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 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.
May 4, 2026
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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.
Very disappointing buffet. The food was tasteless, cold & way too spicy. Trays were not refilled & Lamb dishes without meat only gravy left & dirty plates piled up on the table while waiters didn't even come to clear them. For $30.99 + tx per person, it is seriously overpriced. This buffet should cost around $9.99 at most. I would not go back & do not recommend it.
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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Unfortunately, our experience was very bad. We ordered plater & the quality was poor, & when it was replaced after a complaint, it seemed to contain the same meat. Upon raising the concern again, the staff hesitated to address it properly after that they only adjusted the bill for that kebab. So Not recommended at all🥵🥵
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.
Dec 7, 2025
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This restaurant has been a stable for the past decade the food , the quality,etc . I can confidently say that they have the best naan bread in all of Montreal . Strongly recommend
Had a fantastic experience at Dera Restaurant! The food was absolutely fabulous. I had the Chicken Tikka, which was cooked to perfection-tender, juicy, & full of flavour. The Lamb Chops were equally impressive, & the Bhuna Gosht was rich & delicious. We finished off with Ras Malai, which was light, creamy, & satisfying. Finally, the Kashmiri Tea just made our day-aromatic, warm, & the perfect end to a great meal. Special shout-out to the manager, Ali Murtaza Shah a fab guy who made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere was average, but the food & service more than made up for it. Highly recommend for authentic, well-prepared desi cuisine!
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.
Apr 26, 2025
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Never seen such delicious food at this competitive price. we had chicken thali. Incredible. Will recommend. Service was not the best. They lacked some knowledge.
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
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 !
