Karma Kafé

A great location but service can be hit and miss 61 Reviews

Meal Deal

Business Lunch

Karma Kafe offers business lunch every weekday. Dhs99 Timings: Noon-3pm (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

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While Karma Kafe, Buddha Bar’s sister restaurant, boasts atmosphere, cool decor, in-house DJs and a lively crowd, unfortunately there has been a decline in service of late. As you’re unlikely to be given the information when making a reservation, let it be known there are two dinner sittings: and if you’re not finished during your allotted early slot, wait staff have been known to become rather impatient.

That said, if you stick to sushi or the Kobe beef sliders, you won’t be left feeling short-changed. Likewise, opt for the wok-fried chicken lettuce wraps if you’re a fan of fresh coriander, because it’s the primary flavour, while the generously-portioned cherry salmon retains a loyal following in Dubai. Visit on a good night and you’ll come away feeling Karma Kafe could be one of the hippest restaurant-lounges in Dubai – but visit on a bad night and you’ll just be left feeling disappointed.

By Time Out Dubai Staff
Time Out Dubai, 11 August 2011

• Previous reviews
  • 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 23 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 25 July,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 05 April,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 25 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 14 June,2009- reviewed by Daisy Carrington

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: Sofia G on 13 Apr ' 13 at 19:25

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

We were doing some shopping at Dubai Mall and the Souk and came across Karma Kafe. The decoration is great as well as the view of the fountain.

They serve alcohol all day and they have a fab brunch deal.

Will definitely recommend!

Posted by: Sofia G on 13 Apr ' 13 at 18:48

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

We were doing some shopping at Dubai Mall and the Souk and came across Karma Kafe. The decoration is great as well as the view of the fountain.

They serve alcohol all day and they have a fab brunch deal.

Will definitely recommend!

Posted by: Anonymous on 02 Apr ' 13 at 12:43

Edited by TimeOutDubai.com

We have been going to Karma Kafé for three years and have always been great fans of the place. However, the last two visits have been extremely disappointing. The menu has become outrageously expensive, mainly because some of the portion sizes have been at least halved. For example, the rock shrimp tempura which is one of the signature dishes - 95-100AED would previously get one a large sharing bowl which could feed 4 as a sharing starter (along with other things). Now the portion size has been so reduced, we counted a maximum of 15 tiny pieces of rock shrimp per bowl which is extortionate, even for Dubai. Similarly the miso black cod, again one of the signature dishes, had to be sent back because the portion size again fed one, which at 170AD a time and going along with the 'sharing' concept is again just far too expensive for what you get. The same for the Mongolian beef, the list goes on. Similarly the wine list had nothing between 195AED and 295AED a bottle and the selection was minimal. Please bring back the old style because we loved it so much! On speaking to the waitresses we got the impression that we were not the first to complain so management please sort it out!

Posted by: Foodlover on 08 Jan ' 13 at 14:52

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I just love Karma Kafe. Food is good, amazing views, cool and slick service and a great general experience. I always leave Karma feeling happy and relaxed. Coming back soon!

Posted by: Valentina Copolla on 06 Oct ' 12 at 16:37

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

We were in Dubai for our holidays and our concierge suggested Karma Kafe for brunch and we couldn't be more happy.

The decoration is amazing and peaceful, the view of the fountains is perfect, the service very attentive and the food is fabulous!!

A must try!!

Posted by: Watts on 04 Sep ' 12 at 05:34

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great ambience & fantastic food!
Decor is lovely & music good. I'll definitely be returning to Karma Kafe.

Posted by: A.B. on 03 Sep ' 12 at 18:03

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I had an amazing time at Karma Kafe in souk al bahar last night with a group of friends. The food was just out of this world! We tried so many exciting new things that were recommended to us by our amazing waiter! Everyone was very friendly and attentive, ambiance was just great, will definitely come back again soon!

Posted by: Sara A on 15 Aug ' 12 at 11:30

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Love Karma Kafe... the place is great!
The food was excellent and the service was really really good too.
The menu has so much variety and I have to say probably the best sushi I have had in Dubai.
Will definitely go back!

Posted by: S on 28 May ' 12 at 11:10

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

is the music good here? Can anyone help?

Posted by: patrick on 07 Feb ' 12 at 08:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

beautiful place ! thank you karma kafe for a wonderful experience.

