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
  • Burrata, butternut, persimmon, rice cracker, pomegranate dressing / 18
  • Wild shot venison carpaccio, poached pear, cranberry gel, sundried tomatoes, puffed wild rice / 20
  • Angus beef belly croquette, torched brie, pickled cucumber, crispy parsley, crab apple jelly / 20

MAINS

  • Market fish, prawns, smoked mussles, boy choy, creamy leek & potato emulsion, charred orange, almonds / 38
  • 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 backstrap, Jerusalem artichoke, truffle, pecorino, hazelnuts, blueberry relish, spinach / 42
  • Confit duck leg, brussel sprouts, cauliflower purée, sweetcorn, bacon, broccoli, white bbq sauce, cashew pickled golden raisins, crispy kale / 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
  • Roasted yams, maple vinegar glaze
  • Silverbeet, broccoli, lemon & tarragon butter
  • Winter carrots, cranberry, buckwheat, labneh

– please add $8 for sides –

TRUST THE CHEF

  • 2 courses / 55 p.p  -or-  3 courses / 65 p.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

Burrate, butternut, persimmon, rice craker, pomegranate dressing
Maude Pinot Gris ‘20, Wanaka

Market fish, prawns, smoked mussels, boy choy, creamy leek & potato emulsion, charred orange, almonds
Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc ’18, Stellenbosch SA

Te Mana lamb backstrap, Jerusalem artichoke, truffle, pecorino, hazelnuts, blueberry relish, spinach
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.

  •   Bistro Gentil created the BEST of problems- we wanted to eat more than we knew we could! After some haggling for favorites we had three entrees and two mains with... read more

    avatar thumb curiousgrins
    9/30/2018

  •   Outstanding food and out on terrace was exceptional. They even had hats until the sun dropped enough. Great local wines to enjoy as well as many others.A lovely garden and... read more

    avatar thumb H349ORpaul
    2/27/2020

  •   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 John W
    10/12/2018

  •   3 of us opted for the 3 courses for $69. The beef tartare, asparagus with the goat's cheese etc and the beef belly croquette with the torched goat's cheese all... read more

    avatar thumb emptyhead
    12/07/2020

  •   Sensational setting and note worthy food. We opted to do the chefs choice 3 course with wine pairings. It was wonderful! The rabbit gnocchi was very flavorful and excellent texture.... read more

    avatar thumb jessicatJ7836PM
    12/04/2019

  •   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

  •   Joined friends for dinner and enjoyed a superb meal with a great selection of local wines.
    One of the best dining experiences we have had in Wanaka. Starting with the... read more

    avatar thumb dajeck
    1/03/2020

  •   Amazing! We loved this place, great food, wines and service. Right from when you pull in the driveway and see the whole place lit up like a Christmas tree you... read more

    avatar thumb ChrisD1982
    7/30/2018

  •   Visitors to Wanaka, Bistro Gentil had been recommended to us by our AirBnb host as somewhere top rate to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Hands down, one of our best... read more

    avatar thumb peter2780
    5/10/2019

  •   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

    avatar thumb Maz H
    5/19/2018

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 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!