North Island
Jackson Cafe & Bistro
Cuisine: New Zealand, A La Carte, Bistro, Cafe
306 Jackson St
Petone
Lower Hutt City 04 589 8585
Petone
Lower Hutt City 04 589 8585
Hours:
- Mon 5:30pm – 9:30pm
- Tues – Sun 11am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm
-
Facilities/Features:
- Children's Menu
- Conference Facilities
- Great View
- Children's Play Area
- Private Dining Room
- Payment Types: EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard, AMEX
- Price Range: Spendy, $25 - $35
- Dress Code: Casual
- Alcohol: Beer, Wine, Spirits, Cocktails
- Seating for: 120
- BYO/Corkage: BYO, Corkage Charge
- Parking: Free Off-Street, Free On-Street, Pay & Display
- Good For Groups: Yes
- Good For Children: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Soy-free
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Renowned Trafalgar Square Bistro and Adam Café and Bistro chef, Adam Li has recently opened a brand new restaurant – Jackson Café and Bistro. Adam’s cooking philosophy is straight forward – innovative cuisine using the best of local produce.
Jackson Cafe & Bistro is ideal for an intimate dining experience and to celebrate special occasions with families, friends or business associates.You can not beat the great location, atomsphere and friendly service, Jackson Cafe & Bistro has it all..
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38 Reviews for Jackson Cafe & Bistro
3
17th May 2012
Went with friends on a friday night, felt like a bit of a criminal walking in with a wine bottle suddenly couldnt remember if it was BYO or not, stuffed the wine in to our bags while we scoured the wine list for a clue, nothing there, googled it, and what do you know it is BYO, the staff are just slack. After having to go up and ask for wine glasses and dinner menus (15-20mins after we arrived) we could finally get on with ordering.
Entrees were a mixed bag risotto balls were great, but calamari was like deep fried rubber bands
Had the char grilled salmon for the main, and it was truely delicious almost enough to make my forget about the start of the night.
This was shortly ruined by a trip to the toilets where i nearly slipped over due to water (i hope) and toilet paper all over the floor, granted it was later in to the night and i had a few wines by then, but still that visual basically sums up my lasting impression of the place.
Entrees were a mixed bag risotto balls were great, but calamari was like deep fried rubber bands
Had the char grilled salmon for the main, and it was truely delicious almost enough to make my forget about the start of the night.
This was shortly ruined by a trip to the toilets where i nearly slipped over due to water (i hope) and toilet paper all over the floor, granted it was later in to the night and i had a few wines by then, but still that visual basically sums up my lasting impression of the place.
2
15th May 2012
Thought the place looked nice and clean, meals were awesome, very yummy and good price for the size of the meal. Their Service not that great friends got there 30Min’s before I arrived and had only just ordered their breads/Starters, they had to ask for some wine glasses to drink their wine. We arrived they asked us for started after having to call them over, but didn’t ask for drink orders. Which thru out the night we were never asked if we wanted drinks. Had to get our 9 year old to order water.. Or we were never asked how the meals were.
All in all food very good and would go back again. Just a pity on their service. Looked like only 2 people were working in such a big place.
Cheers
All in all food very good and would go back again. Just a pity on their service. Looked like only 2 people were working in such a big place.
Cheers
1
13th May 2012
Had a group of 11 for a celebration meal. We got a nice private table and the waiting staff really took an interest to make our evening a good one. Menu was sufficently varied that everyone was catered for. Lots of local produce and cuisine which was great to see. Food came in good time, well presented and most importantly tasted great!!!!
Very happy with the experience and we will definitely be back to Jacksons again!
Very happy with the experience and we will definitely be back to Jacksons again!
4
25th April 2012
I love this place!
The food is lovely, good specials, great staff. Sometimes you can be waiting on drinks but that okay, you’re not waiting on your food!
Lunch portion sizes are also great!
BYO is also a great option!
The food is lovely, good specials, great staff. Sometimes you can be waiting on drinks but that okay, you’re not waiting on your food!
Lunch portion sizes are also great!
BYO is also a great option!
1
10th April 2012
All meals arrived quickly after ordering and the staff were friendly. Great setting whatever the occasion, meals are fantastic every time and for a good price. I definitely recommend to others, I love bringing friends along who have not yet been and this is my first pick when taking friends or family out to dinner. 
1
29th March 2012
went with 9 others. Usually hard to please everyone but these guys succeeded. Great selection and generous portions.
