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.
Le meilleur restaurant indien ! Toute l'équipe est extrêmement sympathique, chaleureuse & attentive au moindre détail. Le chef Simar est exceptionnel ! Arindom, qui nous a accueillis dès notre arrivée au restaurant, m'a préparé le meilleur cocktail que j'ai jamais goûté à Montréal. Darbar : je recommande totalement. Ma famille & moi avons adoré !
Ordered the Non veg thali for $30 today. Whole ordered costed me $50 including tax & all. Very disappointed with what I received. Only one curry with two little pieces of chicken & chickpea curry & two spoons of rice & a naan. For the price & hype about this place. It's not worth it at all in my experience. Very disappointed as I waited to come to Mtl to visit this place.
Feb 8, 2026
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What can I say-this place is truly amazing, from the service to the food. Everything is made from scratch, & you can absolutely taste it. The dishes are fresh, flavorful, & perfectly balanced.
What really sets this place apart is that the chef personally comes out to connect with every table, taking the time to understand spice tolerance & any special requests. You genuinely feel the love & passion he puts into his food.
From one chef to another, I truly admire & respect that level of care & dedication. It's something you rarely find in restaurants these days. I will be back forsure !
Amazing experience from start to finish. Despite my very embarrassing entrance (accidentally snagging a tablecloth with my winter coat & sending glasses flying 😅), the staff handled everything with so much kindness & professionalism.
The owner/chef personally came to ask about our tastes & brought us one familiar dish & one new recommendation - both were absolutely incredible.
I've traveled around the world & tried many cuisines, & this was not only the best Indian food I've had, but genuinely the best meal I've ever eaten. Exceptional service, unforgettable flavors, & a place we will absolutely return to! Thank you so much
Jan 24, 2026
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L'un des restaurants de cuisine indienne présentant le menu le plus étudié que j'ai eu la chance d'essayer. Chacun des plats présentait une saveur balancée, un mélange exquis de parfums & d'épices. Le service était tout aussi excellent, puis le cuisinier-chef, dévoué à son menu, se souciait énormément de notre appréciation du repas. On pouvait y goûter l'amour de sa cuisine, de ses plats.
Easily one of the top five culinary experiences of my life. Chef Simar gave us the absolute star treatment. The flavours were otherworldly, the service was outstanding & atmosphere was perfect. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. Can't wait to come back again.
Delicious food! Chef makes everything from scratch, very attentive staff & very talented head chef. All their meats are halal which is also a huge plus. Highly recommend
Jan 17, 2026
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Un super petit restaurant sans prétention & dont la cuisine indienne est extraordinaire. Le service est personnalisé & de bon conseil. Une adresse à retenir!
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!
