Le Nil Bleu

Jen

5.0

Really beautiful food, kind service, lovely people & a pretty terrace. Thoroughly enjoyed our supper here. The lamb with turmeric (Yebeg Alicha) was my favourite but I'm glad we got the tasting menu so I got to try so many great dishes!

D

5.0

I rarely give 5 stars for any service or product but this hidden gem exceeded my expectations. It was outstanding. In the Washington DC metropolitan area there are several Ethiopian restaurants. None of which have impressed me enough to go out of my way to return to dine again.

However the Bleu Nile authenticity took my taste buds back to my first Ethiopian dining experience.
It is a quaint yet elegant dining place. The service is very accommodating. I have to give credit to the chef whose recipes are both stimulating & mouthwatering. I have only a month to enjoy this food until next year.
I wished they offered side dishes.

J

5.0

Nil Bleu/Blue Nile is superb - so good, we went twice during the same trip to Montréal! Beautifully prepared Ethiopian food in an elegant, comfortable space, with friendly, attentive service. The two-course tasting menu offered a great selection of nine dishes from the larger menu - all were excellent & beautifully presented, with the Kitfo & eggplant appetizer both standing out. The Yebeg Alicha is now my all-time favourite lamb dish, anywhere (& the reason we went back & ordered à la carte!). The menu also offers extensive vegan/vegetarian options, & the drinks were top notch. Can't wait to go back!

Fatemeh

5.0

I've been dining at Le Nil Blue for nearly nine years, & it remains one of those rare places that never disappoints. The atmosphere is elegant & welcoming, with a high-class feel that still manages to be comfortable & relaxed. The staff are always kind, attentive, & genuinely friendly, which makes every visit enjoyable.
One thing that always stands out is the cleanliness of the restaurant - everything is well kept & organized, which adds to the overall quality of the experience. The food is excellent, full of flavor & depth. Their dishes have a real punch to them, with a special blend of spices that brings out incredible taste, especially in their vegetarian options, which are seasoned beautifully.
What impresses me even more is their consistency. Despite the high quality of food & service, they have kept their prices reasonable &, as far as I can remember, they haven't changed them in the nine years I've been coming here. That kind of honesty & dedication to customers is rare today.
Blue is truly a gem - great atmosphere, delicious food, friendly staff, & remarkable value. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.

Kin

5.0

An incredible experience at Nil Bleu Ethiopian Restaurant!

It's been years since I've had Ethiopian food this good outside of home & Nil Bleu truly exceeded every expectation. The presentation was elegant, the flavors were absolutely authentic & delicious, & the ambiance was warm, beautiful, & spotless. Every detail, from the service to the aroma of the dishes, made the experience unforgettable. I left with a happy heart & a full stomach. I can't wait to go back & thank you Nil Bleu

Ka

5.0

Nil Bleu has been our favorite restaurant for many years. Yet each time we go, we are supervised again by how tasty the food is. The menu has excellent choices for everyone -- for meat eaters (the lamb is great) & vegans (the lentils & the spinach dishes are fantastic).

BRUCE

5.0

What a wonderful experience for us... so interesting to eat such exotic foods & spices. We sampled many dishes & everyone was pleased. The service was also top notch.

Camille

5.0

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.

Rajiv

5.0

First time trying Ethiopian food & it was great first experience. The food was fresh & tasty while also not being too heavy.

Will be come back again to enjoy more Ethiopian dishes.

Rokshana

5.0

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.