By Jasim Khan on April 13, 2026 Verified by Google

If you’re looking for real, authentic desi food, Dera Restaurant is easily one of the best spots in Springfield.

The flavors are rich, bold, and exactly what you expect from proper desi cooking — nothing watered down or toned down. Every dish feels like it’s made the right way, with that home-style authenticity that’s hard to find.

This is the kind of place you go to when you want food that truly hits. Definitely a go-to spot.

By Yesim Bul on March 24, 2026 Verified by Google

Dera Restaurant is one of the best spots for Pakistani cuisine in the area. Their buffet is amazing—a wide variety of flavorful dishes that are always fresh and well-prepared.

The place itself is really fancy and stylish, making it perfect for a nicer night out or when you want to impress guests. The combination of delicious food and elegant ambiance makes it a standout in the DMV area.

If you’re craving authentic Pakistani flavors in a classy setting, this is definitely the place to go.

By Farooq Muhammad on February 28, 2026 Verified by Google

I recently went to Dera Restaurant in Springfield for their iftar buffet, and it was truly an outstanding experience from start to finish. As soon as you walk in, you can feel that it’s a place where families gather and traditions are celebrated. During iftar, the restaurant was lively yet well-organized, and the staff handled the crowd beautifully.
The food was absolutely phenomenal. The buffet had a wide variety of authentic dishes that tasted homemade and full of flavor. What impressed me most was the quality and freshness despite it being a buffet. Often buffets can feel rushed or inconsistent, but here, every dish maintained its flavor and presentation.
I will absolutely be coming back. I recently went to Dera Restaurant in Springfield for their iftar buffet, and it was truly an outstanding experience from start to finish. As soon as you walk in, you can feel that it’s a place where families gather and traditions are celebrated. During iftar, the restaurant was lively yet well-organized, and the staff handled the crowd beautifully.
The food was absolutely phenomenal. The buffet had a wide variety of authentic dishes that tasted homemade and full of flavor. What impressed me most was the quality and freshness despite it being a buffet. Often buffets can feel rushed or inconsistent, but here, every dish maintained its flavor and presentation.
I will absolutely be coming back.

By Nerissa Maria Ward on February 11, 2026 Verified by Google

Some of THE BEST, Tandoori Chicken I've had in the area.

The decor is elegant, perfect for even a fancy date.

There is even a private area for practicing Muslims who would like to say their prayers, and of course the food is Halal.

Bathrooms are clean, and well maintained, the staff is polite, and friendly.

There are even an assortment of handmade sweets sold by the pound.

I decided to have a Pakistani/Indian style lunch buffet today, and was very impressed.

There is a variety of items to choose from, including the weekend favorites like Nihari (braised beef stew, which melted in your mouth, finished with fresh lime juice), Paya (beef foot soup, tender, not over powering with spice) Haleem (mixed grains with meat, where the richness in this dish is balanced with the shredded ginger and cilantro), all these dishes pair perfectly with Naan (flat bread).

The Pakistani style Biryani was prepared perfectly, with fluffy rice, and juicy tender pieces of chicken, whole chilies for and extra kick, and finished with fresh mint.

I'm able to describe and know these dishes as I'm very educated with this food, however, for folks who are not, there should have been labels, and that's not a big issue, but something to add in my opinion.

I will be coming back, and bringing my family here, as the food is authentic, fresh and absolutely delicious.

By Jabeen Raja on January 28, 2026 Verified by Google

We had a trip from NJ to North Carolina and first time stop there for lunch. Beautiful very clean place wonderful service hospitable staff and owner of the restaurant, testiest food peaceful atmosphere to sit and enjoy delicious meal. They also have private prayer place for Nimaaz. I will recommend this to everyone try their chicken karahi with bone and masoor daal. They make best naan.

By Food Lover on January 19, 2026 Verified by Google

Food quality is ok. Flavor is normal. Nothing out of ordinary. When I visited, I had bees paya. Flavor was good but extremely watery.

Chole, sabzi and poori is good. Other dishes were ok too.

Butter naan and biryani is very good.

Had kashmiri chai, in which milk was burned.

They also see desi sweets.
Good customer service. Good staff.

Bathroom we're not cleaned.water all over the floor

By W Khan on November 28, 2025 Verified by Google

We had the lunch buffet. Some of the dishes were really good. Others were bland. We liked haleem, grilled tandoori chicken, butter chicken, pulao rice, cholay, nihari and keema. Nice atmosphere, good service. Worth a try.

By Zachary Wood on September 16, 2025 Verified by Google

Had a lovely time at this unassuming little gem. Really enjoyed the Brain Masala, which is made with very small bits of goat brain. The texture is similar to tofu, and the taste is a slightly more mineral spicy masala. It's great.

My favorite dish was probably the paneer pakora.

By Maryanne Brewer on August 24, 2025 Verified by Google

First time trying this restaurant. The buffet was wonderful! We tried everything and it was all delicious! I loved the semolina and butter chicken! My sister loved the more spicy dishes.
Atmosphere is great, service was also great. Will definitely be back again! Hi

By John Montonye on August 7, 2025 Verified by Google

I’ve travelled the world and Dera makes the BEST Chicken Tika Masala I have ever had. Perfectly baked (and large) naan bread is served with each entree. The service is superb!!! Highly recommend.

