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.

“We revisit typical flavour combinations using fresh seasonal ingredients from our kitchen garden and the best of our region. Lumina lamb, Aoraki salmon, Canter Valley duck…”

— Mario Rodrigues, Head Chef

The quaint bistro surrounded by lavender sits just outside of town, offering tranquil lake views and beautiful sunsets. An ideal way to spend your evening.

“Indulge in the classics from our À La Carte menu such as French Onion Soup, Beef Tartare or Crème Brûlée.

Why not spend the day sampling local award-winning wine here at the Maude Tasting Room and book in for dinner.

Menu

Bienvenue au Bistro Gentil

APPETISERS

  • Chicken liver parfait cigar, quince paste, ash /7
  • Sourdough and Bistro’s compound butter /9
  • Manuka smoked olives /8
  • Rock oyster, shallot mignonette /7
  • Wild mushroom croquette, parsnip puree /11

POTAGES

(GIVE ME A TASTE, OR JUST HAVE ONE!)

  • French onion soup, gruyere crouton 13/21

ENTREES

INDIVIDUAL OR SHARING

  • Aged beef fillet tartare, radish, egg yolk, soy gel, miso mayo, crispy shallots, croutons /23
  • Burrata, fina seca wagyu, pumpkin seed pesto, edamame, asparagus, viniagrette /25
  • Cranky goat cheese, buckwheat, beetroot, radish, carrot, brown butter vinaigrette /22
  • Earth board, selection of 3 cheeses, house chutney, walnut, croutons, sourdough /35

PRINCIPALS

  • Market Fish, prawns, creamy spinach, harissa, garlic, crispy potatoes /45
  • 200g 55 day aged beef fillet, red onion relish, onion caramel, potato dauphines, Café de Paris butter or blue cheese butter /55
  • Lumina lamb rump, potato galette, courgettes, aubergine puree, sundried tomatoes /45
  • Roasted leek vinaigrette, honey mustard vinaigrette, goat cheese, brown butter croutons, fried capers /38
  • 200g Red Tussocks venison, truffle parsnip puree, red currant, walnuts, beetroot relish, red wine jus /46

ACCOMPAGNEMENTS

  • Signature French fries with truffle salt /14
  • Carrots and parsnip braised in beef fat, cashew, parsley /14
  • Green garden salad, medlar vinaigrette /12
  • Kumara fries, aioli, chives /14

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brûlée, peanut crumb, boysenberry sorbet /20
  • Chocolate cremeux, plum meringue, sesame and hazelnut praline, pickled blueberries /20
  • Bistro pavlova, meringue, cream chantilly, strawberry, peach, apricot, blueberries, mint /17
  • Colonel, lime sorbet, vodka Tried & True /17
  • Selection of house made ice cream and sorbets /17
  • Canelé de Bordeaux, French pastry with rum, salted caramel ice cream, chantilly /17
  • Mini bistro desert /8
  • Affogato, vanilla ice cream, espresso, liqueur of choice /23

Feel like a sweet wine?

  • Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauv Blanc /18
  • Campbells Rutherglen Muscat /16
    Bon appétit !
  • star rating  Wow! Top class food that is probably one of the best in NZ, friendly and attentive service and to top it off outstanding views. Can not recommend this any higher!... read more

    avatar thumb Amy098765
    January 25, 2020
  • star rating  Lovely location with great views. Food delicious. Outside eating. Loved the "credit card" and wine dispenser

    avatar thumb christinafreeman
    March 1, 2019
  • star rating  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

    sophie12342016
    July 9, 2019
  • star rating  We enjoyed a very special meal in a spot with great views. The staff were very friendly & looked after us very well.

    avatar thumb KerryL148
    March 5, 2020
  • star rating  We sat outside in this lovely, relaxed restaurant and had a really delicious meal, taking the “chef’s choice”menu. All 3 courses were delicious - well balanced and a good size.... read more

    avatar thumb Anthea D
    March 5, 2019
  • star rating  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... read more

    avatar thumb Moanin M
    May 8, 2018
  • star rating  My husband (woo!) and I recently wed in an intimate ceremony in Wanaka, New Zealand, and we chose Bistro Gentil for our celebration dinner with our family that evening. Sinead... read more

    avatar thumb kimwaldo
    October 10, 2019
  • star rating  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... read more

    vanessaprentice266
    July 6, 2019
  • star rating  I went to Bistro Gentil for dinner with my friends last week. Everyone loved it! Delicious and beautifully presented dishes, I personally had the pork belly, the fish and the... read more

    avatar thumb AnniePnz
    August 23, 2022
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb iainm75
    August 22, 2019

Reservations

To make a reservation, simply complete the form below, a credit card registration will be required to confirm your booking. No charge will be made to the card at this stage. In the case of ‘no show’ a $50 fee will be charged to the card. Please refer to our booking policy below. 

For private hire, large groups and special requests email bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com.

For parties larger than 9 people, we offer a 3 course set menu so we can deliver the best service. Please email us for more details.

If you are unable to make a reservation online call us on 03 443 2299 as we may still have availability.

BOOKING POLICY
Please note that the cancellation must be requested 24 hours prior to the reservation time otherwise cancellation charges may apply. When booking we request credit card details via the secure Stripe payment platform in order to confirm the booking.

Bistro Gentil reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of $50 per head when one of the following conditions has been met:
1. Booking is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
2. Guests do not show up for the reservation (bookings will be considered no-show after 30 minutes)
3. Party size is less than the original booking by 2 or more guests without notice.
The cancellation fee will be deducted from the registered card on file and the person responsible for the booking will be notified by email.

A request from us:

If you are unable to honour your reservation or would like to make any changes, please let us know as soon as possible. It is important that we reallocate seats to our waiting list during busy times.

We are a small restaurant, so the amount of staff on in an evening is based on our bookings. We will love you for it!

Merci!

Contact

Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 6pm till close

Sunday 6.30 pm till close 

To Make a Reservation
Click here

For Inquiries
Ph: 03 443 2299
Email: bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com

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