Darbar is widely praised as an intimate, cozy, family run Indian restaurant in Montreal where flavors are rich and dishes are prepared with care and from scratch. Reviewers note attentive service and a warm, personalized dining experience with moments such as the staff coming to the table to explain dishes and tailor them to spice preferences. The menu is described as authentic and varied, with balanced spices and fresh ingredients and occasional seasonal highlights. The ambiance is consistently described as cozy and charming, with real candles, dim lighting, and a mix of quiet dinners and lively jazz on select nights, plus a winter indoors and summer patio vibe. Pricing is considered reasonable for the quality and for sharing plates with friends or family. Dietary needs are well accommodated, including gluten free and vegan options, and staff are noted for asking about spice tolerance and customizing dishes. While most experiences are outstanding, some reviews mention slower service in a small, busy space and a few dishes that were less impressive. Overall, this spot is seen as a standout for authentic Indian cuisine in Montreal and a must visit for food lovers.
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!
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.
Feb 23, 2024
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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.
Great Indian restaurant at the heart of Downtown Montreal! As a Londoner visiting Montreal for work I went to Darbar many times in the past few months for my weekly fix of Indian Food & can honestly the quality of food & level of service is exceptional. Well done Darbar team & I look forward to visiting again when I am next in Montreal!
This is my go-to restaurant in Montreal for Punjabi food. Phenomenal menu & food; presentation; service & an intimate setting - & summer on the patio is great!
Le Darbar est mon restaurant indien préféré. Tous les plats sont délicieux. L'ambiance est calme. Ce n'est pas bruyant. Même mon fils de 12 ans vide son assiette!
