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Café Medina
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch
556 Beatty StreetVancouver, BC V6B 2L3
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 879-3114
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 4 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
328 reviews for Café Medina
Review Highlights
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"White chocolate pistachio rosewater latte." In 45 reviews -
"Their lavender latte is also highly recommended." In 46 reviews -
"The fig-orange marmalade topping was delicious." In 15 reviews
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328 reviews in English
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Review from Gretchen C.
Vancouver, BC
"life is too short for bad coffee" is what the sign hanging outside cafe medina says. you can usually ponder this statement for around 30 minutes, as that's typically how long the wait is for brunch. but why people stand around for this long in the pouring rain is explained by the smells and tastiness of everything from the lattes to the food served inside. most of the dishes are served in hot skillets and quite different to your classic omelette and benny breakfast, but absolutely delicious.
"unique bistro-inspired food served simply and conveniently in a comfortable, chic environment reflecting the lifestyle and desires of the neighbourhood and vancouver at large. medina provides a fresh and eclectic alternative with a pioneering attitude towards café culture." (http://www.medinacafe....)
my new food blog for pictures: http://gsnackingcruz.w... -
Review from Ernesto G.
Updated - 5/21/2012 6 photos
Used to be better.
Came here for brunch yesterday and it was good, but the waffles and the Fricasse used to be better. The latte is still good though.
Here's hoping it was an off day...used to love this place.Listed in: I LOVE BRUNCH
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/5/2010
THE MENU IS ABOUT TO CHANGE!!!
Before anyone has a melt-down, not to worry, the infamous Fricasse… Read more »
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Review from Joanne W.
When I got into Vancouver, one of my friends had recommended to go to Cafe Medina for brunch. The next day, I woke up and ended up there. Quite the line-up when we got there, so my friend and I left our names there, walked around T&T (which was just downstairs from the location of the restaurant). After walking around for 10 minutes, we got our seats fairly quickly.
My friend and I both ordered the lavender latte, as recommended by other Yelpers. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. I loved it. It was so soothing.
My friend had ordered La Sante, and I had myself the paella. The "La Sante" was a little too simple and bland for my liking (from the looks of it), but then again, it's meant to be healthy. The avocados were to die for. I don't know what to do with their avocados, but it was absolutely delicious.
My paella was exceptional as well. I would highly recommend this to people who love their vegetables AND meat. I was quite full in the end, and we didn't have the chance to have our waffles there.
Great little place. Love the food and atmosphere. I would highly recommend this restaurant to those who are visiting Vancouver. -
Review from Bridget C.
Edmonton, AB
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Medina is pricey and packed, but I felt like I couldn't leave Vancouver in good conscience without dropping in after at least 3 friends told me its a must-visit. Well, they were right. I didn't even know what a lavender latte was until I visited here, but now I understand it is heaven in a coffee cup. How do I get this back home in Edmonton?? I also had some waffles, which were delicious but I didn't realize you only get one small waffle for $3... I should have ordered more! But I can see how this place can get expensive fast. My small breakfast came to $20 after tip =p On the other hand, this is Vancouver, it's always expensive.
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Review from Ash R.
Kingston, ON
Nice setting and the food is GOOD! I loved the little waffles.
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Review from Florence C.
Vancouver, BC
4/25/2012
Overrated.. I had to wait 2 hours to have brunch, and I sent back the boiled eggs twice because they came hard instead of soft as I ordered. The manager explained that the eggs cook by itself from the time they serve it and I waited for a while to eat them.
OH MY GOD!
If you don't know how to cook eggs, don't serve breakfast. -
Review from Mireille U.
Vancouver, BC
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
After hearing so much about this place, I just had to try it. Went on a sunny Sunday morning for brunch. The wait was about 45 minutes, which is fine. The staff is sociable and friendly, the ambiance was okay, the food was a bit pricey for what it was but good presentation and tasty. The coffee was good though (try their lavender latte). Definitely not the best place for brunch in the city. All in all I was a bit disappointed. Worth the try though. Might try it for diner.
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Review from Lloyd B.
Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC
5/17/2012
I had a fantastic breakfast at this place! Waffles were fun, the staff was great, but be prepared to wait outside for a bit as this place is popular!!
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Review from Jenn J.
