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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Fabulous. Great location, friendly service, and delicious food. Te loved everything about the meal. They have a card on each table and you are able to sample wines. We ended up choosing the Maude 2017 Pinot Noir which was selected the Best Wine in New...More 
LarryandTim
1/21/2019
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 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 -
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 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 - 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 While on holiday in NZ we visited Wanaka and celebrated my wife's birthday in this restaurant. Excellent food, good service and a nice and special way to choose your wines (I won't tell you more, should be a surprise). leonp217
3/23/2019 - 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
jdwhitemaui
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 - Delicious food, stunning view! Reasonably priced given the quality of food. Would definitely visit again.
Christine R
10/04/2018 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 - 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 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 - 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, and is a hive of activity. There is a wine machine for the local wines, which...More
lovelongboatkey
2/17/2019 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 - 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. The wine dispenser is great fun too! You can select a full or half glass...More
Anthea D
3/05/2019 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 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 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
