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, Aoraki salmon, 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

  • Chicken liver parfait cigar, quince paste, ash /7
  • Sourdough and Bistro’s compound butter /9
  • Manuka smoked olives /8
  • Rock oyster, shallot mignonette /8
  • Wild mushroom croquette, parsnip puree /11
  • Lamb croquette, cauliflower puree, miso mayonnaise /11

POTAGES

(GIVE ME A TASTE, OR JUST HAVE ONE!)

  • French onion soup, gruyere crouton 13/21

ENTREES

INDIVIDUAL OR SHARING

  • Aged beef fillet tartare, radish, egg yolk, soy gel, miso mayo, crispy shallots, croutons /23
  • Heirloom tomatoes, homemade ricotta, compressed cos, dry olives, crispy buckwheat /25
  • Seared swordfish, smoked buttermilk, fig leaf oil, squid ink tapioca, fennel, grapes, puffed rice /25

  • Earth board, selection of 3 cheeses, house chutney, walnut, croutons, sourdough /35

PRINCIPALS

  • Market Fish, prawns, celeriac, asparagus, tarragon, chili & preserved lemon oil, curry leaves /46
  • 200g 55 day aged beef fillet, red onion relish, onion caramel, potato dauphines, Café de Paris butter or blue cheese butter /55
  • Lumina lamb rump, kumara, hazelnuts, brown butter, peach chutney, crispy kale /45
  • Roasted leek vinaigrette, honey mustard vinaigrette, goat cheese, brown butter croutons, fried capers /38
  • 200g Red Tussocks venison, creamy spinach, walnuts, plum chutney, harissa and garlic dressing /47

ACCOMPAGNEMENTS

  • Signature French fries with truffle salt /14
  • Carrots and parsnip braised in beef fat, cashew, parsley /14
  • Green garden salad, apple vinaigrette /12
  • Kumara fries, aioli, chives /14
  • Roasted Brussel sprouts, apple dressing, hot sauce mayonnaise /14

DESSERTS

  • Vanilla crème brûlée, peanut crumb, boysenberry sorbet /20
  • Poached rhubarb, spiced chocolate crumb, macarons, sour cream mousse, vanilla ice cream /20
  • Colonel 2.0, lime sorbet, vodka and prosecco /18
  • Selection of house made ice cream and sorbets /18
  • Canelé de Bordeaux, French pastry with rum, salted caramel ice cream, chantilly /18
  • Mini bistro desert /8
  • Affogato, vanilla ice cream, espresso, liqueur of choice /23

Feel like a sweet wine?

  • Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauv Blanc /18
  • Campbells Rutherglen Muscat /16
    Bon appétit !
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb Ellen T
    March 6, 2019
  • star rating  We are visiting NZ and I wanted somewhere really good to take my wife for her 60th birthday. This place definitely did the trick! The service was friendly and first... read more

    avatar thumb Geoffrey M
    February 14, 2020
  • star rating  Loved the food, the wine, the atmosphere and the service. The steak and the pork were amazing, the chefs dessert converted my partner to desserts, and the wine was lovely.... read more

    avatar thumb Bri1966
    December 12, 2019
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb H349ORpaul
    February 27, 2020
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb siobhanplace8
    May 29, 2020
  • star rating  Like Kika, really really good food. Great atmosphere, great local produce, sophisticated dining and delicious meals. Highly recommend if visiting Wanaka.

    avatar thumb LeeseAnneH
    August 13, 2019
  • star rating  Great location . Good wine. Service standard but food worst in our experience in New Zealand - esp. For among the high end restaurants. Everything was overpowered with mayo type... read more

    avatar thumb Mary L
    December 6, 2023
  • star rating  I’ve visited this restaurant once before and it was absolutely amazing so I had to return! Although the menu had changed slightly to my first visit, it didn’t let... read more

    avatar thumb taylarhiko
    May 21, 2019
  • star rating  Bistro Gentil is described in a major tourist brochure for Wanaka as '...our award winning restaurant ' and came up as #1 on Trip Advisor reviews. The online menu looked... read more

    avatar thumb Goodandsimple
    May 22, 2021
  • star rating  The food was spectacular. We both had the duck with the maple syrup yams and it was all exceptional- easily 10/10. It was one of the best mains we have... read more

    avatar thumb bris1234
    July 25, 2018

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
Tuesday to Saturday 6pm till close

To Make a Reservation
Click here

For Inquiries
Ph: 03 443 2299
Email: bistrogentilwanaka@gmail.com

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