Friday, August 30, 2024 AMANO Covent Garden is delighted to share that Penelope’s, its acclaimed in-house restaurant, has been honored with the title of Best Luxury Restaurant at the prestigious 6th Annual British Restaurant Awards. The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at The Crown London Hotel, highlighting the best in the UK dining scene, with Penelope’s emerging as a leading luxury dining spot in central London. Housed within the lively Hotel AMANO Covent Garden, the first UK location from Berlin’s esteemed AMANO Group, Penelope’s provides a distinct culinary journey that fuses bold Spanish and Middle Eastern flavors.
Under the guidance of Executive Chef Fez Ozalgan, the menu draws inspiration from the Co-Founder’s heritage, blending influences from southern Spain and Tel Aviv to create dishes brimming with innovation and passion. Guests can enjoy a cozy, intimate dinner in one of the booths or share joyful moments with friends, all while soaking in the restaurant’s inviting and friendly ambiance. Every Friday and Saturday, Penelope’s transforms into a lively party venue featuring the iconic Isramani: an energetic dinner celebration inspired by Berlin’s nightlife.
This event brings together the excitement of sparklers, flowing drinks, and dancing, combining gourmet dining with the signature AMANO vibe for an unforgettable experience. “We’re incredibly honoured to have Penelope’s recognised as the Best Luxury Restaurant at this year’s British Restaurant Awards,” says Ariel Schiff, Founder of AMANO Group. “Our vision for Penelope’s was to create a space where guests could enjoy exceptional food with spirited energy, bringing together the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality with a modern, fun atmosphere.
This award is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our entire team, especially Executive Chef Fez Ozalgan, who has brought our vision to life with such passion and flair. We’re excited to continue delivering unforgettable dining experiences!” Penelope’s recently welcomed Taylor Coulson as the new Restaurant Manager, and the team has been elevating the experience with exceptional service and a vibrant atmosphere. Guests have the option to immerse themselves in the action by observing the culinary team in the open kitchen or choose a more intimate setting in the private dining room, which can accommodate up to 18 guests for special occasions.
The menu is designed for sharing and features standout dishes such as the refreshing Seabream Tartare with gazpacho, caviar, and habanero, and the indulgent Baklava Cheesecake with pistachio and honey. For those seeking heartier fare, options like the 800g Beef Short Rib with fermented hot sauce or the Israeli-style paella, crafted with Freekeh and topped with octopus and squid ink, are sure to satisfy. For a deeper dive into the culinary experience, Penelope’s offers the Fez Ozalgan Tasting Menu.
Priced at £110 per person and available on select evenings at 7:00 PM, this experience includes a complimentary cocktail or glass of bubbly, a specially curated tasting menu, and a live chef demonstration, providing guests with an inside look at Chef Fez’s creative process. The tasting menu is served in the elegantly designed restaurant, featuring mood lighting, plush velvet and leather décor, and chandeliers adorned with tassels and feather motifs, creating an atmosphere that feels as luxurious and captivating as a theatrical production. The British Restaurant Awards are among the most esteemed honors in the culinary world, allowing the public to nominate and vote for their favorite dining spots across the UK.
This year’s awards were especially significant, celebrating their 6th anniversary, and Penelope’s win reaffirms its status as one of London’s premier luxury dining destinations..
