This is truly the perfect Thai restaurant. First, it’s located directly across from Bookman’s, so when you’re done, you can go book shopping. Second, the feel of the restaurant is great; snag a window seat and you’ll feel like you’re at the perfect hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant in New York. Third, the staff is very friendly and is more than willing to offer advice if you’re a bit of a newbie in the world of Thai. And most importantly, the food is amazing!If you eat absolutely nothing else, have the Pad Thai. And it's quite easy too eat nothing else, as the plate is huge, enough to feed two people with leftovers. Plus, it’s the perfect mix of peanut, lime, and delicate spices. They resist the urge to make it overly spicy. And unlike other restaurants, it’s perfectly filling too.
Another must is the curry, especially the pineapple one. It is spicy, so be warned, but it’s a delicate spice balanced with perfectly cooked pineapple and chicken. It’s severed with rice too, so that helps balance out the spice.
The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is the chicken sate; it’s a tad on the greasy side and, well, just not good. The only redeeming point is what it’s served with, an amazing cucumber salad and peanut sauce. If they’ll let you order these alone, do so and take it home. After polishing off the perfect cucumbers, take the remaining sauce and combine it with the peanut sauce. Let it sit in the fridge and then use it to marinate chicken before grilling it. Trust me on this one; it’s amazing.
Karuna's is exactly what great Thai food should be great in the restaurant, and it's even better leftover!