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.
Un excellent restaurant, des plats tout aussi délicieux les uns que les autres, un service impeccable & charmant, de magnifiques couverts, c'était impeccable, parfait. Je n'aurais pu souhaiter mieux pour mon anniversaire ♥
The food was amazing! Our server was lovely, but we were sat upstairs for the first portion of our evening, so the server did not come often given the steep stairs. Upstairs was silent & a little awkward, but halfway through the evening we were moved downstairs to the main area of the restaurant & the evening was amazing from there!! Will definitely be back :)
Great food, very tasty & authentic menu. Friendly service. We had the chicken thalis & a couple of appetizers & everything was well cooked & well presented.
Oct 14, 2023
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Le service m'a été offert en anglais. Un service en français aurait été grandement apprécié.
Les entrées : samosay pakoray & murgh pakora étaient très bonnes.
Les plats principaux : poulet tandoori & agneau nihari, la viandes de ces 2 plats n'était pas tendre & la quantité était petite (beaucoup de sauce & pas beaucoup de morceaux de viande).
Bonne journée!
I recently dined at this Indian food restaurant, & it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish! The ambiance was inviting, the staff was attentive & friendly, &, most importantly, the food was out of this world.
From the moment I took my first bite, I knew I was in for a treat. The flavors in every dish were rich, authentic, & bursting with spices that transported my taste buds straight to India. The menu had a fantastic variety of options to choose from, & each one I tried was a culinary masterpiece.
The butter chicken was creamy & flavorful, the biryani was fragrant & perfectly cooked, & the naan bread was soft & pillowy. I can’t forget to mention the mouthwatering delectable mango lassi, which were the perfect way to start & finish my meal.
The presentation of the dishes was also impressive, showing the care & attention to detail that the chefs put into their craft. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that I left with a satisfied belly.
I can’t recommend this restaurant enough to anyone looking for an authentic Indian dining experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this place will exceed your expectations. I’ll definitely be returning soon for another unforgettable meal!
It was the best, healthy delicious Indian food we have ever had. The staff was attentive & offered suggestions. This is a must place to dine whenever we are in Montreal.
However, the owner must respect the 101 Provincial Law : In Quebec, the staff MUST serve their customer in FRENCH if requested.
Unilingual English service is totally insulting & absolutely illegal. No respect for our history & culture. You must educate your staff.
Fairly standard Indian spot. Small portion for mains (especially the tandoori fish) but big rice portions (they said 1 portion for 1 person but should feed 2). Flavour was decent but certainly not the best. Malai kofta was the best dish we tried.
