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

  • 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
  • Ora King Salmon, tempura soft shell crab, avocado, soy glaze, grapefruit gel, pickled radish, fennel / 20
  • Cranky goats cheese, beetroot, celery, 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
  • Gnocchi parisienne, kale, peppadews, peas, crème fraîche, comte cheese, shiitake mushrooms, crispy shallots /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
  • Autumn carrots, cranberry, buckwheat, labneh

– please add $8 for sides –

TRUST THE CHEF

Sharing Trust the Chef – 2 people minimum

  • 2 courses / 55p.p  -or-  3 courses / 69p.p

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brulée, almond crumb, boysenberry ice cream  / 17
  • Unbaked fig cheesecake, stawberry & fig textures, candied walnuts, cocoa crumbs, ice cream / 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
Maude Methode Traditionelle Brut NV, Marlborough

Cranky goats cheese, beetroots, celery, 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.

  •   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

    avatar thumb TessaC49
    12/31/2018

  •   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

    avatar thumb RDLO1
    5/25/2018

  •   This restaurant was recommended by our hotel. We sat outside on a covered patio with heaters. Fabulous views overlooking Lake Wanaka. The kitchen is open as you walk in,... read more

    avatar thumb lovelongboatkey
    2/17/2019

  •   Having been locals for over 5 years now our special treat has always been Bistro. Seasonal, fresh ingredients backed by a creativity that's second to none! They never cease to... read more

    avatar thumb Moanin M
    5/08/2018

  •   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

    avatar thumb Mcfetties
    2/08/2020

  •   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 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

    avatar thumb Chris P
    10/03/2018

  •   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

    avatar thumb John W
    10/12/2018

  •   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.

    avatar thumb Barms1005
    5/17/2018

  •   Every thing is not perfect but AWESOME!!!!! Thanks chefs for delicious meals and quality of products & thanks waitress for the perfect service !
    Keep this way we'll be... read more

    avatar thumb rulittapinpin
    8/01/2019

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!