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, Lake Ohau Wagyu…”
— Mario Rodrigues, Head Chef
Just minutes from town, our bistro is a serene spot to unwind, with sweeping lake views and sunsets worth savoring.
“Enjoy timeless favourites from our À La Carte menu, from French Onion Soup and Beef Tartare to our signature Crème Brûlée.”
Pair your evening with a visit to the Maude Tasting Room earlier in the day, and don’t forget to reserve your table for dinner.
Bienvenue au Bistro Gentil
Wine pairing /60 pp
+ 4 oysters /32
Course 1:
Beef croquette, hot sauce mayonnaise
OR
Mushroom croquette, aioli
Pairing: Maude Méthode Traditionnelle NV, Wanaka, NZ
Course 2:
Soup of the day
Pairing: Matawhero 2025 Pinot Gris, Marlborough, NZ
Course 3:
Beef tartare, radish, egg yolk, soy gel, miso mayo, crispy shallots, croutons
OR
Seared yellowfin tuna, buttermilk dashi, wakame, pickled fennel, citrus kosho, sesame tapioca cracker
Pairing: TWR 2022 Riesling, Marlborough, NZ
Course 4:
Wildshot venison, caramelised cauliflower purée, brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, roasted hazelnuts and marmite jus
Pairing: Le Gentil 2022 Pinot Noir, Wanaka, NZ
OR
Market fish, prawns, potato darphin, parsnip purée, bouillabaisse lobster sauce, spring onion and chives
Pairing: Maude 2025 Chardonnay, Wanaka NZ
Course 5:
Chocolate crémeux, meringue, berry jam, hazelnut praline
Pairing: Campbell’s Muscat, Rutherglen, Aus
Bon appétit!
We went to this place on a friends recommendation and it absolutely blew us away ! The atmosphere is classy but casual and feels really welcoming as you step in... read more the door . The staff were efficient and friendly , and the food - WOW !
French onion soup would be on my last supper list and this one was sublime , melt in your mouth beef was next - cooked to perfection and accompanied by just enough mouth watering accompaniments , my only complaint is that I couldn’t fit dessert in -gutted !
This place is an absolute little diamond .
damsonpie
Bistro Gentil is, far and away, the best restaurant in Wanaka. My husband and I have enjoyed a meal here every time we come to Wanaka, but we also had... read more our rehearsal dinner here the night before our wedding and everything about it was wonderful....More
JackieL2451
We had dinner here and it was super! Up on a hill with views out to the lake and across from a golf course. Beef tartare , fish and sorbet... read more with local wine. Delicious meal with great friendly service.
Imapepper79
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 full. For starters we had tomato and chilli soup and a seared salmon starter and...More
shaunsouthern
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 children/younger teens (no kids menu) it’s more for adults wanting fine dining experience - Bistro Gentile is in a fabulous location and even better if it’s a nice day/evening and you can reserve a table with lake view - dine in or on the covered outside area - lovely decor inside - can get chilly on the outside covered area but there are heaters overhead or take a shawl if it’s going to be a chilly evening/day - staff are super friendly - GF diners be wowed as nearly everything on the menu can be made GF (it does not say what’s GF or DF etc on the menu which would be nice and makes it more easy but staff are super helpful) the food is amazing cooked to perfection whatever your choice is - the food presentation is fabulous - a lovely selection of wine, cocktails and soft drinks - we were a party of 4 - our choice ratings best: tartare or soft goats cheese or salmon all totally amazing - mains: beef fillet or hanger steak or market fish accompanied with french fries with yummy truffle salt, spring carrots again totally amazing - we couldn’t leave without me having my all time favourite: creme brûlée which was and always is exceptional - if you’ve got time to treat yourself or a special occasion then this is the restaurant to dine at in Wanaka, it’s exceptionally the best. Okay you may pay more but it’s totally worth it. Well done to Bistro Gentile for being such a fabulous restaurant.
MagicRoundabout365
Spent a week in Wanaka early December and had the great pleasure of two delicious dinners at Bistro Gentil. Interesting menu - beautifully prepared.Absolutely wonderful - the best food in... read more South Island.
TessaC49
We came here on the recommendation of our hotel, and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The views were stunning (although we wished we could have sat on the terrace area... read more to fully appreciate the views), and the food was very good. We ordered the tasting...More
RDLO1
What a dinner! Drinks, food, service and atmosphere were unbelievable, and very good looking chefs. Excatly what you are looking for on a girls night out.Good size portions; they don't... read more skimp on food here. French onion soup was a meal in itself. And if you are a dessrt person, be sure to stop here. Will definitely be back.
pavyy
Both indoor and covered patio areas offer casual elegance in atmosphere. Go around sunset and you will hopefully get beautiful glowing skies from the patio. The food is superb. And... read more even more, the service is very good, a rarity in New Zealand.
portlandorer
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 past 18 months, which is saying a lot, since i have visited some top tier cities/countries...More
RickHunterWTo 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:
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!
Opening Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday 5:30 pm – Late
Thursday – Saturday 6 pm – Late
Sunday & Monday – Closed
To Make a Reservation
Click here
For Inquiries
Ph: 03 443 2299
Email: bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com