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.
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.
Nice people but you must learn FRENCH.
Sep 24, 2023
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
Servers were asking really weird questions for example:
When i ordered dal fry, i asked for extra bowl in reply to which they asked if i want to share my food with my partner. It is obvious we share food with who we are having dinner with.
Sep 16, 2023
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
The wait time is crazy. Quality & Quantity needs lot of improvement. Among other items nihari was top of the list of disappointing experience we had with the food. Service is pathetic & staff is highly unprofessional.
This is the best Indian food I have ever had It is delicious & is very much cuisine (not food) - you can taste the individual spices. Our waiter was fantastic - he spent time with us, talked to us about the dishes, gave suggestions of what to do in Montreal. This is our second time at Darbar, & we will be sure to visit every time we are in Montreal.
Sep 7, 2023
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
What an amazing experience, first of food was so delicious, we tried different dishes & all of them had such an amazing flavour, made freshly & with care. The service matched the food. Few times I have received such a friendly, anthemic & honest service where the server's priority clearly is to help & accommodate. Will definitely go back again.
Stunning. The patio section created the perfect ambiance for eating al fresco on a warm summer evening. The staff, including the chef, was exceptional & very personable. All the food was made fresh upon our order & you could taste the difference. Best Chicken Tikka Masala
(& garlic naan) I have ever eaten. I can't wait for my next visit to Montreal so I can get another meal at Darbar.
Sep 4, 2023
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Excellente adresse! Les plats étaient délicieux, les serveurs donnent de bons conseils & le chef est venu se présenter. On s'est senti très choyés. On reviendra!
