Karma Kafé

Karma Kafé occupies a prime position in Souk Al Bahar on Old Town Island, facing directly onto the Burj Khalifa Lake, and has built its reputation on pan-Asian small plates paired with unobstructed views of the Dubai Fountain shows. The restaurant is part of the Buddha-Bar-adjacent Karma group, known internationally for combining Asian fusion food with a lounge-driven, music-forward atmosphere rather than a traditional sit-down restaurant format. The Black Cod Teriyaki, marinated and glazed in the Japanese style, is the restaurant's most emblematic main course, while the Dim Sum Platter offers a broad introduction to the menu's Chinese and Japanese-leaning small plates. The Dragon Roll rounds out the sushi selection that anchors much of the shared-plates menu. The dining room and terrace are designed around the fountain-facing view, with warm lantern lighting and Asian-inspired décor creating a sultry, evening-driven atmosphere that becomes progressively louder and more energetic as resident DJs take over later in the night. The bar programme is a significant draw, with an extensive cocktail list and a strong selection of sake and Asian-inspired drinks designed to complement the sharing-plates menu. Reservations are strongly recommended for evening seating, particularly for tables timed to coincide with the Dubai Fountain shows, and booking a few days ahead is advisable for weekend nights. Dinner for two with cocktails typically runs AED 500–700.