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.

The menu may have changed since our visit.

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!