absinthe

absolutely blown away! everything was perfect. servicewas stellar, food was impeccable! best evening out in years! thank-you! can't wait to return.

i always go for the cornerstone burger at absinthe and it never disappoints. it's $16 during lunch time and $24 (!!!) for dinner. you get a double decker burger with two thick, juicy, and rich patties smothered with cheese and sitting on an artisinal bun. it comes with salad and fries. this is arguably the best burger in ottawa. extremely fulfilling and delicious. only possible knock is that it might be a little too greasy for some people.serviceis excellent at absinthe and i would not hesitate to recommend it.

double check your food. i was recently back to absinthe for lunch with a friend because the first time i went i loved it so i wanted to let her try it as well. she ordered the burger and i ordered the tacos. the food was good. however, neither of us could finish our food. i had only ate one of the two tacos and some fries. the plate had the salad and the second taco untouched and some fries left. my friend couldn't finish her burger. we both asked the waiter to pack it to go. my friend had checked her take out box to make sure she had the right one (in case it was mixed up). i didn't bother checking mine because i trusted the waiter as he provided very good service. however, when i got home, i realize the only thing the waiter packed for me was the taco. the salad and fries were not packed and probably thrown out. it was irritating because 1. i had paid for the food and couldn't finish it and expected all of it to be packed away but i only received one out of the 2.5 items unfinished. 2. the food must have been thrown out which is such a waste. it was ridiculous. i feel like if i ever go back and need to take the food to go, i would need to double check it. very disappointing!


-----27 jan, 2013-----

excellentserviceand food. i took my boyfriend there for his birthday and we both loved it! i had order the steak while he ordered the duck. they were both very good. theservicewas def. awesome as it was his birthday, the waiter gave him a complimentary dessert that said happy birthday. def. recommend it

great restaurant! food was above all expectations,servicewas excellent and atmosphere itself was very lively. i just want to emphasis again that food (taste, presentation, freshness) was exceeding any expectations that we had. thank you for beautiful evening at your restaurant!

friday night, my girlfriend and i went to absinthe for dinner. we were not able to celebrate valentines day on the thursday because of work but i wanted to do something special. she had mentioned absinthe before and i checked out their website and read reviews. they did not disappoint! unbelievable food. phenomenalserviceand absolutely amazing atmosphere. our server was fantastic. they were quite busy, but he never forgot about us and always took a second to check in to see how we were doing. the food was incredible. we both had the absinthe steak frites and arugula salad. both items were excellent. the chef at absinthe actually knows how to properly cook a steak medium rare, which is rare, no pun intended. the arugula salad was one of the best salads i've ever had! then there was the desert. absolutely amazing. we had the desert sampler and wow. if you're thinking of checking out absinthe, don't hesitate. by far one of, if not the best dinning experiences i've ever had.

thanks absinthe for making our valentines day great!

one of our favourite restaurants.  the menu isn't extensive but covers all the key areas (vegetarian, beef, fish, pork, pasta...) and seems to change regularly. the food is always amazing - the flavours, presentation, combinations.  we usually get the 3 course meal combo with wine pairing ($45 - $55 for 3 courses plus $40 for 3 wine selections.)  theserviceis excellent - friendly and efficient (no trying to get a waiter's attention.)  decor is pleasant, perhaps the only slight downside is it can be noisy when busy and the tables are fairly close together.  definitely need to book on popular nights. last night we both had steak frites, i had an amazing tuna salad (one of the best appetizers i've had in a long time!) and butternut squash soup first and my wife had a beet salad and an arugula salad.  with a cocktail before and a dessert after for both of us the bill was a little over $200 for 2.

prepare to not be disappointed. we took out a couple here for their birthday, and oh boy was it a great time. theservicewas exceptional, our waiter was extremely helpful and friendly. recommending some good menu items, we all ordered the full course meal. started off with a cold leek soup, and yum! we all loved it! we then had the beef tartare and it was very unique followed by the steak. i would definitely recommend this place, however it is on the pricier side but worth it!

ambiance is nice, if a bit loud (par for the course in restaurants these days);servicewas inattentive and did not take into account simple dining etiquette (when to take what order, and in order of service); food was acceptable, not noteworthy.

a totally wonderful experience! charming and classy decore, the friendliest and most accommodatingserviceand the food!! most definitely the tastiest in ottawa or maybe on this planet! we took the seafood appetizer which was delicate, yet overflowed with mouth-watering flavours..the mushroom soup was robust and so creamy..my steak with horseradish was beyond divine..my son and his wife took the pork cheek and the duck; both were raving how tender and delicious it was. in all honesty, we spent most of our eating time with our eyes closed, revelling in those sublime tastes...the creme brule that was offered at the end of this birthday dinner was simply perfect; delicate, creamy and crunchy and not too sweet. even foccacia served at the beginning of the meal, dipped in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar was outstanding. unquestionably, this dinner experience topped the many high end meals we have had in various countries. we will most definitely be returning there as often as we can! most highly recommended!! ; )

the trout in white wine sauce with a lime coriander spice was delightful. perfectly cooked and presented. loved the wine and theservicewas wonderful.  dim lighting was soothing. a real treat. it was a bustling saturday night so it was also revitalizing. the great reviews from colleagues, family and friends were right on the money. you should go.

ideal spot for a business dinner in ottawa.  theservicewas attentive, informative, and unique.  everyone enjoyed their meals, several of our group had the table d'hôte.  high ratings include the beet salad, the beef tartare 'with a bite',  the velvety roasted tomato soup, and the trout (although mine was slightly undercooked, theservicemade up for it).  very happy with our restaurant selection for our out of town guests.

our premiere visit to absinthe included wonderful, sumptuous cuisine and attentive, politeservicein a lovely, subdued atmosphere. needless to say, we'll recommend this restaurant to all of our friends and we shall return, soon.

was here once before, in the summer and during the week. food tasty, butserviceterrible. admittedly, a friday night, but myself and companions were seated at the bar despite there being empty tables. i was promised a table should one open up, however the hostess never came back to make good on that promise. the tables remained empty throughout my meal. this place is loud! it's impossible to carry on a conversation even when seated immediately next to someone.

prices overpriced on drinks ($12 for mediocre red; bartender underpours) with constant pestering by staff for up sells. (didn't get her name, but black and white striped blouse; despite being seated at the bar, she interrupted our attempts to have a conversation over the din, three times. when, in answer to her question, i described the meal as "fine", which it was, she became argumentative and i had to turn away from her to signal for her to go away. when i'm paying an average of $35 for a main, i expect to not be harassed while i'm trying to enjoy it.)

a good attempt, but given the horrible table and staff management (five tables open for an hour and a half and turning away patrons at the door), not sure how long they will stay in business. a shame really, because the concept is good, but as with many things, execution is proof.

i went for lunch yesterday with a friend and everything was superb;the food,theserviceand the welcoming atmosphere.the serving staff did not even hint that we should leave even though we talked for a long time.it also has parking! bonus!

went to absinthe yesterday afternoon for lunch with friends.  each of had something different to eat and all of us enjoyed our meal.  i had a lamb burger and side salad and it was delicious.  would definitely order it again.  we thought that prices were reasonable for the quality.  service and atmosphere were very good.  would definitely go back.