Blue Nile Restaurant in Toronto

1260 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M6, Canada

★★★★★
(300 reviews)
Categories: Ethiopian restaurant African restaurant Bar Cafe Caterer East African restaurant Live music bar

About

Ethiopian specialties are served in a casual, brightly decorated setting.

Website
blueniletoronto.com
Address
1260 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M6, Canada
Plus Code
MMJ9+QM Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Sunday
3 PM–2 AM
Monday
3 PM–12 AM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
3 PM–12 AM
Thursday
3 PM–12 AM
Friday
3 PM–3 AM
Saturday
3 PM–3 AM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Live music Sport
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Halal food Healthy options Late-night food Organic dishes Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.6
★★★★★
300 reviews

Most Mentioned

atmosphere (19) price (9) coffee (6) platter (6) injera (5) ribs (4) bar (4) lighting (3) fasting (2) design (2)
5 stars
234
4 stars
40
3 stars
10
2 stars
2
1 stars
14
★★★★★
October 21, 2024

A 4+, 5 star place...food was good. Our server was nice. The place seems clean enough.

★★★★★
October 17, 2024

The food is amazing! Honestly probably the best Ethiopian food I’ve had. My friend and I were both very impressed with the quality and flavour of the food. You don’t be dissapointed. Don’t denile yourself this restaurant or you’ll be blue

★★★★★
June 6, 2024

One of the best service, and food was so colourful and delicious Gorden was absolutely lovely and friendly and I should also mention about the coffee wow

★★★★★
June 2, 2024

Incredibly delicious and authentic Ethiopian food with friendly staff. Cozy atmosphere with mood lighting for the late night and live music too! 100/10 would recommend. We got the vegan platter for one and meat platter for one (plenty for 2 people). Our hearts and stomachs feel nourished.

★★★★★
May 25, 2024

Was amazed by the food and atmosphere here! Never had Ethiopian food before but now I'll be visiting here regularly. Glad I decided to try out this place, definitely recommend everyone to visit. Staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is lovely and the music is very relaxing.

★★★★★
February 21, 2023

Family decided to try something new, saw the reviews and came in. Made reservations although they indicated wasn't necessary. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful, giving us advice and information about the different menu items. Food was amazing, great experience and the coffee...WOW!! Loved it. Definitely a must if you're a coffee drinker. We'll go back to try other things, really enjoyed it.

April 21, 2022

Horrible service!! Extremely unpleasant and unprofessional staff and service. They took time to take our order even though there was only one other table occupied. Secondly I ordered a vegan platter and my friends ordered the non veg one. When served they mixed them both in one big platter and served us😱😡 Who does this!!! Besides being told this is a health hazard! Cross contamination of food. When told they said that they assumed I wouldn’t mind sharing the plate and eat with the meat on the side!!!! Then I had to reorder my dish which took 45 minutes to come! By then my friends had already eaten. And lastly they added two vegan meals in my bill, that was the last straw !!! It’s appalling attitude and service. Would never go back or recommend this place.

★★★★★
August 3, 2021

I come here with my Ethiopian friend when she comes to visit. This place is so cozy. Ethiopian cuisine with a bar like atmosphere in the front. The service is amazing and the food... omg so phenomenal. I've been to Ethiopian restaurants in many other cities but this is by far the best food and the best vibe. I find other places intimidating because there usually isn't any physical menu and you have to order in Amharic (Ethiopian dialect) but Blue Nile menus is so easy to navigate with explanations in english.

★★★★
November 22, 2024

The place is so good and the photos are amazing and the foods is amazing

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Great food, great service, and you have to come on weekends for live music.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

The best Ethiopian food I ever had, great food portions are a lot and an amazing service thanks blue nile for a great experience

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

Loved the experience. The food was very delicious.

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

Had an incredible Ethiopian dining experience at Blue Nile in Danforth! The food was absolutely delicious and authentic, with a vibrant array of flavors. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The injera bread was perfectly cooked and the stews were bursting with flavor. I particularly enjoyed the Meat Combination For Two and Bozena Shero I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable culinary adventure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Great experience!! Vegetarian options: Great options Parking: Easy

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

I loved the food, the atmosphere and the service. Its really a great place to entertain Ethiopian food. Vegetarian options: Yetsom betyaynet is one of a vegetarian best option.

