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.
30$ buffet not worthed. Every year we go with my Muslim friends for iftar. This year was one of the worst, no fish pakora, no beef for Muslim, only one Biriyani . Don't rip of your own people's money in ramadan
I went with my family for iftar buffet. Although the price was reasonable $30/adult & $10/ kid under 10 years old . The samosa/ fries were good but the rest of the food was alright & the dessert were soooo dammm disappointing like fruit chaat & kher.i just know i wont be going there again, like ever again which is sad cuz i really though it would be yummy 😕
Beef Karachi, chicken biryani & butter chicken are excellent. The prices are on the lower side. Have been coming back since 2009. They also offer catering & gladely accommodate big groups.
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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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.
