Penelope's in City of London, Westminster

I had high hopes for this restaurant, unfortunately my hopes were shattered. Let me start by saying I had received fantastic service at the run up to our dinner when I queried the menu or the dress code and that is where the positives end. We arrived for our pre-theatre dinner a little late and apologised. Once we were seated we realised it didn't make a jot of difference as we were the only people in the entire restaurant. I asked if they were expecting more people to which they replied yes it's early. Looking back we should have left at this point as it was a huge red flag. We ordered cocktails as I'd seen some great cocktails on their social media. What we got was utterly disappointing. They were served in some plastic tumblers which made us feel like we were toddlers. Worst of all, they just didn't taste nice. The flavours were all wrong and they didn't go together. Something important seemed missing They were not cheap at 16 pounds a pop either. So we decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and when our starter was served tucked in. My husband took one mouthful and looked disgusted. He said "I'll eat anything, you know me but I just don't want to eat this. I tried it and again it was just not balanced at all. All style and no substance. My starter was edible enough so I ate it as I was hungry but it was not what I would call tasty. Mains arrived and we considered asking to pay up and cut our losses but we stuck it out. Hoping for a change with our mains. It didn't come. My husband had the chicken shawarma, which could have come from a kebab shop. I had the trout, which looked and tasted more like salmon and which was not cooked properly in the middle. We'd had enough we asked for the bill. We stated our issues and asked for the 12.5 service charge to be removed as this added insult to injury. There was no attempt to apologise or rectify our evening. We left, glad that we were out of that restaurant. The service was poor, no one asked us at any point how our food was as we would have told them. The food was beyond poor. The drinks were poor. Added to this there was zero atmosphere in the restaurant as we were the only customers. A full house of disappointment. Avoid if you have any tastebuds or taste.

Amazing this little gem in the heart of Covent Garden Great food great service and great cocktails We came across as well with the maître That was amazing and take care of us. Thanks Paolo and all team at Penelopes

Food 10/10! Paella was amazing! It was a fun evening with friends in great place! Will definitely come back and do recommend!

It’s a great place for some tasty food and delicious drinks whilst being in the best party atmosphere. The staff were really lovely too.

Honestly the best night out I’ve had in London in a long time. Amazing food, staff were so amazing and good fun and music was amazing. Best time

Perfect for celebrations! I Went here with the girls for my friends birthday and it was amazing! Dinner and drinks and the customer service was perfect.

Had the most amazing experience at Penelope’s last night, food was amazing. The service was excellent. Would definitely recommend👏🏼

The place that we were missing in Covent Garden and that you would hardly imagine. An incredible combination between a party-vibes bar with DJ and dancefloor and a Middle-Eastern restaurant where you can have a massive 800g Rib of Beef with Baharat Patatas. We went there for Valentine’s night and enjoyed a memorable tasting menu composed of burrata and tuna tartare starters, a whole roasted brill and the aforementioned Rib of beef, which was topped at the end with a selection of six desserts. I admit it was a lot to take in in one go. Two things really surprised me. First, the quality and the quantity of food, served in a new hyped-up place, where usually the form takes over the substance. Second, the welcoming part which was a shot of a limoncello-style spirit served straight from the bottle in our mouth from the exuberant waiter, dancing around the tables. I ll definitely explore more the party bit of this place next time…

We have been at this restaurant multiple times and it never ceases to amaze us! The restaurant staff, especially Marios, is always so helpful, polite and friendly. Every Saturday there is a live dj and it just brings a whole other vibe to the place. A place you must visit when in London

We came in for the pre-theatre menu. The staff were very welcoming when we got here and the decor of the restaurant is lovely. We were also celebrating our wedding anniversary and were given a complimentary glass of Prosecco. we had the two course menu with the pork belly and the aubergine to start followed by the vegetarian paella and the chicken and all four of the dishes that we were served beautifully presented and tasted delicious. The staff were very attentive and the service was very good and we were finished with plenty of time to make sure we got to the theatre in good time for the show. Definitely recommend a meal here.

Loved Penelope’s!! Had heard really good things and it lived up to them. The food was good (not excellent, but definitely very good) but I think Penelope’s is unique in the ambience it tries to create - the front of house staff are so invested in you having a good time and the whole place effectively turns into a party after 10pm. Really fun and I’ll definitely be back. They were packed but the service was super efficient, suave, and non-invasive. If you want a “safe bet” as somewhere you’re definitely going to have a good time, or somewhere to go to put you in a good mood before a night out, this is definitely it. Was going to book for my 30th and sorely regret not doing so as the one I chose instead was awful!!! I’ll definitely be back (and maybe for my next birthday!!)

