Dune

Shoestring potatoes in a falafel sandwich. Brilliant complimentary tastes, just excellent. Best falafel I ever had.

This is the best modern take on Middle Eastern food that I’ve ever tasted. It’s essentially street food, but the recipes are crafted with the best ingredients around and remarkable creativity.
Everything on the menu is a culinary masterpiece.
However, I have to give four stars because the quality has been inconsistent. I’ll go one time and get beautiful, clean tasting rare lamb, and the next time everything will be burnt and a little gamey. Still, even on an off day, Dune is one of the finest meals you can have in Los Angeles at any price range.

Not sure what to think of this place. I ordered the humus and taboulee plate. The guy that brought my plate brings out a humus plate with what looks like cabbage salad. Not sure what they consider taboulee. I thought maybe it was just a mix up on the order so I asked the guy that brought out my food if this was the humus and taboulee plate. He was curt and said, «I didn’t take your order, I just got here.» But all I asked was if this was the humus and taboulee plate. He just walked away after his curt response. He made no effort to resolve my question or issue. Seemed annoyed I even asked him a question. This was my first time here and probably will be my last. Will say however, the humus and pita were pretty good.

Brilliant idea. Very simple menu but everything executed perfectly. The lamb meatballs were just excellent. I wasn’t psyched when I realized the lamb was in the form of meatballs, but they must grind it on site, it’s very fresh clean tasting lamb and it’s s very coarse grind which I love and while it is seasoned perfectly, it really tastes only like lamb and nothing else mixed in with the meat.
Hummus was excellent too.

This was our go-​to lunch spot during our recent 4 month sojourn in LA … we used to live in Silver Lake but it has gotten so crowded, we made Atwater «our» neighborhood for the duration, and Dune rocks!
Amazing salads, sandwiches, side dishes, homemade pita, you name it, with a sweet helpful staff and great sauces. Completely original takes on most of the things you might have had before, and so delicious and fresh. Great touches like Mango Relish on the sideboard for the taking and crispy shoestring fries to give the sandwiches a bit of crunch. oxoxoxooxoxoxo

I’m gonna name a few things off the top. Ummm, Dates in rose water, olive oil and sea salt (Love em). The pickled beet sandwich is absolutely spacial (the damn shoestring potatoes) GTFOH! The bocquerones toast (white Mediterranean anchovy) is legendary. The hummus and eight-​minute egg plate consists of: house pickles, marinated cabbage and olives. Instructions: tear a piece of the house flat bread and slather the hummus vigorously then dip into the egg yoke for a velvety first bite then repeat with the occasional pickle & olive pairing. Silence for 30 seconds.

I don’t usually give negative reviews but I just got a lunch to go from Dune and it was such a horrendous experience that this needed to be written.
I placed an order and had to wait over 30 minutes. After seeing several people who placed orders behind me receive their food, I asked where my order was and they informed me they had lost the order. They issued me a refund and offered to remake my order but several minutes later they found my order (which was cold by then) and asked to pay for it again. I understand sometimes orders get lost but this experience was ridiculous.

I’ve been wanting to try this place after seeing it on Instagram. To be honest, the space looked cute & post-​worthy AND the reviews were good. I almost got lazy and Postmates’d it but I decided to drive the 7 minutes to go myself. Parking wasn’t bad. I went on a Friday around 11:00 and found a metered spot. The strip is pretty cool so even if you have to walk a bit, there’s interesting storefronts to glance at as you make your way to Dune. When I got there, there was only one other customer inside and a clumsy drunk (clumsy because he loudly fell off his chair) outside. I got the original falafel sandwich to go & when I got home, the bread was still good & not soggy.
The sandwich is pretty filling & good. I think I’d go back to try the lamb and the rosewater dates.

This is a cute spot with solid mediterranean sandwiches. Between my husband and I, we got the lamb and falafel wraps. I thought both were good, but maybe the lamb was slightly better than the falafel. The size of the sandwiches are pretty good for one meal. The bread is great! Good spot for a quick meal (order at the counter), except you might need to budget a little extra time to find parking, since it’s mainly street parking.

