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Restaurant

Jano Bistro

270 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Recommended by 56 people

Updated

Find Jano Bistro

270 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Directions ↗
+64 4 382 9892
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Jano Bistro

Set inside a century-old cottage in Te Aro, Jano Bistro serves an unhurried, chef-led degustation with zero fine-dining pretension. Diners head upstairs into quiet, intimate rooms while the kitchen runs a tasting menu that spans close to three hours. The chefs deliver each plate directly to the table—breaking down regional ingredients like strait-speared fish, backyard herbs, and local lamb alongside tailored wine matches. Diners often start early downstairs with a Forbidden Apple cocktail or house-baked sourdough before settling into an evening that lets New Zealand produce take centre stage.

  • Chef-Presented Courses: Chefs personally deliver courses to the table to explain seasonal techniques and local sourcing.
  • Unhurried Degustation: Multi-course tasting menus unfold over two to three hours with coordinated regional wine pairings.
  • Heritage Cottage Setting: Dining takes place upstairs within a charming, historic two-story cottage setting.
RestaurantModern EuropeanFrenchRestaurant

What's On at Jano Bistro

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

The Jano Bistro Experience

Why diners choose Jano Bistro for milestone celebrations and culinary journeys in Wellington

  • Multi-Hour Degustation Journey

    Multi-course menus are designed as narrative journeys that unfold unhurriedly over two to three hours, pairing each dish with curated wines.

    This isn’t just dinner; it’s a full experience that unfolds over about three hours. The best way to describe it is a journey of surprises.

    Ben Thrupp

  • Harmonious Flavor Architecture

    Every plate balances delicate textures, seasonal ingredients, and unexpected pairings designed to genuinely intrigue the palate.

    The food was perfectly balanced and each of the elements complemented each other very well. Each course seemed to fit together, like a harmonious collection of flavours.

    Madison Riley-Hathaway

  • Direct Tableside Chef Interaction

    The culinary team steps out of the kitchen to deliver dishes directly, detailing cooking techniques and local sourcing firsthand.

    The chefs bring the food out to your table themselves to explain what's on your plate and how it was prepared.

    Anton Bearsley

  • Warm Hospitality Without Pretense

    Hospitality feels engaging and approachable rather than stiff, sharing deep knowledge on wine pairings and regional provenance.

    passionate staff who take such delight making and coming and talking to you about what has been made and where it has been sourced from

    Sam Allen

  • Intimate Historic Cottage Setting

    Set within a historic two-story cottage, the dining rooms offer a quiet, romantic ambiance well-suited for anniversaries and special celebrations.

    It truly is an honour to get this level of fine dining in such an intimate, but still private, setting.

    Warwick Palm

  • Deeply Cared-For Dining Experience

    Attentive hosts and personalized service ensure guests feel welcomed and fully looked after throughout the multi-course meal.

    We were very full and well cared for, the passion for hospitality shows strongly in this team.

    kristine illsley

Signature tasting menus curated by the kitchen and paired with wines

  • Degustation Menu with Wine Match

    My wife and I had the degustation menu with the matched wines. Great value for money.

    Sam Allen

  • 6 Course Degustation

    6 course degustation wine matched. We were impressed by the knowledgeable service that felt personal. Beautifully crafted menu showcasing local and seasonal ingredients talentedly prepared and skillfully presented.

    kristine illsley

  • Jano Experience Menu

    Recommendable 100%, we ordered the Jano Experience Menu, and it was exquisite!

    Carmín Gé

  • 9 Course Degustation

    A beautiful 9 course degustation with great service and optional wine pairing.

    Anton Bearsley

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality and distinct culinary touches that elevate the dining experience

  • Chefs Presenting Table-Side

    The kitchen team and head chef personally present dishes table-side, explaining the culinary technique, flavour profile, and local sourcing of each course.

  • Historic Cottage Setting

    Guests dine in a warm, historic two-story cottage featuring brick fireplaces and intimate upstairs dining rooms set away from commercial dining floors.

  • Tailored Dietary Care

    Staff and chefs provide thoughtful accommodations, taking time to walk through where specific allergens hide across courses and tailoring substitutions.

  • Milestone Celebration Touches

    Celebrations are marked with personalized gestures from the team, including celebratory cakes for surprise birthdays and milestone occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does dinner usually take?

Expect an unhurried multi-course degustation experience that typically unfolds over 2 to 3 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy each course and drink pairing.

Can dietary restrictions or allergies be accommodated?

Yes. The culinary team can accommodate dietary requirements, such as gluten-free and dairy-free requests, provided you give them 72 hours' advance notice or notify them when booking.

How does the menu and dining format work?

Jano Bistro serves a multi-course seasonal degustation and tasting menu where dishes and wine matches change regularly based on local produce, and the chefs personally present each course at your table.

Is Jano Bistro suitable for solo diners?

Yes. The dining room upstairs in the historic cottage offers a welcoming and attentive fine-dining setting that comfortably accommodates solo guests as well as couples.

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