Bistro Gentil

  Before we went here we had only reviews to go on. The website suggests going up in the afternoon, enjoying the stunning views of the lake over a wine-tasting and... read more staying for dinner. So we did.
The views are lovely and the sun shining in on us was warming as we were welcomed by a wonderful host for our wine tasting. In the end, over a little over an hour, we enjoyed three tasting trays between the two of us before moving on to dinner. Our wine host was knowledgeable, helpful but never in our faces or the slightest bit pushy. It was all about enjoying the day.
Our dinner also proved to be stunning with great but again not in-your-face service. We enjoyed beautifully presented and delicious amuse bouches, tartare for entree, the duck for main, a delightful palate cleanser and creme brulee that I have to rate as the best I have ever tried. All the food was amazing. And the wines included a wide range of Maude wines but also a wide range of wines from other vineyards.
Rather than just a night out, this turned into the pinnacle of our 4 days of dining and wining around Wanaka.

  The setting is beautiful with views to the lake and mountains beyond. The food is spectacular, every course was delicious, so fresh and amazing combinations of flavors, was definitely one... read more of the best meals we've ever had and we've eaten all over the world. Merci for making our 10 year anniversary special. If you don't eat here you're missing out big time.

  We had an absolutely lovely dinner at Bistro Gentil. The service was good and the food was fabulous. We had the French onion soup, both croquettes, oyster, green salad, carrots,... read more seafood dish and steaks——all prepared beautifully. The wine was good (not great). The setting is beautiful, too. We definitely would return if we are in Wanaka again.

  Another great recommendation from our Airbnb Host, thank you!! Bookings essential as it is very popular!
What a lovely surprise to walk into this restaurant. So warm and cosy on... read more a horrid Summer Night that was as cold as any winters evening. The waitress had the common sense to keep the door closed that lead to the covered outdoor area to keep us in the restaurant cosy - thank you not many consider to do this! The chairs I loved - they had a sheepskin cover over them and added to the comfort. We had Pinot Wine from the Maude Winery to drink a perfect compliment to our meal. Soup was had for a starter - good old fashioned French Onion with a lovely cheesy top, Wagyu Steak was just melt in your mouth cooked and the lamb backstrap was worth the visit for sure. Unfortunately too full to enjoy desert but will be back next time to try this! Thank you all for such a memorable night!

  Like Kika, really really good food. Great atmosphere, great local produce, sophisticated dining and delicious meals. Highly recommend if visiting Wanaka.

  We had an enjoyable birthday dinner at the cozy and romantic Bistro Gentil. The Chef and his team put much love into their dishes. They are beautifully plated. The menu... read more options cover a good spectrum. The self serve wine wall is a cool option. You...More

  Take a stroll up past the golf course to find this charming little restaurant with a view even better than down by the lake shore ( those snow capped mountains... read more seem closer, somehow!)

A lovely menu with a good selection of dishes providing vegetarian,fish and meat options, small to larger portion sizes so you can share, or choose soup and a generously sized entree instead of a main course ( and then have room for a gorgeous crème brûlée)

Professional service, tranquil location, great food - and good value too. And a nice after dinner stroll back down past the golf course.

What more could you want!

Highly recommended.

  So nice to have a restaurant that is not so big and noisy.
We never got a chance to admire he views due to the bad weather however the food... read more was excellent with great service.
One wee complaint the room temperature was a bit too cold to dine with out a jacket on

  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 a little too fancy in the fact that the dish comprised of too many flavor's...More

  Went to Bistro Gentil last night with friends to celebrate my husbands birthday and had a wonderful night. The staff were absolutely lovely and nothing was too much trouble, they... read more were very accommodating with the surprise cake I had made and did not charge cakeage...More