Doris and I had decided to start working on a few beachside dining establishments that are hidden in the quieter stretch of Fort Lauderdale Beach between Sunrise and Oakland Park Boulevards. Our first choice from our list is Dune by Auberge located in the Auberge Beach Residences and Spa is one of these gems. The 166-seat restaurant re-opened in November of 2021 under the leadership of Michelin Starred Chef Laurent Tourondel.
We had reservations and arrived around 1:15 on a Saturday afternoon and checked in. The hostess guided us through the expansive dining room past a beautifully designed and fully appointed bar. We immediately got the Mediterranean feel from the openness and the whites and blues that adorn the dining room. As you enter that patio you see another full bar and multiple seating areas as well as sofas and fire pits.
As we were seated Kaylee our server instantly offered water and shortly thereafter took our drink order. Doris had the Raspberry Iced Tea with Tito’s and I went with the Dune Old Fashioned both drinks were good pours and excellent. While we admired the view and settled into the Mediterranean vibe Kayklee quietly delivered what looked like 2 delicate pieces of Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao di Queijo) to add to our delight. For our appetizer, we shared a Mushroom & Truffle Flatbread made with wild mushrooms, taleggio, caramelized onion, parmesan, and truffle oil. I will go out on a limb and say that this has got to be the best flatbread that I have ever tasted, what a bouquet of flavor!
From the moment that we were seated, we both commented on what we each had noted; the amount of teamwork that we saw going on among the wait staff was impressive, almost like a graceful dance of hospitality, generosity, and joy. This truly is a testament to the training and management of the crew Cudos to the G.M. John Wyner who met Doris while she was admiring the décor and waiting for me.
For our entree, Doris had the Dunes Chopped Salad a balanced mix of gem lettuce, bell peppers, haricot vert, artichoke, cucumber, garbanzo, avocado, pomegranate, sunflower seed, and oregano dressing topped off with a beautifully seared piece of Scottish Salmon. I went with the traditionally prepared Greek Salad made with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, aged Greek feta, and extra virgin olive oil topped with a perfectly cooked Hanger Steak. Both dishes were masterfully prepared and plated their texture and flavors were unparalleled to anything in the area. We decided to skip dessert this time.
Dune is an attractive beachside spot for SoFlo’s more serious diners who are looking for a more elegant and polished setting than the beach party on the Fort Lauderdale Strip, just a few blocks to the south.
As you turn in off Ocean Boulevard into the Auberge Beach Residences you see a sign for Dune pointing you to the left. As you wrap around the building you immediately get the feeling that you’re going to a special secret location. Shortly after your turn, you will notice a covered valet parking area. Upon entering the double doors you will follow a large open hallway lined with white flowing curtains and palms, you are guided by the bright light at the end of the hall which is, of course, the beach. The patio is also decorated in whites and blues giving you a very Mediterranean vibe with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. The outdoor bar and dining area are covered and lined with drop-down curtains in the event of inclement weather. The entire patio is lined with a glass partition between you and the beach which helps break the direct wind and lends itself to a more natural calm atmosphere.
All in all, we will definitely be back for the incredible food, drink, service, dessert, and views with such a laid-back vibe. Don’t miss out; this place is a Foodie’s Dream come true!
