The food here was amazing! Yes, it's expensive but worth every dollar. The sevice was wonderful and well paced for the prix fix. It was a romantic atmosphere for a post Valentine's Day dinner. The Black Fairy cocktail and wine were delightful as well. We will definitely be back upon our next visit to Vancouver. read more

One of the best restaurants I've ever been in period. The scallops are to die for!!! The owners are very kind and the service is personable and outstanding. This shows that a restaurant can have spectacular food without being pretentious or way too expensive. Even though the portions may not seem big enough, you will be full! The quality is excellent you can taste it. Everything I tried was just scrumptious #foodporn to the max!!!! read more

Absinthe Bistro - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

First time to this restaurant and I have to admit to have fallen in love with it. The atmosphere is friendly and simply elegant. While the menu seemed startingly sparse, the food was ... in a word ... magnificent. Started off with some absinthe. Poured over sugar and into a glass the way it's supposed to be done, it was divine. My appetizer was the crab cake. Lightly breaded and crispy, it was a real treat. I had never had something melt in my mouth like that before. The chipotle mayo on the side was a nice touch, as I could control the spice. The main course was the seared scallops on a bed of sautéed spinach and mashed potatoes. There were three of them on the plate, however they were very large. Plated nicely on a bed of sautéed spinach, they were nice and firm, but not gritty or rubbery. The spinach wasn't cooked to tasteless mush. It still had the wonderful spinach texture and was full of flavor. The mashed potatoes had to have been whipped, as they were smooth and full of flavor. It's hard to get a good side of mashed potatoes that doesn't seem like your eating glue by the end of it. Well done! And finally, for dessert, the Classic French Vanilla Creme Brûlée. Admittedly, this was my first time having this dessert, and it's something I will be having again. The hard shell of the caramlized sugar on top hid an amazingly smooth creamy delight inside. What thrilled me was that you could see the vanilla bean throughout the dish. Simply wonderful. My after dinner cocktail was a lemonade mojito style ... though I can't remember the name of it. I had found mojitos quite sweet, but this was a nice alternative. Served with slices of lemon and lime, with mint leaves, this was a great end to a wonderful meal. Kudos to the chef and the servers. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. read more

Tried the takeout today and we had the lamb shanks and gravlax. Was ready when we got there,paying was a snap and very sanitary. The meal was exquisite! What a beautiful meal during these ugly times! read more

This place truly has a lovely feel and exceptional service. The absinthe cocktails were delicious and the food was divine. The only thing that would keep me coming back was the fact that the main dishes were smaller than the appetizers. We'd ordered the pork belly lasagna so I don't know if that dish is smaller than others, but I was very glad they offered us more bread when the mains came to the table. Delicious as everything was, my partner and I ended up stopping for fast food on the way home, something you shouldn't have to do after spending $130 on dinner :( read more

Great little French bistro with rotating menu. Our favourite items from the current menu were the potato onion cream soup, sous vide filet mignon, the mango ice cream cake and the chocolate lava cake. Excellent service made the evening very enjoyable and we will definitely return soon! read more

This charming little place is one of the hidden gems for lovers of French cuisine. The space is small and intimate, and the owners are also the operators and make you feel more like you're having dinner at their house than a restaurant. The menu is delightfully small - three appetizers, three mains, three desserts - and offers a choice between the two course and three course prix fixe (you can order a la carte). With the small menu, which changes regularly based on the season and what's available locally, everything is done well. The preparation is superb. The portions are just right. The experience delightful. Highly recommended. read more

So old school, it's new. After multiple visits when we're in town from Seattle, we feel very much at home here. Maria and Cory have created an intimate classic French bistro. The food is always delicious and a shot of absinthe prepared at our table is a lovely end to a warm and convivial evening. Realistically priced pre-fixed menu with three options makes it easy to relax and enjoy without breaking the bank. Given the diminutive space, reservations are a good idea. read more

Wow. WOW. Came here based on the great reviews (non-local, just in for the weekend) and this is enough to bring us back. The menu, which small, was all expertly prepared and delicious. The staff was informative and so personable! They, of course, serve absinthe as well and were even educational. A fantastic spot. It felt very non-touristy, but is deftly worth a visit even on a small trip! read more

