Penelope
Modern Australian dining in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
Penelope is part bistro, part lounge and part bar at 15 James Street. Its warm, low-lit room and European supper-club direction make the setting part of the night, whether you begin with a martini or settle in for dinner.
Suited to
Date nights that can move from a first drink into shared plates, plus later evenings when you want the room to carry some of the occasion.
Why this place
The official venue describes Penelope as a classic bistro with a European supper-club influence. Its current menu direction centres seasonal produce, bar snacks and small plates for sharing, with larger plates when the night becomes a full dinner. The drinks list focuses on spirit-forward cocktails, signature martinis and Euro-centric wine.
Photographs supplied by Penelope / Coats Group.
Editor's note
A photo-led BFG date-night spotlight. Photography supplied by Penelope.
What to order
Use the current menu as the guide. Penelope publishes seasonal à la carte dishes, a four-course shared menu and a late-night room-service menu from 9:30pm. For drinks, the official menu highlights spirit-forward cocktails, signature martinis and Euro-centric wine. Availability and prices can change.
Good to know
Wednesday and Thursday service begins at 5pm. Friday to Sunday begins at noon, with all listed days running until late. The late-night menu is advertised from 9:30pm. Confirm current menus, booking availability and special-event changes directly with the venue.
Published menu snapshot
Menu
Checked September 2026
The official menu page was checked 21 September 2026. It describes the current menu formats but warns that dishes change seasonally. Specific dishes and prices are omitted here; confirm the live menu with Penelope.
Current formats
À la carte
Seasonal bar snacks, small plates and larger plates.
Penelope's Preferred
A four-course set menu designed to share, for two or more guests.
Room Service
A late-night menu advertised from 9:30pm until late.
Drinks direction
Signature martinis
Spirit-forward cocktails
Euro-centric wine list
Menu information is a dated snapshot. Prices, ingredients, availability, allergens, and trading hours can change; verify the live ordering menu or contact the venue before ordering.
Known for
- European supper-club atmosphere
- Cocktails and signature martinis
- Seasonal plates designed to share
Opening hours
Opening hours can change. Check the restaurant's official website, booking platform, or social channels before visiting.
Photography
Photos supplied by Penelope / Coats Group
Common questions
Practical answers before booking.
Is Penelope a good date-night restaurant?
Its bistro, lounge and bar format, warm supper-club room, cocktails and shared menu formats make it a practical date-night option on James Street.
Where is Penelope?
Penelope is at 15 James Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006.
When is Penelope open?
The official site, checked 21 September 2026, lists Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm until late, and Friday to Sunday from noon until late. Confirm holiday and event changes directly.
Does Penelope have a late-night menu?
The official menu page advertises its Room Service menu from 9:30pm until late. Check the current menu and availability before visiting.
How can the restaurant update this page?
Restaurant owners can request factual corrections or claim a listing to verify official links, ownership, hours, cuisine category, booking links, menu notes, image credits, or closure status.
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