1
17th March 2012
This was our first visit to Jackson cafe & bistro. Having spoken to friends and reading the reviews we were quit looking forward to dining here. The service was very good. Very attentive. The atmosphere was relaxed yet inviting. I ordered the steak which Cooked just like what I want. My friend ordered the fish which very fresh and tasty.
Waitress explain every detail about our food with smile on her face and answer all the questions with patient.
All in all It was a pleasant evening.
Waitress explain every detail about our food with smile on her face and answer all the questions with patient.
All in all It was a pleasant evening.
1
15th March 2012
Disappointed is the only way to describe our recent experience here. We thought we’d give them another go after a previous poor service experience but no more chances now. The mixed entree was basically deep-fried nibbles that you buy frozen at the supermarket. The med/rare steak was med/well done, the sauce was so pungent it was basically uneatable. The kumara cakes were soooooooooo tough I could not cut them with a knife so uneatable. The chicken was overcooked and dry – didn’t finish it. Waitress 1 assumed we wanted the same wine when asked if we could order some more wine with our mains. Waitress 2 graciously accepted our complaint blaming the chef who was not Adam for the poor quality and implied this is not the first time. We were willingly given a discount. Will not return again and will steer others away!
7th March 2012
The food was amazing. Really good presentation and really really delicious too. The venue is fantastic. Not stuffy or cramped, you don’t feel like you’re sitting on someones knee and you don’t have to shout just to hear across the table. Didn’t have to wait long for our meals to come out either. Menu has a good and varied selection. However, a couple of the staff were a bit weird, seemed like they were put out having to take our orders etc, not very friendly. But will definitely go back because we went for the food, which was awesome, not to make friends with the wait staff.
9
15th February 2012
Went along with a group of friends based on one of our groups previous good experience. Was once Chow Restaurant, which was a great place. The decor has since been butchered a little, so it had lost some of it’s charm and atmosphere.
There wasn’t much that interested me on the menu, but I did feel like a curry (and apparently their curry was great). I was a bit torn, because it didn’t really seem like a place known for it’s curry (it’s more of a steak and ribs sort of place). However, I was pleasantly surprised!! Yum, tasty and a huge portion! I was well pleased with my selection, and I’d definately go back if ever I feel like curry again.
There wasn’t much that interested me on the menu, but I did feel like a curry (and apparently their curry was great). I was a bit torn, because it didn’t really seem like a place known for it’s curry (it’s more of a steak and ribs sort of place). However, I was pleasantly surprised!! Yum, tasty and a huge portion! I was well pleased with my selection, and I’d definately go back if ever I feel like curry again.
4
28th January 2012
Have been here for lunch and dinner.
Some of the best meals in lower hutt.
Pros:
-Great Food (From what we have tried)
-Great Service (Lunch service seems the best)
Cons:
-Some of the meals get let down by the sides (Microwaved veges/salad with no dressing)
-Bit of a mixed bag with the prices of the food (The food is fantastic, however the decor/atmosphere of the place does not match the price of the meals/experience)
Overall highly recommended
Some of the best meals in lower hutt.
Pros:
-Great Food (From what we have tried)
-Great Service (Lunch service seems the best)
Cons:
-Some of the meals get let down by the sides (Microwaved veges/salad with no dressing)
-Bit of a mixed bag with the prices of the food (The food is fantastic, however the decor/atmosphere of the place does not match the price of the meals/experience)
Overall highly recommended
1
18th February 2012
For those who haven’t recently been to Jackson Cafe & bistro, it’s really gotten quite excellent. This is a classic and fun restaurant. Lee (the owner) is turning out some wonderful dishes, including an excellent roasted lamb; and all of the traditional meals.
I went to Jackson on Valentine’s day and surprised find a lot of new waitress. they are very lovely and smelling all the time. They are very patient with every customers and introduce meals carefully.
Overall, as a loyal customer with Jackson, I feel the food still good and service has changed much better than before.
I went to Jackson on Valentine’s day and surprised find a lot of new waitress. they are very lovely and smelling all the time. They are very patient with every customers and introduce meals carefully.
Overall, as a loyal customer with Jackson, I feel the food still good and service has changed much better than before.
1
8th January 2012
We went with high expectations and were not disappointed at all. What sets the seen is the smell of fresh meat when you walk in the door. Just what you want at a grill!
