Dera Restaurant is praised for authentic Pakistani and Indian flavors with fresh naan, flavorful curries and standout dishes such as paya, haleem, nihari, biryani and tandoor items, while the service is described as friendly and the family friendly atmosphere and good value for money for both dining in and catering. Reviewers frequently note generous portions and spices that appeal to desi cuisine lovers, and many say the restaurant is a reliable go to for meals with family or groups. At the same time experiences are mixed, with a few dishes described as bland or overly heavy on masala, some meals arriving cold or lacking freshness, and concerns raised about cleanliness and ambiance. Dessert options are hit or miss, though several diners highlight kheer and halwa puri as highlights on other visits. The paya and haleem are repeatedly singled out as among the best in the area. Overall the restaurant is seen as a solid, approachable choice for authentic desi cuisine in Montreal, popular for lunch and dinner and for events, with room to improve presentation and consistency to elevate the dining experience.
Whenever I miss my loved ones & crave that authentic desi taste, Dera is the place I turn to. I've tried food from many Indian, Pakistani, & Bangladeshi restaurants, but nothing comes close to the quality & hygiene they maintain here.
It's not just about taste - it's about the feeling of comfort their food brings. You can truly sense the high-quality ingredients in every bite.What also impressed me is their staff - many have been working there for a long time, which is rare in this industry. It shows how well the place is managed & how much people enjoy working there.
My all-time favorites: Nihari, Biryani, & Naan. Highly recommended for anyone looking for real desi flavors.
We had a wonderful family dinner at Dera Restaurant. The food was fresh, flavorful, & truly authentic. The haleem & chicken tikka were outstanding, & the staff made us feel very welcome. Murtaza is the most handsome owner & kind. If you need special spices touch go see him. The atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality Pakistani cuisine in Montreal!
Feb 14, 2026
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We've been here a few times now & will definitely be back!! The food is delicious(lamb is our fav) & the staff is kind! Shivani is a very good host, she's served us a few times now & is always welcoming! definitely give the place a try for some good authentic dishes!
Had a fantastic experience at Dera Restaurant! The food was absolutely fabulous. I had the Chicken Tikka, which was cooked to perfection-tender, juicy, & full of flavour. The Lamb Chops were equally impressive, & the Bhuna Gosht was rich & delicious. We finished off with Ras Malai, which was light, creamy, & satisfying. Finally, the Kashmiri Tea just made our day-aromatic, warm, & the perfect end to a great meal. Special shout-out to the manager, Ali Murtaza Shah a fab guy who made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere was average, but the food & service more than made up for it. Highly recommend for authentic, well-prepared desi cuisine!
May 3, 2025
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Edit: Went there for iftaar buffet. Iftaar items were fresh & tasty . Loved the fish & shrimps. Main course were okayish.
Edit: So we tried daal channa today & tandoor naan & omg the dal was super tasty , authentic pakistani taste & their naans are always a hit!!! 🥘
Edit: visited again & tried Haleem!! Wow best beef haleem in Montreal. Authentic pakistani taste 😋 their garlic naans are also fluffy & tasty! must try
Tried their Nihari & Paya , loved both. The taste was authentic pakistani desi . Perfect amount of spice . Best halal desi restaurant. Recommended
Dera Restaurant in Montreal is well-regarded for its authentic Pakistani & Indian cuisine, with flavorful dishes & generous portions. The service is friendly, & the food quality is consistently praised, making it a popular spot for those seeking traditional South Asian flavors.
However, the restaurant's decor & ambiance could use an update to create a more inviting dining experience. Additionally, improving seating comfort & refining presentation could enhance the overall appeal. With these improvements, Dera Restaurant could elevate its reputation & attract an even wider audience.
Really great authentic pakistani food !! Must try their new Sauteed garlic shrimps they were super delicious & price was also very reasonable been coming here since childhood great food!!!!
High quality food with authentic taste. Great ambiance to indulge in your favorite Desi foods. Even the left overs next day tasted amazing. Highly recommended in the Montreal area.