Vancouver, BC
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food is amazing and it makes me sad that I can't afford it every day. Because I would go every day. Every. Day.
The -1 star is because the place really isn't big enough and those who go solo are relegated to an uncomfortable bar stool that has you facing a stack of glasses and the staff working behind the main counter. The place is cramped so every so often people who need to walk by bump into you and it's just not a fun time when you're trying to take a sip of your coffee.
Still, I'm a glutton for punishment so I'd go again. I don't think I'd have trouble finding someone to go with me so I won't have to sit at the bar. -
Review from Vivien L.
4/17/2012
Short-ribs, two eggs, potatoes and foccacia at 10 in the morning? Just my kind of place.
Anyone who's lived in Vancouver knows that the area isn't the most glamourous part of town, which is why I was surprised to hear that so many people raved about this place. I was back in the city for a week, so I decided to check it out. After queuing for 1/2 an hour or so, we managed to get our table.
Service was really genuine and friendly which is refreshing! I had a cappuccino while my friends opted for the raspberry caramel lattes (apparently it's that good). One of the best cup of coffee I've had in the city, honestly.
Belgian waffles arrived cold, and they were okay. The lavender/milk chocolate topping wasn't to my taste, but the mixed berry compote was good and not too sweet. My fricasse arrived in a skillet pan (great presentation) and I immediately tucked in. The braising sauce was SO good, and the poached eggs when combined with the meat, and a bit of watercress to cut the heaviness of the dish was divine. I barely ate bread because the small cubed potatoes were actually quite filling.
Decor reminds me of restaurants that you would find in New York with the vibe of Lower East Side or Meatpacking District. Prices are on the steep end for Vancouver, but compared to London it's not too bad at all. Absolutely lives up to the hype. -
Review from Talia V.
Vancouver, BC
3/12/2012
Cafe Medina has the most wonderful daily selections of fresh local produce which means I feel even better about indulging at my current favorite breakfast spot!
The attention to detail with this place is awe inspiring. From the chic interior to the superior guest service, if you stop by Medina, you're guaranteed to leave feeling satisfied.
I've been sampling the wares of Medina for well over a year and still haven't made it through the entire menu, although I've definitely found some winners! I would suggest the Paella or the Saumon Fume and you absolutely need to try the Lavender or Raspberry Lattes.
I would highly suggest this as a spot to bring friends/family visiting Vancouver, there are a few seats outside perfect for people watching but more so you'll be able to showcase tons of our local produce and meats.
I would encourage you to avoid popular breakfast/lunch times if at all possible as this place does get famously lined up during peak hours. Also don't expect to pay McDonalds prices here, you will be paying a bit more for the quality of food, which in my opinion is totally warranted.
All this reviewing has me craving a raspberry latte desperately!
Cheers :) -
Review from Nida K.
3/9/2012 2 photos
Waking up in a new city is awesome. Enjoying one of the best breakfasts I've ever had in a new city is extraordinary!
Cafe Medina is chic and trendy. The morning I went was crowded, and the hustle and bustle downstairs was intense. Luckily for me, we didn't have to wait for a table and the hostess led us to the back and up a flight of stairs. By golly, it's like a whole new world up there. It was quieter, much less cramped, and had a much better atmosphere than downstairs. Looking over their very simple menu, my boyfriend and I ordered the fricasse and the paella. Let me just say WOW. The presentation was really nice and the taste of the food actually exceeded my expectations. Both dishes were cooked to perfection and tasted phenomenal. I can't praise Cafe Medina enough for cooking me such a lovely meal. Hopefully, I'll be back to Vancouver soon so I can indulge in these amazing dishes again. -
Review from Deanna S.
3/28/2012
This is my favourite place to go for breakfast/brunch. I love espresso, and I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to lattes. You'd never catch me dead drinking anything from Tim Hortons. With that said, Cafe Medina has THE BEST lattes in Vancouver. I highly suggest you try the dark chocolate lavender latte, it is divine.
The vibe inside is chic but laid back. There is sometimes a lineup to get inside but I've never had to wait longer than 20 minutes. The service is always great, and the staff is very friendly. And the food, oh the food! It's heavenly! The waffles are perfect, and the bacon melts on your tongue. Looking around, I always want to try what everyone else is having.
