My husband and I found Medina Cafe on Yelp. We decided to drop by as it was a convenient walking distance from our hotel and has great reviews. We arrived and placed ourselves on the waitlist. We waited about 45-60 minutes total. But boy oh boy was it worth it! The restaurant is a Mediterranean inspired breakfast/lunch/ brunch. The interior was warm and inviting. The hostess and our server were both very sweet and provided great customer service. We started with coffees. My husband ordered espresso and I had a salted caramel latte. Both coffees were great - they had bold flavor and the froth on my latte was fluffy (bonus points for the cute latte art). For our entrees, my husband ordered the Fricassée. The short rib was tender and delicious! The tomato sauce was also amazing. Just wanted to note that the sauce was a bit more on the tangy side. I ordered the Cassoulet. The tomato sauce on this one was my favorite as it was a perfect balance between tangy and savory. I also really enjoyed the white beans which helped add to the body of the meal. The grilled focaccia is perfection! They're crisp and crunchy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. We used the focaccia to devour every last bit of the tomato sauces from our plates. I don't really run into Mediterranean breakfast often. But Medina Cafe and these shakshuka inspired dishes have definitely won us over. I'd come back and wait in line all over again. Yum! read more

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Medina Cafe absolutely delivered. The potatoes were phenomenal, genuinely some of the best I've ever had in my life. Crispy, flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and the kind of dish I would come back for all by itself. The Les Boulettes were packed with flavor and so satisfying. The waffle was also perfection, which says a lot because I'm really not a sweets person. The latte felt downright lavish. Smooth, rich, and beautifully done. The martini definitely did the trick. Between the food, drinks, and overall experience, Medina Cafe is absolutely worth a visit. The service was fantastic, I'd happily come back, especially for those potatoes because I'm still thinking about them! read more

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Medina Cafe is a nice spot for brunch. Our group of four arrived and given a 45 minute wait estimate - real time ~ 1 hour. The menu had many enticing entrees, but I ended up with a Cassoulet and a Liege Style Waffle with Mixed Berry Compote. The limited waffles are a MUST either as an appetizer or dessert, and the compote only makes it that much sweeter! While waiting for food, I also had a hot latte, and it was tasty! Thankfully, sugar was on the side; the latte was good as is. The Cassoulet arrived at long last within 15 minutes, and it was a fairly tasty dish. The proteins were meaty and erred on the saltier end, though crisply cooked. The focaccia was good, and the "stew" that it came in was fairly sweet and salty - a bit too strong for me. Our server was very attentive in checking in on drinks, the meal, and the entire dining experience. While we had visited later in the day ~ 1pm, there was indeed still a wait time. Highly recommend coming earlier to RSVP just in case! read more

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Long line even prior the opening - waffle was good but i wish it was a lil more crispy, it has a mochi texture on the inside. Great on its own or with a the toppings Mushroom toast -never did I thought having hummus spread, and stirfry mushrooms would give it such a nice taste Salmon toast - it was nice that they had these smoked salmon as a spread underneath . I like how the salmon was still chunky pieces and not minced. Sandwich between the toast are caramelized onions and avocado. Finally talked with a fried egg. read more

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This here's a decent french brunch spot that's also popular as seen by the droves of people eating here even on a weekday. Did that stop us? Nah, of course not! I got the fricassee which was a short rib with veggies and eggs type of stew served in a cast iron pan. It's rich and savory albeit a little salty. Still, worth a try as it's one of their more popular dishes. Waffles are another nice touch to add to your meal. They go great with any of the toppings but we opted for a fruit compote topping and a rose water white chocolate pistachio topping. Both of which were fantastic. Can't go wrong there. Overall? A good brunch place for your cappuccino fix with a nice hearty stew or sweet waffle to start the day off! Just be mindful of peak hours as there may be a wait. read more

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My daughter always does a great job finding places for us to dine. Choosing Medina Cafe was no different. We had time for brunch before heading to the airport to return to California. Our server, Lorena was a delight. Very sweet and gave us the needed time to make a decision because everything sounded yummy. We shared a waffle because well, you have to have one here. Could have devoured my own but at least sharing one worked for us as daughter's paella was plentiful and tasty. I am careful with what I eat before boarding a plane, so I played it safe with avocado toast. There was plenty of creamy avocado. I can understand why it is hard to get a reservation here.... good service and delicious food. Would recommend. read more

