Karma has set a new standard for me for Chinese restaurants. After a particularly bad experience at our previous local go-to we left mid-meal (story for another time/review), went here and never looked back. Everything about the place is practically flawless: food, drinks, ambience, and service.
Peking dumplings: Not at all like the bland rubbery filling that is common. Memorably flavorful, garlicky, with enough texture so it doesn't fall out of the wrapper when you cut it. The wrapper is thin and perfectly fried to a golden brown.
Egg rolls: I was never a fan but after trying these I'm a convert. Same with the pork fried rice: light, not greasy, vegetables that stand out.
Spicy Bomb: a cold appetizer: Tuna wraps with scallop and eel, avocado, tobiko. A beautiful presentation. My only question is where's the scallop? Diced or thinly sliced perhaps? though the flavor suggested otherwise. I suspect they might have substituted yellowtail or a white fish. No matter - it was yummy.
Kung Pao Shrimp: The vegetables were cooked just al dente, the shrimps were large, plentiful, with perfect texture. Light on the sauce - just right. Very hot and spicy!
Yuen Yang Spicy Beef: They do beef right here. Carefully sliced to an even thinness, tender and no disagreeable fat. I used to avoid beef at Chinese because it tends to be randomly cut large chunks of chewy meat, not pleasant. Again, Karma sets a new standard for me. Accompanied by lots of green beans, perfectly tender. Again very hot and spicy!
I'm sure sure they would gladly tone down the heat if you asked but I like it that way.
Drinks: very strong and delicious. Not too sweet - even the mai tais. My first was a regular and my second was a "Man's Mai Tai". We (the waitperson and I) thought it was just a stronger version but that wasn't it. It had a curious new flavor that I couldn't identify but liked it. I'd love to know the meaning behind the name. The large cocktail selection uses many uncommon ingredients like yuzu, Gochuchang chili, shiso mint... I have to try all of them!
Service is impeccable! Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and there when you need them.
The room is beautiful and modern, with impressive chandeliers and well-designed lighting, a mix of seating choices including tables, booths, high tables, and at the bar. Cloth tablecloths and napkins! Just one small television, mercifully situated at the bar where I didn't have to see it. Music was jazzy and "chill", turned down low so I was only really aware of it walking to the restrooms - which were clean and fully stocked.
I feel I have to mention the prices. Karma is not cheap. This particular meal, which included 3 drinks between the two of us and enough food left over for a smallish lunch the next day, came to $138 before tips! The high prices and portions that seem slightly smaller than most Chinese restaurants may give pause. Is it justified? Great food and a great dining experience don't come cheap I guess. But for me, it is worth it.
Some other things we've tried here on another visit that we really enjoyed: Garlic Chicken in Clay Pot. And the Pu Pu Platter; it taught me to actually like chicken fingers! read more