Bistro Gentil

  We were grateful to get in on a Saturday night after another group cancelled - but after overnight rain their carpark was flooded so we had to park in a... read more muddy road side area - maybe an omen of what was to come.
However that cancellation did not do us any favours.
Three of us had "Trust the chef" suggestions- well I dont think I would trust him with my grandma - entrees were a pastry case ( read pappadum) filled with tasteless array of shredded meats and a few blobs of cornichon puree ( gherkin puree) to pretty up the plate . Somewhat disappointed we were then looking forward to our suprise main meal - what we got was fatty, slimy glutinous pork slices with green beans and roast potatoes- the pork was inedible for one of us - and the plate was returned uneaten. The saving grace was the crunchy roast potatoes....Our other dining partner had ordered off the a la carte menu - a good move - French onion soup which proved to be delicious followed by a rib eye steak and dauphin potatoes. Wish we had not Trusted the Chef - very very disappointed overall and over priced pretentious French cuisine.

  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 pleasant evening

  We always make Bistro a priority when we visit Wanaka, as the food is always spectacular. The meals are imaginative, well balanced and of course, delicious! Three of us dined... read more last night and ordered off the menu. We had the calamari, steak tartare and pork belly entrees. For mains we had the duck, market fish which was bream and the lamb and chorizo. All of the food was incredible but the lamb and fish dishes were something else! We left with full bellies and big smiles on our faces! Thank you to Mario and his creative team, we will continue to sing your praises and recommend you to others visiting Wanaka.

  It is sometimes said that there is no such thing as Perfection!

Well there is and it’s the food at Bistrol Gentil!

A fabulous experience!... read more as always!

  We were recommended this restaurant and it didn’t disappoint, good food, well presented with excellent service. It did not disappoint.

  Oh. Wow. Came here with my parents (75 & 80), and we were simply blown away.
Incredible view and lovely staff who genuinely seem to enjoy working there. ... read more />
My mother normally “chooses badly” even in top London restaurants. Here she was just bowled over. I can’t remember the last time that happened.
The cauliflower soup was incredible. Her lamb was the best of a faultless main selection.

Just an extremely rare experience.
I often love the food in NZ restaurants but this was simply on a different level.

  The best view anywhere in the world! We soaked up the view and clean air whilst we waited for our table. The food was yummy and presented beautifully. It is... read more a popular place and needs to be booked, we can see why. It is more upmarket and a little bit out of town so if you’re walking you may need to stick to something closer. An enjoyable dinner.

  Thanks again to the team at Bistro for making our evening truly enjoyable and one to remember. It’s not often that every box is ticked when you go out for... read more a meal, but this place hit the mark in every aspect. Being from a hospitality background, I unfortunately pay too much attention to what’s going on behind the scenes, but after a short time I realised that the team had it covered. Delicious food, professional knowledgeable staff, clean facilities and lovely quaint setting. Be sure to book to avoid missing out! Can’t wait to be back….. thank you

  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.

  Warm welcome on a cold and rainy night. The food was excellent, the staff friendly and helpful and the wine selection great. Well worth the drive.