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

The foods are so tasty. Service is great.

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

I was visiting from out of town, wanted to try a local Ethiopian restaurant, and wound up at Blue Nile later on a Saturday afternoon. At my home citys Ethiopian restaurants I typically order the vegetarian combination, and thats what I got here, with Ethiopian injera. My food arrived quickly and was quite delicious, and the server explained the difference between Ethiopian and standard injera. If I understood correctly, the Ethiopian is either made with only teff or a special kind of teff, and the server, who was very friendly and helpful, brought a sample of the other style so I could compare. I definitely preferred the Ethiopian style, which is darker in color, lighter in texture, less spongy, and richer tasting than the standard offering, so I learned something new after many years of eating Ethiopian food. I hope I have the chance to visit again on a future trip to Toronto.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Authentic Ethiopian food with many vegetarian options. Food is cooked with spices similar to Indian taste. Vegetarian options: Nile Vegan Platter

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Great food and great service!

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Great food, incredialy fast service!! Well done

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Delicious ...best Ingera in town

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

If youre looking for a good Ethiopian restaurant Blue Nile is the best place to visit, the atmosphere is nice, good Afro music

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Excellent food, great spot.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

My first time eating Ethiopian food, and it was great ! The atmosphere, the service! Amazing

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Great food! Helpful, attentive staff!

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Great food excellent service lovely people Vegetarian options: Excellent Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Best Ethiopian food and service. Our favourite spot with our family.. A must visit Food

★★★★
July 22, 2024

I like the restaurant because they have good locations and delicious food Vegetarian options: There are some vegetarian options and Its delicious and healthy Parking: There are street parking infront of the restaurant Kid-friendliness: It is a good place for kid

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

I had an exceptional dining experience at BlueNile tonight. Our server, Yordi (Jordan), was absolutely delightful, treating us with elegance and warmth. She was attentive, friendly, and made excellent recommendations that enhanced our meal. The food was incredibly tasty, with every dish bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The cozy yet sophisticated ambiance made the evening even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!

★★★★
July 22, 2024

Vegetarian options: They are good Food

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

one of the most delightful spots in the city.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Fire

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Excellent food, beautifully presented. Vegetarian options: Wide range, all great. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Chill environment with great food! Will definitely go back again!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Great and fabulous restaurant

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Beautiful decor, lovely music. Amazing flavours and always the fresh smell of coffee. Blue Nile is the perfect place for a dinner and beer with friends. Ethiopean food is underrated. If you havent already tried it, this is the place to start. Vegetarian options: Vegetarian Ethiopean food is naturally vegan.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Amazing food!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Great food and amazing live music on the weekend. Cosy design with Excellent customer service!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Great food, atmosphere and service. Could ask for nothing more.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Parking: On weekends its difficult to find parking specially in the afternoon Food

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Great restaurant with fresh ethiopian meal! The vegi combo and meat combo was amazing!!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Great food, very welcoming atmosphere

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Parking: Facile trovate parcheggio Food

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Amazing service and great tasting food. Vegetarian options: Vegan and gluten free options Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

One of the best Ethiopian restaurant in Toronto!!!!!!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Great for family vibes on a Sunday afternoon!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Great food, friendly service. Highly recommend

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Great food and great services. Yorda is an amazing person. Highly recommend

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Yordi was great server. Service was amazing. I would recomend this place to everyone Food : 5/5

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Hands down the best Goden Tibs and Kitfo in town with very friendly and attentive customer service

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Amazing food. Amazing service. Wonderful coffee.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Its one of the best restaurants in Toronto for anyone who wants to experience Ethiopian culinary. A very clean and well design setting combined with very helpful staff. I recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy Ethiopian food . Vegetarian options: Amazing vegetarian options. Im especially very happy with the Shiro and the vegiplatter.

★★★★
June 22, 2024

Delicious food and nice attentive service Vegetarian options: Vegi combination is a good option Kid-friendliness: It is kids friendly space

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Incredible food and vibes!! Vegetarian options: Very fresh and tasty Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Excellent food with a very good and wine

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Great food and service, definitely worth checking out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

The owner and the host were incredibly amazing people. Food was testing delicious and was custom catered

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

They have nice food uriah

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

The tibs was the best tibs I ve ever had. Felt like I was back home in Ethiopia!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great food.

