Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

Name: Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar
Address: 1208 WELLINGTON ST WEST, OTTAWA, ON, Canada, K1Y 2Z7
Telephone: (613) 761-1138
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

56 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

Make a booking

2 people

21 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines

Established in 2003, Absinthe is renowned for its commitment to fine food. The restaurant is a modern bistro, using locally sourced ingredients, prepared in an inventive and sophisticated manner. Enjoy the richness of Absinthe cuisine which features meats, cheeses and produce from eastern Ontario and western Quebec, prepared with classical French culinary techniques.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
French, Contemporary French
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30–14:00 Happy Hour Tue–Sat 16:00–17:30 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:30–21:00
Phone number
(613) 761-1138
Website
http://www.absinthecafe.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
1208 WELLINGTON ST WEST, OTTAWA, ON K1Y 2Z7
Area
Ottawa
Cross Street
Hinton and Wellington St West. Between Holland and Parkdale.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Tunney's Pasture is just around the corner.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Absinthe Tasting Experience
CA$112.00 per person
Prepaid
6 Feb 2025 only
Indulge in a night of magic, mischief and flavour with the Green Fairy at our exclusive Absinthe tasting event. Step into the spirit of 19th-century Paris as you sample three distinctive Absinthes, each with its own unique character and story. Enjoy two craft Absinthe cocktails prepared by our expert mixologists, paired with artfully curated French-inspired snacks from award-winning Chef Patrick Garland. Join us for an evening of sensory delight, where you'll unlock the secrets of Absinthe and indulge in the finer—and more mysterious—things in life. Package includes: - 3 Absinthe tastings - 2 Absinthe cocktails - Cheese pairings - 3 chef-selected small bites - Tasting notes - Gratuity included (No substitutions.) Time: 7:30-9:00 PM
A Magical (& Mischievous) Valentine's Dinner
CA$79.00 - CA$99.00 per person
Prepaid
14 Feb 2025 only
Join us for an evening of fine food, intimate moments, and French-inspired romance at one of Ottawa's most beloved bistros. Share a special evening with your Valentine, where exceptional cuisine meets effortless comfort. Choose from our three-course dinner options: Appetizer Traditional cheese fondue with cave-aged Gruyere & Emmental Main (price includes all 3 courses) Fondue - Fondue Bourguignonne with beef tenderloin & signature sauces | $79 Salmon Wellington - A Chef Patrick specialty featuring locally-sourced ingredients and classical French techniques | $89 Beef Wellington - Our signature preparation of this timeless dish | $99 Dessert Dark chocolate fondue with house-made treats & fresh fruits
I'm so fondue of you!
CA$69.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Join us for our famous fondue night every Tuesday! (2 person minimum) Start your experience with our cave aged cheese fondue, served with toasted bread and cruditées (extra charge). The second portion of your meal is our signature fondue Bourguignonne. Beef tenderloin, served with a variety of in house made sauces. Green Goddess/Rosemary Blue Cheese/Bérnaise/Lime Habanero. Finish the night off with our 70% dark chocolate fondue, served with fresh baked good and fresh fuit. (all courses of the fondue can be ordered à la carte)

SoupCA$12.00
Mushroom Velouté / Herb Oil / Crème Fraiche
SaladCA$12.00
Artisan Greens / Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette / Parmesan / Toasted Pepitas
Scallops PétonclesCA$17.00
Seared Scallops / Safron Fennel Sauce / Tomato Jam
PatéCA$17.00
Pork / Duck / Pistachio / Piccalilli / Cranberry & Walnut Bread
Smoked Salmon Belly DipCA$13.00
Smoked Salmon Belly / Smoked Ricotta / Lemon / Dill / Crostini
From the Sea, Seafood TrioCA$20.00
Fish Cake / Tarter Sauce - Salt Cod Fritters / Lime Habanero Mayo - Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp / Romesco
CheeseCA$17.00
Cranberry Walnut Toast / Fruit / Chutney - St- Ambroise / Cows Milk / Semi- Firm / Washed Rind - Mouton Noir / Sheeps Milk / Semi-Firm - Tommes du Haute Richelieu / Goats Milk / Semi Firm / Washed Rind