I’m just going to continue the trend that’s been going on here as of late, with another five star review.
First question is… Whose Middle Eastern or Greek mom do you guys have working for you in the back? The jig is up! You guys have to let her go. No kidding, the falafels are that good. Possibly the best I’ve had, but to be honest they don’t seem like the traditional falafel you’ll come to find at Mediterranean food joints. There’s a twist on Dune’s version and I just can’t put my finger on it. So no worries, they aren’t running some sort of kitchen sweat shop –no moms are being worked to exhaustion in the back, at least none that I saw.
I got to try the falafel platter and the sandwich, both of which were extremely satisfying. The pita seems to be house made, and if not — I need to know where to find it — because it’s not the typical pita you can purchase at any store or find at most other shops. This one was was a combination of soft, fluffy, thin, crispy, and pliable if that makes any sense. The colors in both items that we sampled were vibrant, I mean almost every color imaginable was present. The textures, the flavors, everything about these dishes was amazing. Dune offered what was definitely one of the most unique assortment of foods I’ve had in a while.
The options seem to cater more to those that lead a vegan lifestyle, but I did see a lamb dish somewhere in the menu, so meat eaters don’t fret. They got you!
I simply cannot overstate how delicious the food was. If you’re looking for a healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice on taste, this is the place to find it. Add in the friendly service by the guy at the counter and there’s nothing wrong I could find wrong with this shop, maybe other than the fact that it’s so tiny and almost unnoticeable. In my opinion, it’s size and inconspicuous characteristics give it charming appeal. It’s like Unilocaler Sarah P says «Dune is one of the best hidden gems LA has to offer» — couldn’t have said it any better myself.

This place is great! Went here on a whim after the gym for lunch around 2pm. It was definitely busy but not packed, and probably just looked slightly chaotic inside because of the small space they have.
The menu is written on a mirror wall, which is fine and stylish, but I had no idea what I was reading. Thank god they have paper menus at the register!
I went with the falafel and hummus plate, and the falafels were fresh and crispy, and stayed warm even after the drive home. The bread was excellent, and the pickled veggies were a great addition. Everything felt really fresh.
Make sure to grab a couple tiny plastic to-​go containers of the two condiments they provide! The green one is spicy, which was a great other layer to add to my meal. The preserved lemon was great too, but since the meal already had citrus in in, I ended up not using it as much.
So happy I stopped here!

3.5 stars!
There was so much hype around Dune about a year ago when it first opened. So, of course I was eager to try it, but now I am finally getting around to stopping by to try it. I got the original falafel sandwich, and which it was quite good but I would not say it was amazing. Most of the components were pretty delicious, especially those shoe-​string fries! I just think the sandwich was a bit salty for my taste… just my opinion. Anyways, I am really glad I stopped by Dune, and any sunny day in Atwater village is a great day!

I enjoyed an amazing and filling falafel sandwich for 8.50. I learned that the vegetables were locally sourced. Based on the price point and flavor, it was evident that Dune was focus on providing amazing meals at great prices and not using «organic and local» as buzzwords to overcharge customers. That’s how it’s done. And it’s a winning formula since they’ve been around for more than a year.
The arugula included was different; it was peppery. The pickled items in the jars added a kick if you’re looking for it.
This place is grand.

Really amazing falafel. Crispy crust, moist and flavorful and aromatic inside and if you get the falafel plate… it’s a flavor bomb for ur senses.
Pickled veg, super smooth creamy hummus, salads, spices, pickled veg. It’s like a Mediterranean bento box with little morsels of color, flavor, texture, and good smells.
All of ur veggie friends will go freakin crazy for this place and u will leave full and happy too even if u order just the falafel plate.
I left covered in flour dust from the homemade flatbread and with leftovers for a mid afternoon snack.
Sat next to someone that had the avocado toast and the 8 min egg. It looked good but the falafel has me hooked.
Not cheap but worth it. About $ 10.50 for the falafel plate and $ 4 I think for extra falafel… And worth every penny.
Ambiance– casual rustic? Counter seats comfy for solo diners and a few tables outside.
Parking can be difficult… Tons of metered parking but you may have to do laps. Also 1 – 2 hr public lots across the street. I can see why it was rated one of the 10 best falafel a in LA.

