Le Nil Bleu on St-Denis Street in Le Plateau is a rare Ethiopian restaurant to offer flavourful, yet exotic meals that patrons keep going back for. The cuisine at Le Nil Bleu is composed of lamb, chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Le Nil bleu also offers combo plates which allow diners to sample several offerings. The exotic decor features art, musical instruments and print fabrics. The environment is intimate and relaxing. We now offer delivery!
Le Nil Bleu in Montreal delivers a warm, refined Ethiopian dining experience with a welcoming service and a cozy yet stylish ambiance that many reviews describe as transporting and intimate. The menu features a generous tasting approach that showcases a spectrum of flavors, with a shared injera centerpiece, richly spiced stews, and a range of vegan options that satisfy both meat lovers and vegetarians. Cocktails and wines complement the dishes, and the desserts provide a polished finish to each meal. The staff are repeatedly praised for knowledge, attentiveness, and friendly hospitality, making occasions feel special whether dining as a couple, with friends, or with family. The atmosphere, decor and music often earn compliments for being calm, elegant and inviting, and the option to dine on a terrace is noted as a pleasant bonus. Some comments mention slower service at times or portions that could be larger for bigger groups, but overall the experience is described as consistently delicious, well presented, and memorable with an emphasis on authenticity, freshness and hospitality.
Rarely a restaurant will fill 5 stars out of five on all levels. Le Nil Bleu is one of this 5 stars. Despite the 30 years restaurant's lifelong, i didn't know about it. A small place beside a small hotel. PROS: 1. The decor is luxurious, upper & lower level, even the corridor to the bathroom & the bathroom itself are nicely decorated
2. Spotless clean everywhere; before the meal, we were handed white warm towels on a plate to clean our hands
3. I took the tasting dish, so small quantities to taste a bit of everything. It was delicious, flavourful, i couldn't finish the second plate, i was full.
4. The waiters are bilingual, very respectfull, they explain every dish.
Thank you Francis & thank you Stefano, who came out in the street with me to help with parking details.
5. Paid street parking or free after 9 pm
Ma dernière visite remontait à 10 ans & rien n'a changé depuis! Le décor est magnifique, l'ambiance chaleureuse, le personnel souriant, accueillant & professionnel & que dire de la nourriture un pur délice! Je n'attendrai pas un autre 10 ans avant de faire découvrir cet endroit magnifique à mes amis! Une expérience unique à quelques pas du métro Sherbrooke je recommande à tous vivement! 👌😍
Accueil chaleureux, décor raffiné, excellente nourriture & service hors pair. Les clients se sentent appréciés. Sans oublier les toilettes, modernes & d'une grande propreté.
This restaurant is a gem!
I love everything about it, the exquisite food, the staff, the decor, the ambiance etc. Every visit is a vibrant experience. One never gets disappointed.
Highly recommend.
Amazing experience overall!
Great authentic food, attentive service/ friendly staff & very nice decor. Perfect music volume. Reasonable prices!
Good wine selection with many private imports!
Every dish was made with love & you can taste depth in each bite!
I will definately be going back & recommending to friends & family!
First time dining at an Ethiopian restaurant while visiting Montreal & wow, what an experience! The food, the service, & the interior decor all completely blew me away. Everything was spotless, & the flavors were out of this world!
highly recommend the sharing plate which had loads to choose from. Every dish was flavourful & complementary. Do not skip out on the veggie plates because they are just as delicious as the meat ones. The main dishes were flawless. You could skip on the appetizers & cocktails. The decor & ambiance were lovely & service was good.
Une très agréable soirée en famille! Nous étions 7, le service a été super sympathique & convivial. De la bonne nourriture servie dans un beau décor. Un endroit où on retourne avec plaisi
Aug 31, 2025
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J'adore ce resto! La dégustation végé est goûteuse & en format plus que satisfaisant. Le prix est très correct étant donné la qualité. Je recommande & si vous n'avez jamais mangé de nourriture éthiopienne, ici, c'est un exemple excellent, on ne se trompe pas! & maintenant, ils ont en plus une terrasse. J'avoue que le decor ne rend pas justice à ce merveilleux pays plein de beautés, mais bon... Longue vie!
A Regal Taste of East Africa in the Heart of Montreal
Tucked away in the lively heart of Montreal, Nile Bleu offers a transportive dining experience that blends the deep culinary traditions of East Africa with a modern, upscale twist. From the moment you enter, it's clear that this is not just a meal, it's a journey.
The décor is a striking blend of sophistication & cultural homage. Zebra-patterned chairs, plush seating, & warm red & amber lighting create an atmosphere that feels both intimate & theatrical. Giraffe sculptures & Afrocentric art add character without veering into kitsch. The space is thoughtfully designed equal parts lounge & fine dining ideal for couples, small groups, or celebratory.
