Bistro Gentil






MondayClosed.
Tuesday6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Wednesday6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Thursday6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Friday6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Saturday6:00 – 9:00 pm.
SundayClosed.
A fine-dining Wānaka restaurant boasting a love affair with French cuisine, Bistro Gentil serves excellent meals in a beautiful, sultry interior. Sample local, award-winning wines by the glass alongside your pick of appetisers, entrées and principal dishes, or allow the chefs to take the reins with the five-course tasting menu, where for extra you can have the whole meal matched with wines too.
Led by Head Chef Mario Rodrigues, the clever kitchen team puts a spin on typical flavour combinations using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the kitchen garden and the bountiful surrounding region that is Central Otago. The menus combine the best of New Zealand produce, cooked French style — à la française, with a modern twist — think French onion soup, chicken liver parfait and West Wānaka merino lamb rump. It would be silly not to indulge in dessert, with crème brûlée, poached fruit crumble, and, of course, fromage, also available.
Set in a beautiful spot just a short jaunt out of town, Bistro Gentil offers a tranquil respite from the busy town centre below, where dining outdoors with Lake Wānaka in the distance is often the best seat in the house. Whether you come for the food, the wine, the art, the view, or for the wine tasting earlier in the day and never left (Bistro Gentil doubles as Maude Tasting Room), the team at this modern-rustic restaurant hopes it will become a special place for all its guests.
Words by Rosie Morrison & Photography by Anna Briggs
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
76A Golf Course Rd, Wānaka
Nearby Places
The Workroom

Aesthetic is what The Workroom does best, so it’s not surprising walking in here is a pleasure in itself.
Federal Diner

Hidden down an alleyway, Federal is a Wānaka best-kept secret and a favourite with the locals thanks to its great food, speciality coffee and relaxed atmosphere.
FuDog

While their techniques are worthy of fine dining, this restaurant likes to keep dinnertime fuss-free and fun.
Burrito Craft

Easygoing vibes make this permanent food truck a non-pretentious spot to park up and enjoy some food, al fresco style.
Similar Places
Scroggin

With a Scandinavian-inspired fit-out to match the mountains and adventures to be had in Wānaka, you'll quickly understand why this coffee and eatery’s tagline is ‘Gather, feast, stay for a while.’
Velo Café & Beer Garden

* Velo Café & Beer Garden is closed for the winter and will reopen Labour Day Weekend. * We won’t lie.
FuDog

While their techniques are worthy of fine dining, this restaurant likes to keep dinnertime fuss-free and fun.
Paloma

Creators of authentic Mexican fare, Paloma has a simple (but by no means easy) mission: to make the best possible tacos in Wānaka using New Zealand ingredients.

