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

TRUST THE CHEF 3-COURSE TASTING $79 pp

Indulge in a culinary journey curated by our talented chefs. Sit back, relax, and let us surprise you with a thoughtfully crafted 3-course menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and inventive flavours.

WEDNESDAY CLASSIC TRIO $79 pp

Join us every Wednesday for a delightful 3-course experience at Bistro, featuring some of our timeless classics for just $79 per person. Enjoy a French onion soup, a perfectly cooked reserve beef filet, and a decadent crème brûlée to finish. It’s a midweek treat you won’t want to miss!

APPETISERS

  • Chicken liver parfait cigar, quince paste, ash/8
  • Rosemary ciabatta and Bistro’s compound butter/9
  • Manuka smoked olives/8
  • Wild mushroom croquette, aioli/11
  • Oyster, mignonette/8

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

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

  • 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
  • 200g reserve beef fillet, garlic mash potatoes, spinach, onion caramel, blue cheese butter/57
  • Lumina lamb rump, cauliflower, broccoli, white bbq sauce, puffed rice, crispy potato/47
  • Roasted beetroot, hazelnut rye crumb, sumac labneh, smoked beetroot purée, fennel seed/38
  • Red Tussocks venison, carrots, peach chutney, kale, harissa & garlic oil/47

ACCOMPAGNEMENTS

  • Bistro’s signature truffle fries/14
  • Winter vegetable medley, maple glaze /15
  • Sautéed asparagus, fried egg mayonnaise, pecorino/15
  • Peas, shallots, bacon, crispy kale/13
  • Creamy mash potatoes with confit garlic & chives/13

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brûlée, peanut crumb, strawberry gelato/20
  • Lemon roulade, hazelnut praline, lemon gel, candied hazelnut, limoncello ice cream/19
  • Choux pastry, mascarpone, blackcurrant gel, sponges, pistachio ice cream/19
  • Selection of house made ice cream and sorbets /18
  • Dame blanche, vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate ganache, nuts/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  What a delicious meal. We all had Trust the chef, and we’re not disappointed. Service very friendly and wine was spot on, a good variety to choose from. Will definitely... read more

    avatar thumb 252karene
    January 12, 2022
  • 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
  • star rating  We ate twice. The beef tartare and monkfish were outstanding. Desserts looked amazing and we had the pavlova which is highly recommended. Lovely staff a bonus

    avatar thumb ScottM130
    January 8, 2024
  • star rating  Bistro Gentil shares the restaurant space with Maude Wines. The restaurant is intimate and cosy, not too spacious but they utilise the outdoor area with overhead heating, making it an... read more

    avatar thumb brettnjess
    July 14, 2022
  • star rating  Outside of Wanaka but worth the drive up. Great view across the golf course to the lake and the mountains beyond it. Food was very good but on a busy... read more

    avatar thumb jamesl680
    December 4, 2023
  • 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  We spontaneously went to the bistro in the evening. Without reservation and got a place outside. It was quite cold, but okay, since we had not reserved a table. We... read more

    avatar thumb 757_Judith
    September 30, 2018
  • 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  One of Wanaka's top rated restaurants with fine dining, Bistro Gentil didnt disappoint. Nestled on a road above the town - we walked two miles there - it was packed... read more

    avatar thumb shaunsouthern
    January 10, 2019
  • star rating  We happened upon Bistro Gentil by accident. During the day it’s the tasting Room for Maudes Winery. Each night it transforms into a casual but totally decadent restaurant, serving some... read more

    avatar thumb TorontoTraveler_2008
    December 31, 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
Tuesday to Saturday 6pm till close

To Make a Reservation
Click here

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

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