Cocktails at Nile Bleu are as visually impressive as they are flavorful. The Golden Day, a citrus-forward, floral cocktail, is balanced & refreshing, while the Mango drink delivers a tropical sweetness that pairs well with spicier dishes. Garnishes like hibiscus petals & heart-topped skewers show the kitchen's attention to detail. At around $15 per drink, they lean pricey, but match the restaurant's elevated tone.
The appetizer board is a chef's canvas injera rolls, vibrant beet salad, sautéed mushrooms & eggplants, & a fresh salsa, all plated around a carved vegetable flower. The dish is as much about artistry as it is about flavor, with textures & spices carefully layered. The injera is perfectly tangy, & every element tastes distinct yet harmonious.
The shared injera platter is the soul of the Nile Bleu experience. Served on a massive round tray, the dish features a variety of traditional stews: spiced lentils, lamb & beef tibs, chicken with hard-boiled egg in berbere sauce, curried vegetables, & more. Each bite is complex & deeply satisfying, with well-developed spice profiles & slow-cooked tenderness. The injera, used to scoop up the dishes, adds the essential sour note that binds the meal together. At $65 for two, the portion is generous, the variety impressive, & the flavor unforgettable.
Desserts at Nile Bleu offer a refined close to the meal. The raspberry mousse is glossy & smooth, with just the right amount of tartness to cut through the richness. The pecan chocolate cake is dense, nutty, & indulgent without being overwhelming. Each dessert is plated with precision & care, served on zebra-print china that feels playfully luxurious.
Staff are attentive, warm, & knowledgeable about the menu. Courses are well-paced, & the atmosphere remains relaxed even as the restaurant fills. The experience feels curated but never stiff.
Nile Bleu stands out as one of Montreal's more unique fine dining spots, offering not just a meal but a beautifully choreographed cultural experience. The food is soulful & elevated, the setting is stylish & immersive, & the attention to detail from plating to service is clear throughout. Whether you're new to East African cuisine or a lifelong fan, Nile Bleu is a destination to rejoice.
The food is delicious! I had the vegan platter & it is a great variety! The 2 course tasting has even more if you have 2 people or even if you just want to try more options. The staff is super friendly & the decor in the restaurant is gorgeous! If you have never had Ethiopian food I recommend you try it & if you have you should come here!
Jun 9, 2025
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The decor has a flavour of Africa. It looks is very cosy & warm. Perfect setting for a romantic evening. The food was excellent & surprising. We truly enjoyed our experience.
Magnifique pour tous les sens.
Un accueil chaleureux, une décoration douce, une musique sublime, le paradis pour le palais avec le mélange des épices berbères sans oublier la présentation recherchées des plats. Une équipe attentionnée, toujours aux soins des clients. Cela a été une soirée merveilleuse...le paradis. Un moment inoubliable , je vous le recommande!
From the moment we stepped inside Le Nil Bleu, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth & genuine hospitality. Located in the heart of Montreal, this gem of an Ethiopian restaurant exceeded all expectations & left a lasting impression on our entire family.
The service was, without a doubt, off the charts. We were greeted with such genuine enthusiasm & attentiveness that we immediately felt welcomed & valued. Our server was knowledgeable, patient in explaining the menu, & incredibly attentive throughout our meal, anticipating our needs before we even had to ask. This level of service is a true testament to the dedication of the staff.
Beyond the exceptional service, the spotless cleanliness of Le Nil Bleu was truly remarkable. The entire restaurant, from the dining area to the immaculate bathrooms, was pristine. This attention to detail speaks volumes about the care & pride the owners take in their establishment.
& then there was the food… simply authentic & beyond all expectations. Each dish was a vibrant explosion of flavors, clearly prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients & traditional techniques. The injera was perfectly spongy, the stews were rich & aromatic, & every bite was a delight. It was a true taste of Ethiopia, & we savored every moment. Even the coffee, a cornerstone of Ethiopian culture, was exceptional - a rich & aromatic end to a perfect meal.
Le Nil Bleu manages to be both quaint & upscale simultaneously. The ambiance is charming & inviting, with thoughtful touches that elevate the dining experience. From the tasteful décor to the subtle details in presentation, it's clear that every aspect of this restaurant has been carefully considered to create a memorable occasion.
If you're looking for an authentic Ethiopian culinary experience in Montreal, look no further than Le Nil Bleu. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience. We left feeling completely satisfied, impressed, & already planning our return. Highly, highly recommended!
Interesting experience! You receive small portions of food on a big crepe that you use to grab the vegetables & meat. The menu is filled with diverse tasty Ethiopian dishes. (the prices are pretty high though) The waiters were very kind & the restaurant is clean & nicely decorated. Would absolutely recommend the Doro Watt, chicken with berbéré sauce.
Très belle expérience. Le décor mériterait d'être un peu moins lounge & un peu plus cohérent avec l'expérience culinaire. Mais sinon tout était parfait.
