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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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.
The experience, the food & the service was really good. It was my first time trying Pakistani food & I was amazed by how good it was!! Definitely recommend to anyone looking to try something new.
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
I love this restaurant! The food has so much flavour & there is a lot of options for everyone on the menu to choose from. It's my go to restaurant for Indian & pakistani food. 100% recommend
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.
It's my first time tasting pakistani food & I loved it ! Moreover, the atmosphere of the restaurant is so welcoming. I really enjoyed my experience at Dera & really recommend it for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious meal in a welcoming place !
Feb 1, 2025
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Excellente nourriture Pakistanaise! La cuisine est savoureuse & la grande salle de réception à l'étage est magnifique & idéale pour des événements. Une adresse absolument à découvrir!
Excellent Pakistani food! The dishes are flavorful, & the large reception hall upstairs is beautiful & perfect for events. A must-visit!
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!!!!
My one Pakistani Friend recommend me this restaurant & I ordered chole bhature & chicken curry. Food was really delicious with proper quantity. I love chicken curry so much. I give 5/5
This is amoung one of the best Pakistani restaurants in Montreal. . Beef paya, chicken karahi, mutton karahi, sheek kabob, garlic or simple naan, chicken maali kabob, nihaari, chicken Tikka, Qaari-pakora, Kheer & Gulab jamun are the best one in there menu ,,,, especially Beef paya has no Match ! . No designated parking for the restaurant, but you can find parking on the road. . Dinning is huge, but sometimes cleaning is not up to mark. . Service is quick.
