Dunes Restaurant & Kiosk
Address:
1193 Barrenjoey rd, Palm Beach NSW        Contact details
Cuisines:
Modern Australian
Thu hours:
09:00 to 15:00, 18:00 to 22:00    View schedule
View photos (4)   
Dunes Restaurant & Kiosk Schedule
Dining Schedule
Sun
08:30 to 15:00
Tue
09:00 to 15:00
Wed - Fri
09:00 to 15:00
18:00 to 22:00
Sat
08:30 to 15:00
18:00 to 22:00
Contact details - Dunes Restaurant & Kiosk
Address:
1193 Barrenjoey rd, Palm Beach NSW
Phone:
(02) 9974 3332
Fax:
(02) 9974 3274
  • This summer-perfect eatery set in the sand dunes of North Palm Beach has outdoor seating with views of the lighthouse.

    The Leibenatus's chose the position of Dunes like they were choosing the perfect picnic spot. They picked a sunny patch of land embedded in the sandy dunes of Palm Beach, just out of reach of the salty wind that hurtles over the dunes. The husband and wife team then put their... Read more

    This summer-perfect eatery set in the sand dunes of North Palm Beach has outdoor seating with views of the lighthouse.

    The Leibenatus's chose the position of Dunes like they were choosing the perfect picnic spot. They picked a sunny patch of land embedded in the sandy dunes of Palm Beach, just out of reach of the salty wind that hurtles over the dunes. The husband and wife team then put their knowledge of cooking and hospitality together to create a handsome restaurant named after the surrounding sand hills. The service is whippet-fast but the rest of the set-up is relaxed and natural, allowing visitors to settle-in and feel like they are on a beach honeymoon.

    The menu features choices that look pleasing on the menu and even better on the plate. The blue swimmer crab meat salad is a delicate entree cut with aromatic slices of fennel and clad in a flavoursome citrus dressing. The pan-fried snapper is served with broccolini on adorable lumps of potato gnocchi that soak up the rocket and lime dressing. The natural interiors welcome the warmth of the sun inside and let it dance over the sandstone and wood interior. Teak table settings are sleek and the restaurant is thoughtfully designed to be accessible for those with prams or wheelchairs. With nothing but word-of-mouth to sing its praises, Dunes is a good restaurant that will only improve.

  • Latest User Reviews

    We were there last Friday for lunch... just fantastic. The service was amazing. The food excellent. unfortunately the young waitress was hopeless, but the two other ladies were amazing. All five of...

    Dunes restaurant was great. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and efficient........ the food was delicious......the location perfect ! .......Well worth the bus ride from the city

    More reviews
    Order by: Date, Featured
    • Overall 9.3 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 8  |  Value 10  |  Service 10

      We were there last Friday for lunch... just fantastic. The service was amazing. The food excellent. unfortunately the young waitress was hopeless, but the two other ladies were amazing. All five of us decided it was the best restaurant we had been to in years.

    • Overall 10 |  Food 10  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 10  |  Service 10

      Dunes restaurant was great. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and efficient........ the food was delicious......the location perfect ! .......Well worth the bus ride from the city

    • Overall 9 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 8  |  Service 9

      The restaurant is beautifully located, we were seated on the verandah area which was protected from the sun but still allowed for a beautiful sea breeze. Any guests with children would be happy to have then run around outside while the adults enjoy lunch only metres away. The food was very good, lots of variety on the menu and a good selection of specials for all three courses. The waitress we had was very pleasant and helpful checking with the chef on a couple of occasions to confirm meal content. Although, we waited a while for someone to take our drink order once the wine arrived it was beautifully cold and it complimented the meal perfectly. The meals are a little pricey but not over the odds. They were beautifully presented and most importantly they tasted great. Overall we had a great lunch and would definitely return. Highly recommended.

    • Overall 7.8 |  Food 8  |  Ambience 9  |  Value 8  |  Service 6

      The atmosphere was great and lived up to a beachside style and location. Our group was a little late and therefore the restaurant was quite full and we waited a while to be served and for our meals. The food however was very good and we enjoyed the afternoon. The chef did an excellent job of slicing and serving a birthday cake we brought, which they embellished with strawberries, rasberries, custard and ice cream, which was delicious.

    • Overall 9 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 9  |  Value 9  |  Service 9

      We were there for Fathers day lunch. It was a set menu with a good variety of choices. Friendly staff and lovely food. We would go back again and recommend it to others.

    • Overall 9.8 |  Food 10  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 10  |  Service 9

      The food was excellent. I had the lamb shanks and my partner had the grilled Atlantic salmon. We shared our meals and both enjoyed them immensely. The desserts were also very scrumptious. I had the apple tart and my partner had the creme broulee. The atmosphere was very relaxed and casual with a nice setting. The staff were friendly and helpful, however it took a little while for the desserts and the bill to come, despite the fact that the restaurant was emptying at the time. One thing to watch is the parking. There is ticket parking but the signage and location of the ticket machine could lead to people overlooking getting a ticket (particularly on a busy Sunday afternoon, as we did. It cost us $84 for the privilege.

