Fountain views
The terrace gives diners a strong sightline to the Dubai Fountain show, with the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop.
Karma by Buddha-Bar
Downtown Dubai
Karma by Buddha-Bar is a pan-Asian restaurant and nightlife spot in Downtown Dubai, with an outdoor terrace facing the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. Reviews point to sushi, inventive signature cocktails and a polished evening atmosphere, while brunch and business-lunch visits receive mixed feedback.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
880 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Signature cocktails
Signature cocktails are repeatedly praised for distinctive flavours, careful preparation and elegant presentation.
Black miso cod
The black miso cod is a standout dish, described by one reviewer as exceptionally soft and sweet.
Stylish interior
Dim lighting, eclectic décor, comfortable furniture and music create a setting that can feel both intimate and lively.
Dietary flexibility
The team accommodated a sushi request without cheese and helped with dietary needs during another visit.
Fresh sushi
Sushi was singled out as a favourite during a business-lunch visit, with the food described as fresh and flavourful.
Tips for a Better Visit
Book ahead. Reserve in advance if you want a better table, particularly for fountain views; a walk-in reviewer reported an unfriendly host response.
Choose terrace. Ask for the terrace when the fountain show is your priority; reviewers specifically watched it from outdoor seating.
Confirm brunch. At brunch, confirm the available main dishes and alternatives clearly before ordering, as one group was served salmon after a misunderstanding.
Allow time. Avoid tight schedules during busy periods or confirm the kitchen timing first, as one dinner took an hour and 45 minutes to arrive.
Request sauce. If ordering PadThai, ask for extra sauce if you prefer a wetter dish; one diner found the original needed more.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Souk Al Bahar - Level 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd
Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Slow service
Two reviews describe waits of around an hour and 45 minutes for food, along with missed water refills and delayed corrections.
Uneven brunch
Recent brunch reviews report very basic food and unavailable dishes despite premium pricing, contrasting with older positive brunch experiences.
Value concerns
One diner found the food fairly ordinary for its price and attributed the premium largely to the location.
Light Pad Thai
A diner enjoyed the meal overall but felt the PadThai needed more sauce.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Karma by Buddha-Bar is a pan-Asian restaurant and evening bar in Downtown Dubai, best known in the reviews for its outdoor terrace, Dubai Fountain show views and Burj Khalifa backdrop. It works well for dinner and drinks when the setting matters as much as the meal. There is plenty to order beyond cocktails: reviewers call out sushi, the Black Cod (also described as black miso cod), a Signature Menu and a business lunch deal.
Signature cocktails are a consistent highlight, praised for unusual flavours and polished presentation. The dim lighting, stylish interior and lounge-style music can shift from calm to lively as the evening goes on. Service is the main caveat.
Many guests describe warm, attentive staff, but others report an hour and 45 minutes for food, incorrect drinks and poor follow-up. Brunch feedback is especially uneven: one recent visit found the food “cheap and very basic,” while older brunch reviews describe strong food and flowing drinks. Book ahead if you want a good table; one reviewer said walk-ins were treated less warmly and the best tables were taken.
For fountain views, ask about the terrace, and confirm brunch dishes and any dietary adjustments clearly before ordering.