The prices aren't too bad either. I believe that you get what you pay for, and you definitely get bang for your buck here!Listed in: Eats, COFFEEEEEEEE
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Review from Erica A.
This is one of my favorite breakfast places. I would give it the title of "Best Breakfast Ever", but I feel like there are a lot of great breakfast places in the world that I still need to try before the award ceremony.
From Cafe Medina, I would accept pretentiousness and arrogance, but they aren't that at all. The service is incredible. The coffee is amazing-- rich and full (with hearts foamed into many of the lattes). They greet you quickly and seat you as soon as they can.
When you are there, do yourself a favor and order waffles on the side, if you order a savory main plate. This time, waffles took center stage for me and I had milk chocolate lavender and salted caramel. I ordered two free range eggs on the side of my waffles with a spicy andouille sausage. Incredible.
I make an effort to get here every time I am in Vancouver and it is worth it every time. This is just a GREAT breakfast place. With beautiful wood tables, modern metal chairs and a multi-grained wood bar where they make coffee and waffles, the environment is perfect. Exposed industrial lights just over-emphasize their good taste.
Please go there. Just go early and be prepared to wait. Grab a coffee and a matchbook on the way out.Listed in: Copy My Trip: Vancouver, Brunch
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Review from Loon E.
5/7/2012 6 photos
LOVED this place when we were in town for a weekend in Vancouver. Food was beyond delicous, it was packed early and the seating is kind of close, but not too close that it becomes uncomfortable. The morrocan mimosa they had was also divine. Waitress couldn't have been nicer when I was stumped by the receipt being all written out in French.
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Review from Jay M.
Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC
2/26/2012
There are really only two problems I had with Cafe Medina. The first problem being that, since I am not the most...gregarious of folk in this city, I didn't like how you are almost sitting shoulder to shoulder with the person at the table next to you. This was because it was pretty damn busy when we showed up, so it's understandable.
Insecurities aside, this place has a very relaxed atmosphere. We were warmly greeted and all the servers were friendly and courteous.
Right. Second problem.
I couldn't pronounce a single thing on the menu. At first I was very self conscious about this..until I looked over and saw the person next to me place her order: "I want ...um....this....I don't know how to say it". Not really a big problem, honestly.
The food was brilliant, the beer is tasty, and the waffles are to die for.
Other people have been complaining that it's a bit expensive...and it is; however I think it's totally worth checking out. -
Review from Hailie L.
Squamish, BC
5/2/2012
Such a cute little restaurant. Tucked away on a quieter street, but still close to the main stretch. We walked from the Stadium/Chinatown skytrain station (about 5 mins). Very interesting food, sooo delicious. I had paella with orzo, choriza, avocado and a fried egg. The coffee is unreal. I had a lavender mocha and it is to die for! I definitely reccommend this place.
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Review from Natalee F.
3/5/2012
I am in love. I wish they would open a Cafe Medina on the east coast, in Philadelphia. I would probably go there every weekend for brunch.
This place is so freaking good. Moroccan brunch - you can't find that everywhere. The decor is so cute and stylish. The service is super friendly and efficient. The food.... yum yum yum.... the food.
You cannot possibly go here without ordering the waffles. The lovely sight of them greets you at the door. I ordered one as an appetizer with the salted caramel topping. Wow. I wanted to roll around in this all day. It might have been one of the best things I've eaten all month.
The latte was as good as it looked. It had a heart design in the foam and was such a delicious compliment to the waffle.
For my entree I ordered the tagine. You could make it vegetarian - they don't serve the merguez and substitute with 2 big wedges of fresh avocado. This was spicy and flavorful with 2 perfectly poached eggs. A restaurant can get 5 stars from me just for that alone sometimes. It was served with a big fresh piece of bread, but a type I've never had before (maybe it's Moroccan bread?) and a side of hummus.
Next time I come to Vancouver on vacation I will definitely visit Cafe Medina. Probably more than once. For now I will dream salted caramel and waffle dreams each night. -
Review from Tom B.
1/23/2012
In some ways this was the highlight of our entire weekend in BC this weekend. We have Yelp's high score to thank for pointing us in this direction.
We needed a place with good food, not far from Rogers Arena, and it's hard to imagine anything surpassing Medina on either score. We got there a couple hours before puckdrop, given the somewhat unusual pleasure of going out to brunch rather than dinner before an NHL game. The more efficiency-minded among us immediately said he'd rather find someplace else when he saw the line, but the host affably assured me we'd wait only half an hour. That was a little optimistic, but the wait was easily worth it.
