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Restaurant

Bistro Gentil

76A Golf Course Road, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand

Recommended by 56 people

Updated

Find Bistro Gentil

76A Golf Course Road, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand

Directions ↗
+64 3 443 2299
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Bistro Gentil

Hillside perch just above town, wide views across Lake Wānaka, and French technique married to Central Otago terroir. South Island travellers routinely tag it as the benchmark dinner of their route. The kitchen leans into a four-course Trust the Chef progression—French onion soup, aged beef fillet tartare cut with miso mayo, and fresh market fish poured alongside Maude or the house Maison Gentil label. Outside on the terrace, heaters and sheepskin throws keep out the alpine chill as dusk settles over the vines.

  • French Craft, Local Produce: Seasonal menus balance French culinary foundations with regional produce, from beef fillet tartare to fresh market catch.
  • Alpine Terrace Vistas: Perched above the town centre with sweeping views of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, outfitted with outdoor heaters and sheepskins.
  • Trust the Chef Dining: A four-course blind tasting menu thoughtfully paired with regional Central Otago wines and the bistro's own Maison Gentil label.
RestaurantModern FrenchRestaurant

What's On at Bistro Gentil

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Guests Choose Bistro Gentil

From sweeping alpine vistas and blind tasting journeys to effortless milestone celebrations—reserve your table and settle in.

  • Panoramic Lake and Mountain Vistas

    Perched on an elevated hillside setting just beyond the town centre, the restaurant frames Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps from heated outdoor seating and window-lined dining spaces.

    sat outside and were treated to stunning views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.

    Aylin Yildiz

  • An Unhurried, Relaxed Pace

    An unhurried service style lets guests linger over dinner or twilight drinks among the vines without feeling rushed.

    Bistro Gentil is the kind of place where time slows down.

    Coraline Escouboué

  • Curated 'Trust the Chef' Menus

    The four-course blind tasting format delivers a balanced sequence of seasonal dishes, allowing the kitchen to guide your entire dining experience.

    We went with the Trust the Chef 4-course menu, and it was the perfect choice.

    Celia Martínez

  • Knowledgeable Wine Pairings

    Floor staff pair thoughtful Central Otago vintages and the estate's own Maison Gentil label directly with every course and dietary preference.

    The staff were incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings

    Angus Hall

  • Dedicated Private Event Hosting

    A dedicated private dining room and attentive coordination make hosting wedding parties and family milestone receptions simple and seamless.

    This is a beautiful venue for a wedding party and the staff are great!

    Tom Watkins

  • Memorable Milestone Dining

    Whether marking an engagement, anniversary, or milestone birthday, the team delivers tailored hospitality that elevates landmark occasions.

    We wanted somewhere special in Wanaka to celebrate our son and new finance’s engagement. Bistro Gentil didn’t disappoint.

    Uncle Ron

Signature plates and tasting experiences frequently celebrated by diners.

  • Beef Tartare

    The beef tartare is to die for

    Andrew Erlandson

  • Trust the Chef Menu

    We went with the Trust the Chef four course menu at Bistro Gentil, and it was mind blowing!

    Anushangi Weerakoon

  • French Onion Soup

    the onion soup being a favourite of the table.

    Andrew Erlandson

  • Roasted Lamb

    It was unbelievably tender, full of depth, and cooked to perfection.

    Celia Martínez

Other favorites

Complementary pours, savory sides, rich desserts, and private gathering spaces that elevate the bistro experience.

  • Maude Rosé

    the glass of rosé from Maude was also the best rosé I’ve ever had.

    Serina Durand

  • Caramelised Brussels Sprouts and Mash

    We also had a side of Brussel sprouts that was expertly camarelised, and a mash that was luxuriously smooth and creamy.

    Ronald Liew

  • Vanilla Brûlée and Baked Pudding

    For dessert, the vanilla brûlée and baked pudding were amazing.

    王錫瑋

  • Private Dining Room

    We had 15 guests plus the couple in the private room. It was a great space for this many people.

    Tom Watkins

Beyond the menu

Deliberate comforts and attentive hospitality that elevate an unhurried French dining experience in Wānaka. Reserve your table to settle in.

  • Sheepskins and Blankets on the Terrace

    Outdoor tables are outfitted with heaters, blankets, and sheepskins draped over chairs, ensuring guests stay cozy while taking in panoramic views of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps.

  • Attentive Dietary Care & Celebration Flexibility

    The kitchen and service team cater gracefully to vegan and gluten-free requests with notice, extending thoughtful warmth to milestone celebrations—including coordinating outside custom birthday cakes.

  • Hands-On Private Dining Coordination

    For small wedding gatherings and family milestones, dedicated staff assist with advance coordination and table styling in the private dining room to ensure a seamless evening.

  • Gracious Hospitality for Weary Travelers

    Whether guests are delayed coming off alpine tracks like Rob Roy Glacier or settling in for sunset, staff hold reservations and maintain an unhurried, relaxed dining pace where you never feel rushed.

Before you head over

Practical advice on seating, ordering, and arrival for your visit.

  • Reserve Window or Terrace Seating

    Request a table next to the window or out on the terrace for panoramic views of Lake Wānaka and the Alps; outdoor seating is equipped with heaters, blankets, and sheepskins.

  • Order the Trust the Chef Menu

    Choose the four-course 'Trust the Chef' tasting menu paired with regional wines for a curated progression of seasonal dishes.

  • Park in the Rear Lot

    Dedicated customer parking is located directly at the rear of the bistro, with additional space available along the road.

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