Bistro Gentil

  So glad we were able to snag a reservation at this lovely restaurant on our last night. The food was outstanding, the wines delicious, it had a lovely cosy atmosphere... read more and we arrived early enough to watch over the lake as the sun set. Definitely one to try and fit in whilst ever in Wanaka.

  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.

  You would be a fool to miss this restaurant. It is an absolute hidden gem. The food is to die for, perfectly cooked and plated beautifully. The ambience here is... read more so gentle and romantic, lovely place for dinner. The waitress was lovely and so accommodating...More

  We came here because of the good review but was very disappointed by the terrible service. The waitress with curly ponytail serving us this evening probably shouldn’t be working in... read more the service industry. She was rushing us to order the food when we first sat down. Every table received a jar of water but because we did not order alcohol she did not bring the water jar to our table even after we requested it. She rarely came to check on our table and when we tried to get her attention by waiving at her a few times she just ignored. At the end I brought her the attention to refill us water on my way to the washroom. She came 10 minutes later and still did not bring us any water until after we ordered the dessert.

Their onion soup was good. Their fish and venison, and desserts have appealing display but tastes average.

  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

  The most inventive and delightful meal I've ever had - and I've been coming here once a year, every year, for the last four years. And each year surpasses the... read more last. If you're after exquisitely made food that makes your taste buds melt, then you...More

  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!

  Nooo? What else do you desire besides lake views, fab art and delish froggie cuisine. Its was memorable for us sitting alfresco and being water-only, sils vous plaise, we didn’t... read more have to contend with the silly gimmicky digital self-pour system. Its certainly the apex in dining in Wanaka

  Bistro Gentil shares the restaurant space with Maude Wines. The restaurant is intimate and cosy, not too spacious but they utilise the outdoor area with overhead heating, making it an... read more extra outdoor but enclosed room.

Staff were friendly, especially Richard, very knowledgeable and explained each dishes with extra detail. We had the beautiful bottle of Maude Pinot Gris, lovely wine to complement our meal. My husband had the lovely pork belly and I had the tiger prawns with calamari on a small bed of beautiful broth/sauce and a small bun to soak up the sauce. For main, we had the lovely lamb with sausage. Accompanied by French fries and peas and bacon. We finished with ice cream to cleanse our palette.

If you love a nice meal, you definitely need to visit Bistro Gentil.

  Stumbled upon this gem on our last night and was very impressed with everything on offer. From the cosy setting to the genuine service! I did the Chef's Choice and... read more he didn't disappoint! Yes, the food is a little pricey but you get your money's worth. Plus the wine list was great, I was impressed with all my selections including the local MAUDE wines. When I'm back in NZ, I'll make the trip to Wanaka just to eat here again!