Our starter of garilic lime prawn was fantastic and we followed it with the 600gm steak to share. The wine matching was spot on.
Overall, a really enjoyable experience and would happily head back again in the near future.
Our starter of garilic lime prawn was fantastic and we followed it with the 600gm steak to share. The wine matching was spot on.
Overall, a really enjoyable experience and would happily head back again in the near future.
1
7th January 2012
I have never left a restaurant feeling this disappointed or ripped off. Their meal prices are on the mid to high range, so it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect the standard of food being up there too.
The pork belly was dry and the mash you could cut with a knife. Ordered the duck for the main, which was good, but the kumara chips were dry as if they were a day old and reheated.
Wait staff were slow. I wasn’t even afforded the opportunity to politely say that the meal was well below par because no-one asked how our meal was. Perhaps they know it’s crap.
First and last time visiting this place.
The pork belly was dry and the mash you could cut with a knife. Ordered the duck for the main, which was good, but the kumara chips were dry as if they were a day old and reheated.
Wait staff were slow. I wasn’t even afforded the opportunity to politely say that the meal was well below par because no-one asked how our meal was. Perhaps they know it’s crap.
First and last time visiting this place.
1
16th November 2011
Jackson Cafe & Bistro is fun and different. There are many different cuts of beef prepared in various ways, lamb, pork, and fish. The servers, in what I imagine are traditional costumes, cut the pieces you wish.
The combination of quantity and festive atmosphere more than offsets the inconsistent food quality, though some of the meats are quite good. When we went with friends the top-round and lamb were very good, the skirt steak and chicken also good. The fish was dreadful, but hey–it’s really a meat place! And once you find things you like, you can pile your plate high. We’ll definitely come back.
The combination of quantity and festive atmosphere more than offsets the inconsistent food quality, though some of the meats are quite good. When we went with friends the top-round and lamb were very good, the skirt steak and chicken also good. The fish was dreadful, but hey–it’s really a meat place! And once you find things you like, you can pile your plate high. We’ll definitely come back.
25th October 2011
Second time we have been here,still not that good. Wait staff had trouble getting orders correct,Our table had people eating while others waited. Angus steak was stringy & overcooked. Maybe we expected more from the reviews we had read on Adam Lee.
1
18th October 2011
We went on a Friday night and it was busy. The food was good but not to the highest standard. We both had the duck, very nice but served a little cold. The vegetables were obviously microwaved, a bit too “al dente”, which let down the dish. Two of the wait staff were good, but two had impersonal manner and did not come across as warm or friendly.
32
12th October 2011
We went to Jacksons last night and had a good time. There weren’t that many people there so not that much atomosphere as the place is quite big. Our waiteress was a little odd, seemed very robotic throughout the course of the evening and didn’t really seem interested in being there. As for the food we started with prawn and scallop entrees which were presented beautifully but lacked in seasoning. I then had the Rib Eye for my main which as cooked perfectly, however, the mashed potatoe was way over salted and lumpy, my partner had the 600g All Blacks Steak – ordered rare but came out over cooked – mosting medium. A little disappointing. All in all though I would go back as it is local and reasonably priced.
2nd August 2011
We go here often and love it! The food is fabulous. Everything has always been up to standard and beyond. The only place they let themselves down a little is with the waiting staff. They are enthusiastic but seem very disorganised at times and we often need to get their attention for service. Lucky the food is so great and the lady that does the front desk is outstanding.
28th July 2011
My husband and I had dinner at the Jacksons Cafe and Bistro on the 23rd July 2011 being a Saturday night. I had the Lamb and my husband had the steak, both meals were delicious and very tender. Then for desert we shared the sticky date pudding, this desert was so mouth watering with the rasberry sauce and ice cream and wonderfully presented as well.Staff very good also. Prices were very reasonable for such a lovely meal. We will definately be back soon.
11th July 2011
I have been to Jackson Cafe and Bistro couple times with friends, compare to other cafe and bistros, they have good dining environment, quality food, and reasonable price, especially their dessert, I really enjoy it.
I come to their place, they always offer excellent service, no queue problems, and always provide quality food, no disappointing. Good job.
Will come again for dinner with friends.
I come to their place, they always offer excellent service, no queue problems, and always provide quality food, no disappointing. Good job.
Will come again for dinner with friends.
