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.
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.
Dec 29, 2025
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« 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 💕
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.