This is what I think of as a classic downtown metropolitan restaurant, with exposed brick walls in a long narrow space. Old construction. Beautiful. I managed to literally bump into half the people in Vancouver trying to navigate the narrow space while I got us on the list and got myself an Americano. But that's on me, not them. The coffee turned out to be absolutely brilliant, with rich and complex flavors and not a trace of any unwelcome bitterness. We, with our shirttails hanging out, joined the impeccably dressed Vancouverites on the sidewalk while we waited for them to call our names.
Wedged in a display area inside the window is a hustling, sweaty, nice-looking kid manning multiple waffle irons. He's cranking out waffles faster than the baristas are cranking out drinks, and that ought to tell you something. The smell is overwhelmingly good, between the toasty waffles, hot coffee, and interesting spices wafting out from the kitchen in back.
We got a table under a beautifully executed abstract landscape oil on canvas. Really a welcome creative touch to the room--one of several canvasses in the series. Every bit of furniture and decor was clearly chosen with taste and care, but nothing's flashy or overbearing in the slightest. They had Traffic on the speakers--Steve Winwood's beautiful voice is a great accompaniment to breakfast, but putting on one of their records and letting it play to the end was a highly unexpected and very hip call on somebody's part.
We got more coffee and she was smart enough to order a waffle with salted caramel dipping sauce. These come out before breakfast. She let her beau and me try bites, and we damn near tackled the waitress putting in orders for waffles of our own. I told her to surprise me with whichever dipping sauce sounded good to her, and she brought out dark chocolate. Delicious, and classic. God, those are good waffles. 3.5" or so, crusty outside, chewy inside, rich nutty toasty flavor. Other waffles probably feel bad about themselves when they find out.
The menu is reasonably focused, offering a dozen or so dishes mostly served in skillets. The names are all in French, but the cuisine is virtually all Moroccan, at least in origin. She had the short ribs with poached eggs and greens. He had the breakfast cassoulet with thick-cut slab bacon, cooked twice. Breakfast cassoulet? That's one of those brilliant ideas that somebody must have thought of before, but is still brilliant here whether they're the first ones to do it or not. I wish I could have that any time I wanted. I had the lamb meatballs, which aren't very breakfasty, but are good 24 hours a day, so stop looking at me like that. They were on the breakfast menu. He and I kept chugging Americanos, but she had a Moroccan mimosa, which had shredded figs and delicious spices in it. Beautiful breakfast drink.
This is a great breakfast spot for a romantic morning together, or to spend with friends. I would damn near drive to Vancouver from Seattle to have breakfast here. It's truly spectacular. -
Review from Carol L.
Vancouver, BC
2/27/2012
My 3-star review is based on cost and worth. It's my first time at this little cafe, though I've noticed it quite some time ago. Quality of food was good. Its just a little pricey for the portion you're getting. So, you're looking to spend $25 +/- per person for a small entree and a coffee/tea. We were there for brunch, and the only thing on the menu which looked like it was good value for money were the meatballs. So, we all got that and it was delicious, no doubt. But for the tiny appy-sized portion, it cost me $16.
If you're reading this as an anticipated customer, my advice to you is that it's worth your try; just so you can say you've been there and you actually know what it's like! I wouldn't be back any time soon, but it's a cosy, little (very little!) cafe. Catch it at a good time, and you might get an actual table, unlike the make-shift table we had to settle for this time around because all 6 tables were taken...! -
Review from L. James V.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 2/3/2012
So I DID take my (very picky) mother here on Wednesday and she loved it!
Tried a bunch of new things...
Celeriac and fennel soup with a poached egg...6/10. This was a bit too "conceptual" for me.
La Salade Verte (Artisan mixed greens, vine tomatoes, house made pickles, balsamic onions, Parmesan crisps. Sweet Dijon dressing)....10/10 FANTASTIC!