Posted by: patrick on 07 Feb ' 12 at 08:42

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

food is great, i could say excellent, the service provided by the waiter victor was superb. great city Dubai.

Posted by: Bartail Flathead on 20 Jan ' 12 at 12:29

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Went for the brunch, didn't know what to expect really having read the mixed reviews here. Restaurant was very quiet and had no problems getting a seat on the terrace. Had vouchers to trade in, which I thought would get us slow service, but no, service was fine if slightly disorganized (multiple waiters asking the same questions - come on, I used to work in the trade, you zone it to assigned waiters, pretty easy really). Miso soup was unusual but tasty, sushi plate fine but as has already been mentioned - that's it - want more? You get the same plate!
Certainly not a bad meal - food was OK, staff friendly enough, great view......just, erm......kind of lacking....something!

Posted by: patrick on 15 Jan ' 12 at 12:59

when you read some of the reviews you get confused wether to visit that place or no ! well finally got there and loved every single bit of it !!! wonderful place...excellent food...fantastic service and superb Music.
highly recommend everyone to skip these negative reviews. all the best Karma Cafe !

Posted by: Foodlover on 21 Dec ' 11 at 15:42

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I was very impressed by the new menu at Karma. Knowledge of the staff was good and the food was just delicious. Bravo!

Posted by: paoula on 02 Dec ' 11 at 18:34

love Karma Kafe !!! i usually visit Dubai every two weeks and this place is the first to go ! i really enjoy the music at Karma. keep it up buddha bar people !

Posted by: angela robinson on 10 Nov ' 11 at 09:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

After having dinner there last night vowed never to return because of the service, too many staff stood around watching your every move.Being FAR too attentive its over bearing. we had 3 people coming asking the same questions. We still had food in our mouths when they came to clear away. Good service is standing back waiting for eye contact to clear the plates. never clear a table untill everyones finished which didnt happen I eventually had to tell them to GO Away. It spoilt our dinner,night,and what we thought would be a chilled out eving. Someone needs to sort out these over bearing staff its not just hear its all over.

Posted by: Jack on 15 Aug ' 11 at 13:36

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Cool place ! I just love the Music there ! will def come back.

Posted by: Lizmare on 26 Jul ' 11 at 17:04

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

After having visited Burj Khalifa (viewing point on 124th floor), we crossed a nice bridge to Souk Al Bahar. Karma Kafe is on the first floor, overlooking the bridge and the water fountains, facing Burj Khalifa. We had dinner around a very nice atmosphere with an excellent service, enjoying the fountains' show every 20 minutes or so. Cuisine style is an Asian mix made of Japanese, Chinese and probably a fiew others... The meat was excellent so was the wine. As for many restaurants here, it is not cheap. But I recommend it with no hesitation!

Posted by: Michelle on 26 Jul ' 11 at 16:24

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Cool atmosphere, attentive service, good food and slick environment.

See you soon.

Posted by: Michelle on 26 Jul ' 11 at 16:08

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Third time at Karma Kafe and it is getting better and better.
The portions are still maybe a little too big but the atmosphere and lush surroundings are worth the detour.
The service is getting more and more attentive and the staff seems to be improving when it comes to the knowledge of the products.
Try the Yummy freshly rolls Maki and delicate Sashimi.

Love it! Will be back very, very soon!!

Posted by: TheAngelicDevil on 25 Jul ' 11 at 09:03

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Went there for brunch last weekend with two other friends. If it wasn't related to the Buddha Bar, I don't think I would ever pay a visit there. Needless to say, it was a big disappointment. As soon as you walk in, the place has this foul smell from a combination of cigarettes and alcohol lingering in the air. I wonder when was the last time they clean the carpet at the venue. This is already a big turn-off to begin with.
The serivce, was properly one of the worst I have experienced in Dubai. Although it is more like a bar-lounge venue, but the waitresses certainly are not well-trained and the venue seems to be way under staffed for a weekend brunch. It only improved later when the next shift of staff turned up for work. The guys were a lot more attentive and courteous than their morning counterparts.
Food was only average. The mogolian beef dish my friend ordered was actually below standard. Sushi platter was alright but some of the tuna sashimi served was not that fresh.
At that price, I have a lot more choices serving far better fusion asian food. Would not recommend this to anyone.
Honestly, I have found the reviews given by Timeout Dubai are far from reality. I agree with a lot of the other Timeout readers, they shall really hire people who has better taste buds to give more professional reviews.