Amazing. Had the shrimp gazpacchio, seared scallops then lava cake for dessert. Also had the green tree absinthe to drink. Others at my table ado raved about their respective meals. Honestly do not have a single complaint. A must go. read more

Great meal and atmosphere. Was a little surprised at the few selections on the menu but that hesitation was overwhelmed by the great tastes and smells that I enjoyed. Everyone in our group of 6 picked the set menu and enjoyed every scrap. Its a small place - probably 20 seats - so make a rez. I know I'll be back. read more

Came for the first time tonight on a recommendation from a colleague. Bustling place on a Thursday night with only three staff; The husband and wife duo of chef and front of the house are both charming and friendly and manage with only one other chef. The sable fish was silky and cooked perfectly with a delicious crusty top. The pork cheeks had an amazing gravy that my husband relished and would have licked his plate.....I would return to this wee French bistro! read more

We are from Portland, Oregon and have been wanting to try this place for a long time. We must say it was very good! The servers were very nice and we loved the atmosphere. Make sure to make your reservations in advance because they fill up pretty fast. read more

See all

these are trying days for all of us but for the restaurant people it is very difficult. I have not eaten here in the "normal times" but had heard nothing but praise. I decided in these awful days I needed a pick me up. The service [at the door] was great and the food is all the Doctor ordered in these awful times. I had the chicken liver and the scallops. Top rate and not expensive. As well I had opened a very good bottle of Pinot noir before I went but noticed their wine list is cheap and very good. I will be back read more

Excellent food as always! Their new location is twice as large and twice as busy a great sign of a great restaurant. Family owned and operated, each dish is flawless and served with care and attention. A good wine selection with approachable prices. Definitely the best food on the Drive. read more

AMAZING! I always forget about this place, but then when we go I can't believe we don't go more often! I've never had a bad meal here. Always different, and always spot on. Classic prix fixe 2 or 3 course meals. Reasonably priced, well thought out plates that are clearly made with a huge love for food. Reservations highly recommended as it's a small space and always busy. read more

Went to Absinthe Bistro the other weekend and the food was to die for!! Service was amazing. Atmosphere wonderful. Looking forward to going back again! read more

Such a great spot! So glad we made the cab ride from downtown to visit this place. The service was incredible and the food spectacular. Best creme brûlée we've had in a long time! It is a smaller restaurant so try to make reservations ahead of time if possible (we did via email and they responded very quickly) read more

Absinthe Bistro - View of the kitchen - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

Came here with 3 friends for a birthday dinner on Sat night. We'd made a reservation thank goodness, as it's a tiny place and very busy, and there was a small wedding party/dinner coming in at the same time. Despite this, the service was reasonably prompt and very friendly - the female half of the couple who own the restaurant was making cocktails and helping with service, and I thought a nice touch that the chef brought everyone their menus - he created them after all. Our cocktails were delicious and our 3-course dinners were amazing. I really can't fault the food at all, and we've got high standards! Several wine choices, both French and local. All in all a lovely, French bistro experience on Commercial Drive. I've already recommended it to others and will return! read more

From the moment we walked in the door, Julianna's warm, inviting manner made us feel like we were old friends coming to spend a lovely evening having dinner. And what a dinner it was! We had the prix fix dinner and for $39 you are not going to find a better meal in the city. We started with the mushroom bisque which was devine, then I had the beef tenderloin with mash potatoes and red wine sauce while my wife had scallops and cod for her main; finished off with creme brulee for each of us. All of the courses were prepared beautifully with layers of flavour and it was the kind of meal you wanted to share bites with your partner all night. Paired with that were some lovely french wines and before that we each had an absinthe coctail. The service was excellent. The decor was appealing, and Julianna was a constant, friendly presence. This restaurant is definitely a hidden gem, and we are definitely coming back and have recommended it to all our friends. read more

Another very good restaurant where I'm sure the kitchen staff has culinary certificates (and it shows) or their plating is spot on! But above all, the food tasted amazing and my starter was chicken liver mousse and I had never had it before so I didn't care for it but my friends said that it tasted very good, besides what do I know about something I've never eaten before? My entrée was sablefish and it was not overcooked and tasted very nice. The crème brûlée for dessert is the best I've ever had (beats mine) and the service was attentive and friendly. I'll definitely return here... read more

