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.
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!
This is the worst food I have ever had-completely unacceptable. The food tasted rotten, & all you could taste were overpowering spices. The haleem was really bad, & the nihari was extremely spicy with no proper flavor balance. Nothing tasted fresh or enjoyable.
Every time we go to Desi Mandi to pick up meat, we end up going to Dera, & every single time we regret it. The quality is consistently terrible, the taste is awful, & it's a total waste of money. We keep giving it chances, & it disappoints us every time. Definitely not recommended.
Jan 31, 2026
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I heard the news that this restaurant is serving Halwa Puri. In my excitement I go check it out on a Sunday. Unfortunately, it did not start well.
1st whatever they have playing on their sound system is so depressing & LOUD it ruins any good mood & causes a headache!
2nd Halwa Puri in taste was below average. You would think a Pakistani restaurant known for its originality would have made the Channa with some spices but no. It was bland. Halwa itself had no flavour no sweetness or taste of desi ghee. The only good thing was the freshness of puri.
3rd I know ordering Halwa Puri is not the biggest order but the server looked annoyed by me dinning in for it. I still left $10 tip on a $20 bill. Because I know server/hostess work very hard.
I do not recommend wasting your trip. I hope the team at the restaurant takes this feedback with a grain of salt. I know you work hard but for Halwa Puri & ambiance you didn't deliver.
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.
Delicious & fresh food
They have great variety
Dishes are unique
Great service
Theres a nice hall on the second floor For corporate events or weddings etc..
Give them a try
Sep 10, 2025
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Looks like some kind of lavish restaurants with Dirty plates on the table, no presentation who ever the cheff is just throw the food on the plates & send out to serve you.
Also their chicken karahi not actually a chicken karahi, they will give you the some chicken curry using the name of chicken karahi. Chicken tikka was so dry looked unfresh. Fish & Only nans were fresh & good.
Overall thumbs down to this place.
Last week, eat buffet Iftar Party with friends. The atmosphere is excellent, & the sitting arrangement is nice. Pakora, Samosa, & roll well cooked. Specially mutton karrai is out class. Fresh Naan & sweet was good. Worth place for family & friends getting.
Mar 25, 2025
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We went for the Iftar dinner buffet, & it was an amazing experience. The menu had a great variety, with fresh, flavorful meat. The highlights were the juicy chicken kebabs & the rich, creamy sheer kurma. Their biryani, paired with the delicious chicken korma, was also a standout. For $25 plus tax, the quantity & quality made it absolutely worth it. A great spot for a satisfying Iftar meal!
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
This is the only spot I visit for Halwa Puri. While the taste can be hit or miss, the Puris are always fresh, The service is decent, It's a spacious venue in a prime location with great potential. With a bit more effort & attention, they could easily take this place to the next level.
Sep 25, 2024
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