Occasionally, even rarely, there comes a fine-dining restaurant that makes such an impression that it becomes the first choice for all future dinner suggestions – and such is Penelope’s Brasserie and Jazz Bar Americain.

Certainly destined to be the talk of the town…

Eye-catching and elegant, Penelope’s is strategically located waterside in Yas Marina, in front of the water fountains.

And you instantly know you have chanced upon an extraordinary restaurant the instant you make your entrance…

The bar and live music station catch your eye as you are accompanied to your table – and Penelope’s is as much an exceptional destination for a drink as it is for dinner.

Your table is fully appointed and dressed to the highest French standards – in fact, the silver service is impeccable.

Penelope’s presents itself as a Brasserie, but also as an “American Jazz Bar”, but interpreted in French style – a Jazz Bar Américain .

A first for Abu Dhabi, this innovative inspiration allows for a level of dining excellence of a tip-top French brasserie, but at the same time permits a lighter exploration of funky music, thereby removing the seriousness, and the weight imposed by traditional fine dining – it introduces an element of fun and discovery, and its brilliance is tangible and exciting!

And when the drinks start arriving, you realize just how clever this juxtaposition of sophisticated elegance and contrasting light-hearted ‘Jazz Bar Américain‘ really is – actually, it’s magical.

For instance, admire the classic Martini, presented at Penelope’s:

Pure excellence at the highest level of refined dining – but then add a background of soulful trumpet and raspy voice of legendary jazz!

The atmosphere at Penelope’s is enthralling, and unique, and perfectly suited both to Yas Marina’s luxury yachts, as well as Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking spirit of re-defining the limits of what is possible.

And it is innovative.

Below, Tching Tching, a modern cocktail mix infused with cucumber – of all things! – was delicate and creative, playing a hypnotic fragrance on the palate.

And then let the dining commence!

Each dish is a masterpiece – and it is absolutely evident that the good Chef is an unbridled Einstein of the kitchens!

The ensemble of ingredients choice, diligent preparation, and majestic presentation leaves no detail unsettled. The aromas, textures, and flavors are magnificently combined and contrasted, and every bite feels like winning an award.

Actually, it is hard to believe Penelope’s has just opened, because this level of perfection escapes even the best establishments.

The menu is tight, but there is something for everybody – if the strategy was to limit the selection of items in order to focus energies to assure epicurean targets are hit with resounding success, it certainly worked perfectly.

Main courses offered were lobster linguini, wagyu entrecote, or whole seabream – choice of only three, true, but three culinary masterstrokes!

And the desserts were out of this world!

I cannot praise the deliciousness higher – please you must try Penelope’s for yourself, and experience directly what a virtuoso Chef can accomplish, when immersed in a marvellous venue, represented by a team of professionals at the front of the house, and within an intriguing framework of Jazz Bar Américain – an absolutely fabulous result, and destined to be one of Abu Dhabi’s finest restaurants.