Mains

PastaCA$27.00
Ricotta Gnocchi / Persillade / Pine Nuts / Lemon / Parmesan
The Burger and FritesCA$25.00
House Frites and Aioli / Tomato / Pickles / Cheese / Bacon / Secret Sauce
Beef StroganoffCA$39.00
Sautéed Beef Tenderloin / Mushroom / Sour Cream / Dill / Eau-De-Vie / Fettuccine
Mariposa FarmCA$38.00
Duck Breast / Grainy Mustard sauce / Fiddleheads / Mashed Potatoes
FishCA$37.00
Roasted Salmon / Sweet Pea Coulis / Jardinière Vegetables
Steak FritesCA$39.00
Marinated and Grilled AAA Steak / Green Beans / Frites / Horseradish Aïoli

Desserts

Chocolate Mousse / Caramel / ChantillyCA$12.00
Crème Brûlée / Malagasy Vanilla / Buttery SabléCA$12.00
Ice Cream and SorbetsCA$12.00

See Website for Special Menus

https://www.absinthecafe.ca/

What 56 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ottawa
Neighbourhood gem
Ottawa
Neighbourhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar offers "outstanding food and service" with a diverse menu featuring standout dishes like beef Wellington and steak frites. Guests appreciate the "friendly and attentive" staff and the cozy atmosphere. While some find the service slow on occasion, the overall dining experience is often praised as "excellent" and memorable.

56 Reviews

L
Love
Ottawa
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
First time visiting. Food was fantastic. We loved what we had. Cocktails were also delicious!
Is this helpful?
C
Charlotte
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a wonderful part of neighbourhood. Great food, warm atmosphere, excellent value. It’s lasted 20 years for a reason. They never disappoint.
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B
Bruno
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 3 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding food and service! Been here several times before and never been disappointed. Definitely a great place to bring a new friend or enjoy a nice celebration.
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B
Bailey
Ottawa
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Service doesn't match the quality of food and even the food was supe spotty in terms of quality. IMO skip the fondue if you've had good fondue before this isn't special. But the mains were good! The bathroom has a soap dispenser on the wall that doesn't work with a label on it that reads "decorative".... There is nothing decorative about their scary bathroom and for the price is very odd.
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K
Kathy
Ottawa
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 31 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were there for New Years Eve and it was fantastic! Had cheese fondue, salmon Wellington and chocolate fondue- delicious! Our server, Trace and the entire team added to the festive spirit of the evening- thank you!
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S
Susan
Ottawa
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 31 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Enjoyed New Years Eve dinner for the most part! My only issues are that service was a bit slow, and that the chocolate fondue dessert was not hot. Otherwise, lovely experience and I will return!
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S
Shawna
Ottawa
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on 31 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went for the prix fixe New Year fondue and it was fantastic! We started with the Absinthe flight and it was an experience and really tasty. Cheese, meat and dessert fondues were authentic and the perfect size. The service was educational and timed well.
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E
Elizabeth
Ottawa
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 29 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Every December my dear pal and I have a holiday tradition 💞 of sharing a holiday meal @ Absinthe. It's a highlight of the season and this year was no exception. Our server Olivia was welcoming, and very helpful with wine pairing for our prix fixe meal.... absolutely the tradition will continue for many more years!
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J
Joe
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 18 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great food and service. Often quiet but not during GCTC nights.
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E
Emma
Ottawa
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Ambiance wasn’t as good as expected but the food was very good !
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FAQs

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 56 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

21 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

1208 WELLINGTON ST WEST, OTTAWA, ON K1Y 2Z7

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Hinton and Wellington St West. Between Holland and Parkdale.
Area
Ottawa
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30–14:00 Happy Hour Tue–Sat 16:00–17:30 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:30–21:00
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
French, Contemporary French
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Tunney's Pasture is just around the corner.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.absinthecafe.ca/
Phone number
(613) 761-1138

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Absinthe Tasting Experience

A Magical (& Mischievous) Valentine's Dinner

I'm so fondue of you!

Menu

Appetizers

SoupCA$12.00

SaladCA$12.00

Scallops PétonclesCA$17.00

PatéCA$17.00

Smoked Salmon Belly DipCA$13.00

From the Sea, Seafood TrioCA$20.00

CheeseCA$17.00

Mains

PastaCA$27.00

The Burger and FritesCA$25.00

Beef StroganoffCA$39.00

Mariposa FarmCA$38.00

FishCA$37.00

Steak FritesCA$39.00

Desserts

Chocolate Mousse / Caramel / ChantillyCA$12.00

Crème Brûlée / Malagasy Vanilla / Buttery SabléCA$12.00

Ice Cream and SorbetsCA$12.00

See Website for Special Menus

What 56 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar restaurant rated?

Is Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information