Absynthe

2.8 Not Recommended

Food  3      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  1     

Invited to Absynthe to help celebrate a friend's wife's birthday. Not sure how much he paid for the gustation experience, but we were surprised at how tiny the portions were. Their outdated menu (2011) on this site, says $140pp. I hope my friend didn't pay that much. My wife ordered a cocktail from their list, to have the waitress return and inform her they didn't have all the ingredients. She ordered a simple Brandy Alexander next, to again have the waitress come back and inform her the barman didn't know how to make one.

I needed to go to the gents toilet. Another waitress informed me that I had to go into another building and gave me some sketchy directions to get there. When I eventually found it, I discovered I needed a code to tap into the keypad locking the door. I had to go back to the restaurant to explain to another waitress my predicament who informed me that I actually needed a 4 digit code to get into the toilet.

The drinks were ridiculously over-priced. $17 for a stubbie of beer, or a glass of wine. A bottle of Amiri Sauv Blanc, $16 a glass, $56 a bottle - same bottle, $7.00 @ Dan Murphy's - seems indicative of the overall impression we have of our 1 time experience of Absynthe, highly over-priced and over-rated and very poor value for a hard-earned dollar, in short, a rip-off.

May 05, 2012 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

A restaurant that truly delivers on fine dining. If you aren’t based on the Gold Coast, I can assure you, the drive / trip to dine at Absynthe is definitely worth your while. Had an absolutely delightful evening at dinner. The food was outstanding… so rich and full of flavor. Dessert is always my favourite course and the chef’s at Absynthe knew exactly how to deliver. I chose the Crème Brulee with a light sorbet…this was divine!

Entrée (risotto) was exquisite. Cocktail menu is another must to sample! My favrouite was the cucumber martini – sounds different but I can assure you it will leave you wanting another! Exceptional service, lovely ambience - all I can say is, well done Absynthe!

Apr 14, 2012 

1.5 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  2      Service  2      Value  1     

This should have been a lovely night for my partners birthday at the Absynthe Restaurant at Q1 Surfers Paradise. Instead it turned into a nightmare.

The food was disappointing to say the least. We were asked do you want sparkling water or still water and we asked for tap water and was hit by a $32 water bill at the end of the night. This was for 4 bottles of 500ml water we supposedly drank. The bottles were never left on the table and our glasses were just refilled at anytime without letting us know that it was bottled water that cost $8 a bottle.

I refused to pay $32 for the water and said I would replace the water bottles. When I purchased the water to give back to the restaurant we bought another bottle for ourselves and we were very surprised because it was not what we had the night before because it was sparkling water and we had still water on the night. I was able to buy 5 bottles of the water for $14.

Mar 24, 2012 

1.5 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  3      Value  1     

This place wouldn't get a michelin star from me if I took my tyres there! The degustation was at best, fair, but the usual fair sized main course had a piece of chicken the size of a walnut. Tried the wine flight (not in the deal), $15 for a SSB, $5 a bottle on line, served at room temp followed by a "Se Australian" wine of dubious origin and taste billed as a coonawarra shiraz! Tasted like the label too!

Didn't wait to try the sticky. Senior staff was surly from the start, when I complained even more so. Only good thing was he refunded my 2nd voucher. I have never been moved to write a restaurant review in oz before but people need to be warned about this place.
.

Mar 05, 2012 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  8      Value  9     

Masterful Dishes, Best Boutique restaurant in Queensland.

My partner and I booked in the new year for our Anniversary. We noticed the media in the local paper highlighting the new A La Carte menu which is focused around different selections of Australia's finest Beef!

I started with the Candied Vine Ripened tomato in Vanilla Olive Oil and Wasabi Ice Cream, then moved onto the Poached Black Angus Beef Tenderloin with seasonal baby vegetables and Coriander Pesto.

If this wasn't enough I finished my divine culinary experience with the signature Vanilla Creme Brulee which I did not share with my partner.

It was an amazing dining experience which started with cocktails in the wine lounge. I don't know why there are so many bad comments about this restaurant?
Its the Best restaurant the Gold Coast has to offer.

And my partner and I have booked his 42nd Birthday Party there with 40 of our closest friends. The Chef and Owner sat down with us and customized our entire dinner menu to suit my husbands love for beer we have customized a 6 course degustation menu with a different beer which accompanies each dish!

This restaurant is rare and unique and is the only restaurant that would take the time to sit down with us and discuss a customized space and menu!

Jan 12, 2012 

3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  1     

Missed the mark by a long shot. My partner and I along with fellow voucher holders were herded in like cattle, we were almost sitting on top of each other. I was under the impression as I've sat down to a couple of degustation menus before and certainly judging by the claimed value of $285. Plates were not that adventurous, wine was basic and we had 7 glasses which came to an incredible $107.

Nov 11, 2011 

4 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  1     

Gosh! Like most of the reviews about this restaurant we too were "voucher people"....yes yes fill up restaurant with bodies at 6pm, give them all the same food which incidentally might have been worth the $40pp, maybe but shame upon you for compensating the amazing deal price with the wine prices! A $7.99 from Dan's bottle (Goldstone Pinot Grigio) features on the wine list for $65. Needless to say we will not go back, further, have completely lost faith in the referral website that sent me there. Two Michelin stars? Really?

Nov 06, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  9     

I took my family and friends to Absynthe on a Tuesday night. It was really nice because there was hardly anyone in the restaurant which meant that the waiters were always available and friendly. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was so elegant. I can't wait to go back!

Nov 01, 2011 

4.5 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  1     

Drink prices are ridiculous. $15.00 for a Stella - $12:50 for a light beer. $18.00 a glass for the cheapest wine. Food just okay - but no where near the price. Had degustation - first one 10/10 then downhill from there. If it was worth $110.00 I'm a mad man. Lucky to be worth $50.00 a head. This restuarant just wouldn;t survive in Melbourne - ripping people off once they have you in on drinks is just wrong. Oh -also $15.00 per 30 ml shot - say of Baileys.

Oct 24, 2011 

3.3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  1     

Things were tight and went there on a promotion still looking to add to our places to eat once things improved again. Had a lot of potential with atmosphere and location but service and delivering the advertised product ensures I will not be back.

Jun 23, 2011