Bistro Gentil

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.

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
• Smoked fish mousse, shaved fennel, lime gel, salsa verde mayonnaise, pickled cucumber, lavosh / 19
• Cranky Goat curd, spring onion, puffed buckwheat, parsley, preserved lemon & tarragon dressing / 19
• Wild shot venison carpaccio, poached pear, cranberry gel, cherry tomatoes, puffed wild rice / 19

MAINS

• Market fish, savoy cabbage, bacon, cauliflower purée, hazelnuts, lemon gel, capers / 38
• 200g 55 day aged beef fillet, red onion relish, onion caramel, blue cheese butter, potato dauphines / 45
• Celeriac purée, spiced cauliflower, vadouvan oil, roasted almonds, crispy kale, peppadews, baby potatoes / 38
• Te Mana Lamb backstrap, croquette, Jerusalem artichoke, brown butter, comté cheese, chips / 40
• Confit duck leg, pumpkin purée, creamy leeks, panisse, 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
• Roasted carrots, spiced grains, sumac yogurt, watercress
• Yams, honey, maple, ginger, rocket

– please add $8 for sides –

TRUST THE CHEF

2 courses / 55  -or-  3 courses / 65

DESSERTS

• Vanilla creme brulée, almond crumb, hokey pokey ice cream  / 17
• Stone fruit, almond sponge cake, homemade mascarpone, sorbet, candied almonds / 17
• Banana semifreddo, tiramisu cream, coffee granita, coconut gel, almond crumb, banana ice cream / 17
• Moka mousse, meringue, chocolate textures, sorbet / 17
• Selection of house made ice cream and sorbets / 15

UN FROMAGE
One 80g portion of French 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 Goat curd, leek, puffed buckwheat, parsley, preserved lemon & tarragon dressing
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc ‘19, Marlborough

Market fish, bok choi, lemon cream, crayfish bisque, spinach, crispy shallots
Dog Point Chardonnay ‘16, Marlborough

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

Moka mousse, meringue, chocolate textures, sorbet
Croft Fine Ruby Port, Douro Valley, Portugal

5 Course menu / 100
Wine matching / 150

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

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!