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, and of course some decent Gallic wines too.

“We revisit typical flavour combinations using fresh seasonal ingredients from our kitchen garden and the best of our region. Cardrona Merino lamb, Aoraki salmon, 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. If you simply can’t choose let our chefs spoil you with our 5 Course Tasting Menu with matching wines or for those feeling adventurous you can Trust the Chef”

Why not spend the day sampling local award-winning wine here at the Maude Tasting Room and stay on for dinner.

Menu

Get 3 Course from the À La Carte menu for /69

ENTRÉES

  • Rock oysters, fresh granita /12
  • Soup du jour / 15
  • French onion soup, gruyère crouton / 17
  • 55 day aged fillet tartare, radish, free-range egg yolk, smoked miso mayo, crispy shallots, crouton / 19
  • Seared yellowfin tuna, soy mayonnaise, wasabi, seaweed, fennel, lime gel, lavosh / 20
  • Cranky goats cheese, beetroot, avocado, spiced almonds, tomato / 19
  • Wild shot venison carpaccio, poached pear, cranberry gel, sundried tomatoes, puffed wild rice / 20
  • Angus beef belly croquette, torched brie, beetroot, spring onion, plum chutney / 20

MAINS

  • Market fish, scallop, spinach, orange, creamy leeks, preserved lemon dressing /39
  • 200g 55 day aged beef fillet, red onion relish, onion caramel, café de paris, potato dauphines / 46
  • Cauliflower, dukkah, panisse, chickpeas, peppadews, crème fraîche, vadouvan oil, parmesan, chives /36
  • Te Mana lamb rump, eggplant purée, marinated courgette, walnuts, pecorino crumb, blackberry purée, brown butter / 44
  • Confit duck leg, potato, creamy mushrooms, sunflower seeds, rocket, cherry relish / 39
  • Free range pork belly, crumbed rib, tomato relish, bok choy, broccoli, hot sauce, white bbq sauce, crispy kale /40

SIDES

  • French fries with truffle salt
  • Provencal garden salad, apple vinigairette
  • Silverbeet, broccoli, lemon & tarragon butter
  • Summer carrots, cranberry, buckwheat, labneh

– please add $8 for sides –

TRUST THE CHEF

2 courses / 59  -or-  3 courses / 69

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brulée, almond crumb, boysenberry ice cream  / 17
  • White chocolate semifreddo, strawberry textures, black sesame biscuit, sorbet / 17
  • Hazelnut friand, stone fruits, cardamon mascarpone, dehydrated meringue, ice cream / 17
  • Salted caramel set mousse, poached apples, earl grey gel, crumbs, ice cream / 17
  • Selection of house made ice cream and sorbets / 15

UN FROMAGE
One 80g portion of cheese, served with accompaniments / 21

TRIO DE FROMAGES
Selection of three 40g portions of cheeses, served with accompaniments / 32

AFFOGATO
Vanilla ice cream, espresso coffee, liqueur / 18

5 COURSE TASTING MENU

with wine matching

Soup of the Day
nautilus Cuvee Brut NV, Marlborough

Cranky goats cheese, beetroots, avocado, spiced almonds, tomato
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc ‘20, Marlborough

Market fish, scallop, spinach, orange, creamy leeks, preserved lemon dressing
Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc ’17, Stellenbosch SA

Te Mana lamb rump, eggplant purée, marinated courgettes, walnuts, pecorino crumb, blackberry purée, brown butter
Maude Pinot Noir ‘19, Wanaka

Salted caramel set mousse, poached apples, earl grey gel, crumbs, ice cream
Framingham Noble Riesling ’19, Marlborough

5 Course menu / 100
Wine matching / 150

When the season allows, we enhance our dishes using fresh produce from the kitchen garden.

  •   Rare is it that I find a restaurant that can satisfy my tastes and feel comfortable dining in - the portions are just the right size, not too small or... read more

    avatar thumb siobhanplace8
    5/29/2020

  •   10 of us dined for my son's birthday. Absolutely loved the meal I had and everyone else enjoyed theirs as well. Superb food,excellent service. Definitely recommend. We will be back.

    avatar thumb RachOhakune
    10/30/2020

  •   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
    1/12/2021

  •   Absolutely surprised by the stunning food and ambience! The French onion soup was epic! 11/10 worth the visit alone...and the steak !

    avatar thumb Glen C
    7/23/2020

  •   Lacklustre service but food food
    If I was the chef here I would be disappointed to see this comment, food was generally pretty good however let down by poor... read more

    avatar thumb Q5958IBchriss
    10/06/2020

  •   One of our best meals during our 3-week holiday in New Zealand! Beautiful setting just outside Wanaka, friendly service, warm casual atmosphere and outstanding food! Creative, very well prepared and... read more

    avatar thumb LarchFoodie
    1/12/2019

  •   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

    bohica-nz
    6/18/2019

  •   We ate here during our three night stay in Wanaka and it was absolutely delicious. Both dishes were perfectly cooked and delightfully flavoured. Service was relaxed and friendly, a good... read more

    avatar thumb Alex H
    4/15/2019

  •   We had dinner here for 4 to celebrate our sons engagement to his lovely fiance and their last night In New Zealand before flying home to the UK. The meal... read more

    avatar thumb Fredthefiddle
    2/15/2020

  •   We really enjoyed the food last night which was exceptional. I cannot thank the staff enough for making the night extra special for our engagement and I appreciate the little... read more

    avatar thumb roryk839
    11/18/2018

Reservations

To make a reservation, simply complete the form below.

For private hire, large groups and special requests email bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com.

For parties larger than 8 people, we offer a 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 have still availability.

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!