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

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
  • Seared tuna, fried egg purée, edamame, fennel, ponzu, lime gel, lavosh /20
  • Cranky goats cheese, honey puffed buckwheat, beetroots, rocket /19
  • Wild shot venison carpaccio, poached pear, cranberry gel, cherry tomatoes, puffed wild rice / 19

MAINS

  • Market fish, spinach, creamy smoked mussels, lemon gel, almonds, caper raisins /38
  • 200g 55 day aged beef fillet, red onion relish, onion caramel, blue cheese butter, potato dauphines / 45
  • Carrots, yoghurt gel, pine nuts, chives, mustard seeds, crispy kale /38
  • Te Mana Lamb backstrap, croquette, Jerusalem artichoke, brown butter, comté cheese, chips / 40
  • Confit duck leg, pumpkin purée, savoy cabbage, bacon, pumpkin seeds, crispy shallots / 39
  • 55 day aged ribeye, fried Brussel sprouts, parsnip purée, pancetta, walnuts, shiitake mushroom jus / 38

SIDES

  • French fries with truffle salt
  • Silverbeet, broccoli, lemon & tarragon butter
  • Peas, bacon, shallots
  • Yams, honey, maple, ginger, rocket

– please add $8 for sides –

TRUST THE CHEF

2 courses / 55  -or-  3 courses / 65

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brulée, almond crumb, hokey pokey ice cream  / 17
  • Cirus, almond sponge cake, homemade mascarpone, sorbet, candied almonds / 17
  • Banana & plum crème pâtissière, puff pastry, cinnamon cream, dulce de leche, chocolate sorbet / 17
  • Salted caramel bavarois, sous vide cooked 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 French 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 NV, Wanaka

Cranky goats cheese, honey, puffed buckwheat, beetroots, rocket
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc ‘19, Marlborough

Market fish, spinach, creamy smoked mussels, lemon gel, almonds, caper raisins
Dog Point Chardonnay ‘16, Marlborough

Te Mana Lamb backstrap, croquette, Jerusalem artichoke, brown butter, comté cheese, chips
Maude Pinot Noir ‘18, Wanaka

Salted caramel bavarois, sous vide cooked apples, earl grey gel, crumbs, ice cream
Framingham Noble Riesling ’18, Marlborough

5 Course menu / 100
Wine matching / 150

When the season allows, we enhance our dishes using fresh produce from the kitchen garden.

  •   We happened upon Bistro Gentil by accident. During the day it’s the tasting Room for Maudes Winery. Each night it transforms into a casual but totally decadent restaurant, serving some... read more

    avatar thumb TorontoTraveler_2008
    12/31/2018

  •   Totally blown away by the experience. Great food, wine and service. As locals, we tended to stick to ‘tried & tester’ but was game to try something for our Silver... read more

    avatar thumb C2MeiD613
    3/05/2020

  •   This restaurant has it all. Amazing location with views onto the lake, charming building and interior, a French inspired cuisine to die for and very kind and subtle staff. Just... read more

    avatar thumb Mausl2014
    3/20/2019

  •   Best steak I’ve had in NZ so far. From the Trust your Chef special - juicy, tender ribeye. cooked to perfection accompanied by foie gras butter, potato croquettes, broccolini. The... read more

    avatar thumb Jietong
    10/13/2020

  •   We sat outside in this lovely, relaxed restaurant and had a really delicious meal, taking the “chef’s choice”menu. All 3 courses were delicious - well balanced and a good size.... read more

    avatar thumb Anthea D
    3/05/2019

  •   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

    avatar thumb kellydZ8895PN
    1/13/2020

  •   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 jdwhitemaui
    10/12/2018

  •   Delicious food, stunning view! Reasonably priced given the quality of food. Would definitely visit again.

    avatar thumb Christine R
    10/04/2018

  •   I'm still digesting the delicious 3 course meal as I write this. The food was next level. If you're wanting the best of what Wanaka has to offer then this... read more

    avatar thumb BoabGlen
    5/08/2018

  •   The food was spectacular. We both had the duck with the maple syrup yams and it was all exceptional- easily 10/10. It was one of the best mains we have... read more

    avatar thumb bris1234
    7/25/2018

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 for more details.

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!