19
23rd June 2011
Went here for Dinner last night. They had a special of a large Scotch fillet on the bone – 600 grams which I had to get as I was after a good steak in the first place. It was the most beautiful piece of meat I have tasted. Subtle hints of cumin in there and it tasted like a full roast and the best part was it was all mine! (well I did share with my partner as there was plenty to go round! We also had a great entrée / starter which was good value. My partner had duck medium rare which looked and tasted amazing. I was smiling the whole meal. It might just be a Wellington thing but the desserts were a little overpriced for the portion size. The portion size was small and that’s OK, just not $12 worth. Overall, I would go back just not for dessert.
1
9th June 2011
Have been to this excellent restaurant twice now, both times i have found myself stopping half way through my meal and declaring just how good the food is. This is a well rounded dining experience with excellent wait staff and fantastic food. A small menu can make deciding difficult if you have a preference for a meat before you go, but be open to suggestion. This chef is very very good
1
6th June 2011
If you are in search of great food and don’t mind about the service, then Jackson’s would be a good choice. The food is well presented and very reasonable. Desserts were a particular highlight.
However, if you are in search of ambience and professional service, avoid Jacksons. We were placed by the kitchen, which meant we were subject to waiting staff racing past our table all night, and shouting out orders and comments to each other. Add to this, we were seated and then had to wait for more than 15 minutes before anyone came to ask if we would like drinks, and then it was only at our request. Later, when we were keen on a dessert menu, we again had to ask the waiting staff to come over. When taking the orders the staff were either surly or disinterested – it was like they were doing us a favour. Quite uncomfortable.
What a shame – this could be a great spot for a casual meal.
However, if you are in search of ambience and professional service, avoid Jacksons. We were placed by the kitchen, which meant we were subject to waiting staff racing past our table all night, and shouting out orders and comments to each other. Add to this, we were seated and then had to wait for more than 15 minutes before anyone came to ask if we would like drinks, and then it was only at our request. Later, when we were keen on a dessert menu, we again had to ask the waiting staff to come over. When taking the orders the staff were either surly or disinterested – it was like they were doing us a favour. Quite uncomfortable.
What a shame – this could be a great spot for a casual meal.
1
1st June 2011
Dined at recommendation and not disappointed. Delicate tastes and textures combined with grace most effectively. The white cheese cake a treat.
Outstanding, food and service great ambience, well worth a visit.
Outstanding, food and service great ambience, well worth a visit.
1
25th May 2011
Supurb food and service, you pay for what you get and it is 5*. Is in the entertainment book (buy 1 main get one free) so ourbill was under $80 including drink. we didnt book on sat night but we havent had to wait long at the bar. They served up calamari which was the best I have had in a long time. We didnt get starters but they brought us out a wee cup of soup. Lamb shanks and steak mains were divine. Desserts was even better, I had the creme brulee. Great place to go, friendly staff too.
1
24th May 2011
As a small group jackson cafe Bistro is a great choice. All the dishes look and taste amazing.We shared Bluff oysters to begin with, and ordered our choice of main course. I loved the shank which was a really interesting dish, delicious.
There were lots of ‘mmmmm’s and ‘yum’s all round!
we’ll definitely dine there again.
There were lots of ‘mmmmm’s and ‘yum’s all round!
we’ll definitely dine there again.
1
23rd May 2011
Lunch last week for farewell.
Ordered 1/2 doz oysters with chips and salad.
Disappointed with the cooking of oysters, burned and uneven battering. Would not recommend or order again. My local chippie does better oysters and cheaper.
The funny thing was when I went to pay for the meal, there was another customer that had complained, not sure if they listen to customers.
I’ve been to this place before and ordered steak and duck, both meals have been great but I’ve never been more disappointed in a meal.
Lesson learnt, order only what a restaurant specialise in.
Ordered 1/2 doz oysters with chips and salad.
Disappointed with the cooking of oysters, burned and uneven battering. Would not recommend or order again. My local chippie does better oysters and cheaper.
The funny thing was when I went to pay for the meal, there was another customer that had complained, not sure if they listen to customers.
I’ve been to this place before and ordered steak and duck, both meals have been great but I’ve never been more disappointed in a meal.
Lesson learnt, order only what a restaurant specialise in.
30
29th March 2011
We went there for lunch on Saturday. The food there was good at reasonable prices. I had Gurnard fish with hollandaise sauce and my boyfriend had the egg benedict. Very well cooked.
The service is not that good. They really need to put a smile on their face. I would definitely go back and recommend for the food but hopefully their service can improve then.