Wow Dune, I am utterly impressed! PICKLED BEET SANDWICH… omg!!! I never ever ever would have imagined being so satisfied by a meatless sandwich!!! Between the delicious bread (which totally tasted fresh baked) the Bulgarian sheep feta (so rich and yummy) all of the delicious crunchy pickled veggies, the crispy shoestring potatoes, and that GORGEOUS golden 8 minute egg, all criteria has been met for a PERFECT bite!
The hummus and egg plate was also BEAUTIFULLY DELICIOUS! One of those beautiful 8 minute eggs accompanied by soft, tasty pita bread drizzled in olive oil, a generous serving of seasoned hummus, black olives, pickled veggies, veggie slaw, and delicious red onions! I am sure there was more to it but I dug in so fast that I didn’t even get a decent picture!
Absolutely everything on the menu sounded so good and all of the plates I saw coming out of the kitchen were even more beautiful than I expected!
I seriously can’t wait to go back and try more things!

Had to update my review because I am in the middle of eating the best falafel of my life. Why don’t I come here once a week?!? I will be doing that now. There were so many things on the menu I would like to try!
I also had the feta cheese side which was a good portion and was delicious! The combination of the fixings inside the falafel were just perfect! Such a creative combination of flavors. And the flat bread is the best wrap bread I’ve ever had! It’s warm and soft and flavorful. I can’t say enough about this place. My new neighborhood fave for sure!
Service is always fast and friendly. And prices are totally reasonable. I’d like to come here for breakfast as well sometime.
ps: if you like to add some spice, try some of their homemade jalapeño cilantro salsa. creative and delicious.

Dune makes my favourite falafels in LA. Their menu is simple and so very nutritious. I love love love my veggies and my heart goes all a flutter when I set my eyes on any of their colourful plates and sandwiches. Most recently, I had the Hummus and Falafel plate which was divine. It came with pickled beets, greens, marinated red onions, hummus, olives, hummus, etc. Their house flat bread is my favourite and it comes with any of their plates. It has garlic and herbs and it was served hot! What a perfect accompaniment to their hummus. The falafel was good. Crispy on the outside and very flavourful.
The Pasture Raised Lamb Sandwich is also amazing. This one comes with house flat bread, toum, lemon turmeric yogurt, marinated onions, and seasonal greens. I love how they seasoned the lamb! Make sure to try their mango chutney. It is heavenly! It reminded me of this Mediterranean place I used to frequent in Germany when I lived there.
This place is across Proof Bakery and situated right next to The Juice. Just look for the white awning. Overall great service but very small interior. There are only around 10 or so seats inside but there are tables outside as well.

YUM.
I’m kind of in love with beets, so when I found out they had a pickled beet sandwich, I knew I had to try it.
You walk into the small space but it’s very cutesy. Their menu is written along a wall of mirrors and you can look straight into the kitchen and see what everyone is doing. They have a couple high top seats along the wall but that’s it. there is seating outside.
For $ 9 I got a hefty sized pickled beet sandwich and this is what it comes with (straight from the menu) — Bub and Grandma’s ciabatta, toum, pickled beets, capers, kalamata olives, marinated onions, Bulgarian sheep feta, 8-​minute egg, shoestring potatoes, season greens.
I loved the pickled beets, the Bulgarian sheep feta, and the shoestring potatoes. I wish it would have come with more! Greedy? Yes.
But seriously, everything in this sandwich was delicious. I couldn’t have picked a better place to have lunch.
Will be back for the iced Morrocan mint tea!!! And to try other dishes. The flavors are on point here.

