Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant

This yummy restaurant takes everything intimidating out of trying something new. So all you have to do is relax and eat up. The gentleman who owns this restaurant is frequently in attendance. He is one of the most polite men I've met so far in this city. He will explain the dishes on the menu to you and make you feel right at home. The food is quite yummy, and they have a lunch buffet, which let's you get a good rounded idea of what all they offer. It's cheap, with a lot of vegetarian dishes, and it's filling. There is also a lot of fun cultural experience to it, like going with a group and eating from the same platter. The owner said sharing the same bread is significant from a social perspective because they view meals as being shared with the spirit of friendship and loyalty. A little more interesting than shoving fast food in your mouth! Try the Mesir Wat, the yatakilt wat, and the shiro. The bread I even liked the lamb stew... and I never fancied myself much of a lamb eater. more

Every time we've been to the Blue Nile, we've had a fabulous time! The food is always a delicious adventure and the staff and owner are very freindly and helpful. Our favorite way to enjoy this unusual cuisine is to haul some friends with us and get a combination plate or two and everyone shares. The owner/staff are really helpful when deciding what to order (the tomato fit-fit has lots of onion, we need extra yogurt sauce to cool our mouths off, etc.). The food is mostly spicy, and very delicious. The large platters come with flatbread to scoop everything with, so wash your hands thoroughly before you begin...its a little messy but SO much fun. The decor is non-exsistant, and it is a very casual, freindly place. A wonderful adventure if you're bored with familiar foods. more

We love going to Blue Nile, especially with people who haven't been before. The warm greetings when you walk in the door start your whole experience off the right way. Served traditionally on large plates, you use injira bread (sp?) to scoop up your food. Many dishes are spicey, so be forewarned. Try one of the combination plates made up of four or so dishes to sample. My husband and I like to get Combination 1 for one person and Combination 3 for one person. Sharing is the name of the game when you're eating off the same plate, so we both go home happy. more

I can’t remember exactly what I had by name at Blue Nile because I didn’t have paper and pen nor did they have a takeout menu. I remember having a sample platter with stews: one was lamb, one was beef, and one was vegetarian. All three were tasty, as was the spongy bread served on the side. But I will not go back nor can I recommend it because the service was horribly slow. It took forty minutes to bring drinks to the table, and the server did not explain the reason for the delay. The appetizers and entrees took about another half hour. Most of the time, we are not in a hurry, but this night we were on a schedule and barely arrived on time. Go to Blue Nile if you wish, but be sure to give yourself plenty of time. more

I really like this place - somewhat spicey, and a real treat if you want to try something different and cultural. When you go, you order a large round platter full of meats, veggies and cheeses that are prepared different spices. You also get a very flexible, porous bread that tastes like sourdough, and you tear off pieces and use the bread to grab the food. It's a lot of fun, and very good! If you're adventurous, and you like trying different foods, this is a good place to go. The only thing I would change would be the ambience...it could be a little warmer, and little more updated and less...common. But good food and good fun! more

Located near the heart of Ohio State University's campus, this is truly an amazing restaurant. The owner is almost always there and working, and will walk you through the menu and what to order. From first-timers to experts, you'll be wowed by delicious, traditional ethiopian food served in the traditional way. The owner could NOT be nicer, and more friendly, and you'll feel like you've made freinds AND found an awesome place to experience traditional ethnic food. more