Nile Ethiopian Restaurant LLC, DBA Nile Grocery and Cafe

This is a very small place but has some of the best Ethiopian food in Charlotte. We did not plan going there but just ended up as the place we wanted to go was super crowded. The sega wot was just amazing. Tasted like home made food. She was really friendly and helpful. There is a small area dedicated for some Ethiopian grocery items. You can also get some cute crockery’s there. Injera is available as well.

I got the vegetarian sampler plate. To preface, this was my first time having ethiopian food. I would say the food was pretty good, but to me, I thought it could be a little more flavorful/spicy. We also had to wait around an hour to get our food, and one of the dishes was not prepared so they replaced it with a repeat of another dish. Our server was so kind and completely helpful though. In fact, everyone there was so helpful and accommodating. She even brought out another dish because we were missing one. I don’t know the name of it but it was honestly the best one. I’ve attached a picture of it though. It’s the bright orange side dish.

Nile was simply lovely. You walk in and the dining room is to your right. We went on a Saturday evening and it was empty, super peaceful. We ordered the veggie platter, beef tibs, Doro Wot, and the tea. Everything is delicious. The beef tibs were seasoned and very flavorful. Doro Wot had a good spice level, also very flavorful and I loved that it came with a boiled egg. And to finish the meal, the tea is a must. It was really nice to enjoy an empty restaurant, sipping on our tea. The owner also treated us with so much motherly love, I felt like I was at a home with the treatment she gave us. She served the Tibs and Doro Wot on the veggie platter for us, taught us how to properly enjoy the food. She also packed our leftovers for us which she absolutely did not have to do. I’d highly recommend this place if you want to enjoy some real good home-y food.

I've tried 3 different Ethiopian places in Charlotte and this one is the best. Their food is soooo tasty and the meat is well cooked, tender, and super good. Definitely recommended

It was my first time at this restaurant, and an older lady took my order. She recommended “Tebes,” so I decided to try it. She brought it out almost immediately, which made me suspicious — and sure enough, it tasted like it had just been microwaved, not freshly prepared. It wasn’t even Tebes; it was actually Sega Wot with a side of Miser Wot. I was starving, but after a few bites, I completely lost my appetite. The lady spent the entire time talking on her phone and never once checked on me. This place is absolutely terrible.

We got the vegetarian sampler and a beef tibis I would say being familiar with different types of food from around the world I found these dishes a little bit bland and not spicy at all I was expecting a bit of spice I added some when I got home....The restaurant has a small grocery section and also a side where you can eat in....if your interested in it apparently everything is gluten free

The food was amazing! We will definitely come back my husband and I drove two hours to get to this location the food was homemade the Injera bread was so soft and light the vegetables OMG! I can’t even explain the flavors. I remember corn,collard greens, and some other type of veggie stews, it was amazing! We started with coffee with no sugar it was quite tasty but of course all coffee with no sugar you know it’s bitter, but it was amazing as well the tea I cannot even explain so many flavors! We will definitely be back thank you for the hospitality and the great food. This location also has a different variety of items from popcorn kernels, grains, to home decor definitely a one stop shop amazing people great customer service. Great Prices! We ordered the veggie platter and Beef Tibs.

The woman who took our order was wonderful! It was my first time trying Ethiopian food, and I got the Tibs. The ingera was amazing too! Somehow, this grocery store/restaurant felt like being invited to someone's home for dinner. I will definitely be returning.

We ate at Nile Restaurant while traveling to Charlotte for a wedding. We found this gym near our Airbnb. The food was delicious, the Ethiopian coffee was excellent. Mama Tsige was so hospitable and made us feel home.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Nile Restaurant, a unique restaurant that not only offers delectable Ethiopian cuisine but also features a grocery store inside, with an array of authentic African food items. This combination of a restaurant and market made for a truly immersive and delightful experience. As soon as I stepped inside, I was captivated by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior had traditional Ethiopian artwork, and comfortable seating arrangements. was a culinary journey through the flavors of Ethiopia. I decided to start with the traditional injera, a spongy flatbread made from fermented teff flour. The injera was served with a variety of flavorful dips and stews, including the spicy Doro Wat (chicken stew) and the rich and aromatic Misir Wat (red lentil stew). The combination of the tangy injera with the robust flavors of the stews was simply divine. Next, I sampled the vegetarian platter, which showcased an assortment of vegetarian dishes bursting with flavors and spices. The platter featured dishes such as Gomen (collard greens), Atakilt Alicha (cabbage and potato stew), and Shiro (ground chickpea stew).I'm no stranger to Ethiopian food so I know the drill and pretty much the menu .I also participated in a coffee ritual ceremony while dining here which is their tradition and if you don't do anything else please try Ethiopian coffee before you leave this god green earth. What sets them apart was its grocery store, conveniently located within the restaurant. The friendly staff was knowledgeable and eager to assist, making it easy for me to discover new ingredients and products.

