Karma's Cafe image

Karma's Cafe

Restaurant Thai restaurant South east asian restaurant Tibetan restaurant

Relaxed, cheerful eatery offering modern interpretations of a wide range of Asian staples. People often mention great, service, restaurant, good, Great, delicious, time, nice, atmosphere, thai,


Address

217 Hunter St W, Peterborough, ON K9H 2L1, Canada

Website

www.karmascafe.com

Contact

+1 705-748-5451

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (230 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 4 to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: 4 to 8 PM
  • Monday: 4 to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 4 to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (16) service (16) restaurant (14) good (14) Great (13) delicious (13) time (10) nice (10) atmosphere (9) thai (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Jami S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely brutal experience. Food was spectacular, and yes I said that back to back. Two servers sat there during my entire stay with inane chatter over the music about their boyfriends, bands they like, how busy it was last night, jerk customers etc. the only time they shut up was when I left a zero $ tip, and then they whispered in the background. the owner should have a presence here or at least a manager, because the servers acted like they couldn’t care less if the place went belly up or burnt down tomorrow.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 D D. 4 years ago on Google
    The food quality used to be great, but in my experience has declined in the last years, as has the service. Sat in a booth for 20 minutes before going up to the front to ask for a menu, when the server had been scrolling on their cellphone the entire time. Every time I go here I have to get up to refill my own water and pay, all of which is no problem, except for the fact that the expectations are different because it's a sit-down restaurant. The servers have definitely become less attentive to the point where it might as well be a take-out place. 3 stars for the fact the food used to be great, and the physical atmosphere is lovely.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K 6 months ago on Google
    One of the best places to eat in the area! Service is always spectacular and friendly, food is perfection every single time for dine in or take out. We are so lucky to have such great restaurants like Karmas in the area
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Nadien a. 4 years ago on Google
    healthy, modern restaurant sometimes uses thai, or indian spices in their dishes. I've eaten from here a few times; the food is totally fine, the staff is nice, and the spring rolls are great. Lots of large, steamed veggies, but truly, never much sauce on the dishes. Like, I can tell the sauce is probably tasty, but there isn't enough to really tell.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria L. 4 years ago on Google
    Honestly the coconut cream curry sauce is to die for. Great service and excellent food! Must try!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bryce H. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic. I had the Noodles with Lime Leaves and my companions got various other dishes. Everything was top notch. Big flavour and an appropriate amount of spice. A little nose running, nothing too serious. The portions are huge. Don’t challenge yourself to finish it like me, get the takeout container and split it in half. Decent atmosphere, the decor is nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 KH 1 year ago on Google
    The food was not bad, but not that good. Pad Thai didn't taste like Pad Thai, and everything else did not taste like what their names suggested. Service was less than adequate. The server took our orders and then disappeared until the bill. She was busy serving other tables but never seem to want to come to our table. Never brought the napkins we needed and didn't get a chance to order more drinks either. She didn't seem that friendly; just enough to not appear as rude. The other server seemed to be more pleasant and responsive, but unfortunately she did not serve our table. I guess it's hit-and-miss for service here. We called to make a reservation but was told they don't take reservations. However, we noticed everyone that walked in was asked if they had a reservation. Not sure what the deal is at this place. Not my favourite restaurant, unfortunately.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 C M. 4 years ago on Google
    Definitely not authentic Thai food, but it is good for the size of the town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie L. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is absolutely outstanding, the service was fantastic and it was reasonably priced. Highly recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 paul t. 4 years ago on Google
    The food was good , However i found it was over priced for what you get. And i was someones guest.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 paulette n. 2 years ago on Google
    The food us divine. I looooove the Karma platter, 2 can share, well, that's the nice thing to do! Fantastic service easy going atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ange H. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was delicious! Our server was friendly and kind. And if u sit on the patio, the people on the street are very entertaining 🤣

  • 5/5 Jenn B. 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed our meal here. Portions were large and food was delicious. We had a nice table by the window.

  • 2/5 Kevin 1 year ago on Google
    I purchased the Pad thai dish here, and I can assure you it is not authentic or close to what real Pad Thai taste like. It was overly salty from the soya sauce, and no sweetness it all. Ingredients seem to be cheap... but the dish is priced high.

  • 5/5 Amanda S. 2 years ago on Google
    I watched Karma's episode on the Food Network where they came in for restaurant makeover many, many years ago. I remember I couldn't wait to check them out! Well they did not disappoint then or now!! The food is consistently fresh and delicious, leaving you feeling good. I recommend the Chicken satay!!

  • 5/5 Alma B. 2 years ago on Google
    My friend and I shared their sampler platter because we didn't know what to order and it was the right choice. Everything on it was delicious.

  • 5/5 Patti P. 1 year ago on Google
    The food at Karmas is ALWAYS Delicious. Our server this Evening was absolutely Darling. My only criticism is that $12. Is a little high for the Rice Pattie Appetizer.