OMG — YES
If you’ve ever had L As du Falafel, you know excellent falafel is impossible to find anywhere outside Paris. However, I think of all the falafels I have had in California, this one is the best so far. (still searching of course)
The bread was home made. Chewy, thick, warm, sturdy. Ahh, I love it when they get bread right!!! the falafels were just fried, perfectly seasoned and crunchy, with a gorgeous green inside upon biting. The wrap is difficult to eat since it is loaded with picked veggies, garlic and whatnot. Grab a couple forks.
The LAMB was excellent too. Huge lamb meatballs, not gamey at all, juicy and flavorful. The spread, the bread, the fillings. It all works!
Only meh thing were the drinks. The lemonade was too sour and the mint tea too plain. Service was excellent, I can’t wait to come back again.
You can’t find the name, just look for JUICE next door. Its the one with the white awning. Outside seating, inside just a few tall chairs.
Falafel + Lamb + 2 drinks + tip = $ 26.
Parking metered.

Located right next to The Juice (little place that sells bottled cold pressed juice and vegan ice cream), no sign except on the front door (that can’t really be seen from the street), my husband and I came by here last Sunday around 5:15 pm.
When we walked into this tiny little restaurant, we walked to the register and ordered the following (prices include tax):
Village Salad, $ 7 — When I ordered this, the girl at the register told me that they ran out of Bulgarian sheep feta. I asked her if I would still be charged the full price. She told me that I would and so I asked if I be able to get a protein substitute since there is no more cheese. She said I could and so I opted for falafel. Now I just want to mention that this employee didn’t bother to offer me the option of getting a substitute for the lack of cheese and was still planning on charging me the full price for a salad that is missing the cheese.
Anyways, this salad was pretty disappointed, as it wasn’t a salad at all. It was basically crudite of thick slices of raw red onions (about ½ an onion), a few slices of sweet tomato and cucumber slices. I had asked for the dressing on the side, which I had a feeling the employees chopped this up for me as I had ordered it since it took so long to get this order.
The dressing was just basically olive oil with some kind of seasoning on the bottom, which I did not really care for. The raw vegetables were just basic. I was really disappointed about getting a large amount of raw onions, which I didn’t bother to eat (what a waste).
I had ordered this to go and unfortunately when they packed it in a brown paper bag, the styrofoam that this came in leaked all over the bag.
Side order of Falafel, $ 4– Normally a side of falafel (2 pieces with hummus) would cost $ 4 but I was able to get this for free because they ran out of cheese for my salad. Now I have read from a few previous Unilocal reviews that this is one of the best falafels those particular Unilocalers have ever had. I thought the falafel was good/​standard but definitely not the best (I really have had better). I liked the hummus that came with the falafel (and used that with my «salad» instead of the olive oil that it came with).
Pasture Raised Lamb Sandwich, $ 10– My husband opted for this, which was a pretty big size for one person. The lamb itself was tasty (including the flat bread sandwich itself), but quite heavy in the seasonings (including garlic). My husband’s breath had that seasoning breath all night (totally gross if you ask me). So in case you are here for a 1^st date, don’t order this or make sure you have some mouth wash (because gum and mints won’t help you).
— — — — — — — –
(Total= $ 17 prior to tip, after tax)
It was really hard to understand the girl at the register taking my order. She was mumbling the entire time and so I had to ask her to repeat herself a few times.
Seating inside this eatery is limited to about 10 ish bar stool chairs. There are a few tables and chairs outside (with umbrellas at each table).
Overall, I am pretty disappointed with this place and honestly wouldn’t come back. The food was average
By the way, there are no public restrooms. Parking is just street parking. We were unfortunate to find any so we parked at the Starbucks parking lot down the street (the parking lot is only available for those visiting the businesses in that little lot. So we ended up getting a drink before walking down the street to Dune).