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
  • Seared yellowfin tuna, soy mayonnaise, wasabi, seaweed, fennel, lime gel, lavosh / 20
  • Cranky goats cheese, beetroot, avocado, 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, charred baby octopus, orange, creamy leeks, tarragon anchovy & chili dressing, cashew /39
  • 200g 55 day aged beef fillet, red onion relish, onion caramel, café de paris, potato dauphines / 46
  • Cauliflower, dukkah, panisse, chickpeas, peppadews, crème fraîche, vadouvan oil, parmesan, chives /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
  • Wagyu bavette, parsnip, onion, chimichurri, broccoli, almonds, charcoal / 42

SIDES

  • French fries with truffle salt
  • Provencal garden salad, apple vinigairette
  • Silverbeet, broccoli, lemon & tarragon butter
  • Peas, bacon, shallots

– please add $8 for sides –

TRUST THE CHEF

2 courses / 55  -or-  3 courses / 65

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brulée, almond crumb, boysenberry ice cream  / 17
  • Cirus, almond sponge cake, homemade mascarpone, sorbet, candied almonds / 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
nautilus Cuvee Brut NV, Marlborough

Cranky goats cheese, beetroots, avocado, spiced almonds, tomato
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc ‘20, Marlborough

Market fish, charred baby octopus, orange, creamy leeks, tarragon anchovy & chili dressing, cashew
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.

  •   Fabulous. Great location, friendly service, and delicious food. Te loved everything about the meal. They have a card on each table and you are able to sample... read more

    avatar thumb LarryandTim
    1/21/2019

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

    avatar thumb Christine R
    10/04/2018

  •   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

  •   We ate here during our three night stay in Wanaka and it was absolutely delicious. Both dishes were perfectly cooked and delightfully flavoured. Service was relaxed and friendly, a good... read more

    avatar thumb Alex H
    4/15/2019

  •   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 establishment is in itself a reason to visit Wanaka. The food was excellent. I enjoyed the best steak I have eaten in recent memory. My partner commented that... read more

    avatar thumb 605regk
    5/03/2019

  •   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

  •   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 is a busy casual place for lunch or dinner. In the evening, the bar scene is buzzing with locals, who all know each other and the lively barmaids on... read more

    avatar thumb Ted G
    1/07/2019

  •   Absolutely surprised by the stunning food and ambience! The French onion soup was epic! 11/10 worth the visit alone...and the steak !

    avatar thumb Glen C
    7/23/2020

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!