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Hours
Sun
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mon
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tue
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wed
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thu
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Seafood, International, Canadian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?
Details
CUISINES
Seafood, International, Canadian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
599 reviews
Excellent
398
Very good
146
Average
28
Poor
20
Terrible
7
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
StephCam
Fredericton59 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
I had lunch here with three friends during a recent girls' getaway weekend (part of the "Atlantic bubble"). I love seafood chowder, and make sure to try it anywhere it's on the menu. The night before, I had actually sent chowder back at a Charlottetown restaurant because it was clearly the scrapings from the bottom of the pot! In any case, the chowder I had at the Dunes with the best I have ever had! It was chock-full of seafood, and had a delicious broth. There were mussels and clams in their shells, as well as salmon, whitefish, and lobster. The chowder was served with a delicious brown bread. What's more, there was plenty of it! The only downfall is that I have to wait another year before I can get there again. Highly recommend!
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa P
Charlottetown1 contribution
Sep 2020 • none
My daughter and I went to the Dunes for dinner a couple weeks ago and I have to say it was as always, a perfect meal. We have visited the cafe many times and have never been disappointed. This is a very difficult year for many businesses and I was very impressed with their protocol for Covid
We both had the lamb shank and it was delicious! There was a summer drink special with had a rhubarb component, which my daughter said was so good...
The service was superb, the waiter was so attentive and was over the top willing to accommodate our requests for desserts to take home
This place is a must visit whether you are a local or a visitor!
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
copper2839
Calgary134 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Best steamed mussels I’ve ever had! They were steamed in coconut milk, and topped with sprouts, cilantro, etc....it was sooooo delicious. We also had the nasi goreng which was equally amazing. The service was good once we got seated and the location is amazing. The gardens on the property are so lovely...
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
taraleighann
1 contribution
Sep 2020 • couples
Every summer my significant other and I visit PEI, and The Dunes is our absolutely favourite place to visit while here, to buy some art and enjoy lunch. We were beyond disappointed by both the service and the food this year at the cafe. To start, we waited 45 minutes for a table, which wasn’t too bad as we just walked through the gardens and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Once seated, we waited 15 minutes for our server to come and take our drink and food order. She did not introduce herself, and just seemed very uninterested in interacting with us. Once our order was taken, we waited another 10 minutes for our drinks. We then waited another 10 minutes for our appetizers (the mussels, which had a delicious broth but there was almost none of it, so we ate most of them dry). We then waited another 40 minutes for our main courses to come, all the while not a single time did our server stop by to see how we were doing, apologize for the wait, or offer us another drink. We had to flag down another server to get a glass of wine while we waited). Once our food finally came, the pizza was cold, but we didn’t dare ask for another as we did not want to wait another 45 minutes. We also asked for another glass of wine which never came. At this point we just wanted to get out of there. Needless to say we will never be eating there again, but will continue to visit to enjoy the scenery and art as this place is unlike any other.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OttyTraveller
10 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
This gallery is amazing...worth the trip! However, dinner was a bit disappointing for the price. Food was very good, but the night we went, we found out after that they were short-staffed, and the service was poor for the price we paid. Think it was a management and organizational issue rather than the server herself, but it was frustrating to deal with. That and fighting the flies!!!
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ala Ohallo
Toronto46 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Although we've been a fan of the Dunes for several years for their unique shop and garden grounds, we were disappointed by our experience trying to dine at their café yesterday.
We were walking through the gardens when we saw people making their way through a screen door into the indoor café. There was no signage in place for the door saying "exit only", so we decided to head in. Upon entering the café, we were left standing in place for several minutes not being greeted until we had to interrupt a waitress passing by to ask if we could seat ourselves as there were several empty tables available. We were told "no" and were directed to go to a different area to wait for the hostess to seat us.
At the hostess desk, we were waiting for a while until the hostess came over to seat us. We were then seated and given water and menus. After being seated, we were waiting for quite a while until a waitress came over to our table and asked for our order. The other person in our party said "I think we'll just be ordering drinks and" until we were abruptly told "we do not seat people for drinks" and we were informed that we need to get our drinks to go. We were trying to order drinks and an appetizer before being made to feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. Given that they advertise this restaurant as a "café" one would assume it was appropriate to sit for drinks. In hindsight, we wish we had walked out instead of waiting for the drinks. The waitress also left without giving any instructions as to if we should wait at our table (that we knew we were unwelcomed at) or go up to the counter to pay. While waiting in our confused state, we were approached by a new waitress who came to take our order, not realizing we had already done so, and she was frustrated and stated that " this happens all the time" and left.
We decided to leave the table and go to the counter to wait and pay for our drinks to which we were advised we needed to go elsewhere to pay. When we finally received our drinks, they were placed inside generic styrofoam coffee cups (not very presentable for tropical drinks to which we paid $12 total).