La Tartine ( Marinated shredded carrot, grilled halloumi cheese, tabouleh, houmus, olive and rosemary sourdough.).....8/10
Les Boulettes (Spicy Moroccan lamb and beef meatballs, roasted vegetables. Houmus, raita. Grilled foccacia).....10/10
Morrocan Mimosa (Fresh OJ infused with Sumac, star anise and fig mixed with sparkling wine).............10/10
Chambar Ale.......6/10. They said this was a belgian ale, which made me think it would be more malty and/or cloudy, but it was actually more like an American/West Coast IPA, hoppy, dark, and clear. It tasted like a typical Russel beer, which is who they've commissioned to produce it.
This time, we sat in the back room, which I'd never been to before...it was very nice, quiet, and tastefully decorated. MUCH quieter than the main room, so it's perfect for catching up/bringing parents etc.
Going back for waffles and coffee in about....16 minutes!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/26/2012
Hands-down the best place for impromptu afternoon dates.
I wasn't sure if my girl had time to stay or… Read more »
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Review from Roy C.
Richmond, BC
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
50 minutes wait on a weekend. Nobody enjoys long waits but trust me this one was worth it. Write your name down inside the sheet when you arrive before lining up. Worth every hyped reviews I was not disappointed. Orders:
$16 Fricasse
$17 Duck Confit
Lavender latte, for some reason I could not really taste the Lavender but it was still good.
White chocolate pistachio rosewater mocha is a must.
Best breakfast and latte in the lower mainland for sure. Spend at least $25 per person after tax and 15% tips so you get to try their brunch, 16oz drink and maybe a waffle if there's room in the tummy. -
Review from Cyrus G.
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm so glad I looked on yelp because I loved all the recommendations.
The waffles with orange peel marmalade was amazing and I'm still craving the lavender latte!
The food that I tried was excellent too! I've heard the wait times are crazy on weekends, so that's something to watch out for. -
Review from Tim L.
1/20/2012
Cafe Medina deservedly sits with its solid rating here for the sole reason that it offers up a great atmosphere in an unpretentious neighborhood with reasonable prices.
Despite the small space, Medina does a pretty solid job of handling the vast amount of people that try to get a table here.
The lavender latte seems to be the most popular and for good reason. It's an absolutely smooth comfort drink and goes perfectly with any brunch item you might go for here.
The use of fresh ingredients that are top notch results in a perfectly constructed dish with each piece both standing out and blending together perfectly. Prime example? The paella dish here is absolutely amazing. From the egg that is cooked just right, to the proportionately appropriate vegetables and chorizo.
Staff are patient and friendly and extremely effective in being around to serve you. Go on a weekday lunch for easier access and less frustration. Two is the perfect number here and any group larger than 3 is probably going to be a bit of a wait.
Vancouver certainly needs more quality places like this and Medina does a solid by being a prime example. -
Review from Julia W.
My husband & I came here for breakfast after reading so many reviews on Yelp.
I was really looking forward to some waffles as well as to try out the drinks here (I don't do coffee so I went with the hot chocolate while my husband ordered the lavender latte).
We both ordered a waffle with 'topping' and one side of bacon and one side of fruit.
The waffle itself was very small (as other reviewers noted) and I personally didn't care for the milk chocolate lavender as I found it very overwhelming. My husband had maple syrup so his wasn't too out of the norm.
The order of 'bacon' came and it was a moment of confusion as it was definitely very fatty and didn't taste like "American" bacon. We weren't able to finish it as it wasn't to our liking at all.
The side of fruit wasn't too bad but it did have a lot of pineapple (which isn't my fave) but a nice compliment to the waffles.
Cute cafe and definitely on the busy side but it did not blow me away. -
Review from Karen L.
1/4/2012 7 photos
WOW, I was pleasantly surprised. My Canadian cousins took us here, and we are so glad they did.
We ordered the fricasse, paella, some waffles, and some lattes and mochas. Everything was delicious and flavorful! I especially loved the waffles. So light and moist and buttery.
Our wait wasn't too long for a table for 4, and our server was super friendly and helpful.
Cafe Medina, we will be back!Listed in: Vancouver Eats!
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Review from Susan L.
Calgary, AB
4/18/2012
Are you kidding me? Where was this place when I used to live here?
Such a shock to find a great restaurant in this 'hood. It does not have much by way of pedestrian traffic. So everyone who is eating there (and there are lots of them) have to go out of there way to make it there. Kind of off the beaten path.
