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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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 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 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
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 - 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 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 - I went here with a group of people for dinner. I had heard great things about the place so was looking forward to trying it for myself. I had the french onion soup, fish of the day and the gingerbread cheesecake. Every dish was delicious...More
bohica-nz
6/18/2019 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 - 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 - 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 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 - 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 Visitors to Wanaka, Bistro Gentil had been recommended to us by our AirBnb host as somewhere top rate to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Hands down, one of our best dining experiences. Ever. A glass each of Maude bubbly started us on our way, whilst the...More 
peter2780
5/10/2019 - 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 is it. I'm a local of 5 years and I've tried every all the restaurants...More
BoabGlen
5/08/2018 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 - We had high expectations and it delivered. First off the wine experience is top notch. The ability to taste all types wines before you get a bottle is fantastic. The sommelier worked with us in getting the right wine for our taste. The best part...More
Pete P
3/24/2019 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 - 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 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 presented dishes using the best local ingredients. For six of us, to begin our meal,...More 
LarchFoodie
1/12/2019
