Rolling Dunes

I’m a really big fan of Rolling Dunes. I love stopping by for brunch before my beau and I get some Saturday farmer’s market shopping done. Rolling Dunes has successfully made all other breakfast joints underwhelming to me. Here’s my in-​depth review:
Location:
Rolling Dunes is nestled in the shops of Lakeshore Ave, close to the Grand Lake theater and farmer’s market area. The parking garage and several public parking lots are (as well as street parking) are nearby, so we’ve never really had much trouble getting a spot somewhere. There’s the Trader Joe’s nearby if you’re needing to get some shopping done after brunch/​lunch, as well as some charming shops next door. There’s a nice little health food place nearby, and a cute gift shop (Urban Indigo) that we love to stop in to. Of course the Grand Lake theater Venue is just a short walk away if you’re looking to catch an afternoon flick. In this particular area of Oakland, i’m happy to walk around alone while the sun is still up. Good location right off the freeway, and there’s a freeway on-​ramp just down the street.
Ambiance/​Aesthetic:
Inside, there’s enough seating for plenty of groups. I’ve never had to wait for a seat, as people are always coming and going. The sun shines right into the windows in the morning, so if it’s chilly outside, it’s nice to sit in the sunlight. There are shades they will pull down if it’s too intense. The décor is mostly paintings by local artists that are for sale. Since they are for sale, they will be replaced with new paintings as others are purchased. Other than that, it’s pretty basic, rustic, old café style. It’s rather noisy when it’s busy, as there are high ceilings, making for lots of echos. If you’re looking for a quiet café to get some work or reading done, this may not be the place. This place is more where you take your friends or your date for brunch to chat and have a good time. There is only one shared bathroom with the one toilet, but it’s well kept. It’s always been clean when I’ve used it, and there’s some interesting murals on the walls in there. I will say the only thing I do not like is the menu. It’s HUGE and quite cramped together. If it’s your first time there, you might find yourself staring at the menu for a while before you can decide.
Food:
The food is the best part. They have a lot of options, and while I haven’t tried all of them, I’ve noticed a very good variety of food being eating among my fellow diners. I usually take this as meaning all of their food is adequate, and not one thing in particular is favored. I absolutely drool over the thought of getting to eat here for brunch. My recommendations are the Pancakes Meet Eggs (2 pancakes with pecan butter, 2 eggs, bacon/​chicken-​apple sausage/​something else i can’t remember) and the Tandoori crêpe (tandoori seasoning, potatoes, chicken, carrots, peas, comes with a small salad, breakfast potatoes, and yogurt sauce). These are my beau’s and my absolute favorites! The crêpe is not spicy at all, so anyone can enjoy it. The pancakes with the pecan butter are TO DIE FOR! I can’t bring myself to eat anything else there now that i’m addicted to it. Other than those, they have benedict, savory & dessert crepes, eggs, bacon, sausage (their chicken apple sausage is pretty good), pancakes, yogurt, fruit, and other classic breakfast foods. There’s really something for everyone. They have some pastries in the cooler as well, like muffins and cakes. If you’re looking for something to start your morning with a buzz, they have tasty mimosas. My recommendation for a beverage is their hot cocoa. It’s a nice balance between bitter and sweet, just how I like it.
Service:
You order at the counter, then you are supposed to find a seat. Orders go by fast, so there is rarely a big line at the counter. Our food usually gets to us within 10 minutes of ordering, so it’s nice and quick. There’s a little self-​service area if you need some extra crème or sugar packets, or things like that. The service has always been nice, but I wouldn’t say it’s «stellar» or «notably great». Just some nice folks with a smile getting you your food quickly.

Just walked in the door and already not impressed, I need to use the restroom and wanted to take a table but I had to get in line she said. So I get in line and it’s to order food, but I’m not ready to order food I need to put my things down so I can go to the bathroom. Not able to do that. Then I went to the bathroom with all my things and there was no hooks to hang my belongings therefore making it awkward experience when I should’ve just been able to put my things down at a table. Let’s hope the food is good!