Overall, it was an uncomfortable, unwelcoming, confusing, and disappointing experience.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JandBVictoriaBC
17 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
We only found 2 restaurants at Brackley Beack and this was one. On a drive-by it looked to be extremely popular so we made a reservation. The ambience was OK but clearly meant to showcase artisans work. We shared a seafood pasta and an appetizer (don't remember what it was) because the food was very expensive. In the pasta dish there were 2 each of prawns, mussels and scallops. The rest was pasta and sauce. It was a very disappointment dining experience. Would not recommend this place. Go to Shaw Hotel instead.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHSamtraveller
New England343 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
We stopped in for lunch one day and we were so glad we did! We had the seafood stew, which was a bit spicy but wonderful and the soup of the day, which was butternut squash and it was delicious. It came with the most delicious bread which I could not stop eating! We also had the pizza of the day, which had poached pears, goat cheese and pork on it. It was delicious and the leftovers were great the next day too. We also had the lobster quiche which was amazing. But the best was the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. The best I had on the island. The chef's son waited on us and was very enjoyable to talk to and gave wonderful tips on the menu and excellent service. We had a window seat overlooking the amazing gardens. All in all it was my favorite meal on the island. Loved every minute!
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cch1252
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Our family of four (kids ages 4 & 8) spent a couple hours taking in this wonderful place. In the back, the gardens boast many truly breathtaking displays. Lots of places to sit on unique furniture and enjoy the views.
Inside, there are several shops selling the work of artisans. Beautiful Pottery, glassware, jewellery, clothing, artwork, furniture, and more.
We had lunch in the cafe. There were great gluten free options, the pad Thai was delicious! The kids liked the pizza and linguine, and my husband had the delicious lobster spinach quiche. All served on amazing handmade flatware that can be purchased in the store on site! The service was great, and even though it felt fancy, the atmosphere wasn’t stuffy or pretentious. Definitely recommend visiting this unique gem of a spot!
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CFofLL
Fredericton1412 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
The Dunes should not be missed during a visit to PEI. You enter through the gallery where there is a wide selection of paintings, pottery and crafts for sale. The cafe is on 2 levels overlooking the garden and has an interesting menu with many choices. The owners apparently winter in South East Asia this is reflected in the menu. The young man who was our server was informative, pleasant and efficient. We opted for the Pizza of the day which was a ham and pineapple with a small salad plus the soup of the day which was a squash cream soup with a mild curry. Everything was delicious. There is also an Asian theme in the beautiful garden which has been further developed since our last visit. Well worth a visit.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
issy1Coleraine
Craigavon23 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
The Dunes was a recommended to us by our hotel as a stop coming from Brackley Beach and we thought it was absolutely brilliant. while it was extremely busy, we waited a short time for a table. Lunch was absolutely delicious, so fresh, we had crab cakes. The shopping was varied and the gardens absolutely amazing!!! so well maintained and so well designed. Definitely worth a visit!!!
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy53_12
Halifax69 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
We had a disappointing experience at The Dunes cafe yesterday.
We arrived at 1135 am, shortly after they started seating people for lunch. We waited about 25 minutes for the Hostess as she seated people ahead of us. We were then told that there were no more tables for 4, but she could put us on a waiting list. We could see at least 6 tables set for 2 that were unoccupied, and many were in close proximity to each other. We asked if they could combine 2 of these tables for us -- a simple shift of a few feet and it would not have crowded any other tables. The Hostess said she would need to ask her supervisor. We could see the supervisor tell her "no" and walk away. I should add that there were no other people waiting to get seated behind us. We opted to leave and go to another restaurant. On the way out, I passed the supervisor and said I was disappointed that they could not accommodate us. She replied that their "system" does not allow them to move these tables. I'm not sure what kind of "system" this is, but I think The Dunes would provide better service if they used common sense and treated potential guests as if they welcomed their business. We have had a summer residence on PEI for many years, and usually bring family and other visitors to The Dunes 3 - 4 times a year. We will now think twice before we return after being made to feel unwelcome.
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ball D
St. Catharines47 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
Gallery (which my partner was keen to check) and the Cafe, which was more up my alley were the draws for this location.
The seafood chowder, advertised as “loaded” with seafood, was. Creamy & tasty broth.
After touring the Gallery my partner had a lobster quiche - unique take and again, “ loaded” with lobster bits.
Maybe a bit pricey, but acceptable.
It was a pretty dreary day or we’d have also checked out the magnificent gardens.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
octaviopaz
St. John's22 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
We went with a family group of seven people, most of the dishes were great (quiche, pork, noodles, kids pizza and accompanying salads) but we agreed that the Pad Thai that I ordered tasted bland and one note. Then the Sumatra coffee after tasted like it was overstepped (watery and bitter) like a gas station cup of coffee. Overall a very disappointing lunch if you don't order the right dish.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CalgaryMariposa
13 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
We were there for lunch in September. Food was quite good though not spectacular. What was disconcerting, though, was that the servers were not wearing masks in this time of COVID. I realize this is not mandatory but it is strongly recommended. However, most of the patrons were wearing masks until seated at their tables. I think it would be more reassuring if masks were worn by staff - I did overhear some people debating whether or not they should leave because of this.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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