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 go-to destination in Montreal for authentic Pakistani cuisine, with many patrons praising the freshness and flavor of staples like nihari, paya, haleem, and freshly baked naan. While numerous diners appreciate the friendly staff, reasonable pricing, and generous portion sizes, experiences regarding service speed and consistency vary significantly. Some visitors find the atmosphere welcoming for family gatherings and events, though others have raised concerns regarding cleanliness, uniform standards, and occasional lapses in food quality or service attentiveness. Despite mixed reviews on the dining environment and consistency, the restaurant remains a popular choice for those seeking traditional flavors and late-night dining options.
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
I ordered the mixed grill platter after confirming with the chef that it included fish, shrimp, & seekh kebabs. Unfortunately, the platter was extremely disappointing. The food was bland & lacked flavor. In addition, the seafood portion was minimal only one shrimp & two very small pieces of fish were served.
At $55 plus tax, the dish was significantly overpriced for what was provided. The portion size, quality, & taste did not justify the cost. Overall, this was a poor dining experience & not a good value for the money.
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.
May 10, 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.
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
Hello Montreal worst Iftar buffet in town do go there better option also available in less price & better food quality like Pakwan Express an stealton restaurant
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.
Mon expérience avec la nourriture a été très décevante. La viande avait mauvais goût & ne semblait pas propre à la consommation. J'ai informé le propriétaire du restaurant, mais il n'a montré aucun intérêt pour ma plainte ni pour la qualité des plats.
Je déconseille fortement cet établissement. La nourriture ne me paraît pas saine & ne respecte pas les standards attendus.
My experience with the food was very disappointing. The meat tasted bad & did not seem safe for consumption. I informed the restaurant owner, but he showed no interest in my complaint or in maintaining food quality.
I strongly advise against this establishment. The food does not appear healthy & does not meet acceptable standards.
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.
