Dera Restaurant focuses on the robust flavors of Pakistani and Indian culinary traditions by emphasizing authentic preparation methods. The menu features a variety of halal meat preparations including slow cooked curries and tandoori specialties seasoned with complex spice blends. Traditional flatbreads baked in high heat clay ovens accompany diverse rice dishes and vegetarian options crafted with fresh pulses and seasonal produce. The kitchen maintains a commitment to traditional techniques ensuring that each dish reflects the depth of South Asian seasoning profiles. Guests encounter a straightforward environment centered on the delivery of hearty portions and distinctively spiced recipes. This establishment serves as a destination for those seeking a focused selection of classic regional meals prepared with a consistent approach to texture and flavor intensity.
Dera Restaurant is widely recognized as a top destination in Montreal for authentic Pakistani cuisine, with many patrons praising the freshness and traditional flavors of dishes like nihari, paya, haleem, and biryani. Guests often highlight the restaurant as a welcoming space for families and groups, frequently noting that the naan is among the best in the city. While experiences vary regarding service speed and consistency, many visitors appreciate the generous hospitality, the reasonable pricing, and the warm, home-cooked quality of the meals that keep them returning. Whether visiting for the popular weekend halwa puri breakfast or a hearty dinner, the restaurant remains a go-to spot for those seeking a genuine taste of Pakistani comfort food in a friendly atmosphere.
Visited Dera Restaurant in Montreal with my family. Coming from NY, there's a lot of different restaurants to try & I was interested to see how this local Pakistani restaurant would measure up.
We ordered the chicken Reshmi kebab, beef & chicken boti kebabs, beef biryani, shrimp tandoori & fish pakora. The food was seasoned as expected of Pakistani cuisine.
Some downsides- We ordered a shrimp biryani as well, but it came without any shrimp at all, so we had to returned to the kitchen since we were told it was in error. It never came back out to the floor after that.
We also had a negative encounter with the workers, who were not happy with where we wanted to sit with our large group of 13 people. The dining hall was empty, & we wanted to sit somewhere well lit but the workers were resistant, saying that they have to clean wherever we sat, which made no sense of we sat in the well lit area by the mirrors rather than where it was darker since....we were the only ones there? It didn't make much sense & set a sour tone for the evening.
The malai, mango, & pistachio kulfi however sweetened up our spirits! For my last dinner in Montréal, that ended it on a good note.
Review some time on 2018
Fish, chargaa, Biryani, Beef & chicken kebab were delicious & very good. Chicken chilli was average
Updated review in 2022
I feel they have decreased the size of serving, I was disappointed but the portion of food, the taste was good but size is small. I also felt their prices has gone up.
Update review 2026
Went there after a long time. The food quality was still not there. We ordered chicken 3 salan they were not really hot & were below par, kebab were good. Charga was good. The Naan were rock hard. We also took their paan. They were the worse
30$ buffet not worthed. Every year we go with my Muslim friends for iftar. This year was one of the worst, no fish pakora, no beef for Muslim, only one Biriyani . Don't rip of your own people's money in ramadan
Beef Karachi, chicken biryani & butter chicken are excellent. The prices are on the lower side. Have been coming back since 2009. They also offer catering & gladely accommodate big groups.
Quality & taste of food has went down over the years, not sure if the owner or chefs changed. But notice there are serious lack in quality for my last 3 visits. & everytime, i tell myself. Maybe it's just this time. Now it's confirmed, this location isn't being run properly by the kitchen staff. Will not be going back for sure.
- Chicken Tikka Masala : Ok 👍
- Beef Haleem : Good 👍
- Butter chicken : Seemed old, stale & reheated from yesterday or before...
- Chicken byriani : Old, stale, dry, tasteless & reheated from yesterday or before...
- Pani Puri: Water & spice mix, completely off, something is seriously wrong here.
Shivani was the sweetest! She's super good at her job both warm & welcoming. We are never disappointed with the food. My husband & I come back every now & then to have the lamb Thali & beef kebab must try. We love the Chana in the thali. It's our go to. We are pleased with Dera!
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
Had supper here recently & while the service & ambiance was pretty ok, we were quite disappointed in the food & its quality. We had chicken korma, beef biryani, khari pakora, nihari & naan. The meat was tough in all dishes & seemed unfresh. The pakoras in the khari were also very hard. Best item was naan but that's not saying much :(
