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.
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! :)
C'était incroyable comme soirée! Tout ce qu'on a mangé était délicieux, savoureux, typique! Le service était absolument parfait aussi! Je recommande, SANS AUCUNE HÉSITATION!
Our favorite Indian restaurant in Montreal hands down. Our Valentine's meal was wonderful. Food was delicious as always & the atmosphere is cozy & conversation with fellow diners was inspiring. Staff are warm & always go above & beyond. Highly recommended.
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 !
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
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
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!
Dec 28, 2025
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Great service from Arindom!
Nice music, not too loud, so that you can actually have a conversation. Food is really good & portions are nice. Fun menu & lovely people ☺? Would definitely recommend!
This is such an amazing restaurant! The staff are amazing! The chef came out to our table to talk to us & customized our meals for us! Highly recommend!
Myself & my partner came here for dinner a little later in the night, & we had an amazing time. Our server was the best, he was friendly, & made sure to answer any questions we had about the menu. The food was delicious. I would recommend anyone to eat here. DAIRY FREE & GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS!