By Kashif Shan on April 2, 2025 Verified by Google

I recently ordered a beef naan from Dera, and I was very disappointed to find a piece of paper inside the food. It appears that proper checks were not conducted during preparation.

This raises concerns about food safety and quality control. I kindly request that you review this issue to prevent such incidents in the future. I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

By RAJAKAR 1971 on March 24, 2025 Verified by Google

It was really bad experience for me and with family. I was having iftar 03/23/2024 with my family. We get table before 2 minutes of iftar waitress came & telling us we have to move other side of the table because she gets customers maybe those customers was from any Arabian country. I didn’t understand why we have to move? Because of my color or we are from Bangladesh.she was act like racist.It was unacceptable for me & also my teen daughter. I own the restaurant & also 25 employees working in my restaurant.she doesn’t know how to serve the customers.I will recommend others customers be careful about this restaurant there service are too bad.

By Sheikh Aftab on March 23, 2025 Verified by Google

Desserts to Satisfy the Sweet Tooth

No meal is complete without dessert, and The Spice Route offers a delightful selection of traditional sweets. We indulged in Gulab Jamun and Kheer. The gulab jamun was soft and syrup-soaked, while the kheer, a creamy rice pudding, was delicately flavored with cardamom and topped with slivers of almonds. It was the perfect sweet ending to an incredible meal.

Service That Makes You Feel at Home

The service at The Spice Route was impeccable. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations based on our preferences. The staff’s genuine warmth and enthusiasm for the food added to the overall experience, making us feel like part of the family.

Final Thoughts

The Spice Route is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Pakistani culture and cuisine. Whether you’re a connoisseur of South Asian food or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, this restaurant promises a memorable experience. With its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, The Spice Route has certainly earned a place on my list of must-visit dining spots. Don’t miss out—your taste buds will thank you!

By Ali Raza on March 23, 2025 Verified by Google

If you’re looking to embark on a culinary adventure, look no further than Dera, a hidden gem that brings the vibrant flavors of Pakistan right to your plate. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and inviting decor set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

For the main course, we opted for the Biryani and Nihari—two classics that showcase the depth of Pakistani cuisine. The biryani was a fragrant medley of basmati rice, succulent marinated chicken, and aromatic spices, cooked to perfection. Each grain of rice was infused with flavor, making it a dish you could savor bite after bite.

The Nihari, a slow-cooked beef stew, was nothing short of divine. The meat was tender and rich, simmered in a spiced broth that left us craving more. Served with warm naan, it was a cozy dish that felt like a warm hug on a cold day.

By Isiah on March 16, 2025 Verified by Google

I would not recommend going to this place the chairs are always dirty. The costumer service is horrible. Ma and my family and friends went there and the waiter spilled burning hot chai all over my friend and mind you it was like 6 cups and she got burned and soaking wet and the waiter didn’t even mind to apologize

By Sakina Hameed on January 30, 2025 Verified by Google

I have been to Dera many times and each time , I get to be amazed at how authentic the food is. Is so good that it feels like you are eating it in Pakistan. Love their nihari and paya and kebabs and Lahori fish .
Today we Met chef and owner of Dera, Mr. Rabani. What a sweetheart. He provided us , complimentary sample of chola ( very good) and biryani rice .
The ambiance is great to bring your gora or non gora friends . It’s so clean. Washroom are clean as well.
Highly recommend

By progga ahmed on January 19, 2025 Verified by Google

The service was excellent, and the food was yummy. Top of that, when it's a clean, well decorated restaurant, you have to come back again and again.

By Fawad Ansari on August 30, 2024 Verified by Google

Good place for families and friends to meet up. Food is decent, they also have sweets onsite for sale.

By Lily K on July 22, 2024 Verified by Google

We ordered halwa puri, paratha, omelette and fries (which weren’t ready and eventually had to cancel because it took too long and weren’t worth it because they’d be like the rest of the order). The paratha was undercooked, and the halwa puri was burned and also drenched in oil. The chickpea curry I got along with the halwa puri was served in a singular small bowl, and the reason that they came up with is that they ran out of it and gave me extra halwa to make up for it???

I don’t understand why they just HAVE to serve when they don’t have fresh food to even serve, they could’ve just said we don’t have fresh food, and I would’ve taken my business elsewhere rather than eating crazily overpriced food and having stomachache problems and feeling nauseous along with everyone else in my family.

By Mrs Atique on June 24, 2024 Verified by Google

Visited this restaurant for the first time. The biryani was excellent. The mutton kadhai had a nice flavor, although the meat seemed a bit tough. The Kebabs and Malai Tikka were delicious. Good customer service!

By Faisal Asif on June 17, 2024 Verified by Google

I took my family to this restaurant and the food was by far one of the best places I’ve eaten. The food is fresh and the service was great! We’ve tried their new falooda as well and it was really good.

I would definitely bring my family here again!

By JP23 on June 1, 2024 Verified by Google

Good spot for lunch. Enjoyed the buffet. Nice variety of dishes . Staff was friendly and attentive