BISTRO GENTIL A MODERN FRENCH AFFAIR IN BEAUTIFUL WANAKA
Whatever reservations you may have about the French, their cuisine is what makes it all worthwhile. Bistro Gentil brings the delights of French gastronomy to the beautiful shores of Lake Wanaka, and of course some decent Gallic wines too.
Led by Head Chef Mario Rodrigues, we revisit typical flavour combinations using fresh seasonal ingredients from our kitchen garden and the best of our region. Cardrona Merino lamb, Aoraki salmon, Canter Valley duck…
Our menus combine the best of New Zealand produce cooked French style – à la française, with a modern twist. Join us to sample house made spreads and wines rarely offered by the glass. In addition to our carefully selected wine list, we offer sixteen wines by the glass, half glass and tasters through our Enomatic self-dispensing wine machines.
Whether you come for the food, the wine, the art, the view or a game of pétanque… We hope Bistro Gentil becomes a special place for you.
À bientôt!
(fr. See you soon)
BISTRO GENTIL IS OPEN TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 6PM UNTIL LATE
“What people say”
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Spent a week in Wanaka early December and had the great pleasure of two delicious dinners at Bistro Gentil. Interesting menu - beautifully prepared.Absolutely wonderful - the best food in South Island. 
Tessa C
12/31/2018
We had an enjoyable birthday dinner at the cozy and romantic Bistro Gentil. The Chef and his team put much love into their dishes. They are beautifully plated. The menu options cover a good spectrum. The self serve wine wall is a cool option. You...More 
John W
10/12/2018 - vanessaprentice266 Went to Bistro Gentil last night with friends to celebrate my husbands birthday and had a wonderful night. The staff were absolutely lovely and nothing was too much trouble, they were very accommodating with the surprise cake I had made and did not charge cakeage...More
7/06/2019 Visitors to Wanaka, Bistro Gentil had been recommended to us by our AirBnb host as somewhere top rate to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Hands down, one of our best dining experiences. Ever. A glass each of Maude bubbly started us on our way, whilst the...More 
peter2780
5/10/2019 - We came here on the recommendation of our hotel, and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The views were stunning (although we wished we could have sat on the terrace area to fully appreciate the views), and the food was very good. We ordered the tasting...More
RDLO1
5/25/2018 Warm welcome on a cold and rainy night. The food was excellent, the staff friendly and helpful and the wine selection great. Well worth the drive. 
Barms1005
5/17/2018 - Bistro Gentil created the BEST of problems- we wanted to eat more than we knew we could! After some haggling for favorites we had three entrees and two mains with a local glass of 'liquid' dessert to finish. A busy Saturday night was expertly managed...More
curiousgrins
9/30/2018 We really enjoyed the food last night which was exceptional. I cannot thank the staff enough for making the night extra special for our engagement and I appreciate the little touches throughout the evening. 
roryk839
11/18/2018 - Every thing is not perfect but AWESOME!!!!! Thanks chefs for delicious meals and quality of products & thanks waitress for the perfect service !
Keep this way we'll be back soon 
rulittapinpin
8/01/2019 Onion soup was wonderful. My husband had the lamb & I had the duck.. both dishes were done perfectly. Service was excellent 
Wanggal
7/26/2019 - We had high expectations and it delivered. First off the wine experience is top notch. The ability to taste all types wines before you get a bottle is fantastic. The sommelier worked with us in getting the right wine for our taste. The best part...More
Pete P
3/24/2019 We happened upon Bistro Gentil by accident. During the day it’s the tasting Room for Maudes Winery. Each night it transforms into a casual but totally decadent restaurant, serving some of the best food we’ve had anywhere in the world. Chef Mario is from South...More 
TorontoTraveler_2008
12/31/2018 - We had an enjoyable birthday dinner at the cozy and romantic Bistro Gentil. The Chef and his team put much love into their dishes. They are beautifully plated. The menu options cover a good spectrum. The self serve wine wall is a cool option. You...More
jdwhitemaui
10/12/2018 This place was a gem. The food was superb, particularly the tartare and confit. Same room for dessert . The Maude wine selection was good. About 100% markup on their own cellar door which is a bit rich but nice reserve Pinot. 
SteveK62
4/22/2019 - I'm still digesting the delicious 3 course meal as I write this. The food was next level. If you're wanting the best of what Wanaka has to offer then this is it. I'm a local of 5 years and I've tried every all the restaurants...More
BoabGlen
5/08/2018 We had an enjoyable birthday dinner at the cozy and romantic Bistro Gentil. The Chef and his team put much love into their dishes. They are beautifully plated. The menu options cover a good spectrum. The self serve wine wall is a cool option. You...More GZPCManager
10/12/2018 - We are Wanaka locals and have dined at BG many times over the past 6-8 years. Some time ago, I found that while the food was amazing, it was often a little too fancy in the fact that the dish comprised of too many flavor's...More
Ski_Wanaka_NZ
10/03/2018 One of Wanaka's top rated restaurants with fine dining, Bistro Gentil didnt disappoint. Nestled on a road above the town - we walked two miles there - it was packed full. For starters we had tomato and chilli soup and a seared salmon starter and...More 
shaunsouthern
1/10/2019 - sophie12342016 You would be a fool to miss this restaurant. It is an absolute hidden gem. The food is to die for, perfectly cooked and plated beautifully. The ambience here is so gentle and romantic, lovely place for dinner. The waitress was lovely and so accommodating...More
7/09/2019 I live in Wanaka and try and get around the restaurants. Been here before and it never fails. Really good value. Highly skilled chefs knowledgable and charming wait staff. Great wine list what’s not to like. They receive good reviews all the time which is...More 
Chefmetcalfe
9/05/2018