We arrived on a cruise and where we were walking around town looking for a place to get breakfast. We walked by and saw a line in front of the cafe so we decided to put our names in and it ended up being an hour wait. The hour wait was well worth it. The food here is amazing. I had the braised short rib in a tomato and bean sauce with two eggs. We also had the waffles with mixed fruit and maple syrup. Everything was very very good. If you are in downtown Vancouver and looking for a nice breakfast brunch place, this is a definite spot to hit. read more

Medina Cafe - Braised short rib fricassee. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Cute cafe, definitely good idea to get there early because a line forms quickly before opening. The latte was perfect, service was phenomenal and food was excellent! The waffle is a must! read more

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The hype and the line to get in are all valid. I can say it is worth it, even in the rain. What I love about Medina is that you can donate to a good cause to reserve a table. They chose a charity for the quarter and it's $10/person. I really wish more places did this. The service you get is top notch. So good in fact, that they will make you the drink of your choice so long as they have the ingredients. Can't wait to be back in Vancouver to have that Paella again. read more

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More like 3.5. Overall, not a bad place to gather and have breakfast especially with a large group. We had several egg dishes, waffles, bacon, coffee. Coffee = good! I enjoyed it. From lattes to espresso shots, good. Eggs= not that well cooked. Sunny side up but soggy white part. Just not cooked good. Bacon is good, not traditional bacon but tastes good. Waffles are good but literally cold. I didn't get that. Overall, good place and would come back. read more

Medina Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Nice vibe. Pretty relaxed environment. Loved the low lighting. Plenty of seats, we were able to get one immediately (on a Wednesday morning). The tables are very close to each other, so can feel uncomfortable if you're having a private conversation. The food was good. My critique would be that it was sodium heavy. If the sodium and tangy had a bit more balance with some sweetness, it would've been great. Coffee was fantastic. Medina truly delivers on coffee and it was my favourite experience. Service was good. We paid about $80 for two people (with 18% tip because hubby was feeling generous). read more

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Stopping by Café Medina makes for a wonderful brunch outing with its energetic atmosphere and bright, high-ceiling space. The bustling room always feels full of life, creating a lively backdrop for enjoying a leisurely morning meal. The service is smooth and welcoming despite how busy the café gets. The menu offers an incredible mix of rich Mediterranean flavors, with standout dishes like the hearty Tagine and classic Cassoulet delivering deep, savory warmth, while Les Boulettes and Le Complet round out a thoroughly satisfying spread. Between the vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious food, Café Medina earns a solid four stars. A fantastic brunch destination! read more

We came here on a Saturday early afternoon and it didn't disappoint. It's a legendary brunch spot and has something for everyone. Initially we thought we'd try their famous Belgian waffles as well but we were too full. We both loved our meals - they were tasty, fresh, flavorful and filling. The atmosphere is also really nice. I'd say Medina Cafe has a bit of a European vibe. The service was prompt and friendly despite it being very busy. I hope we can come again another time! read more

Medina Cafe - Fricasse with short ribs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Ive been here many times over the years, and i recently came again after a long hiatus. The menu is largely unchanged. Still a solid brunch place, but prices have gone up significantly. Service was good, friendly. The restaurant is the same as I recall, clean enough. A little cramped and the seating isnt too comfortable. Its really not a good place to hang out for a long time, but rather sit down, eat, and get out type of place. I had the lavender latte and the Tagine this time. Ive had it before and at least its pretty consistent. Ive tried several other things on their menu in the past too, all pretty solid 4/5. Nothing standout as so amazing to deserve 5 stars, but consistent and tasty. I did have a reservation which they charge $10/person for, purely for donation to a charity and does not contribute to your meal at all, and also nonrefundable. While I find this somewhat annoying, I dont blame them for doing this from a business standpoint. They always have a lineup so there is no shortage of customers for them. There is no reason they need to deal with the headache of a ton of reservations. On the flip side, they honoured my reservation in a very timely fashion and I bypassed the line, so props to them for doing that part right. If you have to park, then you may find street metered parking or use one of the nearby paid lots. read more

