πΈ Absinthe Bistro on Commercial Drive in Vancouver offers an intimate French dining experience with a rotating prix fixe menu. Known for favorites like pan-seared scallops, duck confit, and chocolate lava cake, this cozy spot combines romantic atmosphere with attentive service. Conveniently located near eclectic shops and nightlife, Absinthe Bistro is a must-visit for French cuisine lovers in East Vancouver.
Absinthe menu in Vancouver:
(Absinthe Bistro runs a rotating fixed-price menu, regularly refreshed to reflect seasonal ingredients. Typically there are three choices each for Starter, Main, and Dessert. Guests can choose their set of 2 or 3 courses. Vegetarian options are available upon request.)Β
Classic French Onion Soup
Rich caramelized onions in savoury broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese.
Scallops
Pan-seared scallops served with seasonal vegetables and a delicate sauce.
Duck Confit
Slow-cooked duck leg with crisp skin, paired with potato purΓ©e or other elegant sides.
Steak or Filet Mignon
Prime beef cooked to order, often served with seasonal accompaniments.
Lamb Rack
Tender rack of lamb, often with herb crust or jus and subtle vegetable pairing.
Salmon or Fish of the Day
Wild or sustainably sourced, prepared with flavourful sauces and fresh produce.
Chocolate Lava Cake
Warm chocolate cake with molten center, served with ice cream.
Crème Brûlée
Classic brΓ»lΓ©ed custard with a crisp sugar top.
Experience the unique anise-flavored spirit with our carefully curated selection of absinthes. Enjoy them in the traditional drip style or try one of our signature cocktails for a unique twist.
Traditional preparation with ice water drip
Psychedelic Jellyfish β From Tofino, B.C., a bold 73% strength with intense herbal character.
Green Frog β From Summerland, B.C., smooth and layered at 65%.
Baba Yaga β From Nanaimo, B.C., strong and complex at 60%.
St. George β From California, USA, crisp and elegant at 60%.
The Hemingway β Bright and effervescent with absinthe and prosecco.
The Black Fairy β A playful blend of absinthe, blackcurrant liqueur, prosecco, and lime.
A curated selection from France, Italy, Argentina, California, and B.C.
Bonaval Cava Brut β Crisp and refreshing from Spain.
CrΓ©mant de Bourgogne Brut RosΓ© β Delicate bubbles with a touch of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Veuve Clicquot β A Champagne classic.
Hester Creek Pinot Gris / GewΓΌrz β Okanagan freshness.
Sacchetto Pinot Gris β From Italyβs Veneto, light and crisp.
ChΓ’teau Cailleteau Sauvignon Blanc / Gris β Bordeaux finesse.
Joseph Mellot Sauvignon Blanc β Loire Valley minerality.
Louis Jadot Chardonnay β Classic Burgundy elegance.
Hubert Brochard Sauvignon Blanc β From Sancerre, bright and citrusy.
Ferraton Roussanne, Marsanne β From the RhΓ΄ne, fuller-bodied and rich.
LβOrangerie Grenache β From Languedoc, dry and refreshing.
Maison Sinnae Grenache / Syrah β RhΓ΄ne balance.
Territorio Malbec β From Argentina, bold and smooth.
Bertaine et Fils Pinot Noir β From Languedoc, fruit-forward and light.
ChΓ’teau Segonzac Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon β Bordeaux structure.
Domaine Cristia Grenache / Syrah β A RhΓ΄ne classic.
Domaine Pelle Pinot Noir β From Sancerre, elegant and silky.
Domaine Raspail-Ay Grenache / Syrah β From Gigondas, powerful and refined.
Kir β White wine with blackcurrant liqueur.
Kir Royale β Prosecco and blackcurrant liqueur.
Saint Germain β Prosecco and elderflower liqueur.
Passion Fruit Caipirinha β CachaΓ§a, passion fruit, sugar cane, lime.
Martini β Vodka or gin, chilled and classic.
French 75 β Gin, lemon, prosecco, elegant and fizzy.
Perfect before or after your meal.
Baileys β Creamy Irish liqueur
Bourbon β Makerβs Mark, Wheller
Brandy β Smooth and warming
Calvados β Pere Magloire apple brandy
Campari β Classic Italian bitter
Chambord β Raspberry liqueur
Chartreuse β Herbal French spirit
Cognac β Hennessy
Pear Brandy β Fruity and aromatic
Grand Marnier β Orange liqueur
Pastis β Richard, Pernod (anise-flavored)
Porto β Cockburnβs rich fortified wine
Rye Whisky β Alberta Springs (10 year), JP Wiserβs (15 year)
Scotch Whisky β Cardhu (12 year), Laphroaig (10 year)
Tequila β Don Julio Reposado, Grand Mayan, Don Julio 1942
Whisky β Jameson, Jack Danielβs, Forty Creek
Vodka β Grey Goose
1664 Kronenbourg Lager β French classic.
1664 Kronenbourg Blanc β Smooth wheat beer from France.
Westmalle Trappist Strong Ale β Belgian tradition at 9.5%.
Delirium Tremens β Iconic golden Belgian ale, 8.7%.
Rochefort 8 β Strong Belgian dark ale.
Averbode Strong Pale Ale β Balanced and hoppy.
Wheelbite IPA β East Van local craft IPA.
Coke, Diet Coke, 7-Up, Ginger Ale, Nestea, Cranberry or Orange Juice, Sparkling Water.
Virgin Passion Fruit Caipirinha β Passion fruit, sugar cane, lime.
Warsteiner β German non-alcoholic beer.
Espresso / Americano
Cappuccino
Latte
Teas β Green, Chai, Lemon & Ginger, Camomile, Mint, Earl Grey.
Pan-Seared Scallops β Perfectly seared and tender, highlighted for their delicate balance of flavor.
Lamb Shank β Slow-braised, rich and hearty, considered one of the most popular mains.
Duck Confit β Crispy skin with juicy meat, a French classic thatβs often praised.
Chocolate Lava Cake β A warm, decadent dessert that regulars call unforgettable.
Mushroom Soup β Creamy, comforting, and served with good bread, a cozy starter.
Chicken Liver Terrine β Flavorful and smooth, a signature appetizer choice.
Beef Carpaccio or Tuna Tartare β Fresh and light, great for those who enjoy elegant starters.
Small and intimate French bistro atmosphere with a cozy, romantic feel.
Prix fixe format with 2- or 3-course meals that rotate regularly.
Plates are presented with attention to detail and seasonal ingredients.
Service is friendly, knowledgeable, and adds to the welcoming experience.
Limited street parking nearby, with additional side-street options.
Both free and paid street parking can be found in the area.
Accessible entrance and seating available.
Located on Commercial Drive with convenient bus routes, making transit an easy option.
Address: 952 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7.
Situated on βThe Drive,β known for its eclectic shops, cafΓ©s, and nightlife.
Open since 2012, now a well-loved destination for French dining in East Vancouver.
Prix fixe menu with rotating appetizers, mains, and desserts.
Reservations recommended, especially for weekends, though walk-ins are sometimes available.
Occasionally offers a la carte choices depending on the evening.
Guests often call the food βmemorableβ with highlights like scallops, lamb shank, and lava cake.
Atmosphere is described as cozy, intimate, and ideal for a special night out.
Parking is mentioned as a challenge by some visitors.
The prix fixe menu is appreciated for value and variety.
Desserts are frequently praised, making them a must-try.