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”
-
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
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 - 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 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 - 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 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 
Chris P
10/03/2018 - 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 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 - 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 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 - 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 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 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 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 - 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 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 - 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 Delicious food, stunning view! Reasonably priced given the quality of food. Would definitely visit again. 
Christine R
10/04/2018 - 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 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
