Jano Bistro

Jano Bistro feels like one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets. Set inside a character-filled cottage on Willis Street, it combines the care and attention of fine dining with a warmth that immediately puts you at ease. Chef-owner Pierre-Alain Fenoux may have trained in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe but there’s nothing intimidating about dining here. Named after Pierre-Alain’s grandfather, Jano Bistro feels personal and genuine, with dishes often delivered by the chefs themselves who happily explain the ingredients and inspiration behind each course. The seasonal tasting menu changes regularly, making the most of what is available at the time. Every dish feels thoughtfully put together, the wild boar is rich and beautifully balanced, paired with pickled beetroot and a deeply flavoursome jus. A celeriac dish proves that simple ingredients can be every bit as exciting as premium proteins with layers of flavour that linger long after the last bite. Dessert brings everything to a close with a refreshing combination of feijoa sorbet, coconut foam, local honey and honeycomb. Combined with sommelier Amy Zeilstra’s knowledgeable service, the result is a dining experience that feels thoughtful, welcoming and full of heart.