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.
I enjoyed my food & drink at Darbar. I really enjoyed the fact that the head chef is out & about. The head chef was actually the person who took our orders & gave his personal recommendations. I didn't like that when the chef was taking our order, he was very excited to tell us the types of naan (& make recommendations) but he doesn't mention that the naan costs $6(or $8) extra. So when I got hit with an $8 naan charge, I felt blindsided & a bit taken advantage of. I would've gotten the rice with my butter chicken instead. I also didn't love the time it took to be served, but I think that's more a personal thing. I'm sure some people love the time between dishes to give time to schmooze, but I was antsy by the time the main course came. It took over an hour after the appetizers to get the mains. Overall, I don't have any complaints about the food itself, I just feel like it was expensive for what it was. I think it I had known about the naan I would've done things differently & been a happier customer. Or at least I would've anticipated the charge. I complained & they took off $2, but I should've been more assertive about it. I didn't leave feeling good about it. I guess my feedback if the staff read this: when presenting the types of naan, mention the added costs. Specially if you get the impression someone is new.
Jun 7, 2024
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What a treat! The food was mouth watering incredible! The chef & owner was so hospitable & welcoming. He not only was in the back, but was also managing the front & serving. Treated us to a new dish he's curating on the house. Presentation, taste & texture of all of the dishes were on point. A hidden gem in Montreal. Definitely coming back. We ordered: tikki chaat (not currently on the menu), chicken saag gosht, lamb nihari, the most incredible malai kofta (nothing like I've ever tasted before), & bhindi. For dessert we had mango cotton candy kulfi with bits of spicy red chili chocolate ganache, & bourbon flamed gulab jamun.
A friend & I were travelling from London to Montreal & also had two further planned stops in New York & Toronto. Being Indian, we were craving authentic & homemade Indian food! We knew it was a risk just choosing a restaurant on a whim, but that risk certainly paid off! Simran, the chef, was very welcoming from the start. We were even more impressed to learn that all the food was cooked fresh & we were provided with a reasonable expectation of how long the food would take to be cooked. Simran - bring Darbar to London! We would love a restaurant like yours here!!!
The madras curry was phenomenal, unlike any curry I've had. The cocktails were also exceptional & very well presented. The service was also very friendly & warm, & the chef told us about the ingredients in our dishes. Would recommend!
Chef Samir , is excellent , we had the best Indian cuisine at Darbar , Montreal in Canada , the flavours were perfect , gave home food touch & great service , best wishes & highly recommend; when at Montreal
I told the head chef that this was the best meal I've had in a while, but the more I think about it it may be the best meal I've had....... ever. The service was exceptional, the staff was so caring & welcoming, the environment was so comfortable, & the FOOD. Perfectly balanced, beautifully tender, well portioned & priced. I am struggling to put this into words. It makes sense that the staff are so wonderful & passionate considering what a high degree of excellence they have achieved. I recommend this place to anyone who likes enjoying things.
May 10, 2024
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We had the most amazing time at this restaurant on our first day visiting Montreal from Toronto! We showed up without reservations & the lovely chef (Simar) was able to kindly accommodate us. The food was probably the best Indian food I have ever had in my life! Our waitress & all the staff welcomed us so well & went above & beyond to make sure we had a great time! My mom sis & I were so grateful for the overall experience & we will most certainly be back!!!
An absolutely incredible experience. Food was superb & prepared to perfection. Head chef came & walked us through the menu, providing personalized recommendations based on our preferences. This place is a must visit!
Tastiest restaurant in Montreal, absolutely delicious food, we had a great time. Simar (exec chef) & his mother are very welcoming. Highly recommend even if you're new to indian food in general.
Food at Darbar is super delicious. If you are looking for a home cooked meal taste in a restaurant this is the place to go. Although service is a bit slow it is compensated very well with the authentic tasty Indian food. Kudos to the chef who gives personal attention to every customer. We stuck to the original Veg Thali. & it lived up to its originality.
Dining at Darbar offers an unparalleled culinary journey. Chef & owner Simar personally visits each table, offering insights into the menu & the stories behind your selections. Every dish, having been perfected over months, presents a distinctive twist on traditional Indian cuisine. The ambiance is cozy, complementing the vibrant flavors & lively atmosphere. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience.
Outstanding!!!!!! Amazing service & delicious food. The chef... hats off! We had the wine of the house & the fish with mint sauce --it was from another world! 🤯 you have to try it🤩🤩🤩 I wish I could eat there everyday 🥰😋😋😋 One year after update Darbar is our favourite restaurant, the food is always excellent & the service is fast & friendly. We love going there, we always recommend darbar to all our friends & family 💖
Just great high quality food expertly prepared. The head chef was also the server & explained everything well. From classic dishes to his own take with whatever fresh produce is delivered that day, the freshness comes through. Not a pretentious place, just comfortable & surprisingly good value. Very small room so voices carry.
I am shocked at how amazing the food was! Like genuinely shocked! The food was finger licking good, ordered more than I could eat & still ate it all! The chefs definitely has magic in their hands, outside of home I have never had such savoury & flavourful food, the aromas & the taste of it all was so magnificent & explosive with flavour I could spend the entire day there trying everything off the menu! If you want Punjabi/South Asian food & you're in Montreal; you have to... wait you NEED to eat here! You'll never go anywhere else after!
I recently dined at this Indian food restaurant, & it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish! The ambiance was inviting, the staff was attentive & friendly, &, most importantly, the food was out of this world.
From the moment I took my first bite, I knew I was in for a treat. The flavors in every dish were rich, authentic, & bursting with spices that transported my taste buds straight to India. The menu had a fantastic variety of options to choose from, & each one I tried was a culinary masterpiece.
The butter chicken was creamy & flavorful, the biryani was fragrant & perfectly cooked, & the naan bread was soft & pillowy. I can’t forget to mention the mouthwatering delectable mango lassi, which were the perfect way to start & finish my meal.
The presentation of the dishes was also impressive, showing the care & attention to detail that the chefs put into their craft. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that I left with a satisfied belly.
I can’t recommend this restaurant enough to anyone looking for an authentic Indian dining experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this place will exceed your expectations. I’ll definitely be returning soon for another unforgettable meal!
