Dera Restaurant is widely described as a reliable source of authentic Desi flavors, with strong emphasis on high quality ingredients and hygiene, and a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. Dishes often highlighted include Nihari, Biryani, and Naan, with many noting tender meats, flavorful curries, and fresh naan that echo traditional desi kitchens. The restaurant is praised for a broad menu that covers breakfast, a la carte options, and an iftar buffet, with reasonable prices and the option to cater for large groups, making it a popular choice for family meals and gatherings. Service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, helping to create a homey vibe, while some reviews flag occasional inconsistencies such as overly spicy or bland items, occasional cleanliness or ambiance issues, and occasional dips in overall quality. Overall, Dera Restaurant is regarded as a solid, value-driven spot for authentic Pakistani cuisine in Montreal, with many diners returning for the reliable flavors and warm hospitality.
I ordered four chicken biryanis yesterday. I've always enjoyed your food, which is why this experience was disappointing. This is the first time I've received takeaway biryani that had an unpleasant smell even before opening it, & the rice itself seemed off.
I believe it's important to consistently serve fresh food & maintain the quality your customers expect. I'm not seeking a refund-I'm sharing this feedback because I value your reputation & hope you continue to prioritize freshness & customer satisfaction.
I've already left a message with the receptionist & hope this reaches the owne
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.
Apr 26, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
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.
Oct 27, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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
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.
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!
Mar 11, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
