Bistro Gentil

  A final night dinner for our first trip down preparing for a big race later this year. The whole experience from arrival to completion was flawless, the atmosphere is very... read more relaxed and the staff do a great job at keeping it that way. Great decor and layout, the gentleman who advised it’s warm under the heaters outside was spot on. Food was sublime and we enjoyed the 3 course offer plus a few wines. Will definitely return.
On a side note I beloved you were understaffed last night but your staff made it seem easy running on the 2 front of house staff.
Will return next time for sure

  This was a return visit to Wanaka and dinner at Bistro Gentil the first thing booked. Though a Monday, the bistro was open, but not busy. All diners accommodated easily... read more in the outdoor terrace section, for a glorious sunset. It's easy to get too comfortable in the woollen-rugged chairs. Service was attentive but not rushed. We had 'space' between entrees and main to sit and relax and imbibe.

Starters were oysters (fresh!), chicken liver parfait (made into 'cigars' and served in glass ashtrays - incredible), and soft shell crab (yum).

For entree we both had the French onion soup. This was a no-brainer and didn't disappoint. I had thought about going large but the waitress assured me the small size would give me space to complete mains. She was right. Tick.

For mains we had the duck (special) and I had the Red Tussocks venison, with truffle fries. Just divine, and both cooked just enough.

For dessert I had the vanilla brûlée. OMG what a treat.

The wine list was smaller than I remembered and a bit odd. Mostly wines made by the winery upon which grounds the bistro sits and provides wine-tastings for, but some others including one from Italy and one from France. I chose the Clos Marguerite Pinot Noir 2019 and it was sublime.

Overall, our expectations had been high and they were met.

  My husband (woo!) and I recently wed in an intimate ceremony in Wanaka, New Zealand, and we chose Bistro Gentil for our celebration dinner with our family that evening. Sinead... read more from Bistro Gentil was my main point of contact from my first email, and she was so helpful and accommodating with all of our requests. On the night, I was thrilled when I found that she was also our host for the evening. We opted for the 5 course tasting menu with matched wines, and Sinead was very happy to accommodate deviations to the menu for those with dietary restrictions or non-drinkers. Every single dish was world class, and the wines were some of the best I've ever tasted. The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and welcoming and we loved having our own little private area with stunning views for the night. We are so happy that we chose Bistro Gentil to top off the best day of our lives!

  Bistro Gentil shares the restaurant space with Maude Wines. The restaurant is intimate and cosy, not too spacious but they utilise the outdoor area with overhead heating, making it an... read more extra outdoor but enclosed room.

Staff were friendly, especially Richard, very knowledgeable and explained each dishes with extra detail. We had the beautiful bottle of Maude Pinot Gris, lovely wine to complement our meal. My husband had the lovely pork belly and I had the tiger prawns with calamari on a small bed of beautiful broth/sauce and a small bun to soak up the sauce. For main, we had the lovely lamb with sausage. Accompanied by French fries and peas and bacon. We finished with ice cream to cleanse our palette.

If you love a nice meal, you definitely need to visit Bistro Gentil.

  So nice to have a restaurant that is not so big and noisy.
We never got a chance to admire he views due to the bad weather however the food... read more was excellent with great service.
One wee complaint the room temperature was a bit too cold to dine with out a jacket on

  TA and our lodge host recommended this restaurant and booked for us. It was full and we can see why. Whilst it is not cheap ($100 a head... read more (4 of us) - 3ish courses (2 shared desserts), 2 drinks and one bottle of wine, plus...More

  Spent a week in Wanaka early December and had the great pleasure of two delicious dinners at Bistro Gentil. Interesting menu - beautifully prepared.Absolutely wonderful - the best food... read more in South Island.

  Fabulous. Great location, friendly service, and delicious food. Te loved everything about the meal. They have a card on each table and you are able to sample... read more wines. We ended up choosing the Maude 2017 Pinot Noir which was selected the Best Wine in New...More

  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 seafood dish and steaks——all prepared beautifully. The wine was good (not great). The setting is beautiful, too. We definitely would return if we are in Wanaka again.

  We have a meal here each time we visit Wanaka, about 4 times each year. The food is always excellent- always a special night.