Posted by: Tom on 29 Jun ' 11 at 19:48

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

It's a cool place. Nice music . cool atmosphere Delicious food . slow service. But Im gonna come back for shure!!!!

Posted by: Martin Perrie on 25 Jun ' 11 at 21:16

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Despite many negative reviews on the service at the Karma Kafe, we decided to try it for ourselves. We are big fans of the Buddah Bar and thought it would be a similar experience. The hostess was uninterested, chewing some gum, but got us a seat. We were first seated near some smokers and asked for a table further away, which she did. However, that was the end of it. No one, despite glances, and waves would come near enough that we could even order a drink. We decided to time the wait and after 20 minutes we left. The crowd was younger, dressed in Tee-shirts, (despite the dress code) and were mostly sipping drinks. Granted this was early in the evening, but there was no excuse for the lack of interest shown by the staff. We went in wanting to like this place, but the negative reviews here about the staff were spot on.

Posted by: will Be Back on 24 Jun ' 11 at 12:05

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This place is a like hidden secret, the entrance does not do any justice for what is to be revealed inside which is an instant feeling of a deep, dark velvety red bar/restaurant not lacking in trendiness, a bit retro, with hip bar staff practicing their cocktail flair behind the bar. It feels as if Buddha Bar has opened a VIP dining room and then I find out the place is actually linked. On taking a closer look the link becomes clear with the solid lit-up Buddha and the Buddha Bar merchandise by the entrance. The music is genius and we ask the waiter what is the compilation – ‘lounge’ music which uniquely sways between different music genre and age of time whilst blending together. Plenty of choice on the Asian Fusian menu – some unusual options which result in unique and delectable. Overall very excellent food. There are 5 of us dining and 8 appetizers, a bottle of wine and several cocktails, the bill averages out to around $200 per person. Good ambience, good music, the menu and pricing is about right for what you get – a distinct product. I enjoyed the experience and will definitely return

Posted by: Lizmare on 24 Jun ' 11 at 11:40

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

AwEsOmE Place,
yet again did not disappoint me.
NO body should listen to these bad comments, until u haven't experienced it your self , iv been in Dubai now for 3months and comes to karma kafe almost twice a month and the service is just wonderful.

Posted by: Andy on 18 Jun ' 11 at 10:31

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I go to this restaurant from time to time, as the food and drink is good, as is the music, all of which has been pointed out before.

What prevents me from going more often than I do is inattentive and oftentimes poorly mannered staff.

Case in point - I reserved for dinner last week, and as we were being seated, I asked for the bottled beverage menu and instead was handed the cocktail menu. When I informed the staff, an expletive was uttered, as in "oh ****"", let me get the right one.

The best part though, was when I found bones in my fish (the miso glazed black cod, which was, otherwise excellent. I completed the dish and informed the waiter - his response was to, in front of me, use my chopsticks to verify my claim, nod in agreement and walk off. That was very insulting, and it took all of my patience not to get upset at that.

If the service were better, I would be a regular patron. But it's not, so I grit my teeth and make to for the good food.

Posted by: Lizmare on 13 Jun ' 11 at 07:40

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

YOU WILL SEE US AGAIN!!
i could see myself as a karma-kafe-holic,
definitely recommend this place for our friends and during the day (business) meetings.
Fantastic Friendly greeting at the entrance, stay just the way you are.

will see us again.

Posted by: Christel on 12 Jun ' 11 at 20:25

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Wow!!! what can i say?........
This place is spactacualer , i can here for my best friends 45th birthday party just the other day, and we had an amazing exsperience, made us feel so much at home, and relaxed.

The food was absolutely delicious ",the atmosphere....I really love that place...Great Food...good service, friendly staff< quick service" a warm welcome at the front desk, always a smile from the 2 sweet girls,
fantastic place to unwine from a stressed day at work, lovely music
will for sure come back no doudt in that. <3

