Reviewers consistently praise Darbar for meticulously crafted flavors and dishes that feel both authentic and thoughtfully modern, from butter chicken and dal makhni to nihari, murg malai, seekh kebabs, and a variety of naans, all prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is described as intimate and cozy, with warm, attentive service and a welcoming, family run vibe, and the chef often greets tables to discuss the menu and tailor dishes to spice tolerance and dietary needs, including gluten free and vegan options. The dining experience is frequently complemented by personal touches such as table conversations, seasonal recommendations, and occasional live jazz or a refined beverage program, making it a strong choice for dates and gatherings alike. Many reviews call it a hidden gem and among the top Indian eateries in Montreal, noting high consistency over years and a sense of warmth that balances flavor, presentation, and value. While most responses are glowing, a few criticisms surface regarding occasional slower service, smaller portions relative to price, or limited vegetarian options on some menus, yet these do not substantially dampen the overall impression of a special, chef led dining experience.
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!
Amazing food from amazing people. After living in Montreal for 10 years, this is the best Indian food (& one of the best restaurants) I've tried in the city. Michelin star service & food for a fraction of the price.
Spices in the curries are mixed in a layered & thoughtful fashion. Naan is to die for. Let yourself be guided by the chef - who talked to every table individually & checked in multiple times during the evening.
I can see myself going back every month to this magical place!
Mar 19, 2026
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Nourriture délicieuse, chef fort sympathique qui venait se présenter, puis prendre des nouvelles pendant le repas, serveur un eu nerveux mais efficace, poli & appliqué. Mention spéciale pour la place du français, c'est souvent difficile d'être servi en un si bon français dans un resto indien :) Nous avons aussi adoré le petit avertissement linguistique en début de menu, super pour maintenir le dialogue!
La coutellerie est en cuivre, les saveurs sont décadente & le Chef est très attentionné. Tradition familiale soutenue par le chef en honneur de son père
We always have such an amazing time at Darbar, but yesterday's Valentine's day was special. The newly added Jazz band just elevated the experience even more. As usual, the food was impeccable & all my thanks to chef Simar who I unfortunately did not get to say hi to, understandable of course. To the front team, you guys did an amazing job, the polaroid was a nice touch & to see your parents on the take out box was adorable. Cannot wait to visit again soon whenever the Indian cuisine crave comes in, 10/10 as always
Nous avons passé une très belle soirée. La nourriture est divine & le personnel absolument extraordinaire. Nous venons tous du milieux de la restauration donc un peu critiques, mais le Chef & le personnel savent créer une expérience unique & chaleureuse. Une belle découverte culinaire mais humaine également.
Had an absolutely delightful experience at Darbar while visiting Montreal for the first time. The servers & chef were kind & generous, the food was AMAZING, & we lucked into going on a night there was live jazz music that totally rounded out the ambiance. Cannot recommend them enough!
Feb 10, 2026
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Le meilleur restaurant indien ! Toute l'équipe est extrêmement sympathique, chaleureuse & attentive au moindre détail. Le chef Simar est exceptionnel ! Arindom, qui nous a accueillis dès notre arrivée au restaurant, m'a préparé le meilleur cocktail que j'ai jamais goûté à Montréal. Darbar : je recommande totalement. Ma famille & moi avons adoré !
What can I say-this place is truly amazing, from the service to the food. Everything is made from scratch, & you can absolutely taste it. The dishes are fresh, flavorful, & perfectly balanced.
What really sets this place apart is that the chef personally comes out to connect with every table, taking the time to understand spice tolerance & any special requests. You genuinely feel the love & passion he puts into his food.
From one chef to another, I truly admire & respect that level of care & dedication. It's something you rarely find in restaurants these days. I will be back forsure !
Amazing experience from start to finish. Despite my very embarrassing entrance (accidentally snagging a tablecloth with my winter coat & sending glasses flying 😅), the staff handled everything with so much kindness & professionalism.
The owner/chef personally came to ask about our tastes & brought us one familiar dish & one new recommendation - both were absolutely incredible.
I've traveled around the world & tried many cuisines, & this was not only the best Indian food I've had, but genuinely the best meal I've ever eaten. Exceptional service, unforgettable flavors, & a place we will absolutely return to! Thank you so much
Jan 24, 2026
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L'un des restaurants de cuisine indienne présentant le menu le plus étudié que j'ai eu la chance d'essayer. Chacun des plats présentait une saveur balancée, un mélange exquis de parfums & d'épices. Le service était tout aussi excellent, puis le cuisinier-chef, dévoué à son menu, se souciait énormément de notre appréciation du repas. On pouvait y goûter l'amour de sa cuisine, de ses plats.
Easily one of the top five culinary experiences of my life. Chef Simar gave us the absolute star treatment. The flavours were otherworldly, the service was outstanding & atmosphere was perfect. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. Can't wait to come back again.
Delicious food! Chef makes everything from scratch, very attentive staff & very talented head chef. All their meats are halal which is also a huge plus. Highly recommend
Jan 17, 2026
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By far one of the best hidden gems. The chef was so kind & made our experience one to remember. He was able to cater to our specific needs & wants. As new comers to Indian food, the chef & his colleague made sure we were comfortable & enjoyed every bite. I would recommend this place to anyone
The head chef/owner came to our table to talk about his restaurant & the food. Incredible service & all items we ordered were delicious. Will definitely return.
One note - due to the extreme cold weather, you need to use the side door (to keep the main door closed & the dining area warm) which isn't super obvious to a first time visitor. It feels like you might be going into an apartment, but it's the restaurant!
Had an amazing meal here tonight. So nice for the chef to come to each table & speak to the dishes & ask if we had questions. The food itself was sublime. The best chicken tiki masala we've ever had & the agneau nihari melted in your mouth. A small place so make a reservation! What a way to kick off the new year.
If we could give this place more than five stars, we would. Definitely try the Mardasi Bakra, Aloo chat & honestly, you should try something from every course to really get the full experience.
The service was super fast & friendly, & very attentive to taking our orders. The chef was also very welcoming & clearly passionate about his food, while even taking the time to talk to us about his story & Montreal as we were visiting.
The restaurant itself is intimate & quiet, perfect for a relaxing dinner. You can really enjoy & appreciate the food while not being rushed.
We would recommend anyone to try!
