We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

“Authentic French Cuisine”
Review of Absinthe Bistro

Absinthe Bistro
Ranked #8 of 3,198 Restaurants in Vancouver
Price range: C$37 - C$55
Cuisines: French
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Dining options: After-hours, Dinner, Reservations
Neighbourhood: Grandview-Woodland
Description: Absinthe Bistro offers modern and classic french cooking on Commercial Drive - Open for Dine in, Patio and take away
Reviewed July 14, 2019

The chef is from California but trained several years in Lyon, France. Paul Bocuse school of culinary arts. Bocuse has been dead for a while. He was the man in the '80s and his school lives on. Lyon has always been THE place to train for chefs. They have two "menus." Tonight they had one at $39 – two items and one at $45 with three items. Three choices in each category. They publish the menu on their website daily. We had the 2 item "menu." The main and the dessert. My wife – lamb shank and chocolate lave cake and I – the scallops with the roasted vegetables. OMGsh! Everything was to die for. For me, turnips are usually, meh but his roasted turnips rocked! Every bite left me wanting more. Carrots, haricots verts and potatoes were also included. The scallops melted in your mouth and were full of flavor. My wife's lamb shank was falling off the bone and tasted great. The desserts also exquisite. The rice pudding was layered with caramel ice cream and crème Anglaise on top. The chocolate lava cake came with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum. Their French bread is flown in from Montreal – frozen – then cooked fresh... so good. The butter had apricots and something else totally yummy. The French understand what a soupçon is so nothing is overspiced. Their coffee was excellent my wife had decaf and I had regular – oh so good. The bill was $100 Canadian plus tip. The service was excellent. We will be going back soon. They're closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Date of visit: July 2019
3  Thank 861carlislep
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (449)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language
  • More languages

50 - 54 of 449 reviews

Reviewed July 5, 2019 via mobile

We celebrated my wife's birthday at Absinthe Bistro. This was our first time. We decided to try based on all the great reviews.

Juliana and Cory were gracious hosts and very friendly. We had the pleasure of going to their new location on their first opening day.

Overall the food was excellent. Octopus had a nice smoky flavour and soft texture. Pork terrine paired very well with the glaze in top. Scallops were cooked wonderfully in a tasty butter sauce. Similarly, with the duck breast was tender.
In terms of dessert, our favorite was their chocolate lava cake. It's not an overly sweet chocolate. Creme brulee could have set a bit firmer though.

We will definitely be back!

Date of visit: July 2019
2  Thank Kevin W
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed June 28, 2019

Fabulous dinner deal coupled with fabulous food served by charming staff. What’s not to like?

We had the 3 course $48 dinner and each course was excellent. (Especially the rice pudding with caramel. (Next time 3 of those will be my choice))

Room is comfortable - drinks are well crafted - service is non-rushed - wine list is modest but adequate.

Very impressed.

Date of visit: June 2019
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank pcryan5
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed June 23, 2019 via mobile

Our first visit this year and as usual everything was outstanding. My wife and I both had the octopus to start and it was/is as good an octopus dish as we’ve had. I had the lamb shanks and my better half the sable fish.....both were perfecting prepared and tasted great. The magic ingredient which makes the experience all round first class is Julianna! Highly recommend the restaurant.

Date of visit: June 2019
3  Thank robmuth
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed June 17, 2019

This was my first time eating at Absinthe. We were a group of six, and all would agree it was an exceptional night out.

The food is creative, authentically French, and delicious. We all liked the limited menu that was clearly chosen by the chef.

I personally had the octopus, sable-fish, and creme Brulee. Paired with a nice Chablis...divine. all of it.

Julianna, the owner, served us. she is charming and fun...her pacing was perfect.

the atmosphere works for small groups or something more romantic. it is casual, comfortable, not fussy.

The price point for the food, wine, and cocktails is very reasonable.

I have traveled to many places in the world. This was a top 20 meal for me.

Everyone in our group agreed we will return. I understand the menu turns over frequently. I look forward my next visit.

Date of visit: June 2019
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
2  Thank joe l
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travellers who viewed Absinthe Bistro also viewed

Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
 
Vancouver, British Columbia
 

Been to Absinthe Bistro? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos & Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.