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.
The food was absolutely delicious, the tasting menu is definitely the way to go! Servers were friendly, but before we even finished, in the middle of our dinner the waiter came to ask how we wanted to split the bills as the server was changing. If they knew they were not going to end the service in time I feel like asking at the time of ordering would be less disruptive. Then the replacement server came but disappeared & we were just left waiting to order our desserts. Finally a 3rd person came & said he had an emergency & had to leave so she was taking over. The servers were very pleasant, but I find it was a bit disorganized, though understandably emergencies happen, so I still give service 4 stars. The atmosphere was beautiful but our table was too close to the group next to us & one person was loud & obnoxious which was annoying, especially so close to us. Overall I'd definitely go back!
Mon restaurant préféré à Montréal. Excellent service, personnel chaleureux & professionnel. Mets délicieux de l'entrée aux desserts incluant les cocktails, très belles expériences à chaque fois, très bons moments à partager. Je ne recommande aucun plat en particulier, car tout est bon (demandez à doser le piment comme vous le souhaitez), en revanche, je vous suggère de choisir le plat pour 2 personnes, vous pourrez goûter à tout pour environ 60$ pour les 2 personnes.
N'hésitez pas, allez y. Il y a un parking extérieur payant juste en face du restaurant si jamais vous ne trouvez pas de place sur les rues avoisinantes.
Quoi, vous êtes encore là!!
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.
I love Ethiopian food for their vegan dishes! The vegan tasting menu consist of:
a platter with 4 small appetizers
Bouticha: chick pea mousse
Yetiamtim salad: tomato salad (tangy & refreshing)
House salad: caramelized veggies (warm & sweet)
Yeberdjane: marinated eggplants (cold)
& 5 flavours served over Injera
Yekik Alicha: turmeric split peas
Zucchini Sire: zucchini & beets
Yatakelt Watt: carrots, potatoes & cabbage
Yemesser Watt: berbere lentils (spicy)
Gommen: spinach, onion & garlic
The stewed vegetables seasoned with spices are all delicious. For those who want gluten-free, they have rice or quinoa for substitution.
Ethiopian Sun is a mix of mango, orange, pineapple & peach juice.
It's a generous size dish. They also have vegan dessert but I was full. :P
Nil Bleu - une expérience chaleureuse, savoureuse & pleine de découvertes 🍋🫓🌿
Dès notre arrivée, nous avons été accueillis avec chaleur. Toute l'équipe était souriante, & l'ambiance tamisée du restaurant nous a plongés tout de suite dans une atmosphère intime & apaisante. Nous étions assis dans la salle du bas - un petit cocon parfait pour profiter de l'expérience.
Notre serveur était charmant, attentionné, & a pris le temps de bien nous expliquer les plats. Nous avons partagé deux menus dégustation : un végan, un avec viande. Notre groupe de quatre a été unanime : chaque plat était savoureux, parfaitement exécuté, & surtout très différent l'un de l'autre tout en s'harmonisant. 🌿🍖
Ce que j'ai adoré, c'est l'expérience de manger avec les mains, à l'aide de petites crêpes éthiopiennes.
Mes plats coups de coeur :
✨ Salade maison - légumes caramélisés
✨ Kitfo - tartare de filet mignon
✨ Gommen - épinards, oignons & ail
✨ Yekik Alicha - pois cassés au curcuma
Les breuvages étaient tout aussi délicieux que beaux à regarder. & le dessert… wow. La tarte citron meringuée avait une texture crémeuse & un bel équilibre. Elle n'était pas trop sucrée, exactement comme je les préfère! 🍋
Un endroit où je retournerai sans hésiter, autant pour l'ambiance que pour la générosité de l'expérience.
From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed. The entire team was smiling, & the soft lighting created an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. We were seated downstairs - a cozy space, perfect for fully enjoying the moment.
Our server was lovely & attentive, walking us through each dish with care. We tried two tasting menus - one vegan, one with meat. The four of us agreed: every dish was delicious, unique in flavour, yet perfectly complementary. 🌿🍖
One of the highlights was eating with our hands using small Ethiopian crêpes - a beautiful & sensory way to connect with the culture.