Where even do I start... we're from Chicago and wanted a great absinthe spot, boy did we find one. This place is owned and ran by a married couple that could not love their craft more, and it shows in their food. read more

This is my new favourite restaurant in Vancouver. I love the personal service and the fact that they develop a limited menu based on what is fresh. Everything about it says French -- the simple decor, the attention to the food, even the nationality of the chef. We found that the $35 three course menu was too much. Next time we'll order two $28 dinners and share an appie and dessert. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food; wine prices are reasonable too. Great addition to the Vancouver restaurant scene. read more

Absinthe is a wonderful new French restaurant which raises the bar on The Drive. The food is superb, the service excellent and the decor is delightful. The menu is limited and changes regularly. The foie gras was amazing - melt-in-your-melt delicious. My companion had the scallops which she loved while I had the duck leg which was very tasty. We finished off with Crème brûlée for dessert which was light and not too sweet. What a delightful place. Not too expensive with high quality food. I highly recommend it. read more

Impromptu, first time visit to Absinthe because Havana's kitchen had a fire and the intended restaurant of the evening was closed. Sooooo happy our plans changed. This was such surprisingly wonderful meal for both my boyfriend and me. Perfect way to spend our one year anniversary. The octopus was the most tender and delicious we have ever had. The pork cheeks and fish bouillabaisse were both superb dishes. The fish was so fresh and the pork was succulent and tender. Even the table bread was memorable with the apricot chive whipped butter. Crime brûlée at the the end of the meal did not disappoint as well. My God. I loved this place. read more

For my birthday, my partner made reservations here. It was a lovely experience. It's a quaint space that is ideal for a romantic dinner. The food is divine. For my main, I had a crispy duck leg that came with perfectly prepared root veggies. Dessert was a rich chocolate cake. The menu changes often so I am looking forward to exploring their newest culinary creations. read more

My husband and I live in the Commercial Drive area and Absinthe is just around the corner from us. We are regulars at this restaurant simply because it is SO amazing!!! Intimate in its setting, we love the decor and Juliana (part owner and host) is always so warm and welcoming. The rest of the wait Staff also follow her lead in terms of friendliness and attention to detail. You are treated like their friend from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. We love that their menu is simple (three choices for a three course meal and changes up every so often) and we find their prices very reasonable for the quality of food that you get. Although I have read others comment on the small portions, and I do agree, I guarantee that you will be full by the time you leave. The portions are actually just right. They provide on going water service and keep delivering warm, tasty french bread to your table throughout your meal. In regards to food, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Their appetizers, most especially any soup, is amazing. All of the entree's are delivered with the most tender, rich tasting, full of flavour meat (no matter what you choose, but the braised beef/pork/lamb are my favourites), and the desserts are to die for (the chocolate lava cake is my absolute favourite). This restaurant is by far one of the best in the entire city and my husband and I tend to eat out quite a lot. We do recommend that you make a reservation a few days ahead of time as it is a small place and they fill up rather quickly. Walk-ins either will not get a table, or will surely wait. However, I guarantee once you do make a reservation you will NOT be disappointed. A great place for an intimate date night or an upscale meal. Don't miss out on this little gem!! read more

Absolutely superior Scallops. !!! Such a pleasure! The mushroom soup starter was also a delight. What a treat!! read more

Fantastic restaurant with superior customer service and food quality! Hands down one of the best restaurants in Vancouver.

Lovely small restaurant on the Drive with great food. Our table had the salmon tartar and mushroom soup for starters which were wonderful. Both the scallops and osso buco mains were delish. To end, we had the chocolate lava cake and spiced pears. Everything was beautifully prepared and well presented. We would like to see some local wine and beer on the menu but get that they are trying to say with the theme. We were glad that they take reservations. The entire experience was enjoyable and good value. read more

I sent my boss to Absinthe Bistro last night, with his clients. He is a world traveller.... and he said BEST RESTAURANT, BEST MEAL. He was so pleased and so I am. THANK YOU Absinthe Bistro. :-) :-) :-) read more

Really delicious. Food was served promptly and tasted really fresh! My scallops were seared nicely but I was more impressed by the accompaniments. The beurre blanc sauce, potatoes and spinach all enhanced the dish nicely. Small daily menu works because everything is done well! Service was friendly. Because it is a tiny restaurant it is hard to get a table. Many parties were turned away and it made me feel lucky to get our 5:45 (early bird special?) reservations! read more

Visited last night with our group of 8 - attentive service and excellent food!! Will return and recommend to friends.