Posted by: igor on 12 Jun ' 11 at 20:00

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

One of the greatest places I 've ever visited in Dubai . Starting with a warm welcome at the door till the friendly service at the table and the bar.
Perusing the menu at Karma Kafe, you will discover the astonishing variety of starters and main courses, along with an irresistible choice of the sashimi and sushi.
The food is amazing, rich and full of taste. Try the special spring rolls and the tuna sashimi pizza seasoned with truffle oil, OMG, it is my fav... afer then you will be shocked with the tender, smooth and soft taste of the Filet Mignon, I guess this is a thing you might die to try it for a time.
The ambience is cool, relaxing and soft. The music carries you up to many places with a smooth fusion of the buddha bar spirit with a mix of soft, pop and romantic music.
I guess I am getting Karma-holic
the place is extremely nice. the food is great. the staff is very good, and the music is wow. the whole concept is a must for everyone to see, i will def. visit this place at least two times a week. and regarding the prices. trust me its nothing comparing to other places similar. good job buddha bar guys. Karma Kafe Rokssss.
The warmest welcome at the door right till the end of my visit to the karma kafe...
The food was absolutely delicious and the service was quick not too much of a wait and as far as the drinks are concerned it was ORIGINAL, Unique and its good enough to get you into a cheerful mood.I must admit that the high light of the evening was the bar staff as they are full of energy and seem like a lot of fun,Yet ATTENTION TO DETAIL...I was served by a bartender by the name of Juan who was spectacular and made the best long island which i have tasted in a while.so look out for him when you get there!!!!!
Over all a great experience.would definitely recomend it to all potential lounge lovers...

Posted by: Claudia on 26 May ' 11 at 11:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

HORRIFIC SERVICE! I booked the table 2 weeks before the dinner, business dinner VIPs! A female staff (with english 0r OZ accent) informed that they booked a double booking 2 hours after us, because we only have 2 hours to order & finish our dinner!! WHAT A SERVICE!!
The price was quite expensive, compare with other places which has a better service! I highly reccomend YOU NOT TO COME TO THIS RESTAURANT if you dont wanna have a horrible experiences! Their service is their main issue and really WE SHOUD NOT WASTE OUR TIME AND MONEY THERE!

Posted by: James Holmes on 08 May ' 11 at 08:25

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I'm not sure I have been to a restaurant with service as rude as Karma Cafe. We made a large booking two weeks before the seating only to be told on the day of the booking there would be a cover charge of 100dhs due to booked entertainment. We were offered a complimentary bottle of wine, free soft drinks and two free meals as a result - all fair enough we thought.

But upon our arrival we were treated with disdain, not because we wouldn't pay the cover charge but because they resented the compromise and never actually upheld it - charging us for water as one such example. When speaking with the management about the surly service the management added to the experience by insulting our guests. It was at that point we decided to leave before our starter had even arrived and we went round the corner to a well known grill were it was service with a smile . . .

Posted by: sophia on 07 May ' 11 at 05:08

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

One of the worst places I've been in a long time, mostly due to the rudeness of the management and wait staff. food was mediocre at best. smoking in a restaurant should never be allowed, if it's a bar, then call it a bar.

Posted by: Sacha on 22 Mar ' 11 at 18:44

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great place where you can go and enjoy good food and chill with best music...very nice for a night out.

Posted by: Himanshu on 19 Mar ' 11 at 06:37

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I have been here 2-3 times & the experience keeps getting worse. For 1 it is horrendously overpriced. Im sure a meal at the burj al arab would be cheaper! & the service is the pits. Attendants forget your order. They dont offer you good seating spots even though they are all empty. & to top it all the food is not good as well. The only saving grace is the ambience & the balcony overlooking the fountain. I suggest the left bank bar across the mall on the same floor

Posted by: Miguel Perez on 17 Mar ' 11 at 17:15

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Excelent service with warm Atmosphere is the best combination to have a nice moments...

Posted by: Hala Dabboussy on 30 Jan ' 11 at 08:00

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Terrible experience, rude staff, horribel value for money

Posted by: Won't be back on 24 Dec ' 10 at 17:54

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Extremely disappointed in everything about this place...the food was very average for the price, the ambience was dull and most importantly the STAFF were AWFUL. With the hundreds of options available in Dubai, I would never waste my money or time at Karma Kafe, and I highly recommend other people to take my advice. I had assumed that it would be a good location to eat dinner and watch the Dubai Fountain, but I had a much better view at other restaurants such as Urbano. Your dirhams can would be much better spent elsewhere!

Posted by: S@@D on 25 Oct ' 10 at 07:26

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

A warm welcome at the entrance, I made a reservation so we got the perfect table with fountain view. Staff was attentive. We ordered Chicken Spring Rolls (as recommended by many :) which matched their reputation) and fried calamari for starters. For main course we had a couple of sushi platters and steak. I would say the sushi was nice but nothing special with the steak. Drinks were nice. All in all a very good experience.

