Bistro Gentil

  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 dining experiences. Ever. A glass each of Maude bubbly started us on our way, whilst the...More

  In a tourist town its not always a good sign when you see a bus at your dining destination. Some things feel best kept off the package-tour radar. ... read more A large table of casually clad tourists dominated the main dining room but fortunately we were escorted...More

  Beautiful food, great service and one of the best views in Wanaka, what more could you want for a casual meal with your partner. It’s great for a special occasion... read more or just a casual date night!

A great selection of entrees and starters, the tuna was amazing and really brought out the wine we had chosen.

Menu is well thought out and we really enjoyed the steaks; a great cut of meat and the sides that accompanied are amazing.

We had some beautiful amuse-bouche throughout our meal, the savoury profiteroles were different but made you want more.

The pastry chef is fantastic, a great range of well put together desserts was a great finish to the meal.

100% would recommend to all visiting or living in Wanaka.

  Loved the ambiance. We went in winter and the restaurant is cozy and has lovely character. Service cannot be faulted. However, the food was a bit of a let-down on... read more our expectations. The French onion soup was thick and sweet compared with a traditional French onion soup - not in a pleasant kind of way. The lamb dish had the potential to be something really special but was quite over-salted in my opinion (it is much easier to add than to take away!). Potential here to be amazing and I would return but would ask for "low salt, please".

  We visited Bistro Gentil last night and had a wonderful experience. We outside which was nice and cozy with the fires going under the canape. We had the steak tartare... read more and salmon for starters, the duck and lamb for main then the creme brule and caramel moose for dessert. Could not fault a thing! A taste sensation that I will not forget. Can't recommend this place enough. Will be back running sharpish. AWESOME!

  Stumbled upon this gem on our last night and was very impressed with everything on offer. From the cosy setting to the genuine service! I did the Chef's Choice and... read more he didn't disappoint! Yes, the food is a little pricey but you get your money's worth. Plus the wine list was great, I was impressed with all my selections including the local MAUDE wines. When I'm back in NZ, I'll make the trip to Wanaka just to eat here again!

  Rare is it that I find a restaurant that can satisfy my tastes and feel comfortable dining in - the portions are just the right size, not too small or... read more large, and the atmosphere was warm and cosy, not to mention the vegetarian main was to die for. It’s incredibly difficult to make nice vegetarian/vegan food let alone amazing vegetarian/vegan food! its almost a shame there weren’t more vegetarian options on the menu to explore but they seemed very accommodating to special dietary requirements checking in with me numerous times before preparing the dishes and serving. You could tell that they really paid attention to great flavour combinations when crafting the menu, not just for the sake of coming across experimental.
I tend to struggle with regular dining experiences because of stomach issues but the food was easy for me to stomach without sacrificing unique flavour. Bonus - there is a mock tail of the moment (different every time) and you get a surprise amuse bouche between each course.
Overall I was thoroughly impressed and can’t wait to visit again!

  A winery for tastings in the future and French bistro by night. The best meal in NZ to date. Confit duck leg with tart plums and sweetcorn puree and the... read more best creme brulee ever. Loved being able to sample various local wines by choice of...More

  We dined here this week and not only had wonderful food but the service was exceptional as well, in fact the best on Wanaka. We choose the chefs choice menu... read more and it was lovely. Wine recommendation was superb. Would highly recommend you try this place.

  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 so gentle and romantic, lovely place for dinner. The waitress was lovely and so accommodating...More