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.
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 !
Hands-down one of the most wonderful dining experiences & most delicious Punjabi food. Chef Simar came out to chat with us sharing in-depth about the menu, the creation of his seasonal menus, & made recommendations based on what we said as our taste preferences. He made a special batch of gluten free naan that he named as "not yet perfected & not ready to be on the menu". It was a great addition to the meal. The food had an incredibly special vibrance of flavor. A must visit!
went here with my friends & the food was delicious! the interior is dimly lit, they have a wide range of options & the chef took the time to talk with us. food is freshly made :)
Truly one of the best meals I have eaten. The people running this place are some of the warmest & kindest people you will ever meet. The food is exquisite & inventive. My mouth is literally watering just thinking about the meal. I'll spend the rest of my life eternally looking forward to my next visit to Darbar.
Jan 6, 2025
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We had a fabulous dinner at Darbar! The chef came out to greet us & made suggestions on what to eat, & he even prepared a special appetizer for us that wasn't on the menu (but should be -- it was delicious!). The entire meal was amazing. We will definitely be back next time we are in Montreal!
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.
Dec 29, 2024
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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!
We had the pleasure once again of an evening at DarBar. This time we asked Chef Simar to choose our food for us. He treated us to some new dishes he is experimenting with. We are so glad to have made that decision. It's difficult to imagine the food could get even better, but this moved the meal into the handful of my "Once in a Lifetime" experiences. All I can say is PLEASE try out this fabulous place, especially if you enjoy Indian food. & do take the plunge & let the chef show you what magic he can produce. Original review: This is an unassuming little gem tucked away in an interesting but somewhat run-down stretch of "The Main". The food is wonderful! The spices are complex & the heat in the dishes is deep & embracing. Just what one would expect from the very best Indian cuisine. Service is very attentive & the owner is always willing to discuss his vision for the food & the restaurant. In addition to the overall quality of the food, there is great attention to detail. For example, our bowl of rice was not merely seasoned & fragrant, it contained pomegranate seeds that had been marinated in rosewater, so there was an interesting note of sweetness & crunch from the flesh & kernels of the seeds. Nothing on the menu could be considered plain. Everything is an adventure in flavours & textures. Montreal is home to countless great places to eat, so it's quite an achievement for an eatery to stand out, but DarBar certainly does in my opinion.
Great experience ,Great food , & you feel how much they care about you enjoying what you order. The Chef comes to ask your preferences on spice level .... & boom amazing food lands on your table... divine taste & evry dish has its distinct taste... Just wow Sadly no photos we were starving
