Mietta's Review
You don't expect too much in Glebe so Darbar comes as a surprise. The old sandstone mill that was Darling Mills has been given a right royal treatment as its name would suggest (it's Hindi for 'royal court'). It works well. The food is pan-Indian, serves are not huge but the quality is good. Service is generally good although there has been some negative feedback.
Other Published Opinions
The Sydney Morning Herald Everyday Eats 2011 Score: *
Sydney Eats 2009 "The throng of exotic sari-clad women on the pavement outside this establishment set in a gorgeous old sandstone building (long-time home of Darling Mills) affirms that the community does a lot of celebrating here"
Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 12/20
Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 12.5/20
Sydney Eats 2008 "When you walk into this heritage building with its warm sandstone walls, good table linen and soft lighting, you already know you're in for a posher-than-average Indian experience"
Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2007 Score: 13/20
Sydney Eats 2006 "In the venerable former digs of the beloved Darling Mills, Darbar turns out classics of rather a different sort. The sandstone surrounds of this subterranean room are surprisingly suited to south Indian dishes that start with dosai, chat and idli."
Sydney Morning Herald By Lenny Ann Low, 13-5-2006
SBS Eating Guide to Sydney 2005 " 'Darbar means a "royal court",' says our friend and colleague Kumud Merani, who heads the Hindi language broadcasting team at SBS Radio. 'The entire ambience here is that of a sandstone castle,' she says. 'The entrance seems like a fort with a high gate. As you enter there is a wonderful water feature and a beautiful dimly lit ambience is created by the soft back-lighting of the portraits of kings adorning the walls.' It's all very elegant and classy"
Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2005 Score 13/20
Sydney Eats 2005 "The former home of Darling Mills somehow seems more suited to moghul cuisine with its subterranean ambience, hidden nooks and crannies and pointed archways. You can now pay much less to enjoy these elegant surrounds, along with good Indian cuisine."