    • Overall 9 |  Food 8  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 10  |  Service 8

      A considerable wait for the first course. The kitchen + wait-staff were absolutely 'flat-chat'. Possible the clientele may have arrived en mass, simultaneously !! Great location. Staff v. friendly. Great attitude under pressure. Helpings generous. Salads excellent. Sticky Date sauce tasted like ice-cream topping ? FAB if home-made ....given the caliber of customers (would be appreciated.)

    • Overall 7 |  Food 7  |  Ambience 7  |  Value 7  |  Service 7

      I wouldn't recommend the barramundi; the salmon and specials were fabulous, the deserts were delicious. I telephoned several days prior to include another adult however this was overlooked, another place was set last minute which made the pram awkward for the staff but managed; overall we had an enjoyable lunch.

    • Overall 10 |  Food 10  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 10  |  Service 10

      We had an absolutely fantastic afternoon. It was my Mothers birthday and she felt very special. The table was exactly what we had requested and the whole experience was sensational from start to finish. It is the second time we have been here and both times were perfect. My Son is in hospitality so we are very picky and expect the best which is exactly what we received from this 5 star+ restaurant. You will not be disappointed, I would be there weekly if I lived closer!

    • Overall 9 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 8  |  Service 9

      A very pleasant Sunday lunch; service was a wee bit slow, but friendly. The slowness was probably due to it being a holiday weekend and it was very busy. But what else would one want to do on a beautiful autumn Sunday afternoon at Palm Beach other than while away time in a a really neat restaurant?

    • Overall 9 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 9  |  Value 9  |  Service 9

      Excellent service and great food, plus value. Top restaurant. Thank you for the booking.

    • Overall 10 |  Food 10  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 10  |  Service 10

      Great.

    • Overall 10 |  Food 10  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 10  |  Service 10

      We had the best lunch we have had in years, fantastic restaurant, great service, ample servings of good food, children can run outside on the grassy area, we enjoyed immensely and can hardly wait to go back.

    • Overall 8.8 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 9  |  Value 9  |  Service 8

      It was perfect, lovely and how life should be......

    • Overall 9.8 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 10  |  Service 10

      Excellent experience.

    • Overall 8.8 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 8  |  Value 9  |  Service 9

      very happy will be back again

    • Overall 7.5 |  Food 7  |  Ambience 8  |  Value 8  |  Service 7

      We were first time visitors and we enjoyed our meal. Entree ceasar salad serving perhaps a little large but ingredients and presentation were very good. Chilli pasta with moreton bay bugs, calamari, prawns/lobster sauce - ingredients beautifully tender and whole dish really flavoursome. Our rhubarb crumble topping could have been more 'crisp and crumbly' and less 'cake-like'. Service was attentive however, a little less serious and more smiley, in some cases, would be good.

    • Overall 8 |  Food 10  |  Ambience 6  |  Value 8  |  Service 8

      Was an enjoyable night, although it was busy (holiday period) and not much time for waiters to attend, other than to bring food. The food was fantastic.

    • Overall 6.8 |  Food 7  |  Ambience 8  |  Value 8  |  Service 4

      we will return which is a plus - lovely spot - ample amount of food service needs upgrading with regard to removing unwanted bottles and etc from table also need to keep an eye on people for added service ie ready for the account or anything else

    • Overall 9.8 |  Food 10  |  Ambience 10  |  Value 9  |  Service 10

      Had a very special day here. We often eat here and the food and service is excellent. The position is perfect near the ocean and sitting outside is usually perfect on a sunny day - even in Winter. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone - it is a gem waiting to be found.

    • Overall 8 |  Food 8  |  Ambience 8  |  Value 8  |  Service 8

      I love dinning at Dunes with friends, or family, or partner. Great ambience and delicious food. A very comfortable experience.

    • Overall 8.3 |  Food 9  |  Ambience 8  |  Value 8  |  Service 8

      Great location, efficient service on a Saturday night, good presentation and excellent food, reasonable wine list, good, broad choices available on the menu

  • Awards

    2011 - Savour Australia™ Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence 2011 – Sydney Metropolitan & Surrounds - Contemporary Australian Restaurant – Informal Finalist  

  • Restaurant Details

    Chefs

    Stefan Leibenatus - Head Chef and owner Stefan Leibenatus did his training in Germany and has worked in Switzerland, France and Italy and has had numerous head chef positions in Sydney. His menu is creative with an emphasis on seafood sourced locally

    Payment
    Amex, Cash, Eftpos, Mastercard, Visa
    Features
    $4 Corkage per-head, BYO, BYO (Wine Only), Dress smart casual, Licensed, Outside dining area, Smoking area, Street parking, Takeaway, Water views, Wheelchair access
    Ambience
    Child-friendly, Relaxed, Romantic, Sophisticated, Suitable for business, Trendy
    Food
    Ginger Free Option, Gluten Free, Organic, Peanut Free Option, Vegan Option, Vegetarian option
    Styles
    Cocktail, Formal, Presentation, Sit down
    Entertainment
    Dance floor
    Suitable for
    Birthday/Anniversary, Bucks / Hens night, Business lunch/dinner, Christmas party, Other
  • Large Groups Information

    We can cater up to 120 - 180 for a large bookings

    Minimum patrons classed as a group 40

  • Private Dining

    Area Capacity Seated Capacity Standing
    Entire Restaurant 150 200
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