Absinthe is one of our favorite spots in Ottawa. The staff is knowledgeable and discreet, and the pacing of our dinner was impeccable. We enjoyed a special Valentine's Day dinner with a cheese-and-beef fondue and a dessert selection to share. The atmosphere was terrific as they configured the table for couples. Our beef fondue was absolutely perfect, with tender cubes of Australian beef sizzling in the oil. Four sauces complemented the meal. We also noted that the couples who had the beef Wellington seemed very satisfied with their choice. We've been here with a group in previous visits, and the presentation of the meals was always well-synchronized. It's a comfortable neighborhood spot!
Alexandre
One of the best table and meal I had in long time in Ottawa. Highly recommend, every dishes were tasty, well prepared and high quality. I'll make it one of my to go place in the future for sure. The owner is the chef, it makes a huge difference.
Emily
Food was great. There seemed to be only one server for the whole place. When we arrived we were sat quickly but then waited 20 minutes for someone to greet us. Our server explained the time we arrived is busy for theatre goers to close out their cheque. Once we finally got served everything was fine. Food delicious, drinks flowing. Would return despite slow service to start.
Stan
Nice place. If you go to a show after dinner, as we did, remember to announce that to the waiters on arrival. We had a bit of a problem with that as they were very busy at the time we had to leave I'm happy to recommend it.
Dennis
While the menu lacks in depth, what they offer is very well done. Atmosphere is great and cocktail menu looked fun (though I only had a glass of wine). Will definitely return.
Kelsey Doerksen
Amazing food, great service, focaccia is fantastic!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Absinthe Steak Frites
MARK
It was our first time dining here. The ambiance and service was great, however I felt the meal was lacking. We had the 3-course fondue. The description mentioned fresh crudités but was not offered. The main course felt very generic. No veggie or carb sides, just a handful of meat and 4 sauces that tasted meh. The desert fondue was nice. I think for $70 a person we should have been more wowed, but unfortunately not.
Cathy
This is one of our favourite restaurants, never disappoints! The cheese fondue paired with beef bourguignon for two was excellent, the steak frites are always top notch and the pasta was very good too, flavourful! We love the food and atmosphere! Richard was our server and very professional, attentive and friendly!
Jennifer
A great experience in every way. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour, made with fresh, quality ingredients. The portions were spot on and the staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The overall value was excellent making this restaurant an easy recommendation.
Don Angelico
Had an anniversary celebration on 13th with 8 people. Despite being very full we had exxellent service thanks to Bonnie and Richard. Great evening.
The chairs are a bit low for the table and they could use a coat room or rack. Other than that the food was amazing, the service was top shelf and the ambiance is perfect for date night. We had the dinner for two which included the the fondue and the beef wellington. We were very impressed and the food is incredible. We are looking forward to coming back and trying the al a carte menu as well This a jewel in the restaurant world here in ottawa. Strongly recommend
Jessica Sanders
Perfect place for a date night
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Lisa
The little touches made this a great experience - our table was by the door and a blanket was provided in case we were chilly (not needed BTW). Richard (?) our server was great, fully informed, attentive and super helpful. I will be back to sample the fondue as no-one in my party wanted it and it was a 2-person minimum! The soups, pate, salmon and the steak frites got rave reviews from our party.
Michelle
The cheese fondue is very large but it's delicious so two of us ate the whole thing. We asked for crudite with it so we didn't eat quite so much bread. We had steak and frites for mains and they were also excellent. There's a busy vibe on a Friday night. We left feeling very full and very happy.
Natasha
The food was really good, the service was good. The atmosphere was OK. The room felt dated.
Absinthe is one of our favorite spots in Ottawa. The staff is knowledgeable and discreet, and the pacing of our dinner was impeccable. We enjoyed a special Valentine's Day dinner with a cheese-and-beef fondue and a dessert selection to share. The atmosphere was terrific as they configured the table for couples. Our beef fondue was absolutely perfect, with tender cubes of Australian beef sizzling in the oil. Four sauces complemented the meal. We also noted that the couples who had the beef Wellington seemed very satisfied with their choice. We've been here with a group in previous visits, and the presentation of the meals was always well-synchronized. It's a comfortable neighborhood spot!
One of the best table and meal I had in long time in Ottawa. Highly recommend, every dishes were tasty, well prepared and high quality. I'll make it one of my to go place in the future for sure. The owner is the chef, it makes a huge difference.
Food was great. There seemed to be only one server for the whole place. When we arrived we were sat quickly but then waited 20 minutes for someone to greet us. Our server explained the time we arrived is busy for theatre goers to close out their cheque. Once we finally got served everything was fine. Food delicious, drinks flowing. Would return despite slow service to start.
Nice place. If you go to a show after dinner, as we did, remember to announce that to the waiters on arrival. We had a bit of a problem with that as they were very busy at the time we had to leave I'm happy to recommend it.
While the menu lacks in depth, what they offer is very well done. Atmosphere is great and cocktail menu looked fun (though I only had a glass of wine). Will definitely return.
Amazing food, great service, focaccia is fantastic!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Absinthe Steak Frites
It was our first time dining here. The ambiance and service was great, however I felt the meal was lacking. We had the 3-course fondue. The description mentioned fresh crudités but was not offered. The main course felt very generic. No veggie or carb sides, just a handful of meat and 4 sauces that tasted meh. The desert fondue was nice. I think for $70 a person we should have been more wowed, but unfortunately not.
This is one of our favourite restaurants, never disappoints! The cheese fondue paired with beef bourguignon for two was excellent, the steak frites are always top notch and the pasta was very good too, flavourful! We love the food and atmosphere! Richard was our server and very professional, attentive and friendly!
A great experience in every way. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour, made with fresh, quality ingredients. The portions were spot on and the staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The overall value was excellent making this restaurant an easy recommendation.
Had an anniversary celebration on 13th with 8 people. Despite being very full we had exxellent service thanks to Bonnie and Richard. Great evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The chairs are a bit low for the table and they could use a coat room or rack. Other than that the food was amazing, the service was top shelf and the ambiance is perfect for date night. We had the dinner for two which included the the fondue and the beef wellington. We were very impressed and the food is incredible. We are looking forward to coming back and trying the al a carte menu as well This a jewel in the restaurant world here in ottawa. Strongly recommend
Perfect place for a date night
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The little touches made this a great experience - our table was by the door and a blanket was provided in case we were chilly (not needed BTW). Richard (?) our server was great, fully informed, attentive and super helpful. I will be back to sample the fondue as no-one in my party wanted it and it was a 2-person minimum! The soups, pate, salmon and the steak frites got rave reviews from our party.
The cheese fondue is very large but it's delicious so two of us ate the whole thing. We asked for crudite with it so we didn't eat quite so much bread. We had steak and frites for mains and they were also excellent. There's a busy vibe on a Friday night. We left feeling very full and very happy.
The food was really good, the service was good. The atmosphere was OK. The room felt dated.
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