Great food! Nice people. I got take out and it was well packaged and nicely done. You can also get a number of ingredients there that are hard to find.

Yum! What a lovely place to get lunch. I ordered the veggie platter and enjoyed every dish. The spice level wasn't too intense so I was able to eat almost everything on the plate, and it felt like I received the perfect amount of injera. The folks working here were very nice. I would have loved having some honey wine, but the cozy atmosphere and kind service made up for it.

One of the best experience ever. I was able to purchase fresh meat, and so some healthy grocery while I waited for my food. And the Food has so much love. Must try!

Enjera to buy! Yes! Very homey and yummy food. Bring friends as it's social dining. Small place.

My husband and I live near Nile restaurant, discovering soon after we relocated to Charlotte. We have now eaten here 8 times, and it is always fantastic. Sigue, one of the owners, treats you like family and cooks everything herself. I highly recommend this small business!

We had the veggie combo and spiced tea--both very delicious! Splitting one combo was plenty of food for two hungry people, and the variety and flavor of the dishes was delightful. The generous pot of tea was more than the two of us could drink. It's run by very friendly folks, and the prices are quite reasonable. We will certainly be back!

Very sweet lady served us. Food was very different but absolutely delicious. Ended up getting a veggie plate and a meat plate to share. Place was very clean and friendly atmosphere.

This was amazing! Such great food with a great family vibe. They even taught us how to properly eat the food with Ethiopian culture. Can't wait to go back!

I love Ethiopian/Eritrean food and this is one of my favorite places to get it! Their prices are also great compared to the surrounding restaurants that make similar food. I always order the veggie combo plate ($12.50) and add a side of beef ($4.99) to it. They don't have a combo plate on the menu that includes a meat plus the veggies like some other red I've been too. The food is always cooked fresh and tastes amazing! The owner is such a sweet lady and has great customer service.

Nile Ethiopian Restaurant has some of the best food I've had in Charlotte. The staff were kind, helpful, and went above and beyond to explain the dishes and the customs surrounding them. Long story short: go whenever you get a chance. Nile is in a strip mall with a few other stellar food destinations, such as La Shish Kabob and Golden Bakery a bit further down. Don't walk past it. When first walking in, you mostly see the grocery side of the location and you have to ask to be seated. There was no one else but family of the owners when we went in, but they welcomed us warmly and kindly as we asked about the menu. We ended up splitting the veggie platter (only 9.99!) and that was more than enough for the both of us. The owner kindly helped us navigate through each element on the plate (two lentil based dishes, a cabbage/potato/carrot combination, a chickpea based dish, and a mix of greens) and offered to help us with the etiquette and process of eating the food. As another reviewer said, when you are here, you are family. Both my friend and I were charmed by the kindness of the owners and we both absolutely loved the food. When I first decided I wanted to try Ethiopian food, I spent quite some time considering which Charlotte place to go to and after the experience at Nile, I don't think I'll go anywhere else.

Awesome people, great food. I get their injera on a regular basis. It stays fresh for weeks.

Dear all Charlotteans, If you are searching for a dynamic, tasteful, ethnic dining experience: you have got to try Tigay's food. I ordered standard dishes: Beef Tibs, and Kitfo. As someone who comes from an Ethiopian household: it is rare to come across someone who can bring the authentic taste of DELICIOUS home cooking to the restaurant table. The display was amazing, the flavors explosive and unforgettable. If you want Ethiopian food, you are doing yourself a disservice by not coming here. My tastebuds are still dancing from the spices. Absolutely phenomenal, I'm hooked. Most def a hidden gem!