The service is not that good. They really need to put a smile on their face. I would definitely go back and recommend for the food but hopefully their service can improve then.
2
21st February 2011
We were fans of Chow who previously operated from this site so were a bit suspicious when Jacksons moved in. We have taken two lots of overseas visitors here (American/Italian). They were very enthusiastic about the menu and the food that was served up which they felt compared very well to what they were used to. For us, we feel very lucky to live near such a reliable and reasonably priced restaurant. Probably lacking a little in customer service sophistication but who cares about that with such an enthusiastic and friendly staff.We will go again. Often.
2
24th January 2011
We went to this place yesterday. The service was good but I struggle to rate it more than 3 stars from food point of view. I had the Roast Duck which was named a signature dish. It was ok not great. My wife had the Salmon … I would give that 3.5 stars.
We have been to Adam’s old place on High Street sometime back and really enjoyed the lamb. May be we should have stuck to Lamb or Beef which he seem to be good at.
We have been to Adam’s old place on High Street sometime back and really enjoyed the lamb. May be we should have stuck to Lamb or Beef which he seem to be good at.
1
30th December 2010
We took friends from Sydney to Jackson’s last night and it was also the first time we’d been there (we live in Petone). We all had main meals, dessert & coffee – absolutely wonderful food, great service, relaxed atmosphere – we were most impressed. Friends are coming over again next year and said they’ll be dining there again for sure. We are going to recommend it to everyone we know! Thank you for a great evening & we hope you continue in Petone for a very long time.
10
20th April 2012
Loved this place! The food was AMAZING! So good! We’ll be back!
1
19th November 2010
We had a fantastic meal with absolutely outstanding service.
We were most impressed by the attention that the staff gave to an elderly gentleman dining on his own. A staff member offered to go with him by taxi (at a cost to the restaurant) to make sure he got home okay. This is FAR above and beyond the call of duty and is incredibly impressive.
Based on this service (as well as the incredible meal) – we will definitely dine here again.
We were most impressed by the attention that the staff gave to an elderly gentleman dining on his own. A staff member offered to go with him by taxi (at a cost to the restaurant) to make sure he got home okay. This is FAR above and beyond the call of duty and is incredibly impressive.
Based on this service (as well as the incredible meal) – we will definitely dine here again.
1
19th November 2010
Dine in here last friday with couple friends, we enjoyed the friendly service and the food is definitely outstanding, well presented, light and delicious! My favourite fillet prime beef ..Yum Yum! We will be back
1
1st November 2010
We were lucky enough to get a last minute booking on Saturday night which was great. Was disappointed that there was no Southern Comfort on the drinks menu and had to choose something else. Great that it’s BYO wine though. Once we placed our orders, meals were served very quickly and couldn’t be faulted. Delicious.
However, I think the wait staff need training…. Drink orders were only taken once and the glases were not removed from the table when drinks were replaced. Our waitress insisted on staying in one spot and passing the meals across – there were 7 people at our table – not very pleasant having someone leaning across infront of you. Surely its not difficult to learn how to serve & clear up.
However, I think the wait staff need training…. Drink orders were only taken once and the glases were not removed from the table when drinks were replaced. Our waitress insisted on staying in one spot and passing the meals across – there were 7 people at our table – not very pleasant having someone leaning across infront of you. Surely its not difficult to learn how to serve & clear up.
2
30th October 2010
Had lunch here with a group of friends, al of us loved it. Friendly and smiley service. I had Chicken Pasta (fettuccini), the smell and taste made my mouth watery and i wanted seconds 
. Recommend this to restaurant to anyone.
Will definitely be back and try out the dinner menu.
Thank you heaps to Chef Adam and the friendly staff members.
anthony
. Recommend this to restaurant to anyone. Will definitely be back and try out the dinner menu.
Thank you heaps to Chef Adam and the friendly staff members.
anthony
1
25th October 2010
Congratulations Adam with the opening of your Jackson Cafe and Bistro,a big welcome back,we enjoyed dinner last night @ Jackson’s,the starter we ordered was a big surprise,the breads,garlic butter and dips for two,and then our mains,steaks with all the trimmings,just done as we ordered them,and then the house wine,another surprise,very very nice,our compliments,and the other very nice thing was to see the lovely serving staff came with you to the new premises,well done!!!We’ll be back for more.Regards from Gerard
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