A seasonally-inspired and innovative restaurant that showcases the best of local New Zealand produce with a French twist. Located in a lovingly restored historical cottage, diners are encouraged to explore new flavour combinations and indulge their culinary palate from our degustation menus and optional beverage-pairings.
Ben Thrupp
We chose Jano Bistro after it was described as the closest thing Wellington has to a Michelin star experience — and it absolutely delivered. There is no surprise this restaurant is rated 4.9 stars at the time of this review.
When you first walk in, it feels almost like stepping into a living room that someone had converted into a kitchen, but once seated upstairs, the atmosphere transforms into something intimate, refined and thoughtfully designed — the perfect setting for such an immersive dining experience.
The staff and chefs were phenomenal and it was very clear they were passionate about their craft and the dinning experience they want to provide.
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. Each course felt intentional and beautifully crafted, with flavour profiles that genuinely excited the palate. It wasn’t just that every dish was delicious — it felt like a story was being told from one course to the next.
Yes, it’s on the pricey side for Wellington. But this isn’t simply paying for food; it’s paying for a carefully curated, unique and memorable experience. If you’re looking for a special night out to try the best of what Wellington has to offer, this is absolutely one to try.
… moreWarwick Palm
Incredible from start to finish. The entire experience felt welcoming, personal and magical. Every mouthful was delicious, every flavour and texture intentional. Our hostess was both knowledgable and attentive, able to answer questions about the wine pairings and a joy to talk to. Both chefs made us feel like we were special guests, being taken on a culinary journey. It truly is an honour to get this level of fine dining in such an intimate, but still private, setting. We can’t wait to return – thank you all for making our night so special!
… moreM R Atkinson-Leask
Perfection. Elevated food done exceptionally well in an elegant yet cosy environment. We particularly enjoyed the contrasts and juxtapositions between textures and flavours. Talented chefs, excellent drink menu and friendly yet unobtrusive service. We will come to celebrate special occassions here for many years to come. We had an exceptional time, thank you! We highly recommend the degustation with wine pairings.
… moreY W
It’s a solid 4.5 stars however as google doesn’t do halfsies, it’s been rounded up to a 5.
Great flavors served by the chefs in a quaint little restaurant.
I understand most of these restaurants have an ever changing menu base on seasonal produce. However, I didn’t expect the menu to have change but not updated on their website (booked due to the menu on their website)
Food is on the pricier side for the portion size. The taste does somewhat make up for it but I wouldn’t recommend to couples who are looking for a filling meal
… moreMadison Riley-Hathaway
As soon as you step through the front door of this cute and quaint 100 year old building, every minute is wondrous! From the homey decor and the spacious upstairs, to the wonderful staff members, coming to this restaurant was such an experience. My mum and I came here to celebrate an anniversary dinner. We chose the degustation and every course was breath taking. The moment the plates landed, we were awe struck. Every mouthful was a delight (as we said each time, SUPER TASTY!). 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. Not only was the food absolutely incredible, the staff and chefs were amazing aswell. Super friendly and chatty, it was a joy each time they came over or delivered a course. They even had incredible drink recommendations! Despite the price, we enjoyed every second and managed to spread the lovely evening over 2 1/2 hours!! Would absolutely recommend coming to this restaurant for a very special occasion.
… moreRebecca Penman
An exceptional experience all round, gorgeous venue, wonderful friendly and very knowledgeable staff. The food was divine, the drink pairings were perfect. I look forward to coming back every time I visit Wellington I would give it 6/5 if I could 🙂
… moreSam Allen
Superb superb superb. The food, atmosphere and service. Such a delight to find such a long tenured restaurant that has 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. Can’t wait for round 2.
My wife and I had the degustation menu with the matched wines. Great value for money.
… moreCarmín Gé
My husband took me as a surprise birthday dinner, and it was the best ♡
Delicious french cuisine with the most perfect attention to detail, in presentation as in flavor. The service was magnificent as well. Everything was marvelous! Thank you for my birthday cake, it was delightful!
Recommendable 100%, we ordered the Jano Experience Menu, and it was exquisite!
… moreJose Carlos Ferreira Junior
The space is gorgeous and the staff was incredible, the service was very personal and warm. The food was incredible and unexpectedly flavoursome. We had dishes refreshungly unique and honestly the whole experience was amazing.
… moreIsabella Clague
Went for Wellington on a Plate and tried the Allium Invasion burger. The burger was good – really liked the beef tallow mayo and the flavour of the beef patty– but found the bun too sweet and way too thick on top. I’d give it 7/10.
Service could have been better; our table wasn’t wiped between courses so we had dessert surrounded by crumbs. The chocolate soufflé tart was a big disappointment – burnt tones, almond paste, not sweet at all. Would have been fine if it was advertised that way, but as a dessert it was a 2/10.
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