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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Having been locals for over 5 years now our special treat has always been Bistro. Seasonal, fresh ingredients backed by a creativity that's second to none! They never cease to amaze. It's definitely the best restaurant in Wanaka for its consistently mind blowing inventiveness. I...More 
Moanin M
5/08/2018 Bistro Gentil is, far and away, the best restaurant in Wanaka. My husband and I have enjoyed a meal here every time we come to Wanaka, but we also had our rehearsal dinner here the night before our wedding and everything about it was wonderful....More 
Jackie L
5/27/2018 - The food was spectacular. We both had the duck with the maple syrup yams and it was all exceptional- easily 10/10. It was one of the best mains we have ever had. The creme brûlée was also amazing. Would definitely recommend here for dinner.
bris1234
7/25/2018
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 - 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 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 -
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 got the menu and when we wanted to order, the waiter said we had to...More 
757_Judith
9/30/2018 Bistro Gentil is, far and away, the best restaurant in Wanaka. My husband and I have enjoyed a meal here every time we come to Wanaka, but we also had our rehearsal dinner here the night before our wedding and everything about it was wonderful....More JackieL2451
5/27/2018 - 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 Delicious food, stunning view! Reasonably priced given the quality of food. Would definitely visit again. 
Christine R
10/04/2018 - 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 like this in Australia. I don’t think the staff realise how good they are. They...More
vm183
6/28/2018 Situated near the Golf Club,a bit out of town,this establishment is a wine tasting room by day & a beaut restaurant by night specialising in local produce...We particularly enjoyed the steak dish,& the venison was really good..The onion soup was a bit sweet...but still very...More 
john241Caloundra
5/15/2018 - 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 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 - The most inventive and delightful meal I've ever had - and I've been coming here once a year, every year, for the last four years. And each year surpasses the last. If you're after exquisitely made food that makes your taste buds melt, then you...More
Maz H
5/19/2018 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 John W
10/12/2018 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 - 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 feel welcome. Inside is nicely laid out, the staff are really lovely and helpful (as...More
ChrisD1982
7/30/2018 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