Posted by: Nancy on 20 Oct ' 10 at 07:10

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Karma Kafe is one of the best restaurants that I have visited in Dubai. I just fell in love with its contemporary decorations and club like environment. Amazing food, drinks and a best place for a night –out with friends.

Posted by: Nassim on 31 Aug ' 10 at 06:35

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Food- delicious, Music- crazy, Drinks- Awesome. I would perhaps put Karma Kafe in the category of “I’ll blow a lot of cash on something which is absolutely worth it!”

Posted by: Nassim on 29 Aug ' 10 at 09:15

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I visited Karma Kafe with my husband for our 1st wedding anniversary last month and we had the most romantic dinner ever. As soon as we entered the place, we were absolutely awestruck by its interiors, lighting and spectacular views from its balcony. Add to that lip smacking food and awesome music. It was expensive but intoxicating.

Posted by: S on 03 Aug ' 10 at 19:39

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Love the place.. the music is Great and all the events happenin there is pretty cool... its a beautiful place to chilll with your family,friends or your loved ones... people should go try it out

Posted by: clair on 23 Jul ' 10 at 22:08

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

one of the good few restaurant in the uae its a must if ur visiting dubai ...everything was great....u must try the black cod dish yummy...the dj was unbelievable with his music selection...i defiantly will visit again.

Posted by: Ashley on 19 Jul ' 10 at 17:28

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

WOW....I really love that place...Great Food...good service...i guess it's one of the best places in Dubai, and we will def come back,...and the music there is something you can't describe...too good to br true...i love it.

Posted by: Ahmed on 18 Jul ' 10 at 06:51

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I've become Karma Addicted. I actually wished they would develop a Karma Lounge area, besides the bar with plush sofas or something.

That aside, they food is tantalizing, the staff are very informative and they know what they are doing. It takes them time to serve the food on busy nights, but the wait is usually worth it, and it comes steaming hot. The music, and the company entertained us in the meantime.

Its a great place to celebrate occasions or even on a casual night out.

Posted by: sara on 15 Jul ' 10 at 05:30

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Natasha on 15 Jun ' 10 at 09:14

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Came here for drinks, a little more pricey than most places but I think the decor and ambience make up for it.
Great for couples.

Posted by: jasson on 23 May ' 10 at 09:27

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Oh my God !!! such horrible place, i have never seen !! interior very bad.
if you decorate the grave yard and put some lights and music, it will be same like this place !
its scareeee mannnnnn!!!

Posted by: Paul on 19 Feb ' 10 at 02:17

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Excellent music, great ambience, very good food. The whole experience was great. I will certainly be back many times!
I was however disappointed at the Valentines day deal which was expensive and the menu looked poor.

Posted by: William on 31 Oct ' 09 at 14:03

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

One of the greatest places I 've ever visited in Dubai . Starting with a warm welcome at the door till the friendly service at the table and the bar.
Perusing the menu at Karma Kafe, you will discover the astonishing variety of starters and main courses, along with an irresistible choice of the sashimi and sushi.
The food is amazing, rich and full of taste. Try the special spring rolls and the tuna sashimi pizza seasoned with truffle oil, OMG, it is my fav... afer then you will be shocked with the tender, smooth and soft taste of the Filet Mignon, I guess this is a thing you might die to try it for a time.
The ambience is cool, relaxing and soft. The music carries you up to many places with a smooth fusion of the buddha bar spirit with a mix of soft, pop and romantic music.
I guess I am getting Karma-holic . It rocksssss

Posted by: Alabdalla on 13 Oct ' 09 at 23:58

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

LOVED IT! the crab cakes were to die for, the atmosphere was hip yet elegant. The mini burgers with the sweet potatoes were tasty enough that i decided on inviting my friends over the week after it! we sat outside on the balcony, it was astonishing when the water work started. The DJ played a really nice rang of songs. One of my fav.'s in dubai!

Posted by: FNB on 01 Oct ' 09 at 11:45

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Went to try out Karma Kafe for my birthday at the end of last month and was sorely disappointed - not a patch on it's sister venue the Buddha Bar for ambience or decor, and the food was mediocre for the price. The wine menu was limited unless you want to spend a fortune, and although I did love the funky champagne buckets at the bar I wasn't so enamoured with the guys/gals sitting there oogling everyone as the evening wore on. Also - since when can you smoke in a restaurant in Dubai? Would never have booked it if I had known it was smoking throughout, it was horrible by about 10pm. Romantic - no way, unless your idea of romance is to stink of cigarettes and spend a fortune in a busy crowded restaurant with average food and service. Better to bill it as what it is - a bar with expensive food where you can still smoke after dinner, and a cool outdoor area.