  • 4/5 Lisa D. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is fantastic here. Generous portions and excellent service. The only thing that would’ve made our experience better would’ve been a sun shelter on the west side for shade. Washrooms could use a little more TLC (cleaning wise).

  • 5/5 Sam S. 5 years ago on Google
    My favorite restaurant in ptbo! I've been going here for years. The momo's and noodles with lime leaves are amazing and keep me coming back for more

  • 5/5 Douglas W. 5 years ago on Google
    Great small restaurant. The rice or noodle patties to start are the best!

  • 5/5 Teresa J. 5 years ago on Google
    Great food nice dining room

  • 5/5 Kate A. 1 year ago on Google
    So delicious! Fresh, flavorful, beautiful presentation and excellent service! Bring your appetite - generous servings!

  • 5/5 Abhay G. 1 year ago on Google
    We accidentally discovered this spot in Peterborough and what a gem it is! It’s a shame that we did a take out due to time crunch. The food is amazing - flavourful, fresh, balanced and tasty. Wouldn’t mind the drive (over 150 kms) to go and dine at this place. Must try.

  • 5/5 Benjamin M. 5 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite spots to dine out in Peterborough. Delicious food and lovely staff who always go the extra step to make sure to get the most out of your dining experience.

  • 5/5 Oliver Ralph Karl Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Delightful tasty food in a friendly place. Fresh whole ginger!

  • 5/5 susan e. 1 year ago on Google
    Only place in town that's truly authentic and Karma is a true jewel! Little bit of wait for food, because it's LwYs cooked from scratch!

  • 3/5 Daven M. 1 year ago on Google
    Found ourselves in Peterborough on a breezy sunny Saturday. Walked the streets to Karma Cafe, which was recommended by one of the local shop owners Ordered pad thai and red curry. The pad thai was NOT traditional it was more like a korean noodle dish and would pass on this one. The red thai curry was excellent. Service was OK. Took a long time to get our food and there were only 3 tables. Others seated near by were eating the noodle soup. Maybe this is their sweet spot. We will try somewhere else next time.

  • 5/5 Meg R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool vibe. Excellent friendly & attentive service. Delicious food. Definitely planning on returning again when we're in town. We got cold salad rolls, spring rolls, Tum Yam soup and Pho Bo soup (the soup portions were huge).

  • 5/5 Derrick I. 10 months ago on Google
    Wonderful Tibetan Beef Fingsha & great server. Great atmosphere. I wish they served me more beef though because of how good it is. Hahaha!

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 1 year ago on Google
    We had made a reservation and got a great table by the window. We ordered Karma's appetizer platter. It had a little bit of everything. Very tasty. I ordered the Tibetan Beef as a main. It was very good with beef, potatoes, glass noodles, tomato, onions and a nice broth that went well with the rice. Just a hint of spice. A very enjoyable experience. The only complaint I have is the music. A track of what seemed like Bob Dylan on repeat. It was kind of annoying. But the food was excellent 👍.

  • 2/5 Jon S. 1 year ago on Google
    Got the gluten free pad Thai and I’m not sure if they forgot the sauce or something but the entire meal was really bland and felt like something was missing. Probably wouldn’t come back here TBH

  • 3/5 Resham S. 9 months ago on Google
    Cute lil place, nice for a date lunch. Soup portions are exceptionally huge. Nice staff. However, this place is more for people who eat mild to no spicy food. For people looking for masala and spices and that tangy flavour, the food here might seem a lil bland. Noodle patties basically had maggie and the tum yam soup tasted like plain broth. The biryani was better than than the rest. Its really based on what you like tastewise...

  • 5/5 J. E. 8 months ago on Google
    We had a lovely evening here. The staff were very competent and knowledgeable. The food was tasty and very creative. I have severe allergies to nuts and they were able to accommodate me 100% which never happens at an East Asian restaurant.❤️

  • 5/5 Greg D. 8 months ago on Google
    Great tasting Tibetan food (also Indian, Thai, etc. foods). The momos and Fingsha beef were delicious and filling. Service was good, the prices were reasonable. I am a very happy customer and will visit again.

  • 5/5 Jackie R. 9 months ago on Google
    Delicious pan Asian and fusion dishes in a cute and friendly place right in the heart if downtown PTBO. Large, affordable portions!

  • 5/5 Ray C. 6 months ago on Google
    When I lived in Peterborough this was my favourite place to eat. I hadn't been back for 10 years and I never stopped thinking about the lime leaf noodles. When I finally returned last weekend I was not at all disappointed. They tasted just as good as I remember. I bought three extra orders to take back with me and share with my family 😄.

