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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TA and our lodge host recommended this restaurant and booked for us. It was full and we can see why. Whilst it is not cheap ($100 a head (4 of us) - 3ish courses (2 shared desserts), 2 drinks and one bottle of wine, plus...More 
Myclare
1/31/2019
This is a busy casual place for lunch or dinner. In the evening, the bar scene is buzzing with locals, who all know each other and the lively barmaids on a cheerful first name basis. We enjoyed beer, pizza and a hummus dish and the...More 
Ted G
1/07/2019 - 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 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 - This delightful bistro is about a 10 minute drive from the lakefront; and sits up on a hill with gorgeous views of Lake Wanaka. Sit outside on the patio if the weather is nice. Nice menu variety - lamb, monkfish, duck. Everything is so tasty...More
joyful1LasVegas
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 - 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.
TessaC49
12/31/2018
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 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 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 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 selection of wine on an enomatic machine so you can try a number. Highly recommend...More
Lgyajh1987
4/15/2019 In a tourist town its not always a good sign when you see a bus at your dining destination. Some things feel best kept off the package-tour radar. A large table of casually clad tourists dominated the main dining room but fortunately we were escorted...More 
Jo R
5/03/2019 - 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 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 selection of wine on an enomatic machine so you can try a number. Highly recommend...More 
Alex H
4/15/2019 - Lovely location with great views. Food delicious. Outside eating. Loved the "credit card" and wine dispenser
christinafreeman
3/01/2019 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 perfect. 
Mausl2014
3/20/2019 - 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 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 - A winery for tastings in the future and French bistro by night. The best meal in NZ to date. Confit duck leg with tart plums and sweetcorn puree and the best creme brulee ever. Loved being able to sample various local wines by choice of...More
Ellen T
3/06/2019 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