My personal favourites:
✨ House salad - caramelized vegetables
✨ Kitfo - beef tenderloin tartare
✨ Gommen - spinach, onions & garlic
✨ Yekik Alicha - split peas with turmeric
The drinks were just as delicious as they were beautiful. & the dessert? Wow. The lemon meringue tart had that perfect texture - creamy & perfectly balanced, & just lightly sweet. 🍋
I'll absolutely go back - for the atmosphere, the flavours, & the overall richness of the experience.
This was our second visit to Le Nil Bleu, & it was absolutely first-rate. We loved it the first time, but this was EVEN better. We are vegetarians, & had the shared 5-item vegan appetizers & dinner, then dessert. I also had a glass of honeyed wine. The service & atmosphere was delightful. If only we lived in Montreal, we would go there often, but as it is, this gem of a restaurant is a destination all on its own. After this meal, we now hold Le Nil Bleu above our favorite Ethiopian restaurants in Brooklyn & San Francisco. Can't wait to go back for more!
Mar 23, 2025
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I had the vegan platter, a cocktail, & something chocolate-pecan for dessert. Everything was delicious, service was attentive despite how busy they were, & the atmosphere is lovely.
this is a beautiful restaurant, & the service & the food are well-aligned with the atmosphere. from the hot towels (you will be eating with your hands after all) to the cocktails (yum!) to the mixed plates of delicious, well-spiced food & rolls of the sourdough bread, injera, everything was delicious. no room for dessert, though!
Première fois que nous mangeons éthiopien. Nous avons prit le menu dégustation Viande & végé. Les entrées étaient incroyablement bonne. Le pain est vraiment moelleux comme il faut. Nous pensions les entrées petites mais les plats principaux sont tout juste ce qu'il faut en terme de taille pour être repu. Nous avons fini avec un dessert à partager. Le cocktail était vraiment bon. Le service a l'accueil & pendant tout le repas était très attentif, agréable, & sympathique. Je conseille vraiment
Un service vraiment incroyable ! C'est à noter Une belle décoration & ambiance Le menu découverte est vraiment sympathique & vaut son prix Bémol sur le fait qu'on des serveurs (différent de celui que nous avons eu tout du long) nous a proposé des desserts & a répondu oui quand nous avons demandé si c'était compris dans le menu or cela ne l'était pas & nous avons dû paye
Sep 16, 2024
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-Nous étions 6 avec mon fils & sa copine végane. Nous avons mangé dehors avec des cousins des États-Unis. L'air était bon. C'est ma 3e fois en 30 ans. Il y avait toujours un serveur présent pour aider. L'eau était toujours toppée. Service bilingue. -Ça sentait bon à l'arrivée, épices comme le curcuma. -Nous avons choisi leur proposition pour plusieurs personnes qui est dans le menu (entrée & plat principal), avec viande. -Le stationnement est un important problème. Le serveur essayait même d'aider pour cela. Il faut voyager en Métro à Montréal, tout était bloqué aussi à partir de 22h30. -Puisqu'on mange avec les mains (morceaux de crêpe pour pincer), on nous offre des débarbouillettes à mains au début. Bien. Mais il faudrait les laisser pour "pendant" le repas. -Nous sommes entrés pour aller aux toilettes qui sont belles & propres. Chaque personne a parlé de combien c'était beau dans le resto, musique africaine douce, chute d'eau, lumières tamisées, propre... -La planche des entrées était si delicieuse qu'on n'aurait mangé que ça. Ce qui est epicé ne l'est pas trop. Belle présentation. -La planche de la suite: délicieux. Il manquait de choix pour la végane sur la 2e planche, un tofu ou pois chiches peut-être. Les lentilles étaient fades comparées au reste, & la texture un peu comme de la craie. -Le choix de desserts étaient intéressants sauf pour la végane, mais nous n'avions plus faim. -Je suggère une petite assiette vide par personne. Où mettre le petit morceau de viande incroquable (il y en a toujours un, c'est normal), ou l'os de poulet? On pourrait même y mettre la débarbouillette en boule. Je suggèrerais de ne pas laisser les os dans la viande. On salit les nappes blanches sans avoir d'assiette, les morceaux pleins de sauces brunes tombent des crêpes sur les nappes blanches. & je ne peux remettre l'os grugé sur l'assiette centrale de tout le monde! - Il ne faut pas être très dédaigneux pour manger ENSEMBLE, dans le même plat en salissant la nappe. -En gros, délicieux, excellente soirée. Je voulais plaire à nos invités & cela fut un succès. Même avec le dédaigneux de la gang qui nous accompagnait & s'est laissé aller & a mangé. -très abordable
Went there for the first time to try Ethiopian food. The decor & ambiance are nice, with good music. The food was very good, & we got the tasting menu for two. The food is great for spicy & spice lovers, with many options & generous portions. However, the desserts were quite average & didn't really relate to the cuisine. Overall, the experience was nice. It's a good spot if you want to explore Ethiopian food.
