Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

4.6 (177)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

1208 WELLINGTON ST WEST, OTTAWA, ON K1Y 2Z7

Make a booking

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

4.6

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

Downtown

Make a booking

2 people

8 Nov 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 5 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighbourhood gem

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
Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–21:00
Contact
info@absinthecafe.ca
Website
https://www.absinthecafe.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

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

All Experiences

The Best Beef Wellington You'll Ever Have!
CAD 90.00 per person
1 - 9 people
Multiple dates available
Three-Course Prix Fixe Experience ($90 per person. Curated for two people) Begin your evening with a traditional Swiss-style cheese fondue, featuring cave-aged Gruyère and Emmental cheeses melted to perfection and served toasted focaccia. For the main course, enjoy our signature Beef Wellington: tender beef wrapped in savoury layers and baked in golden pastry, delivering a rich and comforting centrepiece worthy of any special occasion. Finish on a sweet note with our Dessert Sampler, a trio of house favourites featuring silky chocolate mousse, crisp-topped crème brûlée, and a bright citrus tarte. Designed for sharing, it offers the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness to conclude the meal. *Optional wine pairings available to complete each course upon request.

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

SoupCAD 12.00
Mushroom Velouté / Herb Oil / Crème Fraiche
SaladCAD 12.00
Artisan Greens / Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette / Parmesan / Toasted Pepitas
Scallops PétonclesCAD 17.00
Seared Scallops / Safron Fennel Sauce / Tomato Jam
PatéCAD 17.00
Pork / Duck / Pistachio / Piccalilli / Cranberry & Walnut Bread
Smoked Salmon Belly DipCAD 13.00
Smoked Salmon Belly / Smoked Ricotta / Lemon / Dill / Crostini
From the Sea, Seafood TrioCAD 20.00
Fish Cake / Tarter Sauce - Salt Cod Fritters / Lime Habanero Mayo - Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp / Romesco
CheeseCAD 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

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

Desserts

Chocolate Mousse / Caramel / ChantillyCAD 12.00
Crème Brûlée / Malagasy Vanilla / Buttery SabléCAD 12.00
Ice Cream and SorbetsCAD 12.00

See Website for Special Menus

https://www.absinthecafe.ca/

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar.

4.6

(177)

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing beef Wellington" and "incredible service." The restaurant's ambience is perfect for special occasions, known for its "fun, festive, intimate experience." Highlights include the "must-try cheese fondue" and "beautifully presented dishes." While some reviews noted slow service, the overall atmosphere and food quality shine.

177 Reviews

P
Pierre
Ottawa2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great night. Food and service were top notch. Will be back soon!
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
Ottawa3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 29 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the beef Wellington meal and it was amazing!
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
Ottawa1 review
3.0
Dined on 10 October 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
My wife and I had our anniversary dinner at Absinthe on Sat., Oct. 10, 2026. We arrived early and were the first customers, but the waiter was slow to attend to us and take our order. I like to order a half-litre of house wine, which is more economical, but the restaurant does not offer this option. Instead, we had to each order a five-ounce glass. The fondue and beef Wellington were delicious--no complaints on that score. However, the waiter was slow to bring us our dessert and neglected to ask if we wanted coffee or another drink with dessert. The dessert was a sample of three different ones, so my wife and I each had one and took the third home. We are both seniors and would appreciate smaller portions. With tax and tip, the total came to $276.49, which I find excessive for an elderly couple on pension.
Is this helpful?
G
Gretchen Gold
Los Angeles5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience. Fun, festive, intimate experience - and Bonnie was absolutely terrific. Doing the flight of Absinthe was really special and beautifully presented. Still thinking about that salmon!. Great attention to detail. Can’t wait to go back next time I’m in Ottawa
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Ottawa2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Attentive service. Delicious food. Perfect ambience for the occasion.
Is this helpful?
V
Valérie
Ottawa1 review
1.0
Dined on 3 October 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Absinthe used to be one of our go-to spots in Ottawa, but tonight’s experience completely changed our perspective. The service was realy slow and inattentive/dismissive. There was a 45- to 60-minute wait between courses and drinks, and settling the bills took just as long. We had to constantly follow up with our server and, when a second glass of wine never arrived, she explained they were out of it, but she had never bothered to inform us before we asked about it. While the food was as tasty as before, half of our meals (namely, all steak & frites) arrived cold; though to their credit, those were removed from the bills. The end of the meal was a mess: the bills were wrong, and even after three attempts to fix them, they still weren't right. Eventually, our server stopped coming to our table altogether, forcing us to seek her at the bar to finalize payments. It’s a real shame, as we always loved Absinthe for its food and warm hospitality, but we won't be returning or recommending it anytime soon.
Is this helpful?
D
Donna
Ottawa5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The hanger steak with french fries was amazing. It is the dish that they are most well known for! The cheese fondue is a must. Great service thank you Bonnie!
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
Ottawa1 review
4.0
Dined on 24 September 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I found the pasta bland and overkill with peas The. Pork was good. The steak was flavourful but very tough. Service was fantastic. Absinthe was also fantastic. As a former multiplier restaurant owner I did not want to bring it up during the visit to distract from my wife’s birthday and the server was not at fault. I did just want pass it along not a complaint but simply to share my experience
Is this helpful?
D
Dani
Ottawa1 review
5.0
Dined on 12 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What an amazing experience! The service was exceptional, knowledgeable staff who were kind and attentive. The food was incredible and the atmosphere was great! Would highly recommend this location, can't wait to go back.
Is this helpful?
G
Glenn
Ottawa2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I took a friend from Toronto and the artist Kata Meic whom you've met, and they had the vegetable tart and the Cornish hen. The ambience and service and their meals were perfect. I'll be back soon. Glenn McInnes
Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
French, Contemporary French
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–21:00
Contact
info@absinthecafe.ca
Website
https://www.absinthecafe.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

