A new venue in Fortitude Valley is drawing attention for its retro-inspired menu and standout dish featuring scallops served atop potato scallops.
Background and Concept
A recent addition to Fortitude Valley’s James Street precinct, Penelope Bistro delivers a nostalgic dining experience shaped by the aesthetics and flavours of the 1970s. Operated by the Coats Group—known for Maya Rooftop and Il Molo—the venue marks a stylistic departure with a disco-themed interior and a compact, inventive menu.
Signature Dish and Menu Highlights
A highlight of the menu is the “scallop on potato scallop,” which layers diced raw Hokkaido scallops mixed with dill, capers and lemon zest onto mini potato scallops tossed in salt-and-vinegar seasoning. A rice cracker topped with Oscietra caviar completes the dish.
Other items include a soft cheese tart with chilli crisp, duck pâté with kumquat, and reinterpretations of nostalgic favourites. While not listed on the current menu, a previously featured devilled-style quail egg was noted during early reviews of the venue.
Mains feature dishes such as pasta alla vodka, pan-fried fish, and a chicken cotoletta prepared with thigh meat. Each item blends classic elements with refined presentation.
Dining Format and Experience
The bistro offers both an à la carte menu and a four-course banquet menu titled “Penelope’s Preferred.” For later diners, a room service-inspired menu becomes available from 9:30 p.m. onwards.
A concise drinks list features spirit-forward cocktails, including martinis and European classics. After-dinner options include cocktails like the Café Noir, while desserts range from citron tart and chocolate crémeux to soft-serve sundaes in flavours such as caramel popcorn and chocolate peanut butter.
Group Bookings and Venue Use
Bookings are available for groups of up to 12, with parties of nine or more required to select the set menu. The venue also accommodates private dining, cocktail events and exclusive use bookings. A $40 per person cancellation fee applies for bookings cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice or for no-shows.
Public Reception and Reviews
Visitors frequently mention the refined take on small plates, with positive remarks on the lamb ribs, tuna crudo and signature scallop dish. Patrons also note that the venue strikes a balance between relaxed and elevated, with stylish interiors and a playlist that complements the retro theme.
Several reviews point to the cocktail quality and staff attentiveness, with consistent praise for knowledgeable service and strong dish recommendations. Some diners noted slower service during busy periods but regarded it as reasonable given the popularity of the venue.
Others described the space as ideal for lingering over drinks and share plates, with certain dishes—such as the wagyu tartare—appealing more to diners already familiar with traditional preparations. Parking was flagged as limited, though reviewers focused on the experience inside as the main draw.
Looking Ahead
Penelope Bistro in Fortitude Valley combines a cohesive theme, nostalgic menu and refined service, offering an alternative to more conventional restaurants in the area. With its detail-focused execution, the venue has carved out a distinctive space in Brisbane’s dining landscape.
Published 13-May-2025