Such a great middle eastern style brunch spot. Great varied menu and just stands out from your regular eggs and bacon kinda place. Yes they have a lot of eggs ! But just do it better. Make reservations for Sunday for sure ! We did and got seated right away. Loved the busy vibe and the place was cozy. We started with a latte and a glass of sparkling Rosê. Both excellent. I went with the harissa lentil burger with 2 sunny side eggs and I got the Liege style waffle with raspberry caramel compote. Delicious! All of it! Harissa spices lentil burger, with hummus, baba ganoush, tomato salsa, greens on a grilled pita. Great fresh dish with fresh baba ganoush which I love. The waffle was crunchy and light and I loved the tart yet sweet compote . Great for dipping! My friend chose the frittata of the day which had chorizo and veggies and cheese. Came with greens and toast. Great hearty dish. We left here completely full but satisfied. Excellent breakfast place kinda hidden a bit but definitely worth seeking out. read more

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So yummy! We had to stop by briefly to try the leige waffles and paired it with hot matcha + tea. The waffles were so warm, soft and the perfect touch of sweetness. I just checked if I'll be able to grab more before my morning flight tomorrow. The place is definitely a buzzing hot spot because it was packed and frequent patrons stepping in to be seated. I need to try the food next time! The customer service was great. The hostess is pleasant and the cashiers are patient while we decided what to order, despite it been very full of an establishment. Can't wait to come back. read more

Medina Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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When we arrived there was about a 25 to 30 min wait. After about 10 they had space at the bar, so we took it. The inside is really beautiful. It's a breakfast place, but with a modern feel. The service was a little slow, even at the bar, but the staff was all very nice. I got the salmon fume and it was so yummy! It was great flavor and everything was prepared wonderfully. My husband got the avocado toast with an andouille sausage. He ate it all, but preferred my dish more. We also tried one of the waffles with salted caramel. Definitely can see why they are known for this little heavenly waffles. It was flakey and delicious! We would definitely go again! read more

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Wanted to try them out after seeing liege waffles on their menu, but it was 45ish mins wait time for Sunday brunch, hubby and kiddo dint wanted to wait, so got liege waffles and cappuccino to go. Cappuccino was perfectly made, living in Austin, Tx. I'm bit spoiled when it comes to cappuccino and most of the times I find difficulty finding decent cup of cappuccino when we travel but not this place, especially when craving for a decent cup of coffee after a week long cruise trip. Liege waffles, I say 4star, it dint had those Pearl sugar, and it should have a little bit crunch but it dint, though it was thick, chewy and sticky, but was very good but not solid 5star, definitely recommend this place for waffles and coffee. read more

Medina Cafe - Liege waffles, was good. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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We ordered a fricasse and Le complet. As usual, I often find the flavor of their food too strong and salty. Service is bleh, very mediocre. Our server disappeared and didn't check on us until we ask for our cheque. I honestly don't understand why they've been such a popular brunch/lunch places for years. read more

Medina Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Brunch at Medina Cafe, a true OG in downtown Vancouver. I went with the Fricassée and it was packed with flavour (tender braised short ribs, crispy potatoes, caramelized onions, melty smoked cheddar, and the perfect sunny eggs). Finished it off with a Liège waffle dipped in dark chocolate. A classic for a reason. Last time I visited Medina Cafe was around 7-8 years ago and I hadn't gone back because I had a terrible experience. I had visited them as a group of 4 and (1) they messed up half of our orders, and (2) they brought out my order 25-30 minutes after everyone else because they had served my order to the wrong table and they didn't realize it until I asked them why I hadn't received my order a few times. The first one to two times, they said it was on its way. Later they realized what had happened and they just apologized. My order came after my entire group had already finished their food. This time around I had a better experience. But it seemed like the garçons were all over the place because (1) our garçon/server wouldn't write our orders down so after every order she would come back a few minutes later to confirm it (happened for our drinks, main, and dessert), and (2) we had two different people come and take our drink orders because they weren't aware someone else had already taken our order. Parking Food 4.5/5 Service 3.5/5 (also, the outdoor heaters ran out of gas and it took them a while to come and replace it) Ambiance read more

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Arrived around 10:30am on a Tuesday and we were able to get two seats at the counter immediately (there was a longer wait for a table). The restaurant was packed with enthusiastic diners. Service at the counter was very friendly and prompt. We ordered tea, granola and yogurt, and waffles. Everything was very good. read more

