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.
By far one of the best hidden gems. The chef was so kind & made our experience one to remember. He was able to cater to our specific needs & wants. As new comers to Indian food, the chef & his colleague made sure we were comfortable & enjoyed every bite. I would recommend this place to anyone
Jan 4, 2026
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The head chef/owner came to our table to talk about his restaurant & the food. Incredible service & all items we ordered were delicious. Will definitely return.
One note - due to the extreme cold weather, you need to use the side door (to keep the main door closed & the dining area warm) which isn't super obvious to a first time visitor. It feels like you might be going into an apartment, but it's the restaurant!
Owner was super nice; came up to our table to suggest items on the menu & he even went off script & prepared us a dish from the next seasonal rotation!
Had an amazing meal here tonight. So nice for the chef to come to each table & speak to the dishes & ask if we had questions. The food itself was sublime. The best chicken tiki masala we've ever had & the agneau nihari melted in your mouth. A small place so make a reservation! What a way to kick off the new year.
If we could give this place more than five stars, we would. Definitely try the Mardasi Bakra, Aloo chat & honestly, you should try something from every course to really get the full experience.
The service was super fast & friendly, & very attentive to taking our orders. The chef was also very welcoming & clearly passionate about his food, while even taking the time to talk to us about his story & Montreal as we were visiting.
The restaurant itself is intimate & quiet, perfect for a relaxing dinner. You can really enjoy & appreciate the food while not being rushed.
We would recommend anyone to try!
Dec 28, 2025
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Great service from Arindom!
Nice music, not too loud, so that you can actually have a conversation. Food is really good & portions are nice. Fun menu & lovely people ☺? Would definitely recommend!
This is such an amazing restaurant! The staff are amazing! The chef came out to our table to talk to us & customized our meals for us! Highly recommend!
We discovered this place (without realizing it's a fine dining) by chance during our last trip to Montreal, & it turned out to be a hidden gem. The food was delicious - full of flavor, authentic yet modern, & perfectly balanced. What really made the experience special was the service. Chef & owner Simar was so welcoming, patient, & gave great recommendations. We'll definitely be back to try more!
My wife & I eat at Darbar often, & the cuisine is definitely a few steps above your typical Indian restaurant experience. The cocktails are thoughtful & delicious, & the staff are among the most welcoming I've encountered anywhere in Montreal. It's rare to find a place that balances warmth, flavor, & atmosphere so effortlessly - Darbar does it beautifully.
Sometimes in life you know what your want to eat & where & this place is great for that, the menu is full of high quality great food. But if you are wandering around the snow covered streets of Montreal not knowing what you want other than to eat this place is for you as well. The owner & staff are there to help you have a great night & serve you meal akin to a mosaic of flavor. They are also super accommodating to dietary needs (vegan in our case). If you are in this city you need to eat here!
Nov 9, 2025
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Un excellent restaurant, avec une belle ambiance'cozy' beaucoup de choix tous aussi délicieux les uns que les autres & beaucoup d'options sans gluten (quel plaisir que de pouvoir manger du pain naan sans gluten!), & un personnel aux petits soins. Les cocktails valent le détour aussi, une adresse à retenir!
This place deserves nothing less than 5 stars, more if possible
First - the ambiance is perfect: cosy, great smell, comfortable, the colours the music volume - all top notch!
Second - the service! The chef introduced himself to us & he is also the owner & proposed that we have a bunch of share plates brought to the table that he would decide - what a pleasure!
It was all a surprise & everything was delicious, fresh & super flavourful
Fantastic Indian food & cocktails & wine - the place really has it all!
An absolute gem I didn't expect to find at the bottom of st Laurent. I will definitely be back!
