Absinthe

Absinthe There’s playful magic in Absinthe. Unpretentious, French-bistro inspired food to enjoy as-you-are.
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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.

Would you rather skip the bread or skip dessert?Option A: give up the Absinthe house-made focaccia. Option B: give up th...
09/02/2026

Would you rather skip the bread or skip dessert?

Option A: give up the Absinthe house-made focaccia.
Option B: give up that crispy Absinthe crème brûlée.

Choose carefully... we're taking notes on who has good taste.

We've never taken duck off the menu once in over 20 years. Here's why.It's not the dish everyone orders first (that's us...
09/01/2026

We've never taken duck off the menu once in over 20 years. Here's why.

It's not the dish everyone orders first (that's usually the steak!) But ask anyone on staff what to try once you've had the classics, and duck comes up every time.

Book a table and let us talk you into it: https://www.absinthecafe.ca

"Absinthe is the only decent drink that suits an artist." - Paul GauguinIn 19th-century Paris, the hour between 5 and 7 ...
08/29/2026

"Absinthe is the only decent drink that suits an artist." - Paul Gauguin

In 19th-century Paris, the hour between 5 and 7 PM was called l'heure verte - the green hour. Cafés filled with painters, poets, and provocateurs, all gathered around a glass of Absinthe and whatever chaos that might bring.

We kept the tradition. Minus (most of) the chaos.

Which historical figure would you most want to share an absinthe with? 👇

The moment you cut into a perfect Beef Wellington for the first time is genuinely one of life's great reveals.Golden pas...
08/28/2026

The moment you cut into a perfect Beef Wellington for the first time is genuinely one of life's great reveals.

Golden pastry. Rich duxelles. That blush of pink in the centre that tells you everything went exactly right.

Chef Pat's Beef Wellington is on the menu right now. (Just saying.)

Are you a Beef Wellington convert? Or have you yet to try it? 👇



📸 - Kseniia Kalgina, Google Reviews

Unpopular opinion: midweek dinners are incredibly underrated.There's something about stepping out on a Tuesday or Wednes...
08/27/2026

Unpopular opinion: midweek dinners are incredibly underrated.

There's something about stepping out on a Tuesday or Wednesday that feels like a small act of self-care. The week is in full swing, you've earned a proper meal, and sitting down with someone you like over good food and a glass of wine is exactly the reset you didn't know you needed.

Are you a weekend-only diner, or have you discovered the midweek secret? 👇

08/26/2026

Absinthe was banned in most of the Western world for nearly a century. Here's what they got wrong.

The legend said the Green Fairy caused hallucinations. That it made artists go mad. That it was dangerous beyond measure.

The truth? Absinthe is a complex, botanical spirit that simply fell victim to the temperance movement and very bad PR.

The Green Fairy was never the villain. She was just misunderstood.

The ban was lifted. The ritual returned. And right now, in Hintonburg, you can try three distinct expressions, Dillon's (Ontario), Lucid (France), Hill's (Czech Republic)... each with its own character and history.

Curious? Book a table and we'll give you the full experience. 🌿

absinthecafe.ca

08/25/2026

Chef Pat has competed at the Canadian Culinary Championships. He's won Gold Medal Plates.

None of that is why he cooks.

"A restaurant of the people, for the people." That's his line. He means it. The menu at Absinthe changes based on what's best right now from eastern Ontario and western Quebec... what the farmers have, what's in season, what's inspiring.

Some places have a fixed menu and they stick to it forever. Chef Pat isn't that chef.

That's why no two visits to Absinthe are quite the same. And why regulars keep coming back.

Make your reservation to see what's being served this time - https://www.absinthecafe.ca

It's been that kind of week. You know the one.It's Friday. You're at the bar at Absinthe. The week is officially behind ...
08/22/2026

It's been that kind of week. You know the one.

It's Friday. You're at the bar at Absinthe. The week is officially behind you.

What are you ordering?

🥃 Sazerac
🍋 Grapefruit Gimlet
🍸 Fairy Sour
🥂 French 75

👇 Drop your pick below



📸 - HuguePremierDeNom on Google Reviews

"Consistently best fine dining in Ottawa. Was put into a food coma. Thank you Chef."- Dane C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google ReviewsDane,...
08/21/2026

"Consistently best fine dining in Ottawa. Was put into a food coma. Thank you Chef."
- Dane C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews

Dane, that's everything we aim for.

Chef Pat says merci. 🙏

"The secret of a good restaurant is that you must find what it is that the people of that neighbourhood love the most." ...
08/20/2026

"The secret of a good restaurant is that you must find what it is that the people of that neighbourhood love the most." - Fernand Point, the father of modern French cuisine

We've been in Hintonburg since 2003. And what we've learned? You love great food that doesn't take itself too seriously.

And we love that about you.

Address

1208 Wellington Street W
Ottawa, ON
K1Y2Z7

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11:30am - 2pm
3pm - 9pm
Wednesday 11:30am - 2pm
3pm - 9pm
Thursday 11:30am - 2pm
3pm - 10pm
Friday 11:30am - 2pm
3pm - 10pm
Saturday 3pm - 10pm

Telephone

+16137611138

Website

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