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
  • Cranky goats cheese, beetroot, celery, 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, prawn, celeriac, bok choy, leek, orange, caraway seed crumb, black garlic butter / 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, beetroot, spinach, blueberry, hazelnut, preserved lemon / 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
  • Provencal garden salad, apple vinigairette
  • Silverbeet, broccoli, lemon & tarragon butter
  • Autumn 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

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

Market fish, prawn, celeriac, bok choy, leek, orange, caraway seed crumb, black garlic butter
Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc ’18, Stellenbosch SA

Te Mana lamb backstrap, Jerusalem artichoke, beetroot, spinach, blueberry, hazelnut, preserved lemon
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.

  •   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

  •   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

  •   Dined here as a husband, wife and fussy teen. This place didn’t disappoint. Staff are excellent. I just kept asking myself why we can’t have more restaurants with great staff... read more

    avatar thumb vm183
    6/28/2018

  •   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

  •   We went to this place on a friends recommendation and it absolutely blew us away ! The atmosphere is classy but casual and feels really welcoming as you step in... read more

    avatar thumb damsonpie
    2/24/2021

  •   One of our best meals during our 3-week holiday in New Zealand! Beautiful setting just outside Wanaka, friendly service, warm casual atmosphere and outstanding food! Creative, very well prepared and... read more

    avatar thumb LarchFoodie
    1/12/2019

  •   Recommended by both the waitress in the pub and our accommodation host!! Stunningly good. Casual atmosphere yet slightly poshy. The food was the winner. Monk fish was sensational and the... read more

    avatar thumb Joanne P
    5/10/2019

  •   Onion soup was wonderful. My husband had the lamb & I had the duck.. both dishes were done perfectly. Service was excellent

    avatar thumb Wanggal
    7/26/2019

  •   We enjoyed a very special meal in a spot with great views. The staff were very friendly & looked after us very well.

    avatar thumb KerryL148
    3/05/2020

  •   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 Lgyajh1987
    4/15/2019

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!