My friend recommended the waffles... and to have it before the meal. HUH? Apparently, the last time she was there, the server recommended that the next time she was there to have the waffles first. So this time she wanted it before the meal. I was skeptical and asked our server, and she said that that is how they eat them in Belgium. Double HUH? OK, so we have them first... they were really great waffles! Not sure if it was enhanced by having them first before the meal. But I think next time I will just stick to having them after....
We had also ordered a vanilla latte. Soooo good.
My lunch, duck confit was excellent.
I heard the line ups are long on the weekend. I can see why. -
Review from Darian K.
Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC
2/21/2012
Not only the best tasting breakfasts but the most original recipes.
Great service and great for servicing couples who want to have a special brunch or breakfast. -
Review from Anton Z.
Richmond Hill, ON
2/27/2012
-Service was excellent
-Food is great
-The Americanno is the best coffee I've had in Vancouver
-Highly recommended -
Review from Lauren M.
4/4/2012
Wow, this place was awesome! We arrived around 11 or so on a Thursday morning and were surprised to find the place packed. Luckily they have a back room as well so we only waited a few minutes to sit down. My husband had a cappucino while we waited and he raved about it - so much that he actually got another coffee at the end of our meal.
The back room is nice because there's a lot of natural light coming in, even when it's a gray day. We decided to split a waffle with berry compote to start (great, unique as it's a bit crispy on the outside and soft on the inside). Then my husband got the breakfast paella and I got the cassoulet. Wow, both were amazing. We tried each others and then joked that we could switch halfway through as we both liked them both, but that didn't happen :) it was a really filling meal and the foccacia bread they make is perfect for scooping up the beans in the cassoulet. The fresh squeezed OJ was great too. Highly recommended. -
Review from Annie M.
Vancouver, BC
I came here a numerous times and was long line up each time on weekend. My hubby refused to wait for 30 mins to try.. I finally tried this out today!!
I have quite high expectation of Cafe Medina coz I have been Chambar so many times and would expect the same quality of food and taste fr Medina.
3.5 star for food:
With beautiful flavours, presentation and nice touches. The tagine was good, the poached egg was overcooked a bit but the paella was to die for.....
However, the lavender latte was just warm and a bit sweet for me. The matcha latte was ok a bit too powdery.
4 star for service:
Our waitress was very friendly and always came back to check it out of our food and needs. -
Review from Ashley L.
1/29/2012
I came here and had an excellent waffle with dark chocolate, a strong mimosa and the most amazing bacon I've ever had in my life.
They give you one waffle and it's a little small but it's surprisingly good. How much can you expect from a waffle? The dark chocolate sauce was served cold (I thought it would at least be warm) but it was also pretty tasty.
They have two types of mimosas here. Regular and a Moroccan, which has an assortment of other flavors. I got a regular one and it was decently strong. I think next time I'll try the Moroccan.
The bacon, good Lord, the bacon. Probably the most delicious bacon I've ever had in my life. It's thick cut and meaty and really flavorful. You get three big pieces; definitely worth five dollars.
This place is a little pricey. But you do get what you pay for. The food is amazing. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
1/14/2012
I love Cafe Medina.
I love the food, the atmosphere, the staff, the location. I just really enjoy having breakfast here. I don't go to Cafe Medina all the time, it's a special breakfast place for when I'm feeling like I need to be totally wowed by food.
Love it. -
Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yah, I see a lot 4-5 stars for this place, but the staff ruined my experience here.
So we show up here at about 11:50am, and the manager (at least we assume he was) informs us that they'll be having another larger group in there at about 1:30. Ok, we are still waiting on 2 more, but that gives up plenty of time to eat still.
I ordered the dark chocolate mocha, which was delish, and the Fricassé. Two eggs (sunny side of course), braise short rib, potatoes, arugula, apple, cheddar, and a grilled foccacia bread served in a mini hot cast-iron pan. I quite enjoyed their rendition of steak 'n eggs, it was very light and just hits your palette on many different notes...... And then the manager comes by and lets us know that they need the table for the party. This was at about 12:45 which was also the time the remainder of our party arrived.
My friend took liked what I had so ordered the same thing. About 15-20 minutes later his food arrives and as the manager puts the food down.. what does he say?? "Just to remind you guys, we need the table at 1:30."