This place is perfect for brunch, lunch and dinner. Great location, big room and easy ordering process.

This place used to be pretty good in quality. I revisited since minimum wage went up in 2015, and the quality went down while prices went up. I have only had breakfast/​brunch here, so that’s all that I can speak to. Here is the breakdown of my review.
Pros:
1) Staff is very friendly.
2) When I get there (before 10am) I like the ambiance. It is quiet and there is a nice view of Lakeshore.
3) Love the French toast. It’s huge.
4) Staff can be a lifesaver. Last time I was here a man had a seizure in front of the restaurant. The staff ran out to assist him. That was interesting.
Cons:
1) It’s off of Lakeshore, so parking can be and usually is a hassle.
2) Prices went way up at this place, which the wait staff said it was because minimum wage went up. It used to be that 2 people could have breakfast for $ 23.00. Now the price is closer to $ 40.
3) The wait can be crazy. Last time I went there, I waited over an hour for food. I went with 2 other friends. They had eaten almost all of their food before mine came out. I went and asked about my order several times, and staff assured me that it was coming out. I saw people who came in after me getting their food. (Mind you I got French toast, bacon, and eggs). I guess they forgot my food. They kept bringing me water though. They did not apologize for making me wait.
4) Coffee is atrocious. Tastes like burnt tar. I don’t order it anymore.
5) My bacon is never cooked right. It is either burnt or raw. Sorry but I don’t want a charred or live piggy. As expensive as the food is, you would think they could get it right. I have sent the bacon back 2−3x every time I have ordered it. By the time they try and cook it again, it’s time for me to go. Now I just don’t order it anymore.
6) Tables are very close together. You can potentially bump elbows with other people and you can definitely hear their conversations.
7) Place turns into a zoo after 10am. Be prepared to have hungry zombies and wild kids all around you while you eat. I always try to sit in a table crammed in the corner to avoid the madness, but then I have to leave sometime.
8) No air conditioning. In the summer you will melt to your chair.
9) Every time I come here something always happens in front of this place. A man had a seizure (mentioned above), a guy flipped over on his scooter, someone got rear-​ended at the stoplight. I don’t know… maybe this was just a coincidence, but I have definitely seen some interesting stuff go down while in this place.
Bottom line: Food is meh at best now. The prices are out of control. It used to be fun and cute way to cozy up to a boyfriend the morning after; but now it is lack luster at best. Now I would just pass on this place and go elsewhere. For all the hassle it takes to get to a place on Lakeshore, this place is not worth it.

Nice brunch/​breakfast spot in Oakland that has a pretty extensive menu with options everyone will be able to enjoy. It seems like they are really known for their crepes but I decided to go with their corned beef hash which was delicious!
The restaurant wasn’t too packed by 11 a.m. on a Saturday morning and would be a great spot for families/​groups with options to dine outside on the side walk if outdoor dining is your thing.

Love it. It’s so good each and every time I visit!

Love the ambiance, food selection and their ice coffee. I am a regular here for Sunday brunch.

Place looks neat, I’ll give it that. The food however is meh. Overpriced for the small portions. Nothing special.

F’ing best crêpe I ever had: the Amore. Salmon, creamed horseradish, spinach. It made my Saturday morning.

Food is pretty good (so far have only tried the Greek and spinach salads, both with salmon, and eggs, potatoes and bacon breakfast). Enjoy the salads with salmon. Although not the BEST salmon I’ve had (a bit too much on the side of greasy) it is pretty tasty.

Nice interiors and spacious.
Service is nice and fast.
Very reasonable prices ($ 15 for all).
Food is awesome (sandwich came with fresh greens, tomato, onion, sour cream, skinned grilled potato).
Cool vibes and noise.

Their side salad is REALLY good. Sometimes i even ask for an extra side of salad. Although i’ve never had anything here I didn’t like I usually have come here only for breakfast or brunch time-​ish never for dinner so I can’t speak to that. Every single time for several years now I have gotten the same thing and that is the Tandoori Crêpe with chicken. In fact i got it last night on a short trip to the east bay and it did not disappoint. Chicken and vegetables in a yellow curry sauce (I think tandoori is just the name) inside the crêpe, combined with their side potatoes and salad is perfect. This place is sort of a staple on the ever-​changing Lakeshore Ave. it has been there ever since I can remember.