December 22, 2023

Call before showing up. Restaurant showed as open on Google maps and skip the dishes so i ordered a meal on skipthedishes for pick up. Showed up an hour later to a closed restaurant.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Me and my husband absolutely love this restaurant the food is amazing so much like back home, I m vegan and they have so much vegan options and very affordable. Customer service was excellent we definitely recommend this place especially if you are vegetarian or vegan this is your place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I have tried the vegan dish and it was really good

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great service with excellent price

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing food, top notch. As you walk in, you smell the sweet aroma of frankincense. The lighting is perfect (dim and cozy). The music is so beautiful, I was singing along with some of the songs. Overall, beautiful experience and can t wait to return!

★★★
December 22, 2023

Quite on weekdays, great to have a good chat

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

This is one of the best Ethiopian food I had. The staff was very friendly too. I definitely recommend this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Best Ethiopian food in the city!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Yummy food

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Goden tibs and kitofo was excellent.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

This was my first time having Ethiopian food. We shared the vegetarian and the beef tibs . It was so tasty! The service was good and the price was great. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

It s ight

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great people, live band, and great decor/atmosphere.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Blue Nile , goood place friendly staff. That is my go to place from now on

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Amazing food and I loved the atmosphere!! Best Ethopian food Ive had in Toronto

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

best vegetarian platter Ive had since I moved to the city!! great atmosphere as well. perfect lighting, music, volume, decor. service wasnt the fastest but it didnt matter bc we were having such a nice time. we dined in but our server was very kind to accept a take-out order as well. brought it at the perfect time toward the end of the meal and packed up our leftovers too, we really felt taken care of. cant wait to go back!! Vegetarian options: amazing variety in the vegan platter!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

All I can say is WOW! Amazing atmosphere. Unique food with amazing taste. Awesome cultural music. HIGHLY recommended! Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great authentic food, first time eat with my hand. A great first try.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Friendly atmosphere. Excellent customer service!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

You go out for dinner and think lets try something new and if like me you havent had Ethiopian food before you MUST go to Blue Nile. Had a meat and veg sharing platter and a beef rib... ALL of it was to die for. My mouth was wonderfully confused by tastes that were unfamiliar. Every single sample was delicious. Not an exaggeration. The owner was warm, informative, inviting and clearly proud (quite rightly) of bringing a piece of her homeland to the Danforth. Do yourself a favour and go visit. Fantastic.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food was really delicious, the staff very friendly.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

It was delicious, the restaurant is very clean and the staff are super friendly. It was our first time back since they renovated. We were mmm-ing everything we tried. We got a veggie (vegan) platter for two and the doro wat which is chicken in a Berber sauce. Everything was so tasty. We ate really well and the bill was very reasonable! Can t wait to go again.

Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Cold food and quantity was very less..and seems like tasteless food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Amazing food and service. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!@.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Quality food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Blue Nile is the best authentic Ethiopian restaurant around the GTA Doesn t matter what I get I end up liking it. My best friend and I have been eating here for over 5 years now and we never been disappointed. Absolutely amazing! The place is beautiful and staff are super friendly and the food is delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant to you #toronto.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The raw tartar was to die for.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

I tried out Blue Nile Restaurant last week and Im pleasantly surprised. The food was great, the ambiance was perfect. Prices were also pretty fair. What I love the most is that its located right next to a park so if youre not in the mood for a big meal, you can just grab a quick snack with your family and friends!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent food reasonable pricing and very good Fasting Ferfer now fully decorated and the old property has been reported ... good feel

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Very good service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Very good service

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

This is one of the very best restaurant i have been. Ambiance is very good, staff is very good in giving suggestions. Overall a very good place to have special Party.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Fasting Fitfit at it Best awesome taste with good aroma. Great sitting arrangement,feels Rich Heritage. Good Beyayenetu and Salad. Overall value for Money

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Great service! Good food Use soft language Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Veggie and meat platters on injera were so tasty!!! Great atmosphere and service.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Absolutely amazing the food 10/10

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This place has a great vibe and the prices are excellent! Big portions too!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Amazing fooood

