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.
The service here was amazing & the staff definitely try to create this sense of home through the restaurant & food.
The taste of the food was good according to my family's palate, but if you're someone who likes heavy masala & oil, this place is not for you. The food is a bit bland &, in some instances, warm but not cold. They don't ask for mild or hot preferences for food, but there is little to no spice in all of their dishes. However, their naan were clearly hot off the oven & tasted like traditional naan - quite good.
This restaurant attempts to portray itself as a high end restaurant & they offer catering for all types of occasions. However, their atmosphere needs work. Staff were all dressed in sweats & were given a Dera Restaurant baseball cap to wear - in my opinion, staff should have a clear uniform. This doesn't mean they need business attire…just not sweats.
Additionally, while cleaning off tables, staff were not provided gloves & were instead cleaning & picking up used dishes, cups, tissue, etc. with their bare hands. Additionally, the lighting at night was terrible & reminiscent of a run down hospital. The bathrooms were relatively clean but the toilet seat in the women's bathroom had been removed & dumped to the side in one of the stalls & the garbage was overflowing. So cleanliness needs some work.
Overall, for the price we paid to eat, you're literally getting what you pay for. We paid $50 with tips for a family of four, which isn't even close to what we would pay in the GTA. If you look at this in a monetary context, then this place is actually perfect.
« Le lieu ou le véhicule doit être exempt de contaminants, de polluants, de toute espèce d'animaux, y compris les insectes & les rongeurs, ou de leurs excréments.'
Best food if you like meat & bone type dishes (ex- nehari, paya). Really good service. There was 2 ladies as a server both were really sweet , specially the serve we got the slime & tall one . Dessert was awesome (kheer)
Great experience, amazing service. Their Paye & Haleem are one of the best I have had outside Pakistan. I travel from GTA to Montreal for their food. & I will be back again & again. Much Love 💕
Dec 27, 2025
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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.
We ordered aloo parathas, & they were delicious; well cooked throughout & accompanied by a nice variety of sweet & sour sauces. The tea at the end was the perfect finishing touch. The service was excellent, & the staff member who served us was very helpful.
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🥵🥵
Dec 16, 2025
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I bought take out containers of dishes to go for a trip. One week they gave it to me in big containers & then I told my brother to get the same for a longer trip & they charged me 124 dollars for smaller containers. Didn't realize it until I got to my trip. These guys are scammers & this is unacceptable.
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.
