For a coastal town, Newcastle’s food scene is seriously sophisticated. As is the food scene of Italy’s most famous strip of coast, the Amalfi. So it’s fitting that the new iteration of Jana – the restaurant on the ground floor of the charming QT Newcastle hotel – is an ode to the food of Positano and its surrounds.
Ryan Crothers has recently stepped in as executive chef of Jana, bringing with him lessons learnt from the kitchen at Sydney’s Passeggiata, a popular Italian trattoria in Waverley. Just like the best Italian food, Crothers’ approach is simple: he uses great, seasonal, local produce; aims to create as little waste as possible; cooks over an open flame; and uses vibrant Italian flavours.
His debut menu – spring 2024 – heroes a delicious homemade focaccia; a prawn, garlic and chilli tagliolini; Fremantle octopus with nduja and heirloom tomatoes (our favourite dish); flame-grilled whole fish; and a locally sourced Hungerford bone-in rib-eye.
The desserts are classic, including a tiramisu made with fresh coffee, Kahlua and marsala-infused zabaglione, and a zingy lemon tart.
The wine list is a standout – in fact, they've nabbed "three sparkling glasses" in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards for a third year running, recognising their exceptional wine selection.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the talented team at QT Newcastle,” says Crothers. “We’re creating an experience that feels both fresh and familiar, where guests can expect exciting flavours rooted in simplicity and honesty.”
While the food at Jana may have changed since we last visited, everything we loved about the previous iteration is very much the same – from the warm and attentive waitstaff to QT’s signature whimsical styling. You can still head upstairs to QT’s banging rooftop bar for a nightcap (or go before and catch the flaming sunset). Staying the night at the QT Newcastle? Lucky you, stroll on up to your dreamy room after dinner.
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