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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My partner and I celebrated a birthday and a wedding anniversary at the Bistro Gentil. The Food was just superb, but it was the attention to service that really made... read more 
Russell W
9/09/2019
This restaurant was recommended by our hotel. We sat outside on a covered patio with heaters. Fabulous views overlooking Lake Wanaka. The kitchen is open as you walk in,... read more 
lovelongboatkey
2/17/2019 - 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... read more
TorontoTraveler_2008
12/31/2018 This establishment is in itself a reason to visit Wanaka. The food was excellent. I enjoyed the best steak I have eaten in recent memory. My partner commented that... read more 
605regk
5/03/2019 - This restaurant has it all. Amazing location with views onto the lake, charming building and interior, a French inspired cuisine to die for and very kind and subtle staff. Just... read more
Mausl2014
3/20/2019 We ate here during our three night stay in Wanaka and it was absolutely delicious. Both dishes were perfectly cooked and delightfully flavoured. Service was relaxed and friendly, a good... read more 
Alex H
4/15/2019 - 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 Great service and New Zealand produce with a french flair
large selection of Maude wine .
a proper Creme burlee , done they way it is meant to be 
iainm75
8/22/2019 - 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... read more
TessaC49
12/31/2018 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... read more 
rulittapinpin
8/01/2019 - 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... read more
Chefmetcalfe
9/05/2018
We spontaneously went to the bistro in the evening. Without reservation and got a place outside. It was quite cold, but okay, since we had not reserved a table. We... read more 
757_Judith
9/30/2018 - 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... read more
curiousgrins
9/30/2018 This place was a gem. The food was superb, particularly the tartare and confit. Same room for dessert . The Maude wine selection was good. ... read more 
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... read more
BoabGlen
5/08/2018 One of our best meals during our 3-week holiday in New Zealand! Beautiful setting just outside Wanaka, friendly service, warm casual atmosphere and outstanding food! Creative, very well prepared and... read more 
LarchFoodie
1/12/2019 - 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... read more
7/09/2019 Amazing! We loved this place, great food, wines and service. Right from when you pull in the driveway and see the whole place lit up like a Christmas tree you... read more 
ChrisD1982
7/30/2018 - Dined here as a husband, wife and fussy teen. This place didn’t disappoint. Staff are excellent. I just kept asking myself why we can’t have more restaurants with great staff... read more
vm183
6/28/2018 This is hands down the best meal i had during my entire 14 days trip in the South Island. Definitely amongst the top 10 meals , I had for ... read more 
RickHunterW
5/15/2019