Posted by: Victoria on 01 Oct ' 09 at 06:41

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Yesterday we went to Karma Kafe with my husband for our birthdays. It was very good place to have dinner in so nice and cosy restaurant with relaxing music. I can say honestly, first time in Dubai we were enjoy our food so much! I was surprise about excellent and quick service as well. We would like come back again and we will definitely recommend this place for our friends. Just one moment which we didn't like - people can smoke around you but even this didn't disturb us too much. I want to say thanks very much for all staff for their job and special thanks for chef for tasty food and birthday cake. It was very nice and plesant surprise for both of us. Dinner in Karma Kafe was unexpected nice gift! I'm sure we'll come back :) Victoria and Howard 30/09/2009

Posted by: C on 06 Aug ' 09 at 13:20

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

i forgot to say that i hate the name though! sounds like somewhere you would take your ex-hippy mum to for vegan lunch.

Posted by: C on 06 Aug ' 09 at 13:17

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great fit out / decor.
Our server was actually knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and not lurk-y.
The food was very good.
Ambiance and fit out were great. Nice bar. Great if you just wanted to go for drinks too. Pretty empty until later though.
It is pricier than say The Royal Buddha but its the whole package. A nice night / date out.

Posted by: kimberley mcgowan on 27 Jul ' 09 at 05:12

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The warmest welcome at the door right till the end of my visit to the karma kafe...
The food was absolutely delicious and the service was quick not too much of a wait and as far as the drinks are concerned it was ORIGINAL, Unique and its good enough to get you into a cheerful mood.I must admit that the high light of the evening was the bar staff as they are full of energy and seem like a lot of fun,Yet ATTENTION TO DETAIL...I was served by a bartender by the name of Juan who was spectacular and made the best long island which i have tasted in a while.so look out for him when you get there!!!!!
Over all a great experience.would definitely recomend it to all potential lounge lovers...

Posted by: Oss on 12 Jul ' 09 at 11:56

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

it is extremely cool place, great decor, nice music, tasty food. prices are more or less the same for this category of places.

Posted by: rod on 09 Jul ' 09 at 17:48

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

i can't believe what dr ron mentioned in his comment... i am totally against what has been mentioned above. the place is extremely nice. the food is great. the staff is very good, and the music is wow. the whole concept is a must for everyone to see, i will def. visit this place at least two times a week. and regarding the prices. trust me its nothing comparing to other places similar. good job buddha bar guys. Karma Kafe Rokssss.

Posted by: Richard on 09 Jul ' 09 at 17:42

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

finally a place when we can go to and enjoy good food and great music. keep it up.

Posted by: Manish on 20 Jun ' 09 at 06:44

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• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Food - Good, Music - gets u in the mood, Drinks - Nice...
Great ambience, definitely wud be visiting more frequently.!!!

Posted by: Dr.D on 15 Jun ' 09 at 11:44

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Whoah... can we say pricey? A quick glance down the menu will reveal nothing special and perhaps more so the standard fare you will find in most places in Dubai, it's the column on the right that will perhaps make your brow tilt slightly.

For starters, 6 pieces of Sushi for 75 AED was a bit mind blowing, but I thought, well, it's probably going to be pretty good. It tasted pretty much exactly like it would off the conveyor at Yo Sushi, and much better Sushi for cheaper is to be had at Bentoya.

And then the staff. Listening skills were pretty bad, attention to detail worse and service... well yes, I know.. it is Dubai.

The Good: Beer seems to be priced at the same expensive level you'll find it anywhere.

The Cons: The whole place is a con. Nice looking, but scratch the surface and you'll find the spots.

I don't see how the reviewer would call it romantic, but then well, each to their own I guess. Perhaps in the category of "I'll blow a lot of cash on something with absolutely no value" class of romantic in order to impress a date, I'll go with that.

And back to the price thing... a bottle of Aquafina for 18AED I'll let go, but the rest of the bill was 510 AED for 2 with ZERO alcohol or other liquid refreshments, and the portions are to be laughed at and the quality of food decidedly average... oh but I pointed that out already.