"Well, if the food didn't take so long we wouldn't have to rush," we replied, and he just looks away and walks off. I've have never been rushed out of a place in my life before, usually it's the guest rushing the kitchen so they can have a quick bite.
Yah, I we got the idea, you want us to get the fuck out!Listed in: Yelp, why me?
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Review from amelia s.
3/20/2012
Yep, Cafe Medina is pretty darn awesome to which all these reviews (and happy bellies) can attest. We came between peak hours on a weekday and thus had no issues getting seated quickly. There is a back room, which is actually quite spacious. The decor is hip and stylish. I felt instantly cool for eating here!
We ordered 4 waffles, babaganoush with foccacia, and a few fruit cups. The toppings we chose for the waffles were white chocolate pistachio rosewater, salted caramel, raspberry caramel, and berry compote. Pricey for $1 per topping, considering you get only 1-2 tablespoons of sauce. The waffles were fairly small but very delicious with a nice yeasty quality. These reminded me of the Liege gaufres we had in Florence, sans a lot of pearl sugar. The babaganoush was pureed till smooth, and the focaccia was fluffy and drizzled with a balsamic reduction (I know - weird choice for breakfast). But, my DH said it was the best breakfast he's had. We also ordered a regular latte and a dark chocolate mocha. These were very good as well. We hope to be back soon, and next time I'll try some of the heartier fare. -
Review from Miss Bonnie B.
1/5/2012
The wait can be pretty horrendous... especially on a cold day. The service was a bit spotty too... enough to drop my rating half a star. But I feel generous today so I'm going to round up.
The food totally hit the spot in every turn. I devoured my Fricasse PLUS the side of waffles with the White Chocolate Pistachio Rosewater "Topping" and washed it down with my Lavender Latte. SCRUMPTIOUS.
If I'm ever back in the area, I'll be sure to make a stop here once again. -
Review from Wayne E.
1/3/2012
It has been months since my teenagers and I were exploring Vancouver and stumbled into this amazing find.
The restaurant is absolutely warm and inviting and all the staff seem completely focused on making sure the experience with them is a good one.
We were seated in the back of the restaurant, where the light from the windows gives the room a great feel.
The amazing flavored hot cocoas, the decadent waffles, and the complex skillet dishes are fabulous in the moment, and as you can see, a vivid memory you can recall months later.
I can't see any future trip to Vancouver not including dedicated time to savor an amazing meal here!
If you go, try it. If you are a local, I am envious. -
Review from Eva G.
11/1/2011
It's a cool place to take visitors from out-of-town. It's a good thing we're patient. They don't take reservations for small groups, so there is a list you put your party down for, and you wait outside, for up to an hour. You can sit and try some coffee while you wait.
We had the white chocolate pistachio mocha, along with the waffle topped with white chocolate pistachio rosewater. Even though I can never have enough pistachio, the slight hint of sweet nuttiness in these crafts was just right.
The canard de confit is a stellar sandwich with tender strips of succulent duck. The cherries and pears added a necessary note of sweetness and sourness to balance the rich red meat. You MUST order this one.
The paella is not a typical Spanish paella; it uses orzo instead of rice, and that makes resemble a Mediterranean salad that contains eggs and chorizo.
Thanks George and Jen for taking us here. -
Review from Joanne M.
Vancouver, BC
12/5/2011
Meh.
I'll have to say that I am always disappointed when I go to Cafe Medina. For some reason all there savory dishes taste really salty to me. This place takes savory breakfast to a whole new level. It's really like having a dinner entree with eggs on top and toast on the side. If I wanted dinner for breakfast I would just eat my greasy left over pizza. And for the price (one of the most expensive breakfast places) and breakfast competition all up main and granville, I will probably pass.
Perhaps it's just me and my salt palate. The waffles are quite tasty and the decor is out of this world. So give it a shot if you're interested :) -
Review from Ashley B.
Vancouver, BC
1/4/2012
Went to this place for brunch and it was 4.5/5.....it was delicious to say the least! Bottom line it is top quality brunch and coffee but you are paying for it. There is a reason why there is a line out the door every weekend. BONUS: they came outside and gave everyone a piece of waffle to curve our appetite.
If you want to treat yourself to a "Top Spot" go here, or there's a Ricky's next door with pancakes and bacon for $7, it really depends on the mood and wallet.