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

FAQs

Yes, Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar accepts private parties, and reviewers report hosting small events (around a dozen guests) there.

Portions are generally generous, guests describe hearty, large servings, with several specifically noting generous steak portions and overall large plate sizes.

Tuesday is a standout night, reviewers repeatedly recommend Absinthe's popular fondue night on Tuesdays.

Yes, Absinthe is frequently chosen for special evenings: reviewers celebrate anniversaries and Valentine's dinners there, and note intimate lighting and a lovely, date-night-ready ambience.

For a special evening, choose Tuesday dinner, fondue night is widely praised and very popular; Absinthe is open for dinner Tue–Sat from 5:00–9:00 pm.

Yes, families dine here: Absinthe provides high chairs and guests have celebrated birthdays with warm, attentive service; note there’s no kids menu and reviews mention no changing table.

Yes, the patio welcomes dogs; guests report dining there with their dog and staff being accommodating.

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar is busiest for its fondue nights, guests describe fondue night as very popular (the fondue service draws big crowds, noted as popular on Tuesday nights). Conversely, at least one reviewer reported a notably quiet Friday evening, so some Fridays can feel much calmer.

Dogs are welcome on the patio, reviewers report dining with their dog on the patio.

Casual dress is the guide at Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar, think comfortable, neat clothing, though many guests still dress up a touch for anniversaries and special evenings.

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar feels cozy and inviting, reviewers praise its warm, low lighting, comfortable seating and attentive service, and note small touches like gradually dimmed lights and music adjustments that create a welcoming bistro atmosphere.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a booking

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

4.6

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

Downtown

Make a booking

2 people

8 Nov 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 5 times today

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

Make a booking

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Beef Wellington You'll Ever Have!

Appetizers

SoupCAD 12.00

SaladCAD 12.00

Scallops PétonclesCAD 17.00

PatéCAD 17.00

Smoked Salmon Belly DipCAD 13.00

From the Sea, Seafood TrioCAD 20.00

CheeseCAD 17.00

Mains

PastaCAD 27.00

The Burger and FritesCAD 25.00

Beef StroganoffCAD 39.00

Mariposa FarmCAD 38.00

FishCAD 37.00

Steak FritesCAD 39.00

Desserts

Chocolate Mousse / Caramel / ChantillyCAD 12.00

Crème Brûlée / Malagasy Vanilla / Buttery SabléCAD 12.00

Ice Cream and SorbetsCAD 12.00

See Website for Special Menus

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

FAQs

Does this restaurant have private dining?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

What is the best day to go to Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar?

Is this a good pick for date night?

When is the best time to go to Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

Is this restaurant dog-friendly?

When is this restaurant busiest and quietest?

Are pets (including service dogs and emotional support animals) allowed in this restaurant?

What is the dress code for Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

Make a booking

Absinthe Cafe Resto Bar

Make a booking