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  So glad we were able to snag a reservation at this lovely restaurant on our last night. The food was outstanding, the wines delicious, it had a lovely cosy atmosphere... read more

    avatar thumb JodieS397
    February 14, 2022
  • star rating  We went on a Friday night and there weren’t many people perhaps because it’s not in the downtown area. There’s inside and outside seating in an attractive setting. We had... read more

    avatar thumb redroverma
    December 26, 2019
  • star rating  Great location . Good wine. Service standard but food worst in our experience in New Zealand - esp. For among the high end restaurants. Everything was overpowered with mayo type... read more

    avatar thumb Mary L
    December 6, 2023
  • star rating  Highly recommend reservation to avoid disappointment - parking at the rear or on the front or better still get a taxi - this is not really a place for young... read more

    avatar thumb MagicRoundabout365
    January 9, 2022
  • star rating  We had this restaurant recommended by one of our hosts on the rail trail plus it starred on Trip Advisor
    Great service great food kiwi/ French and tight but well... read more

    avatar thumb davidgC4241ZK
    April 21, 2022
  • star rating  My family and I came here for dinner a couple days ago and were amazed by the delicious food, incredibly kind and generous staff, and pleasant atmosphere. We were seated... read more

    avatar thumb nms04
    December 29, 2019
  • star rating  We have a meal here each time we visit Wanaka, about 4 times each year. The food is always excellent- always a special night.

    avatar thumb Nicola M
    June 17, 2020
  • star rating  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... read more

    avatar thumb Ski_Wanaka_NZ
    October 3, 2018
  • star rating  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... read more

    avatar thumb ChrisD1982
    July 30, 2018
  • star rating  Great food
    Great service
    Michelin star quality
    Innovative chef
    Welcoming waiters
    Great experience
    Good choice for gluten free diet
    Limited amount of tables - get your... read more

    avatar thumb navity
    October 30, 2022

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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