Valley.

With access via a solid brass door, the opulent and inviting interior, with its mid-century aesthetic, is a world away from the bustling streets outside.

Featuring plush velvet banquettes, dark timber-panelled walls made of acoustically treated American Walnut and brass trimmings, the interior is enhanced by a golden glow from the vintage accent wall lighting, table lamps, recessed under-seat lighting and a back-lit bar.

The concise food menu at Penelope is ‘bistro classic’ mixing a touch of nostalgia with modern techniques. Designed to be enjoyed socially, the main emphasis is on the bar snacks and small plates offering, with a special 'Room Service' offerign after 10pm.

Heavenly snacks include Scallop on Scallop topped with Oscietra caviar & chives; Oysters Penelope with champagne & strawberry mignonette; Pig cheek croquette with seeded mustard creme; and Cantabrian anchovies served to the table, flaming in the tin alongside crusty batard bread.

With a nod to the past, the Fish Finger sanga is a must-try,  made with crumbed pearl perch and yoghurt tartare served on pillowy white bread. There's also a selection of House Charcuterie, including Vigneron vine wrapped goats cheese & Turkish Delight; Jamon Iberico & pickled peppers; and Penelope gildas with devilled eggs.

Small plates are equally delectable and include Ahi Tuna crudo, citrus & capers; Wagyu beef tartare, horseradish, pecorino & pickles; Duck Parfait with pickled sour cherry & toast; and lamb ribs, olive jam & cucumber,

Perfect for dinner dates as well as late night revelry, on the menu are larger plates such as blast-from-the-past Steak Au Poivre, served in a cognac and green peppercorn sauce; Red Emperor with parsley butter, caper vinegar and confit lemon; Penne Alla Vodka; and Chicken Thigh Cotoletta with wild garlic, capers & potato salad.

The kitchen will also be open until the early hours with a late-night menu inspired by the ultimate room service feast. The classic hotel BLT (reimagined with smoked bacon, slipper lobster and pickled tomato), A ‘cant-miss’ cheese burger, eight months in the making and a hot chocolate fudge sundae worthy of the very best 80’s rom-com moments.

Not to be overlooked are the trio of dessert offerings, which include Citron tart; Chocolate Cremeux, Laphroaig Whisky & brandy snap; and Soft Serve Sundae with choice of toppings such as caramel & popcorn, choclate peanut butter, or blackberry & pistachio.

In keeping with the genre, spirits and smashable cocktails are the focus behind the bar. The beverage program is led by a ten-strong cocktail menu alongside a clutch of signature classic martinis and negroni’s - served arctic cold in vintage glassware with fun and flair.

Guests can also enjoy a eurocentric wine list covering everything from a Domaine Crève-Cœur, Côte Du Rhône, to obscure Aussie Pet Nats and a hefty listed of vintage champagnes.

When it comes to entertainment, a nightly selection of both veteran and rising DJ’s will be playing soul, funk, disco and groove through a premium bespoke sound system that blends seamlessly into the bar’s timber design. 

Need to know - There is limited street parking available on James Street and off street parking behind no 15.

Check out the best restaurants in Fortitude Valley HERE

A guide to dining on James Street HERE

Still hungry for more suggestions on where to eat out in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Happy grazing!