Frequent the Grocery store and they have GF Injera which is a big Plus for my home food Prep. Can't say enough about their products and availability.

Definitely a hole in the wall...but one that you'll want to find yourself in. The food is tasty. They have a simple, one page menu - and by one page, I mean there is literally one sheet of paper floating around. At first my husband and I ordered 2 servings of the veggie combo. One was definitely plenty, but I think because the other Ethiopian restaurants in town have you order two, I was conditioned. One order to share will fill you up. The $9 veggie combo included the red lentils, yellow cabbage, and collard greens. The injera is very, very good. They don't serve glasses of water, so grab a bottle from the front of the store and bring it with you. Yes, the front of the store is a small grocery section. You can pick up some spices, rice, flour while you're here. The dining space is very small, perhaps 4-5 tables. On both occasions that I've visited here, the place is full of other diners chatting it up or grabbing a quick bite. The service is friendly. Make the drive out this way for a tasteful plate full of spice. Enjoy.

This is the best place in NC to get Ethiopian food. I drove an hour and half from Winston Salem just to try it. It was definitely worth the drive.

Incredible food! The injera was amazing and the woman who ran the restaurant and grocery store was also the one who cooked for us. So much food for the price, will definitely be back!

Very small restaurant, only 4 tables. What I like: - The owners are very, very nice and helpful. - The menu during the week is very simple, with half a dozen choices all for less than 10$. - The food is of outstanding quality. - Kitfo with raw meat - Great coffee Be prepared to wait a bit as the food is prepared from scratch. On the weekend they will have other typical choices as Zigni and Doro Wat.

Amazing family owned restaurant and grocery. Will bend over backwards for their customers. Always feel super welcome, best beef tibs in charlotte and nicest staff. The husband, wife, and son who run it are charming and so friendly. 10/10. Their card reader doesn't include a tip line, so bring cash to tip. There is also a small selection of ethiopian/ eritrean groceries and coffee pots.

Whether you're a world traveler or just a food adventurer looking for something new, both Ethiopian food and Nile Ethiopian Restaurant and Grocery will satisfy your tastebuds. Don't be scared by the outside facade or the foreignness of it all, because hidden inside this hole in the wall is friendly service and great ethnic food at an affordable price. Our party of 4 ordered bottled waters, the Veggie Combo, and the Tibis which, with the injera, was enough to fill us up for just $25. The lady who served us was very friendly and eager to explain any questions we had. Although they do not have a large menu, each item is somewhat broken down into what they obtain. I won't go into the complexities of Ethiopian food, but this meal was an enjoyable experience in both taste and service. I would love to come back and try out their other options at his hidden gem.

This place is outstanding. The food is incredible, the prices can't be beat, and the sweet lady running the place will make you want to come back again and again. I'll be a regular. The only heads up: if you order water to drink, you get a plastic water bottle for $1. So if you would prefer not pay that and/or hate using plastic bottles, I'd suggest bringing your own reusable water bottle. :)

This is the best customer service and food in town the people will sit and talk with you as if you all were old friends. The BEST part is that they are a big part of the community helping develop and improve peoples lives that need help. I was introduced to them by a close friend with there involvement in the community and i made sure to check them out......I want to thank them and everyone who is going here to build up community in charlotte. POSITIVEGOODLIFE

I always appreciate the quality and authenticity of food here and the hospitality! The prices are reasonable and the food is amazing. I took some out of town guest for lunch and they loved it. We ordered the vegetable combo, Kitfo, and Foul....Ummmm!! It looked just like the photos. (which almost never happens when you go out to eat anymore. ) Then, we were blessed with the most perfect cup of coffee. (Note coffee is authentic and requires you to call the day before for prep. The beans are roasted by hand :-0 )

Best overall Ethiopian in Charlotte Standouts - collards / lentils / kitfo Ethiopian food is the most exotic food and thus my favorite Great value Spices and flavors are unique and delicious Ethiopian husband and wife who own place are friendly and kind All dishes (meat and veggie) are awesome Highly recommend

Excellent Ethiopian food with nice size portions. Very casual setting but the food is delicious!!Friendly and engaging staff. Would definitely dine here again!

