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.

“We revisit typical flavour combinations using fresh seasonal ingredients from our kitchen garden and the best of our region. Lumina lamb, Red Tussocks venison, 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.

Why not spend the day sampling local award-winning wine here at the Maude Tasting Room and book in for dinner.

Menu

Bienvenue au Bistro Gentil

Appetisers:

  • Oyster, mignonette/8 ea
  • Manuka smoked olives/8
  • Rosemary ciabatta and butter/9
  • Venison tartare, potato rosti/11 ea
  • Fish croquette, preserved lemon mayonaise/7 ea
  • Fried goat’s cheese, peach chutney/6 ea
  • Chicken liver parfait cigar, quince paste, ash/8 ea
  • French onion soup, gruyere crouton/16/23
  • Earth board, selection of 3 cheeses, house chutney, walnut, croutons, ciabatta/36

Entrées:

  • Aged beef fillet tartare, radish, egg yolk, soy gel, miso mayo, crispy shallots, croutons/24
  • Seared swordfish, leche de tigre, grapes, pickled daikon, squid ink tapioca, chipotle labneh, puffed rice/26
  • Salt-baked beetroot, buffalo cheese curd, fennel oil, pickled beetroot, seed crackers/24

Principals:

  • Market fish, prawns, lobster bisque, celeriac purée, bok choy, crispy curry leaves, almonds/48
  • Red Tussocks venison, carrots, creamed spinach, beetroot relish, brown butter, crispy kale/51
  • Lamb rump, smoked aubergine, brussel sprouts, merguez sausage, walnuts, dijon dressing/51
  • 200g Reserve beef fillet, red onion relish, onion caramel, potato dauphines, café paris butter/59
  • Ask your server about our daily vegetarian option/40

Accompagnements:

  • Bistro’s signature truffle fries/15
  • Fried jerusalem artichoke, black garlic dressing, hazelnuts/16
  • Steamed brocoli, provolone and blue cheese sauce, pumpkins seeds/16

Trust The Chef:

  • 3 course/59
  • 4 course/69

Desserts:

  • Mini Bistro dessert /8
  • Vanilla crème brûlée, peanut crumb, berry sorbet/20
  • Chocolate fondant, crumb, orange sauce, salted caramel ice cream/20
  • Lemoncello syrup cake, whipped ricotta, pistachios/20
  • Dame Blanche, vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate ganache, nuts/18
  • Selection of house-made ice cream and sorbet/17
  • Affogato, vanilla ice cream, espresso, liqueur of choice /24


Bon appétit !

  • star rating  I went here with a group of people for dinner. I had heard great things about the place so was looking forward to trying it for myself. I had the... read more

    bohica-nz
    June 18, 2019
  • star rating  Both indoor and covered patio areas offer casual elegance in atmosphere. Go around sunset and you will hopefully get beautiful glowing skies from the patio. The food is superb. And... read more

    avatar thumb portlandorer
    March 17, 2020
  • star rating  What a delicious meal. We all had Trust the chef, and we’re not disappointed. Service very friendly and wine was spot on, a good variety to choose from. Will definitely... read more

    avatar thumb 252karene
    January 12, 2022
  • star rating  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

    sophie12342016
    July 9, 2019
  • star rating  10 of us dined for my son's birthday. Absolutely loved the meal I had and everyone else enjoyed theirs as well. Superb food,excellent service. Definitely recommend. We will be back.

    avatar thumb RachOhakune
    October 30, 2020
  • star rating  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
    August 1, 2019
  • star rating  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
    March 5, 2019
  • star rating  My wife and I had a wonderful Sunday evening meal at Bistro Gentil. The food and service were exquisite. The atmosphere was perfect, not too loud, nice music but at... read more

    avatar thumb Alsek810
    March 3, 2024
  • star rating  Lovely French restaurant on a hilltop. Probably our best meal in NZ.

    Energetic noise level vs. the quiet candlelight affair I would have expected. Our group had fun... read more

    avatar thumb DanC296
    December 2, 2023
  • star rating  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
    May 8, 2018

Reservations

To make a reservation, simply complete the form below, a credit card registration will be required to confirm your booking. No charge will be made to the card at this stage. In the case of ‘no show’ a $50 fee will be charged to the card. Please refer to our booking policy below. 

For private hire, large groups and special requests email bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com.

For parties larger than 9 people, we offer a 3 course 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 still have availability.

BOOKING POLICY
Please note that the cancellation must be requested 24 hours prior to the reservation time otherwise cancellation charges may apply. When booking we request credit card details via the secure Stripe payment platform in order to confirm the booking.

Bistro Gentil reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of $50 per head when one of the following conditions has been met:
1. Booking is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
2. Guests do not show up for the reservation (bookings will be considered no-show after 30 minutes)
3. Party size is less than the original booking by 2 or more guests without notice.
The cancellation fee will be deducted from the registered card on file and the person responsible for the booking will be notified by email.

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!

Contact

Opening Hours

Monday Closed

Tuesday to Sunday 6 pm – late  

To Make a Reservation
Click here

For Inquiries
Ph: 03 443 2299
Email: bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com

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