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.
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!!!
As per the prices charged here, food is not that great! I ordered Non-veg thali & Tandoori Prawns. Thali was sufficient for one person meal it includes 2 sabji, dal makhani rice, roti, papad, & 1 piece of tandoori chicken. Tandoori Prawns was ok it was smelly & too lemony. But they have good options for Cocktails.
Jun 3, 2024
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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!
i absolutely love it here, the atmosphere & service is out of this world, you literally feel so loved & cared for here haha & the food is amazing! I'm so glad I found this place
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
Nous avons dîné dans ce restaurant raffiné qui propose une excellente cuisine. Les mets sont savoureux. Nous nous sommes partagé une entrée composée de brochettes de poulet. J'ai adoré le poisson Jogan Josh. Les desserts sont à tomber.
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.
The food at this restaurant deserves a solid 5/5 rating. It offers a unique twist on traditional Indian cuisine with a delightful Western influence, resulting in extraordinary flavors. The food actually got tastier since the last time i visited. I've been a patron here since the days when Uncle Sadar Ji managed the place, & his hospitality was unparalleled. Although I didn't encounter the same level of warmth during my recent visit, the restaurant's quality remains exceptional. I'll definitely return & am eager to see them expand to new locations.
Amazing little restaurant. Food is fantastic, & being that Indian food is generally spicy, the waitstaff asks for your tolerance level to make your experience even more enjoyable. My wife & I will definitely be back!
Apr 22, 2024
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A mixed experience overall. We ordered the garlic naan, butter chicken, lamb nihari & saag paneer with rice. The sauces for the curries were all very good & left a really strong first impression. Unfortunately both the meat & paneer were incredibly tough & overcooked. The lamb was mostly bones & fat, the chicken was cut too thin & was chewy, while the paneer was almost like overdone tofu. It's a shame because the flavours were all there but costs were cut with the main ingredients &, at $24 for an entree, the portion sizes didn't make up for it either. Overpriced as well to make matters worse. The mains should have been no more than $18 like most the other Indian restaurants in Montreal. While not pictured, I also have to call out their naan as the worst I've ever had at any Indian restaurant. It was thin, burnt & had the texture of overcooked pizza dough rather than naan. Finally, as a positive note, the service was incredibly warm & friendly when we both arrived & left. However, all the other reviews are correct that you'll never get a refill of water or any attendance during your meal unless you go out of your way to flag someone down. Warm atmosphere & I hope they're able to improve as the basics are there.
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!!!
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.
