Bistro Gentil - Wanaka New Zealand

Eating out big at lunch then backing up for a big french meal is not what I like to do. We are leaving Wanaka and we really wanted to try this local french restaurant. Careful menu selections meant three smaller meals but did leave us feeling we had over-dined for the day. Regardless the food here at Bistro Gentil was excellent. Its unfortunate we may never be here, in Wanaka NZ, ever again. The place, people and food has been excellent. 

The establishment may need a freshen-up but the food is undoubtably french. I would liked to have tried more from the menu but was really satisfied with my selections. Would I go back again, hell yeah! Would I choose the same from the menu, no. I’d like to try other dishes but I know it would all be supper tasty and make me hungry for more. Definitely put thus tasty spot on your list. 

Cardrona Distillery - Wanaka New Zealand.

 We expected a lot from this distillery way out in the middle of almost nowhere but only 30 minutes from Wanaka. The tour was not what we went for but the food was. A window seat in the quiet restaurant area was all we needed plus a menu. We had wanted local oysters since the day we landed but lucked-out where ever we went. Not today and oysters are not on the menu. You arrive for lunch and if lucky the oysters have arrived also. 

The plates are for sharing and a dozens “bluff oysters” and the gin - “Source” - made onsite offered the accompaniment. Vinaigrette was drizzled over each oyster before and a sip of gin after. Then onto the venison medallions with beetroot in about four different ways. And of course desert. 

Cardrona Distillery is a modern clean establishment on beautiful expansive grounds. A tour can be had but it costs, just go for the food and ambience. Staff are friendly and there is plenty of parking but be prepared for a short uphill walk. Pricing is about right but not cheap depending on food and drinks ordered. Definitely worth a visit even if you don’t eat there but you’ll miss some fine food, rare gin and cocktails. 

Trout Cafe, Restaurant and Bar

Always when OS we are chasing good good eating and hoped to be wowed whenever we dine. OK if we pull into the local cafe and by a pie we may not expect to be knocked off our feet. Though we were in Te Anau with a pie and sausage roll from Miles Best Pies. Both were jammed with succulent meat and gravy and served just at the right temperature. Hard to believe a sausage roll full of chunks of real meat. 

With a restaurant called “Trout” you would expect it to be all about fish. But not so, equal balance of other protein, salads etc. For me the baggers and mash had me at first glance and my wife the prawn salad. Three big home made gourmet sausages in a rich dark sauce with bacon, onions etc. and sitting on a firm mash. Very, very lovely and very filling. 

What a great surprise though we were out for lunch we didn’t expect to be so “treated” to such very good food. Nice modern surroundings with dine in or dine out choice and easy parking. Reasonably priced food with a good selection of local beers and drinks. Staff helpful and friendly also. Trout is one cafe you must try if in the area - Wanaka NZ - and if you are nearby do make the effort to visit. Can’t imagine you could ever be disappointed regardless of your meal choice. We were both thrilled. 

Finz Seaford and Grill - Queenstown New Zealand

Finz had all the trade marks of a seafood eating experience you don’t want to miss. Well here is the rub- miss it! We booked and you must because it is very crowded and noisy. There is NO PARKING nearby and expect to park out of Queenstown centre and walk in or cab in. Its warm because, inside, you are packed in. Staff are friendly and food is promptly served. This is where it all falls apart. The food is not that good where is should have been fabulous it was less so and of course, not cheap. You want to be stunned by food presentation and quality but you are numbed. Look else where and if there is one thing Queenstown has is lots of very good looking fine dining eateries. 

Issues of parking will always be a problem here and for us, who was only staying a very short distance out of town, we cabbed in for a boat tour because we knew parking anywhere nearby would be impossible. Queenstown and surrounding suburbs are beautiful and vibrant, very friendly and not over priced. Seek out good eating spots and bars and enjoy beautiful New Zealand. We did. 

Joe’s Garage - Queenstown New Zealand.

First night in New Zealand and looking for a quick bite in the local shopping area you are often tempted to just eat and run. I wished we had of ran. We had a choice of a good looking local pub and across the road Joe’s Garage. We chose Joe’s. It is an Americanised eatery with the usual burgers and chips type meals. But when the bacon in the burger is cardboard hard, there is a thick slice of cucumber sticking out the side and the chips are cremated there is not a lot to be enjoyed. The wife’s chowder though, she said, was enjoyable. No need to harp on, go to the pub across the road or try another food outlet, Joe’s is not where you want to be. 

Bailiez Cafe & Bar - Lake Te Anau

 When travailing overseas you are always hoping to find some excellent dining spots. Fortunately for use right close to where we were staying in Te Anau New Zealand was an excellent hotel bar. The name is Cafe & Bar  but its no cafe. Once more fortunately for us the food was beyond excellence. Friendly service and parking right at the establishment made it a delight to get to and a greater delight to dine at. 

Being many deer farms on the approach to the town meant that venison had to be on the menu. But it tastes a lot better served-up. First time for a very ling time, I had Bambi, smothered in a rich sauce with choice vegetables, on a plate. So flavoursome, so tender. The herb bread before was also an absolute dream which had us come back the next night for herb bread and cocktails.

The feeling is up market country pub the decor a little dated but with some of the best food in the area in front of you begging to be devoured, you’ll not be noticing the furniture. So if you happened to be in the area just go. Don’t think about it, go!