We had the best night at Penelope’s! Such an incredible vibe and the food and drinks were amazing! Everyone ends up dancing to the live sax player and dj! Special mention to Mikey who gave us the best experience! :)

1) Food The food was rather good. We had the steak, prawns, pork belly and sides. It was all very tasty and we have no complaints here. 2) Service - First of all, it was my birthday which they were aware of. We were given arguably the worst table in the house. This was surprising because we were there early for a 7.15 table and there was a lot of space. In fact, we weren't really even given a table, but they had a attached one to the end of the actual dining area. It felt as though we had been put on the kids table. This was in the path between the main dining area and the loos. Really not ok to be honest. The lady at the front desk was very nice, i do not know her name. At first, our waiter was also friendly and helped us navigate the menu and ensured that we didn't over/under order. The issue came however with the wine we ordered. After our first glass, the waiter grabbed our bottle and hurriedly topped mine up. My wife had not finished her glass, so instead of topping her up, but with the same amount as mine as is customary, he decided not to pour her any wine at all. In my opinion this is bad form and makes everyone feel awkward. I therefore got up myself, got the wine and poured a glass of wine for my wife. The waiter came back angrily, as I had done his job for him, picked up the bottle, banged it on the table aggressively and took it away. This was odd, at this point we decided not to get desert or more drinks and just pay the bill and leave. In fact, to their credit, as it was my birthday, they did bring over a glass of "bubbles" and a desert with sparkler etc. This was a touch and appreciated. 3-Other points They have a wonderful open kitchen, which you normally would enjoy watching them work. However, we just watched the chefs on their phones, checking Instagram and drinking shots with the waitresses. This is quite irritating and unnerving. Are the more interested in social media than the customers? Or looking up recipes which would also be somewhat disconcerting. I must say, that when paying hundreds of pounds for dinner, I prefer my chef not to be drunk. 4 - Atmosphere We were there early on purpose so weren't expecting a full on show. But I think that if you arrive later for dinner you will have a fun evening. We had a DJ and a saxophone player and it was definitely warming up as we were leaving. I would say that probably booking for 9pm is advisable if you want the full show.

We went for the pre-theatre menu at 6pm on Saturday as a family of 6. The restaurant is very elegant with a nice atmosphere. The food was beautifully presented and delicious for a reasonable price. Sadly our main waitress was very moody. She was attentive but did not smile or seem to have any customer service skills. We did order a bottle of champagne though, and the lady who brought that to us (Sasha) was a delight and so friendly and welcoming.

I had heard very good about this restaurant and decided to celebrate my birthday here. It was fabulous, food, service and atmosphere excellent. Thank you very much for everything! I had an amazing birthday!

Good service, delicious food. 12 mins from Tottenham Court Road station. Nice environment Love it !

This is a great spot for a casual and fun night out. We came across with the restaurant manager and the team and all been great. From the food to cocktails all been great So thanks to Paolo and team

Went on a Saturday night to this great spot in Covent Garden and love it. Nothing was too much for them. Came across with the manager Paolo And he was a wonderful Maitre D all night and with all our friends From the music and food to service was a well perfect night. Congrats guys for this lovely place

Amazing place and amazing food Very nice suggestions in wine made by Paolo the manager. Love the vibe and the music as well

Food - Excellent Service - Excellent Vibe - Excellent Location - Excellent Atmosphere - Excellent Best date night in years! Everything about the night was perfect. An elegantly sexy place without being pretentious!

This is a beautifully designed restaurant near Drury lane , with personable service (thank you Raj) and one of the best pork belly! The portions here are very generous and I struggled with the cod but greedily emptied the plate with a huge slice of...

Firstly, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Carla, who made us feel very welcome. She was so attentive, charming and just an absolute pleasure. Good location, exceptional service and amazing experience. See you soon!

Very cool place on the heart of Covent Garden We went on a Spanish night and the vibe was great we love everything from the decor until the food Came across with the Maitre D Paolo He breath hospitality and was great with us

Great place in Covent Garden with Amazing food and cocktails We love as well the Spanish vibe in the place and Paolo was great with us

Amazing spot in the heart of Covent Garden Came across with the Manager and all staff and enjoy a lot Special thanks to Paolo and Christian We will return

Amazing food and service Thanks to Paolo and his wonderful team Cheesecake Baklava was to die for Great suggestions in wines as well

Dined on the pre-theatre menu before our show. The food was delicious and such great value for a Saturday night. The menu is a fusion of Spanish and Isreali. Would highly recommend. Especially the chicken shawarma and the baklava cheesecake. Best I've ever had! The...

We visited for a birthday dinner. We had an early seating and it felt throughout the meal as though the restaurant was setting up around us - which is understandable but not what you’d wish for. We had the set menu, and the food was...

