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:

  • Oyster, mignonette/8 ea
  • Manuka smoked olives/8
  • Rosemary ciabatta and butter/9
  • Mushroom croquette, aioli/6 ea
  • Salt cod, preserved lemon mayonaise/7 ea
  • Chicken liver parfait cigar, quince paste, ash/8 ea
  • French onion soup, gruyere crouton/16 small/23 large
  • Earth board, selection of 3 cheeses, house chutney, walnut, croutons, ciabatta/36

Entrées:

  • Aged beef fillet tartare, radish, egg yolk, soy gel, miso mayo, crispy shallots, croutons/24
  • Seared swordfish, ginger ponzu, pickled persimmon, wasabi mayo, nori tapioca cracker/26
  • Salt-baked beetroot, smoked buffalo cheese curd, fennel oil, pickled beetroot, seed crackers/24

Principals:

  • 200g Angus reserve beef fillet, prawns, creamed spinach, dijon dressing/59
  • Market fish, baby octopus, savoy cabbage, capers, citrus, brown butter, croutons/48
  • Red Tussocks venison loin, jerusalem artichoke, hazelnut, celeriac puree, black garlic jus, kale/51
  • Lumina lamb rump, swede and potato puree, brussel sprouts, salami crumb, truffle jus/51
  • Roasted Jerusalem artichoke, chilli oil, flaked almonds, celeriac puree, buffalo curd, spiced shallots/42

Accompagnements:

  • Bistro’s signature truffle fries/15
  • Roasted yams, orange and cranberry, spiced grains/16
  • Steamed brocoli, provolone and blue cheese sauce, pumpkins seeds/16

Desserts:

  • Mini Bistro dessert /8
  • Vanilla crème brûlée, peanut crumb, berry sorbet/20
  • Rum baba, praliné mousse, poached pear, salted caramel ice cream/20
  • Apple compote, puff pastry, vanilla ice cream/20
  • Dame Blanche, vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate ganache, nuts/18
  • Selection of house-made ice cream and sorbet/17
  • Affogato, vanilla ice cream, espresso, liqueur of choice /24


Bon appétit !

  • star rating  We had excellent food our entire wonderful Backroads trip but Bistro Gentil was my favorite.
    Beautiful setting, comfortable seating, elegant casual decor. Servers were excellent, even serving our group of... read more

    avatar thumb RandiFayeC
    March 24, 2020
  • star rating  I’ve visited this restaurant once before and it was absolutely amazing so I had to return! Although the menu had changed slightly to my first visit, it didn’t let... read more

    avatar thumb taylarhiko
    May 21, 2019
  • star rating  This was an awesome dining experience.
    I ate off the menu and wife tried the “Trust the chef” option and was most impressed.

    avatar thumb peterw812
    November 6, 2022
  • star rating  Visitors to Wanaka, Bistro Gentil had been recommended to us by our AirBnb host as somewhere top rate to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Hands down, one of our best... read more

    avatar thumb peter2780
    May 10, 2019
  • star rating  This was a return visit to Wanaka and dinner at Bistro Gentil the first thing booked. Though a Monday, the bistro was open, but not busy. All diners accommodated easily... read more

    avatar thumb pietrr2023
    November 16, 2023
  • star rating  This is hands down the best meal i had during my entire 14 days trip in the South Island. Definitely amongst the top 10 meals , I had for ... read more

    avatar thumb RickHunterW
    May 15, 2019
  • 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  Lovely location with great views. Food delicious. Outside eating. Loved the "credit card" and wine dispenser

    avatar thumb christinafreeman
    March 1, 2019
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb 94suey
    August 1, 2019
  • star rating  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... read more

    avatar thumb Maz H
    May 19, 2018

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 – late

To Make a Reservation
Click here

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

Top