Elegant, Delicious Food. Intimate Dining Experience. Very Joyous Staff.

After 3 months of travelling through south west Usa and californian coast and having tried various restaurants along must say that our dinner at Absinth was by far the most satisfying food,service and atmosphere wise. Really a gem.Fully worth the price . Its limited menu allows for higher quality while maintening price reasonnable. We really likes the formula. En passant, the creme brule was by far the best that I have tasted outside of France. read more

I took my food group here tonight. We had the three course dinner for $35 which is a great deal. Manu changes every day at this restaurant and you get a choice three appies, three mains and three desserts or you can opt for two courses for $28. I had the chicken liver terrine for my starter which was good but as I was eating it I remembered I am not a huge fan of liver lol! My main was the scallops in lemon beurre with spinach and potato puree which were very big and yummy. And for dessert the most amazing chocolate lava cake I have ever had. Order the chocolate lava cake if you go. Comes with homemade vanilla ice cream atop almonds. The presentation was beautiful especially for the dessert as they printed Absinthe in cocoa on the chocolate lave cake plate. My table mates had no complaints on their food. The other appies that night were the carrot and cumin soup and the shrimp cakes which both got rave reviews. The other two mains offered that night were the duck confit and leg of lamb both done right. The other desserts were Creme Brule and I need to mention they serve the largest portion of Creme Brule I have ever seen and poached pears. Go here and go often. It's a nice refreshing change from the other restaurants on the Drive and adds a little bit of class to the neighborhood. The décor is really nice and typical Parisian French Bistro with chandeliers and black and white tiled floor. It's a young couple who run and own this gem on the Drive, (he cooks and she serves). Forgot to mention the service here was really great! Friendly and personable. I notice good service in Vancouver as it can be a rarity where "hipster pretention with couldn't care less that you are here" seems to be the norm with the service industry in this city. read more

First time here but my niece and her BF have been here many times and loved it! Its not very big which I liked plus the casual dining atmosphere was perfect for me. It's a husband and wife team running the place with a sous chef assisting the chef. We had to wait for a few minutes as the people occupying our table, lingered a bit longer. But once they left, the table was cleaned and we were seated with apologies from our hostess. We received menus and within a few minutes, out drink orders were taken. The menu is small but enough choices were there. The hostess was also our server and she returned to take our orders. Two of us went with the chicken liver mousse, two went with the octopus and the remaining two went with the carrot gazpacho. We didnt wait long for our appeziters to arrive. The chicken liver mousse was absolutely delish. It had a beautiful texture and a smokey after taste! Yum! I heard the other appies were good as well but the chicken liver mousse was the hit! Our entrees arrived in a timely manner too. 3 of us had the pork cheeks, 2 had the boullibaise, and 1 had the duck leg confit. The duck was dry and stringy and was a disappointment. Our pork cheeks were tasty and so was the potato puree. Apparently the boullibaise was also tasty and filling! So the only one that was not good was the duck. That was our meal and overall the service was good and the food was delicious. I will be going back there!!! read more

Wonderful experience at this small but eloquent bistro. We sat outside to enjoy the lovely evening and people watch. We ordered the full on meal which started with Dungeness crab, avacado, and a peanut brittle and for me the tuna with a lemon sauce and a lovely reduction. The bread was perfect too. Main course was grilled scallops with pureed potatoes and another fantastic sauce. And....finally dessert consisted of the creme brule and lava cake with vanilla ice cream. Hungry yet! It is a must have on all counts! read more

Food was first rate as was the service. The menu is limited (3 spots and 3 entrees) but the food was very good.

My wife and I had our anniversary dinner there and it was really wonderful. The service was excellent and the value for the price I thought was great. Plus, it was great to be able to walk home after a meal and wine. The corkage fee is high, but other than that I thought it was a near perfect experience. read more