The food is very good, I think you can't go wrong with any of their dishes. Upscale brunch place, with upscale menu items I'd struggle to find in other brunch place. The service is really good too, friendly, polite, and knowledgeable. The prices are a little steep for the vibe though, it feels like a very casual place. There's also always a huge line, and although I like the food, I'm not sure why it's this popular haha. I got the fricassee and the ribs were cooked to perfection, it was really melting in my mouth. Overall, I'd recommend this place! But it's not a huge loss if you are visiting Vancouver and don't end up going or change your mind because of the line. 4 stars read more

Medina Cafe - Fricassee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Great service got seated right away. It's our first time here, we are traveling through Vancouver and it's a different a recommendation for a short time stop or to enjoy for a bday celebration read more

Medina Cafe continues to earn its spot on every Vancouver brunch list, for good reason. The menu draws inspiration from French and Mediterranean staples, but gives each dish its own thoughtful twist. This time I went with the fricassée. It's not a traditional fricassée in the classic French sense, but it's a great dish nonetheless. A rustic, rich tomato base anchors it, layered with roasted potatoes, sautéed onions, cheese, and tender braised short ribs. The arugula and apple strings on top bring a hit of brightness and just enough sweetness to keep the whole thing in balance. Hearty, flavorful, and well put together. Service was excellent. Our server was friendly, attentive, and knew the menu well, she was helpful without hovering. The space has a bit of gritty Parisian charm to it--worn-in tile, high ceilings, and a comfortable bustle. It's lively without feeling chaotic, which is no small feat during peak brunch hours. read more

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Came here for brunch. This is a Michelin recommended spot. Made a donation to get reservations for 12 people and it was great. Didn't have to wait in line to get a table. Ambiance was clean, bright and cafe vibes. Cocktails were great. Came for the waffles and it was good. Highly recommend. The avocado toast with egg was basic. I was expecting sliced avocados but it felt like a mashed guacamole. read more

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Medina Café truly lives up to the hype. The staff were incredibly warm and attentive, making the experience even better. The food was outstanding. My wife and I shared the Wolves Platter and their famous waffles, and every bite was exceptional. You can absolutely tell why Medina Café has earned a spot on the Michelin Guide. The mimosa was excellent, and the seasonal ice cream paired with the waffle was delicious. Although the restaurant was crowded, it had a great atmosphere with a cozy, welcoming feel. If we are ever back in Vancouver, we will definitely be back. read more

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Amazing brunch spot. Recommend going in advance to get a reso as it usually takes about 30-45 mins to be seated. Resos must be made in person or $10 donation per person online. Very aesthetic interior and great service. read more

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Medina Cafe is a Mediterranean fusion restaurant that has won many Best of, Where to Dine, and Vancouver Restaurant Awards, and we just found out why. The breakfast that stood out the most was the Wolves Breakfast served with two pouched eggs, flatiron steak, bacon, two types of sausage, and focaccia with some veggies. It was all excellent, even the pickled cauliflower. It was full when we arrived, but there is always first come first serve bar seating. read more

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THE BEST BREAKFAST POTATOES I've ever had and I LOVE potatoes! And their famous waffles are worth the hype! Pay the extra charge for the jams. We got the apricot one and it was delish! The main entrees were also delicious; we cleared out plates. :D This place was definitely worth the more than an hour wait! Our waiter was nice and respectful. The interior actually had a good amount of seating and feels nice and welcoming. Will definitely return the next time I'm in Vancouver! read more

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Had a skillet with Canadian bacon and sausage. The waffles with maple syrup were amazing. Highlybrecommend this place when in Vancouver. Saw this place on a reel and was better then described read more

