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