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: 4.5

4.5 (84)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

1208 WELLINGTON ST WEST, OTTAWA, ON K1Y 2Z7

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 30, 2025

8:30 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood 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 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
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
Neighborhood
Downtown
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

The best beef wellington you'll ever have!
CA$89.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Indulge in our three course "prix fixe" FOR TWO. Begin your experience with our velvety cheese fondue consisting cave aged cheese, paired with our in house made toasted focaccia to dip with. Roll out the red carpet for our savoury, perfectly cooked and mouth watering beef wellington. And to finish, your choice of creme brûlée or mousse au chocolat. Limited quantities available.

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 84 people are saying

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ottawa
Neighborhood gem
Ottawa
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar delights with "excellent food" and attentive service in a relaxed atmosphere. Known for delectable dishes like steak frites, salmon, and fondue nights, this neighborhood gem offers "great value" and a "wonderful experience." Despite occasional service hiccups, its "fantastic" ambiance and "lovely" staff create memorable dining experiences.

84 Reviews

M
Mary
Ottawa2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the fondue and thoroughly enjoyed it. Delicious all. Just about the best place to go with friends for good catch up. Never disappoints.
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S
Shirley
Toronto14 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful experience at Absinthe at dinner this evening. The play list was fun, the food was excellent, the service was friendly and attentive.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
Ottawa2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
When we can squeeze in a girls night this our first choice of where to go. All of us love the food and the servers and our own great conversations. The seats are comfortable and the ambiance relaxing. Delicious Steak et Frittes and save room for the mousse. We now have to go back and try fondue night before they close it down for the summer. Just Top choice for us!
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D
Don VIP
Calgary59 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We had the steak frit and the salmon. Both meals were well prepared. Service was great, our water glasses were filled several times and pleasant server. The restaurant is looking a bit tired but we enjoyed our dinner.
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J
Julie
Ottawa1 review
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our waiter was great! He was very helpful to explain everything and make recommendations. We will definitely be back.
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J
Jennifer
Ottawa9 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 28, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The menu was good, not too long so decisions are easily made and a good variety. The duck pate was excellent and the salmon perfectly cooked. Our server was genial and very helpful. And the host was very helpful as well, when making the table selection. the noise was loud at first but then settled to a good hum so no problems then. And the atmosphere was pleasant, cheerful.
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J
Jennifer
Ottawa4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Went there for the fondue night and it was delicious and very well organized. Service was promt and polite. It's quite tight seating but it doesn't take too much away from your enjoyment. The Absinthe crafted drinks were also very well done. Would definitely go back!
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N
Natascha VIP
Ottawa7 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 25, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Very disappointed in this experience. The food was overpriced for what we received (specifically the Cheese fondue) and the service was abysmal. We felt completely unseen. 2.5 hours for a dinner that consisted of a shared cheese fondue, a salad and a shard chocolate fondue. Most of our plates sat in front of us for at least 20 minutes after we were done before anyone looked over. It then took another 10-15 minutes to clear. No one checked in on us. No one come to see if we wanted a glass of wine after we finished out cocktails. Based on the cost of this meal for 3 - I would have expected much, much better. I am sorry to say I would not recommend this. In particular because it is in my neighborhood and I so wanted it to be great
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N
Noël
Ottawa1 review
5.0
Dined on March 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Le personnel attentif et l'ambiance décontractée ont contribué à la soirée joyeuse et conviviale. Seul bémol, l'odeur d'huile imprègne tous les vêtements.
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CD
ConorD
Ottawa1 review
3.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Service was slow. Waited too long after appetizers for the entree. Otherwise food was excellent.
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FAQs

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar is rated 4.5 stars by 84 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 30, 2025

8:30 PM

Booked 6 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.
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
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 reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

The best beef wellington you'll ever have!

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 84 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 reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information