Menu

  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".

  Lovely French restaurant on a hilltop. Probably our best meal in NZ.

Energetic noise level vs. the quiet candlelight affair I would have expected. Our group had fun... read more dining here enjoying thoughtfully prepared food and good wine.

I didn’t pay the tab so I can’t comment on value but this is probably considered a fine dining experience in Wanaka.

There’s enclosed patio at the front of this restaurant. I’d try to get a seat in there next time, better views.

Service was very attentive. All 12 of us enjoyed everything we ordered so it’s hard to say what I’d recommend after only a single visit but there’s a goof chance you’ll find something good on the menu when you go. And you should go

  Nooo? What else do you desire besides lake views, fab art and delish froggie cuisine. Its was memorable for us sitting alfresco and being water-only, sils vous plaise, we didn’t... read more have to contend with the silly gimmicky digital self-pour system. Its certainly the apex in dining in Wanaka

  We were grateful to get in on a Saturday night after another group cancelled - but after overnight rain their carpark was flooded so we had to park in a... read more muddy road side area - maybe an omen of what was to come.
However that cancellation did not do us any favours.
Three of us had "Trust the chef" suggestions- well I dont think I would trust him with my grandma - entrees were a pastry case ( read pappadum) filled with tasteless array of shredded meats and a few blobs of cornichon puree ( gherkin puree) to pretty up the plate . Somewhat disappointed we were then looking forward to our suprise main meal - what we got was fatty, slimy glutinous pork slices with green beans and roast potatoes- the pork was inedible for one of us - and the plate was returned uneaten. The saving grace was the crunchy roast potatoes....Our other dining partner had ordered off the a la carte menu - a good move - French onion soup which proved to be delicious followed by a rib eye steak and dauphin potatoes. Wish we had not Trusted the Chef - very very disappointed overall and over priced pretentious French cuisine.

  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.

  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!

  Outstanding food and out on terrace was exceptional. They even had hats until the sun dropped enough. Great local wines to enjoy as well as many others.A lovely garden and... read more outlook.

  The food was good, the service attentive, the tables are well spaced, the restaurant had a nice buzz but not too noisy for conversation. All the makings of a very... read more pleasant evening

  We had excellent food our entire wonderful Backroads trip but Bistro Gentil was my favorite.
Beautiful setting, comfortable seating, elegant casual decor. Servers were excellent, even serving our group of... read more twenty.
Great vegetarian options - I am pescatarian. Loved all three courses, had a goat curd and leak appetizer, moki fish entree - fish cooked perfectly, and creme brulee with sorbet for dessert. My husband had a cauliflower based entree that he loved.
Wine was good - like everywhere in NZ.

  The restaurant is in a great location overlooking the town, with easy parking. The tables are well spaced for easy conversation and the service was quite excellent, polite and well... read more informed. My wife has a garlic allergy but nothing was a bother and lots of options were made available with no fuss. We all agreed that the menu had great variety and local interest, and the food was beautifully cooked and presented. Maude wines are hard to beat and reasonably priced. Just a memorable evening and highly recommended.