Bistro Gentil

  Before we went here we had only reviews to go on. The website suggests going up in the afternoon, enjoying the stunning views of the lake over a wine-tasting and... read more staying for dinner. So we did.
The views are lovely and the sun shining in on us was warming as we were welcomed by a wonderful host for our wine tasting. In the end, over a little over an hour, we enjoyed three tasting trays between the two of us before moving on to dinner. Our wine host was knowledgeable, helpful but never in our faces or the slightest bit pushy. It was all about enjoying the day.
Our dinner also proved to be stunning with great but again not in-your-face service. We enjoyed beautifully presented and delicious amuse bouches, tartare for entree, the duck for main, a delightful palate cleanser and creme brulee that I have to rate as the best I have ever tried. All the food was amazing. And the wines included a wide range of Maude wines but also a wide range of wines from other vineyards.
Rather than just a night out, this turned into the pinnacle of our 4 days of dining and wining around Wanaka.

  We were recommended this restaurant and it didn’t disappoint, good food, well presented with excellent service. It did not disappoint.

  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... read more french onion soup, fish of the day and the gingerbread cheesecake. Every dish was delicious...More

  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... read more options cover a good spectrum. The self serve wine wall is a cool option. You...More

  Take a stroll up past the golf course to find this charming little restaurant with a view even better than down by the lake shore ( those snow capped mountains... read more seem closer, somehow!)

A lovely menu with a good selection of dishes providing vegetarian,fish and meat options, small to larger portion sizes so you can share, or choose soup and a generously sized entree instead of a main course ( and then have room for a gorgeous crème brûlée)

Professional service, tranquil location, great food - and good value too. And a nice after dinner stroll back down past the golf course.

What more could you want!

Highly recommended.

  We dined here this week and not only had wonderful food but the service was exceptional as well, in fact the best on Wanaka. We choose the chefs choice menu... read more and it was lovely. Wine recommendation was superb. Would highly recommend you try this place.

  A final night dinner for our first trip down preparing for a big race later this year. The whole experience from arrival to completion was flawless, the atmosphere is very... read more relaxed and the staff do a great job at keeping it that way. Great decor and layout, the gentleman who advised it’s warm under the heaters outside was spot on. Food was sublime and we enjoyed the 3 course offer plus a few wines. Will definitely return.
On a side note I beloved you were understaffed last night but your staff made it seem easy running on the 2 front of house staff.
Will return next time for sure

  Another great recommendation from our Airbnb Host, thank you!! Bookings essential as it is very popular!
What a lovely surprise to walk into this restaurant. So warm and cosy on... read more a horrid Summer Night that was as cold as any winters evening. The waitress had the common sense to keep the door closed that lead to the covered outdoor area to keep us in the restaurant cosy - thank you not many consider to do this! The chairs I loved - they had a sheepskin cover over them and added to the comfort. We had Pinot Wine from the Maude Winery to drink a perfect compliment to our meal. Soup was had for a starter - good old fashioned French Onion with a lovely cheesy top, Wagyu Steak was just melt in your mouth cooked and the lamb backstrap was worth the visit for sure. Unfortunately too full to enjoy desert but will be back next time to try this! Thank you all for such a memorable night!

  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.... read more The wine dispenser is great fun too! You can select a full or half glass...More

  This place was a gem. The food was superb, particularly the tartare and confit. Same room for dessert . The Maude wine selection was good. ... read more About 100% markup on their own cellar door which is a bit rich but nice reserve Pinot.