I had never been here before. I was walking by with my daughter and decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did. It was relaxing, service was good and food tasted great. If you’re around this area and looking for a nice time and good breakfast I would recommend that you try this place.

My husband and I love this little café. It has a friendly mom and pop feel. The menu is filled with home cooking inspired recipes. We tend to only have one day a week to spend together and like to make the Rolling Dunes a part of our routine once or twice a month. We love the breakfast menu! The eggs benidict is to die for. And do I have to say I love pancakes! They have a warm personal touch and it is convinietly close to the shipping experience that is the Oakland Lakeshore dostrict. You should take a moment to check them out!

Wandering around the Lakeshore/​Grand Avenue area after the Warriors’ parade, Rolling Dunes looked like a nice place to pop in for a quick lunch, away from the heat outside.
It was pretty full inside with post-​parade revelers, but the line was non-​existent and there were some free tables near the door, where a soft, cool, much-​needed breeze was blowing. The menu here is pretty huge (quite literally, too, as it towers on the wall above and behind the register), with options ranging from breakfast like French toast and omelettes, to burgers and sandwiches, to crepes, pastas, and salads. I went with the penne bolognese and a mango iced tea, and after getting my order number I was free to seat myself.
The food came fast and the service was friendly, and I was surprised that my pasta came with a small dinner roll. The bolognese was incredibly delicious, and unlike most places that skimp on the pasta, they were pretty generous here, and I was pleased to see a lot of mushrooms and chunks of tomato in my meat sauce. The mango iced tea was so refreshing, especially on a hot afternoon. My only problem here was the pricing: $ 18 and some change for pasta and an iced tea for lunch was pushing it, especially given that the wait staff merely brings you your food and never comes back around to check on you.
Very good meal, a bit overpriced, but it’s a nice treat if you’re in the area and want good food fast. Worth stopping in overall, and a pleasant place to eat on a beautiful day.

Los mejores desallunos y el servicio al clientele excelente de today’s la chi as que trabajan ahi

One thing about this restaurant is the consistency of the food. Over the last 10 or so years the food has always been good and taste the same. There is a lack of diversity here and has been that way for years.

Best service. Best food! I ordered the MAMAMIA Crêpe and it was delicious to the last bite. The salad was PERFECT and the potatoes absolutely phenomenal!

Perfect little place for breakfast or lunch right on the strip of Lakeshore. Upon entering I immediately noticed the large menu behind the cash registered. Within seconds my eyes lit up and my stomach was growling. Crepes, sandwiches, omelettes, what should I choose? And it is «gerrrrrr» Cinnamon French Toast w/​eggs and ham.
After devouring my food with very little breathing between my stomach went from growling straight into a coma. I would recommend this place for breakfast and or lunch cause what I saw on the lunch meal was very appealing too.

I must say, this place rocks! The food is still very yummy and the overall service is great! Consuelo (sp?) is super friendly! She always greets you with a smile and even takes time to chat a minute or two while multi-​tasking! Ask for her by name and she’ll make sure that your visit makes you a fan of Rolling Dunes for years to come!

Dee-​freakin-​lish. The servers are all hospitable, friendly and sweeter than a Swisher. The portions are huge and the pesto tasted fresher than a field of daisies. (Okay, I’m done with the analogies, I swear.)
I used to stop into Da Dunes many moons ago with my faja for their pasta. I never realized the true highlight of this grove of goodness is the crepes! I opted for a savory option (the Twist, with spinach, onion, bell pep’, jack cheese, and I added pesto) for my lunch and was very impressed. I left satisfied and smiling. Plus, the place definitely had patrons in it but it wasn’t overly noisy or crowded. They seemed pretty organized, since I got my food within about 10 minutes after ordering. Definitely a good place to get brunch, lunch or dinner if you’re on Lakeshore.