
Bistro Gentil
A trendy French bistro offering modern cuisine with seasonal produce, fine wines, and stunning lake views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Bistro Gentil

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A trendy French bistro offering modern cuisine with seasonal produce, fine wines, and stunning lake views.
"The best meal we’ve had on this trip — hands down. This French gem delivered on every level."
Book in Advance
This popular spot gets busy, especially for special occasions. Reserve your table to avoid disappointment.
Ask About Pricing
Clarify set menu costs when booking, especially for larger groups, to prevent unexpected bill surprises.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trust the Chef Tasting Menu
Embark on a culinary journey with a surprise 4 or 7-course tasting menu, showcasing seasonal ingredients and expert preparation.

Lamb Shoulder Perfection
Experience unbelievably tender and flavorful lamb, a standout dish that even non-lamb eaters rave about.

Stunning Lake and Mountain Views
Dine with a view! Secure a window seat on the enclosed patio for breathtaking vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
This popular spot gets busy, especially for special occasions. Reserve your table to avoid disappointment.
Ask About Pricing
Clarify set menu costs when booking, especially for larger groups, to prevent unexpected bill surprises.
Outdoor Seating Views
Request a table on the enclosed patio for the best views of the lake and mountains.
Trust the Chef
For an adventurous and expertly curated meal, opt for the 'Trust the Chef' tasting menu.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
This popular spot gets busy, especially for special occasions. Reserve your table to avoid disappointment.
Ask About Pricing
Clarify set menu costs when booking, especially for larger groups, to prevent unexpected bill surprises.
Outdoor Seating Views
Request a table on the enclosed patio for the best views of the lake and mountains.
Trust the Chef
For an adventurous and expertly curated meal, opt for the 'Trust the Chef' tasting menu.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bistro Gentil is lauded for its exceptional modern French cuisine, with many guests calling it the best meal of their trip. Patrons praise the tender lamb, flavorful tartares, and the 'Trust the Chef' tasting menu. While the cozy ambiance and attentive service are frequently highlighted, one review cautioned diners to clarify pricing for set menus when booking to avoid potential surprises.
"Our second visit to Bistro Gentil. Both visits have been exceptional and we will be back.
All 3 courses were superb and lovely wines to choose from.
Special mention for the swordfish entree which was absolutely delicious.
Forgot to take photos of the mains!"
David Calvert
"We tried all the popular restaurants in Wanaka and this one is definitely the best! We had an amazing birthday meal and the service was excellent. The servers were attentive and very friendly. It is located on top of a small hill so if you can have a table next to the window you'll have the best view of the lake and mountains in town. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious so you can comfortably enjoy the great food. Hightlights were the swordfish and beef tartare as starters, the venison and the beef as mains and the seasonal rhubarb for dessert! Thank you to the chefs and the wait staff for an unforgettable evening! ☺️"
Julie B.
"We had dinner at Bistro Gentil tonight and honestly, it was the best meal we’ve had on this trip — hands down.
This French gem in Wānaka delivered on every level.
We went with the Trust the Chef 4-course menu, and it was the perfect choice. Every dish that came out was beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and full of flavour. It felt like the kitchen was telling a story, and we were lucky enough to sit and listen.
A special mention goes to the lamb — and I say this as someone who almost never eats lamb. It was unbelievably tender, full of depth, and cooked to perfection. I’m still thinking about it.
The setting is elegant but relaxed, and the service was warm, knowledgeable, and just the right level of attentive.
If you’re in Wānaka and looking for a dinner that feels like an experience, not just a meal — this is the place."
Celia Martínez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a surprise tasting menu where the chef curates a multi-course meal based on seasonal ingredients, offering an adventurous culinary experience.
Yes, the restaurant is accommodating of dietary requirements, including vegan options, and staff are noted for their helpfulness.
For the best views of the lake and mountains, try to secure a seat in the enclosed patio area at the front of the restaurant.
Absolutely! Many guests celebrate special occasions here, praising the exceptional food, wine, and service for memorable evenings.
While tasting menus are available, it's advisable to confirm pricing and options when booking for larger groups to ensure clarity.
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48 HOURS IN WANAKA - Cuisine Magazine
Head chef Mario Rodrigues delivers a modern French affair, using fresh seasonal produce from the kitchen garden in a thoughtful and diverse menu. Family-owned wine company Maude has recently joined the bistro and presents afternoon tastings. As the late afternoon sun slipped behind the snow-capped Roys Peak and the Southern Alps, I enjoyed a selection of the luscious Maude Reserve Range and a perfect dish of mezcal-cured Ōra King salmon, served with an avocado mousse, shaved fennel, pear and balsamic gel and candied chilli.
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Bistro Gentil for the French onion soup with gruyère crouton – “The views of the lake and mountains from the restaurant are stunning and so is the French food from owner and head chef Mario Rodrigues. He’s been doing his thing for many years now and has his own style. The food changes with the seasons but you can never beat the French onion soup or the lamb, which he might do as a backstrap with Jerusalem artichoke truffle and blueberry relish.
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This elegant yet humble outpost unexpectedly boasts some of the most delicious eats in Wanaka. Bistro Gentil takes traditional French food and flavours to a new level, serving modern fare carefully crafted by Head Chef Mario Rodrigues. Dig into sensational bites like French onion soup with gruyere croutons, the half-deboned roast duck with red cabbage relish, chorizo, and Brussels sprouts or a fromage board with imported cheese from France.
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Modern French cuisine takes centre stage at this exquisite bistro bringing indulgent gastronomy to Wānaka. Located in town, the restaurant itself is a tranquil space, surrounded by lavender and boasting views out to the lake. From the kitchen, dishes like French onion soup and beef tartare are expertly prepared, while a five-course ‘Trust The Chef’ tasting menu with wine pairings is available for anyone struggling to make up their mind.
