We are not from Calgary and based on the reviews came to have a bite, and some shisha.
The atmosphere was amazing. And we were greeted by some peanuts and 2 pieces of baklava which were tasty.
Service was poor, I ordered shisha, and the server confirmed they will bring it, I waited for some time but it never came.
Ordered the mix grill platter and the presentation was great, but the taste was okay. The kofta was very spicy so it is not for everyone.
Ordered a green tea pot, and the server advised that we should a big tea pot not a small one if the two of us wanted to have tea as the small tea pot won’t be enough. This was the biggest scam ever. First of we got a very small pot (you can see it in the picture below) with literally one bag of green tea in it and exactly 2 leaves of mint and 2 small cups. We thought they made a mistake and we didn’t want to ask for any changes as we were already feeling down because the shisha was never served.
When we asked for the bill, the server didn’t actually give us the bill, instead showed us the total in the POS, the total was higher than what we thought. We asked for the bill with the prices and we were advised that they will print it after we pay. We payed (and tipped) then we figured out that the small tea pot was almost $12.
We are not from Calgary or Alberta and we were excited to try the place, even though the decorations and overall atmosphere are great, the service is very poor and how staff aren’t clear with prices is a big thing that they definitely should work on. We probably won’t consider...
Read moreWe came for the Egyptian food and we were not disappointed! It was amazing! Complimentary peanuts and baklava were delivered as we were looking at the menu. Great start! We had 2 different dips with pita, (hummus and Baba Ghanougsh), both were fabulous! We also had Waraa aneb (grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat), and fatoush salad - also delicious and so fresh! Our server brought out Kebba (a vegetarian sausage) with fries - so good and of course we had Egypt's national dish Kusheri, a dish made with rice, lentils, and macaroni. It is served with 3 different dips (tomato based, spicy and lemon based - all added something unique to the dish) and again it was good! We also shared the mixed grill (which had chicken, beef, prawn, rice, peppers and more)! It was a ton of food but we're glad we ordered everything to share! We had a fabulous evening and the food was above expectations!! SO GOOD! The owners were so kind and personable - sharing stories of Egypt and helping us choose our selections. This is a family run business and we would highly recommend it! Everything was incredible! We even declined dessert (as we were already stuffed) but they brought out a complimentary rice pudding and tea. It was delicious and we at every bite! We will be coming back! Thanks for a...
Read moreNILE Cafe in Calgary is a hidden gem that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Cairo with its warm, inviting atmosphere. The moment you walk in, you are greeted with the kind of hospitality that feels like a warm embrace. The owner is incredibly welcoming, making you feel like part of the family from the start.
The ambiance is reminiscent of those magical Egyptian nights, where the air is filled with laughter, conversation, and the subtle aroma of delicious food. Every bite from the menu is a delight — the dishes are authentic, flavorful, and crafted with care. But it's the shisha that truly stands out. Smooth, rich, and expertly made, it’s an experience in itself.
Hoota, the shisha expert, is a standout figure. Despite holding a medical surgery degree, he takes great pride in crafting the perfect shisha for you, and his dedication and humility are inspiring. His hard work and friendly nature enhance the whole experience, showing that no job is too small when it's done with passion and heart.
Whether you’re there for the food, the shisha, or just to soak in the atmosphere, NILE Cafe is an unforgettable spot. It’s more than a cafe – it’s a slice of Egyptian culture, right in the heart of Calgary....
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