Blue Nile East African Restaurant will reopen at the end of the month at a new downtown location

Great news in the Victoria food scene! The beloved Blue Nile Restaurant is making its highly anticipated return. It closed its doors last June after its lease ended, following nearly 20 years of serving the Esquimalt community. Now, it’s set to reopen on Jan. 28 in its new location at 1724 Douglas Street—the former The Hallway Restaurant location, right across from the Victoria Public Market.

Blue Nile Restaurant was revered for its warm hospitality and authentic East African cuisine, and its closure left a noticeable void in Victoria’s culinary landscape. Over the years, it has become more than just a dining spot—it’s a place where people gather to share delicious food, connect with friends, and celebrate culture. The news of its reopening has already sparked excitement among loyal customers and other foodies. 

Blue Nile East African Restaurant’s Menu 

Blue Nile East African Restaurant is bringing back all the dishes that made it a local favourite. The restaurant is renowned for its delicious combos featuring injera, a spongy, tangy flatbread used to scoop up spiced stews and sautéed dishes. Signature menu items include:

• Dorho Aletcha: A comforting and flavourful chicken stew served in a lightly sautéed onion sauce with potatoes and vegetables.

• Zebhi Siga: Slices of top sirloin served on kibe sauce prepared with a unique blend of our exotic spices.

• Chef’s Favourite: A combination of doro zebhi (spicy chicken), aletcha (potatoes and vegetables), bursen tumtumo (lentils) served with spinach.

• Vegetarian and Vegan Platters: Various options including lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options (all dishes are gluten-free except injera). Meals are served family-style, encouraging guests to share and savour each bite together, fostering a sense of connection that mirrors Ethiopian dining traditions. 

Ahead of the restaurant's comeback, read the story of chef and Blue Nile founder Michael Isaac, who came to Canada to escape a war-torn Ethiopia and now shares his home culture and cuisine with his loyal Victoria fanbase. 

Blue Nile East African Restaurant
Address: 1724 Douglas St.