Amazing food and drinks and amazing service Thanks to Paolo and all the team We will return to this little gem in Covent Garden

Nice decor and staff . Let down by very loud music. And the wrong bill twice. Food was good but not exceptional

From beginning to end an enjoyable experience, the food was exceptional in particular the bread. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable.

Amazing food and amazing service Nothing was to dificult for them We really enjoy it and return it

So I gave the restaurant a 2 because the food is appalling. That is not an understatement. The fish was so dry I wouldn’t feed it to my dog, the ox cheek was completely tasteless as were the gambas. The best dish was the croquettes...

Phenomenal service from Daniel! ⭐️ He really made our dining experience truly special, offering a five star professional service and recommending delicious dishes from the menu to ensure we had the best possible experience. Daniel was also very personable and his charming and charismatic personality...

the food was amazing . will be returning . Loved the atmosphere . what a night. food was unreal. 10/10

What a lovely experience! The venue is stunning and has a very cool vibe. We had the warmest welcome from Carla at reception who is so genuinely passionate about hospitality. The food was really nice and playful, will come back!

Our visit was on a busy Saturday night & Penelope's rocked! It’s a large, glossy, restaurant, based within the Amano Hotel, a chic, Berlin based chain. The menu features a creative array of Spanish/Israeli Fusion dishes, suited to sharing. Food delivery was speedy & dishes...

Amazing experience! Live music with a DJ and saxophone added an elegant touch. Beautiful food, loved the baklava cheesecake! Great drink selection, and exceptional service from our host Paulo. Highly recommend this new spot in London for a memorable evening!

The food was beyond great and the pancakes are the best I have ever had. Will definitely recommend.

The food at Penelope’s is amazing. I had the sirloin and gambas tortilla. Absolutely delicious. The restaurant is very modern and the vibe is 100%. Would highly recommend. There is live music too which makes it an experience.

We have been eating great in this wonderful restaurant, they have treated us very well and I always recommend it, there is no better place to dine in London!

Poor choices on the menu. The staff prefer talking to each other, rather than the customers. I wanted to water, I got warm water, I got up myself and asked for ice at the bar.

Great food, good cocktails and an amazing atmosphere. If you want to party, this is the place to go!!

Only one word: amazing! We had a great family night out and we enjoyed the food. The restaurant is nicely decorated, with fresh flowers and candles. Service is fantastic, the waiter taking the time to explain us the menu, to recommend dishes. Food came quick...

Disappointed. Opening was good but has not lived up to the opening. The impresario Mikey is good, all others including food service, shame shame shame.

Had an absolutely lovely evening with my colleagues at Penelope's. Everything we ordered looked beautiful and tasted even better. We were particularly fond of the Black Challah Calamari and the very special Paella. Such tender octopus. Staff are super friendly and attentive. Delicious wines and...

I had dinner here yesterday with two colleagues after work. The restaurant design is very cool and the music and lights system bring the vibes to next level! The black breaded Calamari were superb and I can’t wait to go back! Monica made the difference...

It was my first time here and I loved the food and the atmosphere! Thank you for the lovely food and service! I will surely be back!

The food was amazing! The service was very friendly and attentive. Nice vibe and great decoration. Definitely i will be back!!!

We went to the NYE party and had a fantastic time ! Great atmosphere, decor, food and service. Thank you to Mikey, Aleno, and Monica (and everyone else) for your team effort + dj Harry Portman + Yali on saxophone - they how to play...

We were at Penelope's for the New Year's party, enjoyed the best food, danced to a bitty and lively Israeli and Spanish disco music, the service was excellent. It was the best way to start the new year. Thank you every one at Penelope's for...

We had a brilliant evening meal at Penelope's. The catering and waiting staff were superb and so attentive. As for the food, every plate was delicious and offered genuine unique takes on familiar dishes, the beef short ribs in particular were amazing. The mix of...

We loved our meal at Penelope’s and highly recommend. Our waiter was lovely and advised on what to order, the food was amazing. Nice cocktails as well along with a great atmosphere.

All in one - great destination for a cocktails and quality dinner. You can expect elegant, trendy atmosphere with live music. The dimmed lights, black and white nude photography in accompany of tasteful food. Penelope's combined beautiful food, drinks, entertainment and party all together -...

We had a lovely dinner in the newly opened Penelope’s. The menu has a sharing concept so we enjoyed mezze, gambas and calamari to start and then Hereford sirloin, octopus paella and patatas for main. Everything tasted delicious and the service was also very good....

This is a new restaurant that has just opened. I went on a Tuesday night with a few work colleagues and the place was heaving. The Restaurant is cool, with an open-plan kitchen and watching chefs work at work is fun. The cuisine is a...