Winter at Jana Restaurant & Bar: Seasonal Simplicity, Done Well

As the temperature drops, Jana Restaurant & Bar unveils a bold new menu that celebrates Italian tradition, regional produce, and the beauty of simplicity.

This is winter, the Jana way; generous, unhurried, and grounded in warmth and Italian tradition, with a menu that honours the rhythm of the cooler months. Signature dishes include dry-aged duck served with celeriac, braised radicchio, and red wine reduction. Another highlight is the vitello tonnato, prepared in the classic style, with finely sliced veal, silky tuna dressing and a touch of acidity.

Pasta is made in-house, entirely by hand. Among the highlights is a mortadella and pistachio lasagne, complete with silky béchamel, a buttery crunch, and layers of pure savoury nostalgia. Adding an extra touch of indulgence to the menu is the arrival of West Australian truffles, shaved tableside over handmade potato gnocchi with nutty aged cheese.

A New Voice in the Kitchen: Executive Chef Carmine Mari Joins QT Newcastle.
This seasonal shift also marks the appointment of Executive Chef Carmine Mari, who brings soulful simplicity and quiet confidence to the kitchen.

Hailing from southern Italy and shaped by a childhood in his family’s pizzeria, Carmine honed his craft in Melbourne’s most respected kitchens, including Becco and QT Melbourne’s signature restaurant, Pascale Bar & Grill. His cooking is instinctive and ingredient-led, rooted in tradition, shaped by bold flavours and guided by the seasons.

“At Jana, I believe the simplest dishes often tell the most powerful stories,” says Mari. “It’s about respecting ingredients, enhancing their natural character, and creating food that feels both comforting and vibrant. A touch of garlic, a flicker of fennel seed, a hint of chilli, these subtle details bring the dishes to life.”

QTea returns: A sparkling new take on high tea
Under Mari’s direction, QT Newcastle’s signature QTea High Tea returns – reimagined, refined, and with a sparkling twist. The new format offers a bottomless experience, pouring free-flowing Mumm Marlborough alongside a decadent tower of in-house chef-prepared delicacies. Guests can expect flaky savouries, hand-cut sandwiches, warm scones and indulgent desserts. This is high tea with high sparkle, an elegant ritual of leisure, pleasure, and a little luxury in every pour.

New Winter Hours at Jana
In welcome news for locals and lovers of comfort, Jana is now open Monday nights, an invitation to start the week with handmade pasta, a bold glass of red, and the kind of dining that lingers.
Crafted to comfort. Meant to share. And always made con amore.
Jana Restaurant & Bar is open Monday to Saturday. For bookings and more information, visit qtnewcastle.com.

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