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.
Excellent food. We came from Calgary with whole family (20 people). We had dinner at Dera restaurant & it was excellent , best food on Montreal , every item was delicious. We recommend everyone to come & dine at Dera - 🤎🤎🤎
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.
The food here always hits the spot. I dont understand all the negative reviews since this is my family's go-to restaurant. The food is well cooked & flavorful, they dont make it bland the second they see a white person like most other restaurants. The staff is also very friendly. A guy today offered us an umbrella as we were leaving so we wouldn't get soaked walking to the car in the pouring rain.
May 30, 2026
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I came from Mississauga to Montreal, & this is the best spot that I found to eat food with your friends & family. The service was very good & the food was excellent quality would recommend to everybody.
It was sooo bad… We spent years eating here in Parc-Ex with family however when they opened up in laval, it was quite horrible. It seemed the food was pre-cooked from a few days ago & simply warmed up for us. Rice was dry, meat was over cooked & stale. So disappointing! There are a bunch of tasty rentos in Jean Talon to try over this one. DO NOT recommend.
Had halwa puri nashta with my whole family today. The food was amazing & so fresh. Really enjoyed the portion size & the flavours. Not only, but the staff was very friendly & nice, especially the one who was wearing a black cap. Very nice & clean atmosphere, as travellers, we really enjoyed.
I went with my family for iftar buffet. Although the price was reasonable $30/adult & $10/ kid under 10 years old . The samosa/ fries were good but the rest of the food was alright & the dessert were soooo dammm disappointing like fruit chaat & kher.i just know i wont be going there again, like ever again which is sad cuz i really though it would be yummy 😕
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!
The service here was amazing & the staff definitely try to create this sense of home through the restaurant & food.
The taste of the food was good according to my family's palate, but if you're someone who likes heavy masala & oil, this place is not for you. The food is a bit bland &, in some instances, warm but not cold. They don't ask for mild or hot preferences for food, but there is little to no spice in all of their dishes. However, their naan were clearly hot off the oven & tasted like traditional naan - quite good.
This restaurant attempts to portray itself as a high end restaurant & they offer catering for all types of occasions. However, their atmosphere needs work. Staff were all dressed in sweats & were given a Dera Restaurant baseball cap to wear - in my opinion, staff should have a clear uniform. This doesn't mean they need business attire…just not sweats.
Additionally, while cleaning off tables, staff were not provided gloves & were instead cleaning & picking up used dishes, cups, tissue, etc. with their bare hands. Additionally, the lighting at night was terrible & reminiscent of a run down hospital. The bathrooms were relatively clean but the toilet seat in the women's bathroom had been removed & dumped to the side in one of the stalls & the garbage was overflowing. So cleanliness needs some work.
Overall, for the price we paid to eat, you're literally getting what you pay for. We paid $50 with tips for a family of four, which isn't even close to what we would pay in the GTA. If you look at this in a monetary context, then this place is actually perfect.
Second & third experience (5 stars): I visited for breakfast. Halwa puri was perfect! My family enjoyed the food & service. We appreciate the experience.
I am glad that I gave them a second chance. I will be visiting for the breakfast here often.
First experience (1 star): I visited late night. Despite a decent interior, the dining experience fell short with below-average food.
The chicken kabuli pulao lacked freshness, & cold when served. The butter chicken had a stale odor. The naan, though okay, couldn't redeem the overall disappointment.
Additionally, it's worth noting that almost all of glass cutleries on our table had broken corners.
The consensus among workers (cleaning the floor around us) was a bit gloomy, except for one lady who seemed cheerful & kind to my kids.
