Blue Nile Ethiopian Kitchen

Had dinner there with three wise gentlemen. The place was nice. Food was great. Price was great. Staff was great — I had the red snapper — it was enough to share

I love the doro wat and the cabbage and greens. Since I’m southern, I sop up all the sauce with the injera. All the veggies are tasty. I might try another meat, but I seem stuck on the doro wat because it’s so tasty.

I ate dinner at Blue Nile last Saturday night and we had a «WE WILL BE BACK» kind of an experience. It was busy but not too crowed and our waitress was very attentive. We had the Rosemary Fries as an appetizer. They are so fragrant and delicious you wont even think of ordering ketchup! I had the Veggie Platter (for me the ultimate test of their cuisine) and my partner had the Lamb Tibs (we enjoyed both very much– although next time I am definitely ordering the Whole Red Snapper!!!) They have an IMPRESSIVE selection of local microbrews on tap– AND they also have 2 $ Pabst Blue Ribbon, which is a win unto intself. Have I mentioned the Tiramisu!?! It has a wondeful denser cream layer than the fluffier Italian Restaraunt version I am used to. The lady fingers were all drenched in the coffee liquour, not a bit was dry. Overall, I would highly recomend.

I had a conversation with some new friends this weekend, and of course we discussed food. Everyone shared their favorite restaurants and many of the great ones were mentioned. I enjoy so much of what Memphis has to offer in the food scene and will proudly proclaim that Blue Nile is my favorite Memphis restaurant. It took me a visit or two to appreciate the spongy bread but I got to have it now. From the kabobs to the stews to the fresh vegetables, it is all delicious. Try the whole fried red snapper. It’s one of my favorites. They sell local beers but bring your own wine. So run, don’t walk, and check this Memphis gem.

nice service and ok food. The vegetarian lunch platter was fine. nothing spectacular. Having worked in both Eritrea and Ethiopia, I might have higher standards for Ethiopian food than most in Memphis. Not enough favor for me but it would be a very good place for people who have never had Ethiopian food to start.
I also tried the tofu kebab which was not tasty at all. Avoid it. Perhaps the other kebabs are decent
The server was pleasant and helpful. and that counts a lot for me!

Loved the food and service. Will definitely be going back to this place. The prices were good and the food was original, flavorful, and different.

We just moved to Memphis and I love Ethiopian food. We’ve been to places all over the US and Canada, and this ranks at the top. Great food.

Beautiful food, good service, beautiful walls, huge portions. I met a vegan friend here for lunch, and we both found menu options that were pleasing. The menu is easy to understand. I like injera, the soft bread that can double as an eating utensil, but she doesn’t, so I got to take the leftovers home in my to-​go box! I ordered the vegetarian platter, and it was all good, but I especially loved the greens and the cabbage. She ordered the tofu kabobs and they looked wonderful. We were allowed to linger a while, and although it was busy and (decent) canned music plays in the background, we were easily able to hold a conversation. Thre are several good food choices on Madison Avenue in Memphis, but if you’re looking for something different yet familiar, give Blue Nile a try.

Easily the best lunch I’ve had in Memphis in quite sometime. I like to consider myself adventurous (a foodie) — I have eaten Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Greek, etc. cuisine but I have never tried Ethiopian. My son saw it as he was driving by and suggested we try it. I am glad he did!
He ordered the Lamb Tibs, which is chunks of lamb in spicy stew broth, served with two sides, he chose greens and potatoes and carrots. The Tibs were amazing as were the greens. The are served with their traditional bread Injera (sp??) and absolutely fabulous.
I had the Shiro Wat, vegetarian dish — ground chick peas served in a stew, that was very tasty and somewhat spicy.
Excellent customer service, they just found themselves two new customers; as we will return and suggest you give them a try!

Tried this place out after seeing it in Midtown restaurant searches. So a friend & I checked it out.
We had the rosemary fries as an appetizer. They were tasty. I then had the Red Snapper & he had the steak tibs I believe. The Snapper was big enough for 2 & tasted great but the small bones were a pain and made eating a bit of a job. Better off eating with hands. The salad was also very tasteful.

Memphis needs this. Thanks for great service and a new experience. My sister is a vegan and could eat everything. we started with the veggie player and added the lentil burger ! YUM! Perfectly spiced, and the service was great !

I am obsessed with Blue Nile! The food and service are incredible. The staff is friendly and are willing to answer all 10,000 of your obnoxious questions (I’m looking at myself in the mirror here).
You won’t be disappointed regardless of what you order, but I’m a vegetarian so I stuck with veg friendly options. I had the vegetarian platter, tofu kabob, and hot spiced tea. The platter was enough to share, but who’s trying to share? Get your own! I’m totally kidding. Let me know if you want to go and I’ll gladly share with you, friends.
I wrote about Blue Nile goodness here:

This highly hyped place delivered! We visited on a recent Friday evening and were very happy with the warm hospitality and excellent service.
We ordered the three meat special platter and it was more than enough for the two of us plus leftovers. The spicy lamb was very flavorful and tender as was the delicious chicken skewer. I loved the Injera served here. I noticed others complained about the texture being off putting, I personally thought it was delicious. We toasted the leftovers for breakfast the next day and it was just as good, only chewy and crispy!
We opted for the tiramisu for dessert (yum) rich, creamy and satisfying. We can’t wait to return to try some of the traditional items others have raved about.
Tip: While Beer is served (many selections) Wine is not however you may bring your own and there is not a corkage fee.

