Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant

The food was pretty good. I would recommend only getting the vegetarian tray and don’t add any meat because the price gets expensive very fast. It was very filling and the people were pretty nice. However, the service was a little bit weird where our table sat all the servers stood at the bar and kind of stared in our direction. Additionally, we got different people for every aspect of our meal and we probably dealt with 4 to 5 people during the course of our meal. One person gave us water. Another one took our order another one brought the food another one checked in then the original waiter came back and you weren’t really sure who was waiting on your table. Even different person bringing bread .

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Great place. The food is delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Me and my wife had dinner here prior to a concert at U of M. The meal was very tasty, and the staff was very friendly and nice. We had a wonderful evening.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Wonderful food wonderful servers. Benjamin and Palmish. Amazing chocolate mousse. The only lacking was we wanted The traditional sorgham bread which we consider to be the correct breed it came after the meal was served, approximately 10 minutes after the meal was served And that was sorely disappointing to some of us. But overall this was a really good restaurant and the chicken dish was absolutely amazing. Please I had to to your vegetarian experience

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food but very pricey for what you got. Move on........

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

This Ethiopian restaurant has been a favorite for over 40 years. The menu has changed slightly, and lunch is no longer served. Hospitality is superb.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Platter, Ethiopian Bread

I’ve been here a few times and it’s always delicious😋. One dinner plate is enough for three people, the flavors are rich and balanced, not just salty or spicy. Highly recommend the almond cake — I’m obsessed with it, always find room for it no matter how full I am. Service is friendly and the atmosphere is calm and quiet, perfect for conversations

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time here. Food was fantastic! Service was personal and helpful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Platter

I’ve grown up eating injera, the injera here tastes mix with flour or not sure… from the meat to the injera it doesn't taste authentic. I'd say it’s not terrible but for the price I'm kinda disappointed especially since it’s the only eithiopian around here. I feel like I wasted my money, if you're African this is not going to give it feels very watered down. Lady on the phone sweet, but also didn't seem to know what she was doing. I think it’s good to try but, maybe not for those of us who are used to a richer pallete. Beautiful decor though.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

The Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant in Ann Arbor is an absolute gem. We came for dinner and left completely blown away, not just by the food, but by the incredible service. The waitstaff was fantastic (and I mean FANTASTIC). Huge shoutout to our waiter Promise (yes, his name really is Promise, and he lived up to it) and Netsi, who both went above and beyond to make sure our table was cared for. Warm towels before the meal, constant check-ins, and hospitality that felt Michelin-level, it honestly made the night unforgettable.

The food itself was just as amazing. The dining style is authentic Ethiopian, big trays lined with fresh injera (that soft, spongy bread that they just keep bringing out) topped with colorful vegetarian dishes: lentils, greens, cabbage, split peas, potatoes, and more. Everything was full of flavor, rich with spices but still incredibly light and fresh. In the center of our table we ordered some meat dishes, and wow- the chicken and beef literally fell off the bone, tender and perfectly seasoned. My favorite was the stewed beef, slow-cooked until it melted in your mouth.

One of the best surprises was how healthy everything was. Ethiopian food is naturally low in fat, high in protein and carbs, and packed with flavor, which is seriously perfect fuel after a workout. You leave feeling full, satisfied, but not heavy. This is hands down going to be my go-to spot post-gym.

Between the incredible service, healthy yet filling food, and the family-style experience of sharing everything together, Blue Nile easily deserves more than five stars. If you’re in Ann Arbor, don’t just eat here, experience it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cannot say enough good stuff about this place. So nice to my wife, our friend and myself.
I just could got stop eating! I am going to go again when I'm back in town. Will bring more friends too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Platter

The food was tasty but very limited menu. You must order the full vegetarian dinner and the 4 meat choices are add ons. Seems a bit wasteful and a little pricey for a vegetarian meal when nothing is cooked to order. Staff was great. Didn't have my favorite dish, kitfo.

Service: 5

Best restaurant in Ann Arbor. The food is so good, the service is really great. Everyone is nice. I came last year and I was so excited to come back again. All my friends have heard about this place now. I love it

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always delicious!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Blue Nile showcases a themed dining experience centered around sharing an all-you-can-eat vegetarian platter as a group. Meats can be added but they are not all-you-can-eat. As far as I could tell, the restaurant does not offer any substantial food options besides this. I felt that the food offered was good and presented a medley of cultural Ethiopian flavors. However, the way the dining experience is structured around the requirement of getting the vegetarian feast means that one experience of dining here is likely to be the same as another. The experience seemed a little overpriced for our group because we had smaller apetites, but it is all-you-can-eat, so I understand where they are coming from. Even so, those who seek to dine here should be aware that they are paying for a novelty dining experience, it is unique and interesting in its own way but other venues in Ann Arbor may offer more flavor for the same amount of paper. I give it four stars.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Feast