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If you find that your day on the snow has left you more hungry than thirsty, Bistro Gentil can tend to your grumbling stomach. Bringing the delights of French gastronomy to the beautiful shores of Lake Wanaka, the chef uses seasonal ingredients from around the region (and from Bistro Gentil’s own kitchen garden) to conjure up mouthwatering dishes that will have you wishing you could dine there every night.
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Some of the top French restaurants in the region include: Bistro Gentil in Wānaka, which serves modern French cuisine with seasonal produce and fine wines in a beautiful garden setting overlooking the mountains. Ma Boulangerie in Queenstown is a popular bakery offering French-inspired bread and pastries. Oro Restaurant in Queenstown is an upscale French restaurant with a European-inspired menu.
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On the ground floor of The George is 50 Bistro, the stylish and comfortable answer to casual dining. Sit by the living wall in the conservatory or cosy up at one of their fire tables, this is a great place to eat in any season. The bistro offers a range of dining options, including high tea, a special plant-focused dinner menu and a children’s menu complete with mocktails.
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Bistro Gentil, on Golf Course Rd, brings together the best of modern French cuisine within a quaint and charming setting. This incredibly romantic spot is surrounded by lavender and overlooks serene lake views and magical sunsets. Choose from delicious offerings such as confit duck leg, Royalburn lamb rump, or Parisienne gnocchi, followed by a crème brulee or affogato.
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If you’re looking for French fine-dining in a snowy ski town setting, you’ll find it at Maude Wines' Bistro Gentil. With wines by the glass and a tasting menu that reflects the seasons and French traditions, you’ll be ready to settle into a long evening of wine and dining. The modern space with mountain views makes for the perfect backdrop to a special evening out.
Bistro Gentil, Wānaka, New Zealand
A fine-dining Wānaka restaurant boasting a love affair with French cuisine, Bistro Gentil serves excellent meals in a beautiful, sultry interior. Sample one of the sixteen wines by the glass from the enomatic wine machine, 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.
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Situated a few minutes’ drive from Wanaka, Bistro Gentil boasts the most spectacular view – and you may be dining surrounded by lavender depending on the season. It is truly a gorgeous location with views of both Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps, making it one of the most romantic restaurants in Wanaka. The focus here is on traditional French cuisine.
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A lovely friend, who is now a Wānaka local gave me a heads up on where to eat out for our stay. First, a must, the elegant yet rustic Bistro Gentilsurrounded by lavender with a menu influenced by French cuisine. The team use local seasonal ingredients (including greens from the kitchen garden grown onsite), to create a special dining experience.
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Add a touch of France to your visit to Wanaka by dining at Bistro Gentil. Located just out of town high on a hill with stunning views you can indulge your palate in some outstanding French gastronomy while gazing over beautiful Lake Wanaka. The menu here combines the best of New Zealand produce cooked French style with a modern twist.
Our Best Places To Eat in Wanaka
This dinner-only fine-dining French restaurant is one of the absolute best in Wanaka. Located near the Wanaka golf course with stunning alpine views, Bistro Gentil is famous for both the high-quality French cuisine and their beautiful presentations of every dish. Not surprisingly, the French Onion Soup is a huge hit on the menu.
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Head to Bistro Gentil just outside of Wanaka, which soaks in romantic views of the surrounding gardens and mountains. The bistro serves up New Zealand produce prepared in a French style. Alternatively, for something more casual but offers million-dollar views along with flavoursome Asian cuisine, check out Kota Restaurant & Bar.
A Week in Wanaka |
If you want to finish your trip in style there is no greater way to do that than with a meal at Bistro Gentil. This fine French restaurant serves dishes that look too beautiful to eat but don’t let that stop you because the flavours are out of this world. Refined, beautiful food that shows off New Zealand’s incredible produce.
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Treat yourself at some of the country’s top restaurants, such as Ode Conscious Dining or James Stapley’s Kika and Bistro Gentil. When those post-ski pizza cravings hit, Francesca’s Italian Kitchen has got you covered, and Wineglass Café at Edgewater resort hotel has a dedicated scone menu that you won’t want to miss out on.
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Bistro Gentil dishes up modern French cuisine in Wanaka, showcasing the region's finest ingredients alongside harvests from their own kitchen garden. Each meal can be perfectly complimented with their range of fine wines. If you're after a romantic lakeside dinner, Bistro Gentil is a beautiful choice.
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The Bistro Gentil team focuses on crafting local produce into modern French cuisine, often straight out of their kitchen garden. Paired with in-house Maude wines, this Wānaka institution offers a tranquil setting paired with incredible flavours. Visit bistrogentil.co.nz
Eat and dine, food and wine | Weddings, Ski & Family Accommodation Wanaka - 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 and of course, some decent Gallic wines too.
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The story of Bistro Gentil takes its roots in the 90s in France, with the acquisition of an olive grove in Provence at the foothills of the Alps. Under the label Bois Gentil , we offer…
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Popular spots include the Big Fig, known for its delicious slow-cooked meals, and Bistro Gentil, which offers a sophisticated dining experience with stunning lake views.
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With a terrace taking in the picture perfect views, local produce is combined with french flair to deliver a memora...

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit