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Welcome to Penny Blue
Penny Blue, located in the historic GPO building on King William Street, Adelaide, offers an inviting dining experience characterized by attentive service and a curated menu. Patrons rave about the generous portions, showcasing dishes like the light Wild Mushroom Gnocchi and the rich Beef Wellington, designed for sharing. The restaurant excels in providing a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with healthy kids' options and engaging activities. Guests can't get enough of the local wine selections and innovative cocktails, such as the Fragaria alcohol-free option. With its blend of modern cuisine and a nod to history, Penny Blue promises a memorable meal for everyone.
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About
Penny Blue
Penny Blue is a delightful dining destination nestled in the heart of Adelaide, at 141 King William St, within the historic Marriott hotel, which was once the grand post office. This restaurant beautifully combines the old-world charm of its venue with a modern gastronomic experience. From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed by an atmosphere that balances elegance and comfort, making it perfect for family outings, romantic dinners, or casual brunches alike.
One of the standout features of Penny Blue is its commitment to quality and flavor. The diverse menu offers something for everyone, from healthy kids' options to refined dishes for adults. As noted in a recent review by Candice Soman, the health-conscious kids’ menu is a significant highlight, with generous portions that keep both little diners and their parents happy. The maple-glazed pumpkin side dish particularly won the hearts (and taste buds) of their toddler, showcasing the restaurant's thoughtful approach to diverse palates.
The experience is further enriched by the skillfully crafted dishes. Customer Chiao Liao raves about the onion soup and the roasted Kent pumpkin—a true testament to the kitchen's ability to elevate simple ingredients into standout plates. The Spencer Gulf prawn cocktail and beef tartare also shine, with praises echoing throughout the dining area. While not every dish may meet expectation—such as the Wellington beef, which received mixed reviews—it is clear that Penny Blue takes pride in its culinary offerings.
The attentive service complements the remarkable food. Guests frequently mention the friendly staff who ensure that every dining experience is nothing short of excellent. Brett Earl noted a special touch when the head chef personally checked in on his meal, adding a personal connection to the dining experience. Such attentive service, combined with a well-curated selection of local South Australian wines, contributes significantly to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
Whether indulging in a rich Beef Wellington or relishing a light Kingfish crudo, the dishes at Penny Blue promise satisfaction. The chef’s thoughtful wine pairings and the unexpected delight of a birthday candle alongside the affogato create memorable moments that will linger long after the plates are cleared. Penny Blue isn't just a meal—it's an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and a hint of nostalgia from its historic setting.
For those seeking a blend of exceptional food, outstanding service, and a cozy atmosphere in the center of Adelaide, Penny Blue is an unequivocal recommend. Make a reservation today at +61 8 8451 3300 and immerse yourself in this culinary gem!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ The Beef Wellington is so good, but very rich, so glad we had a side salad, especially the orange segments, to help cut through that richness. Kingfish crudo was a great starter. Staff provided great friendly assistance. The birthday candle accompanying the affogato was a nice touch to celebrate the occasion. Dining in the old GPO has a nice feeling but something was missing that creates a great experience, was probably expecting some more memorabilia that referenced the grand old GPO. All in all it was a great experience and would return. ”
“ This is a lovely restaurant in the middle of the CBD in the Marriott hotel (The old GPO building). The atmosphere is nice with small nods to the old GPO building. Staff were very friendly and attentive. They check in to make sure all was OK with each course and we even had a visit form the head chef to ensure we were happy with the meal which was a nice touch. We ordered the shared Beef Wellington. We advised this as part of our online reservation as it mentions that can take up to 60 mins for preparation time. When booking online for this I was asked to provide a card for which the amount was taken out in full. But pre booking also meant we were not waiting for the 60 minutes of preparation. The food portions are very generous from my own experience as well as looking around at what others are ordering. The Prawn cocktail seems quite popular! There is a very good selection of drinks which include a lot of South Australian local wines as well as international flavours. ”
“ Fancy restaurant with nice romantic ambiance. It's in the Mariott Hotel as you walk in. The popular beef Wellington was delicious, very tender and juicy beef, cooked to perfection. The pastry was crunchy on the outside but there's a big part of it that was really doughy that's not to my liking. The truffle mash that came with it was superb. You need to pay in advancs for the beef wellington. Beef tartare was also pretty good. And the French onion soup was heart warmingly delicious. Very good service and staff. ”
“ I ate here with my family (including a toddler). Staff were very helpful, our toddler loved the background music and the colouring-in kit provided. This is the first place we have been where the kids menu is healthy, good quality, and a generous portion. Our toddler also love the maple glazed pumpkin side. Wild mushroom gnocchi sounds like another boring veg option but is light and delicious! It was comfortable and relaxed. Highly recommend the Fragaria alcohol free cocktail. I really enjoyed our dinner here. I would eat it all again tonight if I could. ”
“ A Hidden Gem at Marriott – Penny Blue Delivers on Every Front. We dined at Penny Blue tonight at the Marriott Hotel and were genuinely impressed. I had preordered the Beef Wellington, a dish that’s rarely found on menus—and I must say, it exceeded expectations. Perfectly cooked with a tender, juicy centre and a crisp, golden pastry, it was honestly one of the best we’ve had—even better than versions we’ve tried back in Hong Kong. The service was warm and attentive, and the ambience struck a beautiful balance between modern sophistication and cozy charm. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour. It’s clear the kitchen takes pride in their craft. Highly recommend Penny Blue for a refined dining experience in the city. We’ll definitely be back. ”
“ A lovely dining experience, the beef wellington was delicious with staff friendly and attentive. The wine pairing was very well done. The cheesecake unfortunately did not impress. ”
“ Fabulous service. Great food. Onion soup, roasted Kent pumpkin, Spencer Gulf prawn cocktail and beef tartare were great! Especially the prawns and pumpkin. I was not that impressed with the Wellington beef, probably because my expectation was too high. ”