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've been a long-time fan of this place, but hadn't been back since the father & original owner passed & his son took over. I'm so glad I returned.
We were greeted by the son/chef himself, who was warm, attentive, & clearly committed to carrying on his father's legacy with care & passion. He took the time to ask us a few questions to'get to know us,' then chose our dishes himself, which made the whole experience feel personal & thoughtful.
I love when there's a real family story behind a restaurant, & you can feel it here.
The appetizer was outstanding - a chicken kebab dish served in an oven-style presentation, full of flavor & beautifully done. Our mains & dessert were equally delicious. Best naan I have had in a while.
My friend & I both loved the experience. We ate very well & found the pricing fair for the quality & care. Service was warm & attentive.
This is one of those lovely, little'hole in the wall' restaurants with an owner chef who takes pride in what he serves. If I lived in Montreal I would be a regular. We enjoyed every bite!
Apr 29, 2026
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Darbar has been one of my partner & my favorite restaurants in Montreal & we often celebrate special occasions there. The chef & staff are always accommodating & friendly & the food & drinks are fantastic. We always try something new when we're there & are always amazed by the complexity of the flavors & the quality of each dish. It's clear how much work & intention goes into every detail. Last night we went for my partner's final night in Montreal before he leaves for the summer & we had a wonderful experience. We ordered the non-vegetarian thali, the seekh kebabs, & the madrasi bakra to share & were blown away by everything we ordered. I also highly recommend the cocktails on the menu, especially the whiskey sour which is phenomenal.
This was fantastic!! The most delicious & innovative Indian cuisine. The service was excellent - the server was knowledgeable & prompt. The owner & head chef visited the table personally to check in as we ordered & as we ate - he is a lovely man who is so wonderfully passionate about his work! We can't to go again & again whenever we visit Montreal.
This is an incredible restaurant. The chef came to our table & helped us craft a perfect dinner. We were with our two young kids who'd always been lukewarm on Indian food. Now they want to drive 5 hours to go back again.
Très bon repas, le chef est hyper talentueux & attentioné. Le personnel aussi nous a très bien reçu & nous avons passé une super soirée :) merci & à bientôt
Apr 17, 2026
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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.
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!
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!
Mar 22, 2026
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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!
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
Feb 15, 2026
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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!
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 !
