Darbar is widely praised as an intimate, cozy, family run Indian restaurant in Montreal where flavors are rich and dishes are prepared with care and from scratch. Reviewers note attentive service and a warm, personalized dining experience with moments such as the staff coming to the table to explain dishes and tailor them to spice preferences. The menu is described as authentic and varied, with balanced spices and fresh ingredients and occasional seasonal highlights. The ambiance is consistently described as cozy and charming, with real candles, dim lighting, and a mix of quiet dinners and lively jazz on select nights, plus a winter indoors and summer patio vibe. Pricing is considered reasonable for the quality and for sharing plates with friends or family. Dietary needs are well accommodated, including gluten free and vegan options, and staff are noted for asking about spice tolerance and customizing dishes. While most experiences are outstanding, some reviews mention slower service in a small, busy space and a few dishes that were less impressive. Overall, this spot is seen as a standout for authentic Indian cuisine in Montreal and a must visit for food lovers.
I was visiting my son at university & took him & some friends for dinner. We showed up without a reservation as a party of 6 on a Friday night & luckily they were able to squeeze us in. The restaurant is quaint & welcoming. We asked the waiter to help us choose a mix of dishes that we could share & he didn't disappoint. Everything was delicious! The service was fabulous & the chef made sure to introduce himself to all the tables. We will definitely be back but I'll make a reservation next time to be sure we can get a table because it was a busy spot.
Service très amical, cocktails & plats délicieux! Le serveur nous a bien conseillé sur le menu & a su accommoder nos demandes spéciales. Un peu plus dispendieux que d'autres restaurants, mais l'expérience en vaut la peine!
Apr 11, 2026
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Petit endroit très confortable, superbe accueil & service personnalisé. La nourriture est faite à la main (samosas à la main!) & avec attention. Superbes cocktails, tout est parfait ! Merci !
Came for an early dinner tonight & had a wonderful time. The staff was very courteous & kind. Food was amazing. Will definitely be returning once in the area again!
J'ai commandé un Take out en ligne. On me dit 30min, arrivée sur les lieux on m'avise qu'un moins 30min supp est nécessaire, un 10 min de plus & au final un 5min de plus. Du grand n'importe quoi. Tout ça pour une gibelotte avec bcp plus de sauce que de solide, avec seulement 5-6 morceaux d'agneau. Le pain naam sg avec leur 8$ d'extra est vraiment dégueulasse.
Bref très mauvaise expérience
My partner & I had an amazing date night dinner here. The veg thali & egg plant Bartha were both excellent & we really enjoyed that the chef came out to explain the menu & ask us how our meal was going. Highly recommend!
Apr 4, 2026
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Hidden Gem ✨
Impeccable service from Simmer & his staff on the Sunday night I went. The food was delectable, chicken so tender. Can't wait to return! Thank you Darbar!
love love LOVEEEEE.
first of all, the vibes, so aesthetic, so cozy, very charming & subtly refined. real candles, dimmed lights, & authentic silverware.
secondly, the price point, very reasonable considering that you end up sharing a variety of dishes with a friend or a group of people. thirdly & most importantly, the food (& drinks): beyond speechless… we started off with the mango lasi & chicken skewers which took us by surprise because the flavours were out of this world, then we ordered the shahi paneer + lamb masala (with coconut milk reduction$ with rice & naan: such an appropriate & daring level of spices where the flavours just simply melt in your tongue like a symphony.
highly recommend. 100/10. such a hidden gem!
Had a great experience at Darbar last night. The staff was so friendly, attentive, & welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious. I also loved the space. Highly recommend & will be back for sure! :)
Les plats étaient vraiment savoureux, surtout l'équilibre des épices qui était bien réussi. Par contre, le temps d'attente entre les commandes était un peu long. L'ambiance est calme, mais on sent que l'espace est restreint. En général, ce n'est pas mauvais, mais je m'attendais à mieux. Le personnel était attentionné, mais le service était un peu lent. Les prix sont dans la moyenne supérieure. Il y a une belle variété, mais certains plats étaient excellents, tandis que d'autres étaient plus ordinaires.
Mar 23, 2026
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This meal was genuinely one of my favourite meals on the trip. We were visiting from Toronto & this place did not disappoint. We savoured every bite! The atmosphere was very cozy & comforting. Chef Simar was very friendly & served a meal to remember!
