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.
First of all, the ambience sucks! It feels choke. 2. The food takes forever to arrive & we weren't told this 3. They didn't ask for how spicy we want it & when we got the food it's just too sweet first for a chicken masala & a lamb korma 4. When we complained, they said it's our fault, we should have asked or our server should have told us (which they didn't) 5. Lastly, the worst part is that the place is packed & everyone seems to be happy which is funny cos it's either people here don't know what Indian food should taste like or what good service is. How mediocrity thrives in Montréal scares me! I'm giving it 2 stars just to be a nice guy. Oh I forgot, even the Nan bread sucks & the food quantity is just too small.
Apr 19, 2024
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Absolument fantastique, le meilleur indien (progressive punjabi) du centre-ville. Principalement pour l'excellence de leur cuisine & l'effort mis dans le service & l'atmosphère. Vraiment remarquable, devrait servir de référence comme établissement.
Food is not authentic Indian food. Biryani had cherry tomatoes in it. Murg tikka masala tasted more like butter chicken . Garlic naan was like a store bought naan
An absolutely incredible experience. Food was superb & prepared to perfection. Head chef came & walked us through the menu, providing personalized recommendations based on our preferences. This place is a must visit!
Tastiest restaurant in Montreal, absolutely delicious food, we had a great time. Simar (exec chef) & his mother are very welcoming. Highly recommend even if you're new to indian food in general.
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.
My wife & I had a wonderful meal here on a recent trip to Montreal. The service was friendly & attentive. We each had a Thali but one vegetarian & one meat version to get a mix of curries that we shared. We really enjoyed their curries - spiced just so as to be not overpowering hot but enough that you could still taste individual spices & the food. That takes some skill to get that spicing right! Sides of samosas, naan & rice were very good. We liked the cumin seeds in the rice. Plates were attractively garnished with tasty pomegranate seeds & coriander. We tried their version of Shahi Tukra, a dessert we've never seen before, made in a puff pastry shell instead of ghee fried bread, with rosewater, cardamom, thickened sweetened milk & nuts & garnished with pomegranite seed. It was excellent!
Mar 21, 2024
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Very small & quaint restaurant, but the atmosphere is very relaxed, the servers & service were incredible as well!! The food was to die for! Check this place out!
I had a very unique experience here & the food was great, it was personable & quaint. I would definitely recommend & also a word of advice to pre book a table as the restaurant is small.
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.