  • 5/5 Cathy K. 7 months ago on Google
    One of my favorite place to eat in Peterborough! Always fresh, hot and delicious. Service with a smile and a great atmosphere all around. So grateful for this wonderful restaurant

  • 4/5 Miri Hadas K. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice quiet place. Great friendly service. Lots of interesting options to choose from. My friend enjoyed her curry. My pad thai was nice but was did not have the typical sweet flavour I expected.

  • 5/5 Tina L. 4 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem in Peterborough! Very tasty, huge portions, great service at a great price. I wish I would have found this place earlier. I stopped to have lunch at this quaint restaurant and enjoyed each and every bite. With a variety of great tasting dishes, it was a great time and meal. Be sure to come and try it for yourself!

  • 5/5 Jennifer P. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a charming restuarant. My friend and I very much enjoyed the atmosphere and the delicious food. It was just after lunch period, but the food was well prepared, hot, and served quickly. The service was excellent with the server realizing we were having a good time talking so was not interfering. The pad thai was delicious, the curry one of the best. The Asian beer available was a treat. The rolls very good. The restaurant is clean as are the washrooms. Highly recommend this restaurant.

  • 5/5 Douglas M. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent food and great service. I highly recommend it. Love their Pad Thai.

  • 5/5 Jim A. 4 years ago on Google
    Great service fabulous food excellent appetizers highly recommend

  • 5/5 David C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great portion size. Delicious!

  • 5/5 Adjibola L. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly people. Great food

  • 5/5 george r. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a place that I don't know why I'm not there more often. It's always very fresh and full of flavour, never salty. So much care put into the dishes. The servers are very nice and add to the experience. Any locals or visitors should make this place number one on their list to eat at. It's a rare experience. thanks

  • 5/5 Samantha H. 3 years ago on Google
    Karma's never disappoints! Best food in Peterborough.

  • 5/5 sonia s. 3 years ago on Google
    The shrimp is always perfectly cooked, the momos are amazing and it's the perfect romantic place.

  • 5/5 Mercedes J. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a charming restuarant. My friend and I very much enjoyed the atmosphere and the delicious food. It was just after lunch period, but the food was well prepared, hot, and served quickly. The service was excellent with the server realizing we were having a good time talking so was not interfering. The pad thai was delicious, the curry one of the best. The Asian beer available was a treat. The rolls very good. The restaurant is clean as are the washrooms. Highly recommend this restaurant.

  • 5/5 David R. 4 years ago on Google
    Noodles with lime leaves = delicious

  • 5/5 Ian D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food

  • 5/5 Cross C. 4 years ago on Google
    Finally got around to eating at Karma’s Cafe, we went full on Tibetan trying the Tibetan beef and nasi goreng. Both were delicious with healthy portions. We started the meal with their spring rolls which were hands down the best in town and maybe the best I’ve ever eaten. No mince here, real chunks of chicken and veg with great crunch. I tried the Tibetan Butter Tea and all I can say is that it was an experience. It’s like a blend of salty butter, hot milk and a hint of black tea. The waitress warned me, but I had to do it. The waitress was very friendly, explained the meals well and took care of us promptly.

  • 5/5 D 4 years ago on Google
    Lime leaf noodle dish is amazing!

  • 5/5 ene N. 4 years ago on Google
    Best food ever

  • 4/5 Eric T. 5 years ago on Google
    I don't know why I don't eat here more often. Definitely a go-to when my wife and I go out on date night.

  • 4/5 Christopher Todd S. 4 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed the ambience. Food was excellent minus the weird butter chicken in a tortilla bowl...yuck. Everything else was great. Service was exemplary. We would return.

  • 5/5 john g. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food.

  • 4/5 Anushka D. 4 years ago on Google
    Karma's Cafe has a wonderfully cozy atmosphere with servers that are pleasant and patient. After sitting for longer than thirty minutes the seats tend to become very uncomfortable. The portion size of the food is over adequate but lacks the bold taste of flavor and spice. The green tea is something I definitely recommend as it's served in a huge cup.

  • 5/5 Denis L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great staff great food one of my favorite places

  • 5/5 Rachel H. 4 years ago on Google
    Go. Here. Now.

  • 5/5 Matthew H. 4 years ago on Google
    Get the momos!

  • 5/5 Barely A. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely phenomenal food! Our favorite restaurant. So good that it has ruined all other thai food for me!

  • 5/5 Cheryl R. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, great atmosphere, superb cuisine.

  • 5/5 Greg H. 5 years ago on Google
    Always Great!

  • 5/5 Robin L. 5 years ago on Google
    Excellent coffee! Excellent service!

  • 4/5 Ben L. 5 years ago on Google
    Good food, good service

  • 5/5 Melanie B. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing!!!

  • 5/5 M. L. 4 years ago on Google
    I went in as they were closing and the staff were so nice and welcoming and still served me a drink. Awesome place. So pretty in there too!

  • 5/5 Jay C. 5 years ago on Google
    Some of the best food in all Peterborough🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


Call +1 705-748-5451 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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