“Inspired by the Jazz Age of the French Riviera, Penelope’s blends the laid-back glamour and sophistication of the South of France with a contemporary elegance and style.” Penelope’s Brasserie & Jazz Bar Américain
A newly opened venue at Yas Marina is the talk of the capital. Penelope’s Brasserie & Jazz Bar Américain is a much needed breath of fresh air for the capital’s dining and nightlife scene. The classy, French inspired brasserie and jazz bar is serving up alfresco fine dining with waterfront views and a live band.
The outdoor venue, which opened with a flourish during last month’s F1 weekend, combines the charm of the French Riviera with the golden age of jazz. Art Deco inspired interiors span across a stylish dining area, a central bar with animal print fringed stools and a plush lounge where guests can enjoy a front row seat to the entertainment. The jazz quartet and co-founder and singer Laylan Kayan keep guests entertained with live musical interludes.
The à la carte menu has a Mediterranean influence including French classics such as escargots and mussels provencal alongside oysters, caviar, steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. An onion tarte flambee and lemon gnocchi make up some of the Vegetarian offerings. The signature lobster linguine was a firm favourite at our table as was the truffle pappardelle and burrata with grapes and pomegranate. Truffle fans can enjoy many pungent dishes with the additional option to add shaved truffle to any dish.
The pièce de résistance of the dessert menu is the chocolate fondant, so good I’ve devoured it on both my visits. There’s also a quintessential French tarte tatin, a vanilla crème brûlée and mille feuille among other tasty treats.
Penelope’s team of expert mixologists have crafted unique cocktails such as the signature P&P (with bell pepper infused tequila) and the Penicillin (whisky, lemon & honey ginger). Resident Italian sommelier, Tignanello, is on hand to tempt guests with an array of fine wines.
Spectacular champagne towers and wine is offered every Wednesday at the already popular Mesdames et Mesdemoiselles night. A fun ladies evening accompanied by a fusion of jazz and disco. Daily Apéritif from 5pm-8pm tempts early diners with special cocktail menu and small plates.
Penelope’s transports you back to a time of old school glamour with a contemporary twist. The cool, sophisticated joint is quite the change from its predecessors, Mr Miyagi’s and The Scene who occupied the now transformed space. The winning concept has been created by an accomplished team, Hamdan Al Khafaji, who opened La Carnita at Yas Bay, the aforementioned Kayan who’s behind Dubai’s cabaret club, Papillon and Canary Club’s Eddie Ghazal. There’s no doubt that Penelope’s brings a taste of elegance to the marina and while it’s fantastic to dine alfresco at this time of year, what will happen in the height of summer is another story.
Penelope’s Brasserie & Jazz Bar Américain
Location: Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 050 204 2475
Book your table HERE
Website: www.penelopes.ae
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday 5pm – 10pm and Friday & Saturday 5pm – 1am
I was a paying guest and all views are my own. Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2022. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of www.instagram.com/penelopes.ae