The best Ethiopian food this side of Addis Abba! A real hole in the wall. I wouldn't have noticed this place if I wasn't specifically looking for it. My mother and I were on a quest to find some authentic Ethiopian coffee. They had it, but only in the green, unroasted form. Unfortunately, I don't have a coffee roaster, so I had to pass. The location is cut into two sections. The front is a Ethiopian general store. They sell ingredients for Ethiopian food, DVDs, soda, exotic spices, and kitchen gadgets to make your flat bread on. The back area is a restaurant. Their menu is literally one page, for the entire restaurant. If someone else is looking it over, you're going to have to wait. There's only about 5 things to choose from, so it's not a big decision. We had cabbage and onions, served with collard greens, and beans, all served on a large piece of flat bread. We had to have the waitress explain what we were having, since the menu descriptions are rather loosely worded, and mainly in Ethiopian. The food was heavily spiced, and delicious. The beans had a delicious smoky flavor, and the cabbage had some sort of yellow hot spice on them. The staff was incredibly pleasant and helpful, but with rather limited English. They were alarmed when they saw that the Coca-Cola was 'beyond the expiration date,' and insisted that we not drink it. I've never paid attention to the Coke expiration dates stamped on the bottom of the can. The place was rather clean, and they showed Ethiopian movies on the TV set. I'd definitely recommend checking this place out for a culinary adventure.

This was my first time eating Ethiopian food and I must say that it was a wonderful experience. My girlfriend (who has had Ethiopian food many times before) and I went while visiting Charlotte and we are very glad we found this place. From the outside it looks like just a grocery store but don't let that fool you. Inside in the back is seating and the woman that cooked and helped us was so wonderful and kind. I don't like very spicy food and she tweaked some of her recipes to accommodate my tastes. We had had the Tibia and the Shiro and both were absolutely amazing. The meat was tender and cooked to perfection and the Shiro had such great flavor. The injera was so good and cooked with love (as was everything). After dinner she recommended a tea (cardamom I believe) and it was a great way to finish off the meal. I was so happy with this meal. And my girlfriend also said it was one of the best Ethiopian experiences she has had. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting to try Ethiopian here in Charlotte.

Seriously good food at this hole in the wall. It's the real deal. The dining area is in the back of a convenient-store-sized grocery where a number of interesting items can be found. The meals are made to order and drinks can be bought in the store front, but I would recommend the tea with your meal. The lady running the joint is very kind and accommodating even with her limited English. Would definitely come back. The take away: If you're looking for an experience, you'll definitely find it here.

Amazing! Best Ethiopian food I have ever had. Family owned. Outstanding service. The veggie platter was outstanding.

Great tiny place. Service was far above average from the wonderful women who were also preparing our food. Great find for authentic food!

Do not judge this place from the outside, or you will miss some of the best vegetarian food in Charlotte. The couple that run this plan are a testament to families moving here to make a new life. They are some of the hardest working people I've ever met and they take their grocery and their food preparation very seriously. You want fresh meat? There was an endless stream of folks coming to buy their raw beef tibs to make at home. But if you look around the corner, you'll see three to four sets of benches where you get to eat the good stuff. The menu is limited to the veggie combo and beef tibs. No doro wat here, but that's honestly ok. The veggie combo is the most amazing 10 dollars you will spend and even with two people sharing it, will fill you up most happily. But the clincher is the female owner makes sure you know what you're eating, how to eat it, and most importantly, that you enjoy it. They don't treat you as a customer, you are family. What more can you ask for? Oh one thing that needs to be addressed, none of the hours and dates for the Ethiopian restaurants in the area are correct. Please call them to be sure

Delicious food!! We had the Tibis dish which was amazing. Family owned business, husband and wife. They were so welcoming and friendly. Will definitely be going back.

Small restaurant with great food and incredibly friendly service. Highly recommend checking it out

What a fantastic place. The owners work really hard to make everything so welcoming and very clean. The food was fantastic and very authentic. This will be one of our regular hang outs.

Very tasty! Generous portions, inexpensive. Seems to be a hub for the Ethiopian community.

Wonderful food cooked and served by the nicest sweetest lady ever! She helped our family - some newbies to Ethiopian food- pick out just the right dishes. Thank you for a wonderfully perfect lunch!!!