Note: You may bring your own wine with no corkage fee
Service was excellent.
Server was friendly and as familiar as you wanted.
He had excellent suggestions
and
helped me overcome my nervousness
assoicated with first time
at an ethiopian restaurant
We had the 3 meat special ($ 30),
enough for two people.
Included spicy lamb,
roast chicken on a stick,
diced steak.
I liked it all.
The spicyness of the lamb muted a lot of lamb’s gamey flavor.
Of course the meal was served with that spongy ethiopian bread
(I forget what it’s called)
Would have been nicer if there was some sauce or something to dip the bread.
Overall I was very happy with my experience.
I was thankful that I didn’t have to sit on the floor and eat with my fingers.

Oh my gosh. Stop whatever you’re doing and come have some of this food. I had to run home right after eating dinner here to write about this place!
First off, the décor is AMAZING. Everything looks neat and sharp. The tables are spotless. And they have a gorgeous colorful giant mural covering the entire wall on one side.
The server/​bartender Jorge is so wonderful. The friendliest person I’ve ever had the pleasure of talking to. He was incredibly kind and treated us like we were old friends instead of customers. So cheerful. As soon as we talked to him, we instantly felt comfortable about the place even though it was our first time eating here. He treats everyone the same way! Makes you feel like you are eating at a friend’s house and not dining out.
I had the vegetarian platter which was delicious and incredibly filling. It’s basically an assortment of sides on a plate: spicy lentils, split peas, beet salad, house salad, delicious cabbage, cooked potatoes and carrots, and steamed greens. All absolutely delicious. The other thing that blew my mind was the Ethiopian flatbread injera. So fluffy and soft. Even after we were full, we could not stop eating it. My boyfriend had the lamb Tib which he enjoyed immensely (it’s spicy so head’s up). They also have an impressive assortment of bottled beer available (range from 2.5 $ to 3.5 $).
The next time you are feeling like you want to try something new, this is the place to go people! Get in your cars and drive over there ASAP!

My two experiences at Blue Nile have totally reversed my previously negative thoughts about Ethiopian food. The spice level is delicious. The portions generous, and the vegetables fresh, crunchy and delicious. I love the beet salad and the greens. The varieties of wat were yummy as was the kitfa.
I was already a fan of the Stick ‘Em food truck’s fare, so I was excited to try the restaurant. The wait staff was knowledgeable about the menu and gave great recommendations. I also like that they have an option of rice and utensils for those of us who are not big fans of the injera (spongy bread used to scoop up the stews). The bread used for the kitfa sandwich comes from one of the Mexican bakeries on Summer Ave. You also have to love that their only dessert is tiramisu.
The mural covering one wall is amazing.

I am sitting here feeling gluttonous from this insanely good food I just devoured. I had the lamb stew with a side of beets & a side of cabbage. I opted for injera. Because, well… I don’t believe you can have certain dishes any other way! My husband had the red snapper. (Let me insert a hand clap here) Me ohhhh my… I have two words, order it. I can’t say it’s the best thing on the menu because I haven’t tried everything. But I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s probably the best thing on the menu! I don’t want to minimize my dish by lauding the snapper. My husband kept asking for some of mine. One thing to note, the red snapper does have bones. So if you’re not in the mood for being extra cautious, don’t order it.
George was our waiter and he was absolutely delightful. He was attentive, which was impressive since he had four other tables going. To top it off he provided a complimentary hot tea. I wish I could remember the name of the tea. It was a great way to cap off our meal.
If you are looking for authentic Ethiopian food this is your spot.

Yes! A new solid Ethiopian place!!! And on Madison! And the décor is cute (read: clean and decorated)! And, of course, the food was seriously phenomenal. Oh, and the service was so gracious and lovely.
My girlfriend and I basically tried the whole menu (it was 2:00! we were STARVING, don’t judge us: P), and each item was better than the last. You can’t go wrong here.

Those who know me know I love Ethiopian food. I was very excited about this new place in midtown. And this review is after 3 visits. And all visits after a long day of work at the hospital. A good supper is all you crave for.
Firstly the staff is super. Very cheerful and nice.
Let’s start with the veggie platter, it is one of the best in Memphis, may be even better than what I have had at other places outside of Memphis. The injera is very fresh. Their misser wot (red lentil) is very flavorful. Love he crunchy cabbage and all the other fixings in the platter.
However the show stealer is their shiro wot. I don’t think any Ethiopian place in Memphis has shiro wot on their menu. If u go to blue Nile, it’s a crime to leave without trying the shiro wot.
They have a veggie sandwich on their menu which is pretty interesting too.
It tied doro wot on one of my visits but somehow was not a fan. I love well made doro wot and I hope they improve on that front.
On our third visit, the waiter forgot about is for about 5 – 7 min. But He was so apologetic about it, and even got us a free tiramisu at the end. I think he just introduced my husband to his new favorite dessert in Memphis. Sooooo good!
I want to try the red snapper. May be on my next visit.
But way to go Blue Nile, every time i visit, the food just seems to get tastier.

The kids and I tried this new place and we liked it. The décor is cool and trendy. It seems clean and the food was good.
The waiter was very friendly but he kept dropping phrases in Spanish and there was not an Ethiopian person in sight so no authenticity points from me. The injera was cold and pre-​made. The skewers looked really good and my veggie plate was very good.
We will definitely give it another try.