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
  • Venison tartare, potato rosti/10
  • Wild mushroom croquette, aioli/12
  • Veal croquette, horseradish mayonnaise/16
  • White anchovy, celery, preserved lemon, red pepper, seeds cracker/11

POTAGES

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

  • French onion soup, gruyere crouton/15/22

ENTREES

INDIVIDUAL OR SHARING

  • Stracciatella, pickled beetroot, aji verde, pumpkin seeds pesto, courgette, tamari seeds/24
  • 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/36

PRINCIPALS

  • Market fish, tempura soft shell crab, bok choy, cauliflower, tarragon dressing, almonds/47
  • Red Tussocks venison, dijon dressing, spinach, parsnip purée, chorizo crumb/49
  • Lumina lamb tenderloin, smoked aubergine, courgette, sundried tomatoes, hazelnuts,shallots/49
  • Roasted baby carrots, cranky goats cheese, romesco, feijoa bbq, toasted cashews/40
  • 200g Reserve beef fillet, red onion relish, onion caramel, potato dauphines, café paris butter/58

ACCOMPAGNEMENTS

  • Bistro’s signature truffle fries/15
  • Steamed broccoli, broccolini, tahini dressing, chilli oil, peanut/15
  • Seasonal garden salad, apple vinaigrette/13

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brûlée, almond crumb, berry sorbet/20
  • Chocholate torte, spiced mascarpone, cherry compote, manuka honey ice cream/20
  • Lemon crémeux, kiwifruit shards, swiss meringue, coconut crumb/20
  • Rhubarb compote, white chocolate and ginger crumb, almonds, crème pâtissière/20
  • 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 /20
  • Campbells Rutherglen Muscat /17
    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  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. ... read more

    avatar thumb Jo R
    May 3, 2019
  • star rating  Like Kika, really really good food. Great atmosphere, great local produce, sophisticated dining and delicious meals. Highly recommend if visiting Wanaka.

    avatar thumb LeeseAnneH
    August 13, 2019
  • star rating  The food was good, the service attentive, the tables are well spaced, the restaurant had a nice buzz but not too noisy for conversation. All the makings of a very... read more

    avatar thumb holyisle
    January 12, 2021
  • star rating  Nooo? What else do you desire besides lake views, fab art and delish froggie cuisine. Its was memorable for us sitting alfresco and being water-only, sils vous plaise, we didn’t... read more

    avatar thumb Eli B
    January 7, 2020
  • star rating  We are visiting NZ and I wanted somewhere really good to take my wife for her 60th birthday. This place definitely did the trick! The service was friendly and first... read more

    avatar thumb Geoffrey M
    February 14, 2020
  • star rating  Best steak I’ve had in NZ so far. From the Trust your Chef special - juicy, tender ribeye. cooked to perfection accompanied by foie gras butter, potato croquettes, broccolini. The... read more

    avatar thumb Jietong
    October 13, 2020
  • star rating  This is now probably the best place to eat in Wanaka. We tried the competition but this place wins. The onion soup is a wow - even a teenager would... read more

    avatar thumb Dave And Nicky B
    September 21, 2023
  • star rating  We came here because of the good review but was very disappointed by the terrible service. The waitress with curly ponytail serving us this evening probably shouldn’t be working in... read more

    avatar thumb Cherche3
    February 19, 2024
  • star rating  We were recommended this restaurant and it didn’t disappoint, good food, well presented with excellent service. It did not disappoint.

    avatar thumb 1806
    March 13, 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 Closed

Tuesday 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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