★★
December 22, 2021

The dining experience is no where close to the take out. Very disappointed. Meat was not fresh and one the veggie dish was not well prepared

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

2.5 I order ethiopian food from a lot of places. Food isnt as flavorful, portions are about half the size and cant shake the feeling of being swindled.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

So tasty I cant even explain it. Must try .uall w love it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great service and atmosphere. Food was delicious!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

A one of a kind experience... my favourite Ethiopian place in Toronto.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

It was the Best Ethiopian food i have ever had. They suggested what to order for a vegetarian and the whole thing came on a big sharing injira (Ethiopian). All the vegetarian dishes (wat) were great especially the greens. They also did the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony which we throughly enjoyed. Must visit if you want to try good Ethiopian food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Amazing Ethiopian cuisine and the best in the Toronto! The service is spot on, fun crowd and the food is simply delicious. Get the meat platter if your with a group and your gonna have the best time of your life!! The ribs are must try!! Loved it

★★★★
December 22, 2021

A wonderful place with a super owner and GREAT food.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

This restaurant is great the staff and atmosphere is fabulous

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Excellent food and service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Nice place

December 22, 2021

Guys, be careful for their enjera it s scamming it s not pure injera they said free gluten but it s full of gluten and I don t think the material used for enjera 100 % ofTeff . please don t eat their enjera

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Service was excellent and the food was seasoned well and everything was tasty. I would highly recommend to come here again

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Yummy food! Would go back for the chicken soon!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

My first time experiencing Ethiopian Food, and I must say, it was quite good. The salad was phenomenal. Just dont enjoy eating certain foods using my hands.

December 22, 2020

I have seen rat going back and forth I have to leave the place immediately

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Loved the chicken biryani! This restaurant has renovated and upped the level of their service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Loved the food and vibe here. Wonderful suggestion for most Toronto fibers if they havent ever tried Ethiopian food before.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Good food. Service was nice. Helpful with questions, environment was chill.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Hands down one of the best Toronto spots. Incredible food meant for sharing creates a fun and affordable night out with friends. I love bringing people here to blow their mind on the big and tasty dishes. Cannot wait until things are back to normal, so I can go again!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Great meal, great price, great vibe

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Love the Godin tibs,the ribs

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

I ate here and realized it was the missing thing in my bucket list

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Very comfortable environment and very clean and delicious food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

The kitfo is amazing. Very tasty and includes collards and cheese. One of the best in the city, and thats coming from someone who has tried them all. Highly recommended.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Give Ethiopian a try.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

One is my favorite Ethiopian restaurants in the city! The Nile Platter is a good starting point if you want to try a variety of their dishes.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Very friendly staff, great service, cozy atmosphere...and the food is pretty delicious too!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Love it

December 22, 2019

Horrible service

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Awesome

Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Rude customer service from staff.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Delicious Ethiopian cusine and exceptional hospitality. Felt like home. Right place to be at Danfoth Ave.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Has the best Ethiopian decor in Toronto. Nice frontyard and good selection of beers and food

December 22, 2019

The price is very unreasonable, the food tastes bad, the customer service is very bad.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Excellent music, good service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Wonderful experience. Sitting on the patio. Great food, warm attentive service. Highly recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Loved the food, and the clientele. So many groups of friends and family. Its a very warm place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Amazing food .. very great vibe...but they had only one server and we had to wait on refills ...other than that we all enjoyed the food and had a great time

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great food, nice patio and good service

★★★★
December 22, 2019

The food was delicious and the staff was very helpful with the meal selection as it was only our 2nd time eating Ethiopian food. The decor is also very nice...we would recommend this restuarant and will go again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

It is the best lounge Ive ever been

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

The restaurant had a lot of locals which told me that the food was good. The vegetable and meat platters were yummy and a good way to try many different dishes on the menu. Would definitely go back again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Had a reservation last night and it was my first time trying Ethiopian food, it was actually amazing and so full of flavor. Our server was so kind and helped us understand what each dish was and had us trying her recommendation. 5/5 would recommend and would go back again

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Yup, good stuff!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Second try of Ethiopian food this one is better taste and service is good too! Recommend ~

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Their Chacha is the best in town, no doubt about it