erdun has been referred to by some as the “new plateau,” admittedly, by the area dwellers. Although it’s a relatively forgotten area, the reasonable rents and close proximity to downtown Montreal make it a prime spot for a trendy café for two. Verdun is also becoming popular as a stomping ground for struggling artists of various disciplines. This makes the opening of Dune, a hip cafe and terrace, a perfect fit and a welcome addition to this area.

Dune opened quietly in early June as an addition to the resto-cafe Chez Anas, which is already well known for its globally inspired cuisine. Dune brings to the area a rooftop terrace as well as a hip interior dining room. The décor is dominated by broken tile patchwork that is arranged artistically on the walls as well as making up the tabletops.
Despite being the size of a postage stamp, the ground floor space actually serves as an intimate space conducive to serious discussion, hanging out with friends, or better yet, getting to know that attractive first date over a drink and a bite.

The rooftop terrace may indeed be a one-of-a-kind setting in Verdun. It features about a dozen small tables and the outdoor ambiance is punctuated by colourful flowers and shrubs arranged in large clay pots throughout the space. For those days when the sun is unrelenting, there are plenty of umbrellas to shield your precious skin from the scorching rays. Come in the evening and the space is quiet and perhaps a bit too well lit for everyone’s purposes, but the cute table settings sexify the place.

Because Dune is part of Chez Anas, the two share a common Spanish themed menu. The only difference being that Dune serves all kinds of alcoholic goodies while Chez Anas has a “bring your own wine policy.” The food choices range from menu tapas, sandwiches with oddball names as Pulp Fiction and Le Sugar Daddy. You can also find hamburgers, salads, and desserts including that Quebec favorite; sugar pie.