Next stop on our quest to hit the best eateries in Los Angeles was Dune. All four of us enjoyed our food at Dune, plain and simple. One vegetarian and three meat eaters, celebrating a birthday and going to an eatery that came highly recommended from a very reliable source. The food at Dune we would consider to be fresh Middle Eastern cuisine. It has distinct flavors that aren’t afraid to be bold.
Our issues with the meal were related to parking and seating, which they significantly lack. We didn’t know it wasn’t table service, which is fine, but it also didn’t have any seats indoors. Well, there were a handful but they were all taken, and all the tables were taken outdoors despite the fact that it was raining. Nevertheless, the good company and celebration overshadowed the rough ambiance.
The menu is relatively small and simple, which is great, although there are a handful of sides and drinks if you’re looking for a full meal. While the sandwiches are definitely not small, they weren’t anywhere near enough food for dinner. Even the plate was relatively light, so this definitely isn’t a cheap meal to go. I wouldn’t put it in the same realm of Arax, which remains my favorite falafel place in the city.
Still, all of the food tasted great and the textures were insanely enjoyable in terms of mouth feel. Sometimes, when I critique food and review restaurants, I get extremely technical. I analyze like a robot while eating, but there was something so comforting about my chicken souvlaki that I wasn’t really thinking and simply enjoyed it. While the flavors aren’t that pronounced, it just tastes good in a nice balanced way.
The falafel were masterfully executed, some of the best prepared in the city. Again, not too strong in the realm of flavor, but the falafel plate came with some really potent sides like pickled red onions that provided plenty of heat and acidity. And as simple as they were plated, the beets were just enjoyable and refreshing. The dates, however, were hit and miss. The ones that were dressed with olive oil and had sea salt on them were perfect. The ones that weren’t dressed were simply a floral (in a bad way) bomb in your mouth. If they just prepared them in a uniform manner, it would’ve been much better.
Also had the lamb sandwich and fried chicken sandwich, which were good. Drinks were fairly reasonably priced and refreshing, and the idea of the community sandwich gives this spot a little personality.
Our advice… come here for lunch when you’re not too hungry and be ready to take your food to go. Don’t plan on being able to sit for your meal or fill your stomach on a budget; this isn’t the spot for that, but they do their actual food really well. We enjoyed this place so much we came back another time within the month. And as always, stay hungry and fit!
