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.
Excellent service, un accueil chaleureux & un repas exquis. Je recommande à tous ceux qui veulent expérimenter la cuisine traditionnelle indienne dans un restaurant familial, riche en histoire. Vraiment, ça vaut le détour.
Nous sommes allés avec deux groupes de 5e secondaire; une magnifique expérience! Chef Simar & sa conjointe ont pris le temps de nous expliquer l'histoire familiale derrière cet incroyable restaurant. Ce petit bijou de Montréal offre une qualité inégalable! Je recommande X 1000!
Mar 25, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
This was hands down the best Indian food I have had in Montreal. from flavor to presentation we were stunned. My personal favorites & recommendations would be to try the seekh kebab, bhindi, chole bhatura & the garlic naan. My absolute favorite was the bhindi, the ingredients are so fresh & so well cooked. I was completely floored I can't praise this place enough. Highly highly recommend !!
Without doubt the best Indian food in Montreal. The atmosphere is great, the hosts are welcoming, gracious & accommodating, & Chef Singh himself came over to our table to chat with us & ask about the food, which by the way was incredible to say the least. I am beyond impressed & I'm grateful to Darbar for this wonderful experience. Cannot recommend enough!!
Petit restaurant très sympathique. L'extérieur ne paye pas de mine mais il ne faut pas se fier.
Le repas était très savoureux. Le personnel courtois & sympathique. Le chef est venu expliquer le menu & est revenu plus tard s'enquérir si tout était à notre goût.
Je recommande chaudement.
Délicieux ! Mes papilles & mon estomac vous disent merci. Tout est travaillé, jusqu'à la sauce qui accompagne les frites. J'avais déjà eu l'occasion de dîner à Darbar (un régal), mais suite à cette commande, je recommande également d'essayer leur nouveau concept "Chez Babu ji's" snack shop. Vous ne serez pas déçus !
Experience hors pair lors de notre visite. Le service est incroyable, Le chef est venu nous voir à plusieurs reprise pour s'assuré que tout est à notre goût. Il nous a donner des recommandation & nous a demander nos préférences en terme de saveur & niveau d'épices. Nous somme des amateurs de cuisine indienne mais Darbar était à un niveau supérieur. Coup de coeur pour l'agneau Nihari. Nous avons déjà hâte d'y revenir.
2e visite au Darbar & cette fois, ce fut un wow! La nourriture fut exquise, le proprio est venu nous voir & tout le monde était aux petits soins! Je recommande vivement!
Dec 29, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Nous avons découvert ce petit restaurant & nous avons été charmé par sa nourriture, ses propriétaires & son ambiance. Nous le recommandons fortement. En plus, on y aide la francisation des nouveaux arrivants. Le serveur était aussi très à l'écoute & nous a fait d'excellentes recommandations.
I was walking back to my car after an event, hungry & deciding where to eat. From across the street, I could smell the food from outside & decided to walk in! Best decision! The hostess/ waitress was very kind, the food was absolutely delicious (I had the Dahl soup & meat thali), perfectly portioned as well as totally fair priced IMO. I would go there again & recommend in a heart beat!
Darbar deserves all the stars! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm & inviting. The food was simply incredible-authentic Indian cuisine at its finest. The attention to detail in the flavors made each bite unforgettable. You must also try their one-of-a-kind drinks! The service was just as impressive-attentive, friendly, & efficient. They went above & beyond to make sure our dining experience was perfect. If you're looking for an exceptional Indian meal, Darbar is the place to go. Highly recommend!!!!!!!
Highly recommend! We stopped in on a Saturday night without a reservation & they were super accommodating even though it was busy. Maybe call ahead to give them a heads up if it's a weekend night, this place is in high demand! The food was insanely good-- very dynamic flavors, each dish distinct from another. It all felt healthy, fresh, & tasty. The service was lovely & the chef-owner greeted us & gave some background about the restaurant's roots. We came to visit Montreal & it was important to us to support locally owned businesses & Darbar is just that. This is a family restaurant, well worth the visit & the wait if it's busy. Definitely try Darbar.
Love the place! Highly recommend it. After a long day of roaming around, this place felt like home cooked meal! Bangan Bharat & dal tadka were genuinely great!
Our favourite Indian restaurant in Montreal. The food is outstanding; presentation is lovely, flavours are delectable. Great vegan friendly options as well. We always visit Darbar when our family is visiting from Australia. A memorable evening on the terrace thanks to the great ambiance & hospitality of the staff & owners. Looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommend! Thank you Darbar team.