Medina Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

A lovely, bustling cafe serving up delicious brunch. This place was hopping on a Tuesday morning! We walked here from our AirBnb and were seated right away, even without a reservation. We started with a round of coffee. For food, I got the Saumon Fumé (smoked salmon), which consists of grilled focaccia with smoked salmon cream cheese, avocado, onion jam, arugula, and a fried egg. My honey got the Le Complet which is steak (flatiron) and eggs, although he doesn't eat eggs, so they subbed avocado. His also came with focaccia and mixed greens. We both really enjoyed our dishes--made well, with lots of interesting flavors. As we were finishing up our meal, our server, who was great throughout, asked us which sauce we would like for our liège style waffle to share for dessert. I love that he didn't even give us an option on IF we were getting one, just which sauce we wanted. (We got salted caramel.) While I was already full, I couldn't pass up this limited-quantity-available item. As our server walked away, I said "YOLO" under my breath and the woman sitting next to me asked if she heard me say what she thought I said and then she promptly ordered the same for her and her husband to share. YOLO. Oh, and we saw Owen Wilson, who is also apparently a fan of this cafe. read more

Medina Cafe - Liège style waffle with salted caramel sauce. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Busy place for good reason. I got a raspberry Carmel latte which is the most unique latte I have had. I loved it. And I got the fricassee which is a tomato sauce base with meat and egg, and you are given bread to scoop up the sauce. It was an experience. I like the ambiance and how the menu is quite different for breakfast. read more

Medina Cafe - Fricassee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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The food was so delicious. I tried the fricassée and everything was perfect. There are two pieces of tender meat below the eggs that you'll love. Coffee is pretty good as well. Not to mention the waffles and the toppings. Everything very well sugar balanced. My wife tried the mushrooms fricassée and it was perfect as well, however, I'm more into meat than mushrooms. The service was good and the place very beautiful. read more

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Food was mehhh. The beans in my dish were severely undercooked and just not worth the price. The coffee and the waffles were delicious. Definitely recommend. One sauce/syrup is more than enough for a few waffles read more

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Open at 9. We got there at 9:08am and got in for the last two seats at the coffee counter. Most of the dishes are tomatoes based. I asked for low sodium and they did what they could without adding more salt. I also request half sweet on chai latte. It was too sweet and they added some more milk to dilute it. Friendly service. Busy and full restaurant so the coffee and chai latte came 20 minutes after order. The waffle is tasty but I like the berry sauce the most. It's an enjoyable experience. It has a very energetic and uplifting vibe. Will come back. read more

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Food was outstanding. We were walk ins, 45 minute wait. We walked to the HMart down the street and bought face cream while we waited. Asked for the best seller and it did not disappoint! read more

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Incredible! No wonder this place had a line of 15 people waiting outside on a weekday! The atmosphere is comfortable and our server took time with us even though they were so busy. The raspberry caramel latte sounded like an odd combo to me, but when I tried my daughter's I was delighted at the flavor from the little red granules, and the caramel went surprisingly well together. The "Fricasée" was recommended by our server and stayed piping hot in a cast iron pan, full of deliciousness with spice and flavor, and with a generous portion of tender beef under the eggs, it was very filling. This is exactly what you're looking for when you want something fancy and delicious for a breakfast out. read more

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The food was great and the service was friendly. I loved their matcha, it was very earthy and they bring you honey if you want to sweeten it. The food is savory and I LOVED their bacon. I'm usually not a fan of bacon but I tried a piece from what my partner ordered and it was a thick cut of sweet and savory meat. Well done read more

Medina Cafe - The most beautiful matcha I've ever had with a side of honey - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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We were looking for something other than typical brunch dishes and found this restaurant. There was a parking garage nearby which was convenient. We arrived there after 1pm and luckily were able to get sat right away. The ambiance was rustic, cozy and very European feeling. The server was attentive and knowledgeable. We ordered cappuccino, Kombucha, Fricassee, Poêlée de champignons and Liege Style Waffle with raspberry caramel. The drinks and dishes were delicious and complimentary focaccia was perfect for soaking up the sauces. The waffle was dense and chewy. The raspberry caramel sauce was phenomenal. We had a blast and will definitely visit again. read more

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We were told by friends to go try Medina Cafe, and are very happy that we took the advice. We didn't even realize this was a Michelin Rated restaurant until we sat down! The food and service was excellent. We ordered a few waffles and toppings since that was one of the things they're known for. They turnout out being worth the hype. We also ordered a flatbread with the marscapone and honey. This was amazing, we could have had that as our meal. The sweet and savory mix was so good. The thick cut bacon was also a highlight. If you like bacon you need to order a side of it Well, worth our 30 minute wait for our table! read more

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