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.
Title: Disastrous Anniversary Experience: Avoid Darbar Restaurant at All Costs Review: Our anniversary celebration at Darbar Restaurant in Montreal turned into a nightmare, thanks to the appalling behavior of the owner & staff. Not only were we served the wrong food, but the owner's disrespectful & egotistical attitude made matters worse. For those who hold their religious beliefs dear, I strongly advise against dining here. The owner's blatant disregard for our dietary preferences, coupled with his inflated sense of self-importance, is a clear indication that customer satisfaction comes second to his ego. Furthermore, the restaurant's ambiance was a far cry from the polished images portrayed online, leaving us feeling deceived & disappointed. If you cherish good dining experiences & wish to avoid disrespect & disappointment, I urge you to look elsewhere. Darbar Restaurant is a disgrace to the hospitality industry, & I wouldn't wish our anniversary ordeal on anyone.
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.
Mar 31, 2024
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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.
Great Indian restaurant at the heart of Downtown Montreal! As a Londoner visiting Montreal for work I went to Darbar many times in the past few months for my weekly fix of Indian Food & can honestly the quality of food & level of service is exceptional. Well done Darbar team & I look forward to visiting again when I am next in Montreal!
Le Darbar est mon restaurant indien préféré. Tous les plats sont délicieux. L'ambiance est calme. Ce n'est pas bruyant. Même mon fils de 12 ans vide son assiette!
Nous avons eu le grand plaisir de souper dans un restaurant chaleureux, aux plats exquis & au service plus qu'impeccable. Le Darbar est sans aucun doute l'un des meilleurs restaurants indien de Montréal. La nourriture est délicieuse, les épices & arômes sont bien balancés, & les employé·e·s sont d'une gentillesse inouïe. Nous recommandons à tous & à toutes ce restaurant, où nous retournerons assurément !
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 💖
Dec 19, 2023
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Had the chance to check out Darbar, & the food was incredibley tasty, staff was also very nice & hospitable. Tried the seekh kebab, murgh malai, chicken biryani, & chicken tikka masala, & the mango lassi was amazing. The only drawback was that the portion sizes were on the small side. This is especially true with the appetizers. The owner mentioned to us everything on the menu is $2-4 more expensive than the menu price due to inflation which most people probably understand these days, though I was still expecting the portions to be consistent with any other Indian restaurant. Overall food was delicious & certainly worth trying. Just not satisfied paying $130 for 2 people.
Darbar is truly exceptional! I think the thing that sets it apart is the complexity & variety of the spices & flavourings. We always enjoy a meal here. The staff & the owner demonstrate genuine pride in the excellence of their offerings.
Super friendly & accommodating staff. Food is great & get substantial portions for the price. It deffinatly feels like a family run spot. I suspect some/most 1 start reviews are from a competitors network, or different ethnic Indian groups. Darbar deffinalty deserves a much higher rating!
This is the best Indian food I have ever had It is delicious & is very much cuisine (not food) - you can taste the individual spices. Our waiter was fantastic - he spent time with us, talked to us about the dishes, gave suggestions of what to do in Montreal. This is our second time at Darbar, & we will be sure to visit every time we are in Montreal.
Stunning. The patio section created the perfect ambiance for eating al fresco on a warm summer evening. The staff, including the chef, was exceptional & very personable. All the food was made fresh upon our order & you could taste the difference. Best Chicken Tikka Masala
(& garlic naan) I have ever eaten. I can't wait for my next visit to Montreal so I can get another meal at Darbar.
The best Indian food we've had in Montreal. The owner & Chef took the time to greet us & explain the menu. We were a party of 6 & felt well cared for, not rushed & comfortable. The recommended wine was perfect, the beer tasty & the food bursting with flavor. Darbar is a small space with outdoor seating. We enjoyed it all.
Jun 30, 2023
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This was our first visit to Montreal & so to Darbar & this was an amazing first experience
Simar & his team of committed, well mannered & cheerful members ensured an excellent service, great taste & memorable cocktails.
Overall, full marks & top recommendation.
Darbar is an exceptional Indian restaurant that truly captivates the senses. Under the skillful guidance of its owner, this hidden gem delivers an authentic culinary experience that transports diners to the heart of India. The owner's dedication to authenticity shines through in every meticulously crafted dish, while the warm hospitality & inviting ambiance make for a memorable dining experience. Darbar is a testament to the owner's passion & expertise, offering a delightful taste of India right here in Montreal.
As usual, exceptional service, & very delicious food. My wife & I have been patrons since 2013, & have always thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Darbar.
Nous avons adoré notre souper chez Darbar. Un personnel attentionné, une nourriture délicieuse & bien relevée, une ambiance intime & un menu abordable. Merci pour cet excellent repas.
