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.

“We revisit typical flavour combinations using fresh seasonal ingredients from our kitchen garden and the best of our region. Lumina lamb, Red Tussocks venison, Canter Valley duck…”

— Mario Rodrigues, Head Chef

The quaint bistro surrounded by lavender sits just outside of town, offering tranquil lake views and beautiful sunsets. An ideal way to spend your evening.

“Indulge in the classics from our À La Carte menu such as French Onion Soup, Beef Tartare or Crème Brûlée.

Why not spend the day sampling local award-winning wine here at the Maude Tasting Room and book in for dinner.

Menu

Bienvenue au Bistro Gentil

APPETISERS

  • Rosemary ciabatta and Bistro’s compound butter/9
  • Manuka smoked olives/8
  • Chicken liver parfait cigar, quince paste, ash/8
  • Oyster, mignonette/8
  • White anchovy, celery, whipped buratta, aji verde, seeds cracker/11
  • Wild mushroom croquette, aioli/11
  • Beef croquette, hot sauce mayonnaise/12

POTAGES

(GIVE ME A TASTE, OR JUST HAVE ONE!)

  • French onion soup, gruyere crouton/13/21
  • Soup of the day/11/18

ENTREES

INDIVIDUAL OR SHARING

  • Stracciatella, edamame, walnut pesto, lemon gremolata, raw seed crackers, green strawberries/23
  • Oyster mushroom, crying tiger sauce, toasted brioche, wild rice, miso mayonnaise/23
  • Seared swordfish, smoked buttermilk, kaffir lime oil, orange gel, pickle daikon, squid ink tapioca/26
  • Aged beef fillet tartare, radish, egg yolk, soy gel, miso mayo, crispy shallots, croutons/24

  • Earth board, selection of 3 cheeses, house chutney, walnut, croutons, ciabatta/35

PRINCIPALS

  • Market fish, sautéed leeks, calamari, smoked cream, chorizo oil, chives, buckwheat/46
  • Red Tussocks venison, carrots, tamarillo chutney, kale, harissa & garlic oil/47
  • Lumina lamb tenderloin, cauliflower, plum sauce, white bbq sauce, cashews, mizuna/48
  • Roasted beetroot, hazelnut rye crumb, sumac labneh, smoked beetroot purée, fennel seed/38
  • 200g Angus reserve beef fillet, onions, potato dauphines, blue cheese butter, herb oil/57

ACCOMPAGNEMENTS

  • Bistro’s signature truffle fries/14
  • Sautéed asparagus, fried egg mayonnaise, pecorino/15
  • Peas, shallots, bacon, crispy kale/13
  • Steamed broccoli, broccolini, bok choy, café de Paris butter/15
  • Seasonal garden salad, apple vinaigrette/13

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brûlée, peanut crumb, strawberry sorbet/20
  • Tiramisu brownie, chocolate crumble, vanilla ice cream/20
  • Pistachio friand, crème anglaise, candied orange, whipped cream/19
  • Dame blanche, vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate ganache, nuts/18
  • Selection of house made ice cream and sorbets /18
  • Mini Bistro dessert /8
  • Affogato, vanilla ice cream, espresso, liqueur of choice /23

Feel like a sweet wine?

  • Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauv Blanc /18
  • Campbells Rutherglen Muscat /16
    Bon appétit !

  • star rating  We had high expectations for our meal here, and Bistro Gentil delivered on them. We did the works. I had french onion soup, steak, and a canele for desert. The... read more

    avatar thumb evets1232016
    February 19, 2024
  • star rating  My wife and I had a wonderful Sunday evening meal at Bistro Gentil. The food and service were exquisite. The atmosphere was perfect, not too loud, nice music but at... read more

    avatar thumb Alsek810
    March 3, 2024
  • star rating  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... read more

    avatar thumb joyful1LasVegas
    December 31, 2018
  • star rating  Saturday night was a wonderful experience, lovely surroundings, greeted with a friendly smile on arrival, seated and offered a drink, completely unhurried to decide what you would like, mouth watering... read more

    avatar thumb Suziqs
    March 17, 2020
  • star rating  Delicious food, stunning view! Reasonably priced given the quality of food. Would definitely visit again.

    avatar thumb Christine R
    October 4, 2018
  • star rating  My husband (woo!) and I recently wed in an intimate ceremony in Wanaka, New Zealand, and we chose Bistro Gentil for our celebration dinner with our family that evening. Sinead... read more

    avatar thumb kimwaldo
    October 10, 2019
  • star rating  We are lovers of French food so picked this place while in Wanaka. Maybe we got it wrong but we found it more Modern and less French. I opted for... read more

    avatar thumb WZVZ
    August 20, 2022
  • star rating  Great service and New Zealand produce with a french flair
    large selection of Maude wine .
    a proper Creme burlee , done they way it is meant to be

    avatar thumb iainm75
    August 22, 2019
  • star rating  Delicious modern French cuisine served in a cute restaurant overlooking the hills in Wanaka. Service took a little too long though, but overall was a good experience.

    avatar thumb christianrD6666CP
    December 25, 2019
  • star rating  Lacklustre service but food food
    If I was the chef here I would be disappointed to see this comment, food was generally pretty good however let down by poor... read more

    avatar thumb Q5958IBchriss
    October 6, 2020

Reservations

To make a reservation, simply complete the form below, a credit card registration will be required to confirm your booking. No charge will be made to the card at this stage. In the case of ‘no show’ a $50 fee will be charged to the card. Please refer to our booking policy below. 

For private hire, large groups and special requests email bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com.

For parties larger than 9 people, we offer a 3 course set menu so we can deliver the best service. Please email us for more details.

If you are unable to make a reservation online call us on 03 443 2299 as we may still have availability.

BOOKING POLICY
Please note that the cancellation must be requested 24 hours prior to the reservation time otherwise cancellation charges may apply. When booking we request credit card details via the secure Stripe payment platform in order to confirm the booking.

Bistro Gentil reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of $50 per head when one of the following conditions has been met:
1. Booking is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
2. Guests do not show up for the reservation (bookings will be considered no-show after 30 minutes)
3. Party size is less than the original booking by 2 or more guests without notice.
The cancellation fee will be deducted from the registered card on file and the person responsible for the booking will be notified by email.

A request from us:

If you are unable to honour your reservation or would like to make any changes, please let us know as soon as possible. It is important that we reallocate seats to our waiting list during busy times.

We are a small restaurant, so the amount of staff on in an evening is based on our bookings. We will love you for it!

Merci!

Contact

Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 6 pm – late  

Sunday 6:30 pm – late 

To Make a Reservation
Click here

For Inquiries
Ph: 03 443 2299
Email: bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com

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