WHAT AN AMAZING DINING EXPERIENCE. IT WAS RAINING & WE CHOSE TO SIT IN A DRY AREA OUTSIDE.THEY OFFERED TO MOVE US IF THE WEATHER WORSENED. LOVED THE APPETIZERS & SHARING PLATE WITH MEAT. WHAT A WONDERFUL BLEND OF FLAVORS. THE RAIN STARTED TO BLOW SIDEWAYS, & FOR DESSERT, THEY DID AS THEY PROMISED & MOVED US INSIDE. GREAT AMBIENCE & THE AROMAS WERE DELECTABLE. WHAT AN ENJOYABLE EVENING FOR US BEFORE THE THEATRE. RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE!
L'expérience globale était à la hauteur de mes attentes. Mon chum y était allé la semaine dernière avec des amis & il voulait me faire découvrir. Nous recommandons l'option de dégustation. Je me suis aussi laissée tenter par un dessert & le gâteau chocolat-pacanes était délicieux, juste assez sucré & une belle portion à partager :) Le service est impeccable, il y a plusieurs attentions pour les clients & tout le monde est professionnel & souriant. Nous y retournerons avec grand plaisir!!
May 4, 2024
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The food is excellent & so worth the experience but we were disappointed by the service during this visit. With a reservation, the host seemed quite bothered by our arrival & then we were offered dessert twice when our main course had not arrived yet. The wait in between appetizer & main meal was over 30 minutes. We felt quite forgotten by the waiter. We had to work to get our bill after eating. The service detracted from the delicious & flavorful food the restaurant provides. We will return but will hope for a more welcoming host & mindful waitstaff.
For the past 20 years, this has been my go-to whenever friends & family are visiting Montreal because I can trust that the cuisine & the experience will be impeccable & spectacular. I am amazed to see that Le Nil Bleu has only gotten better since the pandemic, with even bigger & more diverse sharing platters, even more perfect & varied spice blends & an even more impressive wine list. I can't imagine the reviewers saying that the service is poor or slow. I've never once had a problem in all these 20 years. We are always treated like special customers & have often been offered a free dessert or digestif. I've never had a problem being served the wrong thing even when our party has been large & the restaurant has been full. If you want a fast food meal with a tablecloth on the table, go to one of the myriad "smashburger" joints. If you want a culinary journey to one of the world's richest cultures complete with tasteful decor, enjoyable music (sometimes live!) & healthy, delicious food that can please meat eaters, gluten free eaters & vegans all at the same table, at pre-pandemic prices, look no further!
Notre groupe de six personnes a été installé dans une salle en retrait au sous-sol, la salle principale étant comble. La température était plutôt froide dans cette salle du sous-sol. Nous avons eu l'impression d'être oubliés par les serveurs. Le service était très lent (plus de deux heures, même sans dessert), même si la serveuse était très courtoise. Nous avons attendu 30 minutes avant de revoir la serveuse & pouvoir demander la facture
Wonderful evening, the service & the menu items chosen were excellent! Normally we don't order dessert however when the waiter brought out sample tray, our eyes said yes - we were not disappointed - perfect ending to a delightful meal.
