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
  • Salt cod, 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, ginger ponzu, pickled persimmon, wasabi mayo, nori tapioca cracker/26
  • Salt-baked beetroot, smoked buffalo cheese curd, fennel oil, pickled beetroot, seed crackers/24

Principals:

  • Market fish, baby octopus, savoy cabbage, capers, citrus, brown butter, croutons/48
  • Red Tussocks venison loin, jerusalem artichoke, hazelnut, celeriac puree, black garlic jus, kale/51
  • Lumina lamb rump, swede and potato puree, brussel sprouts, salami crumb, truffle jus/51
  • 200g Reserve beef fillet, prawns, creamed spinach, dijon dressing/59
  • Jerusalem artichoke, chilli oil, faked almonds, celeriac puree, buffalo curd, spiced shallots/42

Accompagnements:

  • Bistro’s signature truffle fries/15
  • Roasted yams, orange and cranberry, spiced grains/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  My partner and I went to Bistro Gentil for our anniversary and had a lovely experience. There is an option on the menu to "trust the chef". This was such... read more

    avatar thumb 868chrystalb
    October 20, 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  Take a stroll up past the golf course to find this charming little restaurant with a view even better than down by the lake shore ( those snow capped mountains... read more

    avatar thumb barbrajayne
    October 21, 2023
  • star rating  This restaurant was recommended by our hotel. We sat outside on a covered patio with heaters. Fabulous views overlooking Lake Wanaka. The kitchen is open as you walk in,... read more

    avatar thumb lovelongboatkey
    February 17, 2019
  • star rating  Eye watering prices mediocre food. Not fresh not tasty.Very pretentious.They call it french cuisine but I doubt any frenchman would want to make that comparison.

    avatar thumb Rwh011
    November 18, 2020
  • star rating  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
    May 10, 2019
  • star rating  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 jdwhitemaui
    October 12, 2018
  • star rating  We had an absolutely lovely dinner at Bistro Gentil. The service was good and the food was fabulous. We had the French onion soup, both croquettes, oyster, green salad, carrots,... read more

    avatar thumb SunValleyTravellers
    February 11, 2024
  • star rating  Great service and New Zealand produce with a french flair
    large selection of Maude wine .
    a proper Creme burlee , done they way it is meant to be

    avatar thumb iainm75
    August 22, 2019
  • star rating  We had dinner here and it was super! Up on a hill with views out to the lake and across from a golf course. Beef tartare , fish and sorbet... read more

    avatar thumb Imapepper79
    January 27, 2024

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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