Now Open: Penelope's Is the New CBD Restaurant Set on Redefining 'Australian' Cuisine
This new venue has settled into luxurious inner-city digs and boasts a dynamic genre-defying menu and views of the Harbour Bridge.
Set on a mission to reinvent the wheel of Australian cuisine, Penelope's has found a home in the heart of Sydney. Led by owner and Executive Chef Cuong Nguyen (ex-Hello Auntie), this vibrant restaurant is dedicated to reflecting the city's multicultural landscape through an innovative menu, fantastic cocktail list and luxe dining experience.
To tackle the task, Nguyen has pulled together a star-studded backing team featuring Head Chef Bremmy Setiyoko (ex-Spice Temple, Sepia) and General Manager Lee Potter Cavanagh.
"We thrive on diversity and various culinary influences from around the world," says Nguyen. "Don't call us 'fusion' at Penelope's; we're simply passionate about sharing our authentic Aussie experience."
Drawing influence from the plethora of cultures within the city — including Nguyen's own Vietnamese heritage and his exposure to the culinary landscape of the Inner West — Penelope's highlights Mediterranean, Asian and modern Australian flavours with creative flair and a big focus on flavour.
The new 132-seater is located in Quay Quarter Tower on Bridge Street. The space features a sleek bar, a breezy balcony dining area and plush lounges through the interior dining room. The Harbour Bridge-facing venue spotlights the iconic landmark thanks to panoramic views from every seat.
As for the menu, Penelope's offers a diverse range of eats meticulously crafted by Setiyoko alongside a wine list curated by Potter Cavanagh.
"I'm excited to create something fresh and captivating," explains Chef Setiyoko. "Cuong has given me a lot of freedom to explore and create at Penelope's so I can cook something I'm really passionate about and [is] hopefully delicious."
Standout creations on the Penelope's menu include the bakar chicken, a coriander and turmeric-coated roast chicken paired with toum (garlic sauce) and a turmeric and lemongrass sambal for some heat — a dish that hits close to home for the chef, as it draws inspiration from his mother's cooking. Then there's the surprising wonton-style pork and prawn ravioli in a familiar brown butter and sage sauce.
The drinks list has also received a fair amount of attention with Potter Cavanagh's big focus on wine. Peruse away and you'll discover 100 sips ranging from Australia's up-and-coming tipples to imported wines from across the globe.
For cocktails, Australian natives take centre stage with peppermint gum featuring in the whisky-based Jiminy Cricket, and wattleseed paired with a Vegemite caramel star in the Bogan Old Fashioned.
And to top things off, Penelope's will be pumping the tunes with a rotation of live music and DJs.
"We can not wait to share our passion for food, wine, and cocktails," says Potter Cavanagh. "We're also very proud of the space and have great tunes. I'm hoping it's somewhere that everyone can enjoy and see a piece of Sydney in it."
You'll find Penelope's open from 12pm to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 4pm on Sunday at Level 1 in Quay Quarter Tower at 50 Bridge Street, Sydney.
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