Wow. This place totally hit me by surprise. A hidden gem. It shares a spot with a grocery, so I was a bit skeptical. Our waitress was very friendly and helped us through the ordering process as the menu was simple and a bit limited without lamb. The reason for no lamb has to do with their high quality standards. The food was the best Ethiopian I've ever had! I ate so much it hurt. :) Do call ahead for the coffee ceremony as it needs special preparation. If it's as good as the food it will be worth the wait.

This place is consistently incredible. The menu is small but amazing. If there is one place I would always recommend to someone it's Nile. It's also small restaurant, but again what they lack in size they make up for in everything else.

I have been a regular of this wonderful place for about 5 years now and have had everything on the menu at one point or another! The owner and chef, Tsige, is a warm host. She makes everything to order, so not only is your food organic and healthy, it's also guaranteed to be fresh. The down side of this of course is that it may take a little longer to prepare. The food and experience are truly authentic, as evidenced by the many Ethiopians who frequent the restaurant. Some of my favorites: * Veggie combo (a delicious combination of collard greens, lentils, cabbages, carrots, potatoes, and any other delights Tsige may throw in. * kitfo: a spicy beef tar tar, ground beef * tibs: wonderful marinated beef tips All of the above served on this wonderful spongy bread (injera), which gives it a great flavor contrast and balance. The place is small and cozy and definitely off the beaten path, but you won't regret the drive. For the coffee lovers, nothing that beats Ethiopian coffee! Ask Tsige for the coffee ceremony - she'll roast the coffee beans right in front of you and let you take in the aroma. Enjoy your experience - and don't be surprised if you find yourself addicted to this wonderful cuisine!! :)

My wife & I felt we had dropped into a shop in any Ethiopian town. We were greeted by the sweet smile of the proprietor & cook of this delightful place. The food was excellent. Our coffee was hand roasted as we waited, it smelled so good! We will be back.

Hands down the BEST Ethiopian Restaurant in Charlotte, NC! Wonderful family owned business with authentic food and great service! It can't get better than this!

The best Ethiopian I can remember eating. For anyone new to the cuisine, the proprietress is very friendly and helpful with the menu. On her recommendation, we tried the tibs (spicy), vegetarian combo, and kitfo (well)---all delicious, and each under $10.00 for more than enough to feed two people. While we ate, we agreed repeatedly that it felt like we were enjoying a home-cooked meal, something lovingly cared for from range to plate. Their attention to detail is flooring: without any exaggeration, the flavor of each and every side and garnish compliments the meal perfectly. If you live in the area, or if you're visiting Charlotte and looking to sample some local restaurants, please do yourself the tremendous favor of visiting Nile Ethiopian Food and Spices.

A very nice family runs this place. The food was wonderful. The mother used oil instead of butter for those of us who are lactose intolerant. I especially loved every single part of the veggie sampler, although everything we'd ordered was delicious. Unfortunately I don't live in Charlotte, or else I'd come eat here all the time!

Wow, amazing food. I have a food baby and it is totally worth it. I am so glad that we came here. Great service and wonderful food. Come here you will not be disappointed!

If you haven't been to Nile Grocery and Cafe, you're missing out. All their dishes are delicious! My favorites are beef tibs and the vegetarian combo. Everything is prepared to your taste - as mild or spicy as you like. Their injera is addicting! It's a type of spongy bread made with a super grain called teff, which is high in protein, iron, and fiber. Break off a piece and use it to scoop up the flavorful stews and vegetables. The portions are huge. You will have enough to bring home and enjoy a meal of left-overs. This place is a small restaurant where you are treated like family. Their service and hospitality are excellent. I can't wait to go back.

Just got another takeout today, and Nile's food is still very tasty and well-prepared. Definitely a place to try if you like Ethiopian.

Ate lunch there this past Saturday and wow great service, big portions and great food!

I agree with the other reviews, so I will just add that the beef tibs are a great option for someone new to this cuisine, it is a delicious dish. The raw beef kitfo is very good as well, but entirely too much meat for one order. I would prefer it with less meat and a side of lentils, collards, or chickpeas. The woman serving and cooking is so sweet.