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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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

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

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

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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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Absolutely amazing breakfast! Showed up at 9am on a Friday and got a table right away! Service was fast and everyone was very nice! Highly recommend!! read more

Medina Cafe - 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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The sauce was amazing my sauce came with the waffle and the maker was so nice and my sauce had real rose,pistachios, white chocolate . The avocado toast was amazingly surprising and tasty. The harissa sauce on it was fresh. We also had the fricassa and was really awesome. read more

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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Unfortunately, this place was a bit underwhelming to me. The interior was beautiful and the service was top-notch, but the food just didn't deliver what I expected, especially after having to wait (for almost 2 hours!!) The waffle was delicious paired with the rose water pistachio dip. I ordered the salmon dish and it was not great - just not my cup of tea with flavor. However my husband got the fricasse, and it was better, but parts of the short rib were a bit dry. I liked the waffle for sure, but if I came back it would be something where I'd try to order waffles to-go. read more

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It is a terrific restaurant with friendly and quick service. The food has always been top-notch. Recently, I had the La Santé. The soft-boiled egg was perfect, and it was a treat. Afterward, I tried the Liège Style Waffle, which was tasty as well. The ambiance is light, great for having a chat or just starting your day. It is definitely worth going. read more

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

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One of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten, great service, and very clean everywhere. read more

Medina Cafe - The wolve's breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Although I'm not a huge fan of brunch, Medina just hits different. The portions are perfect and wonderfully flavored. You can't really go wrong on the drinks. We got the paella and the Les Boulettes. The service is great despite how busy they are at all times. However, if you know your order before you go in, that's best as it can take a bit for your food to come out if you order after the rush. The kitchen is a bit small compared to the size of the restaurant. The restaurant is designed beautifully as well. All in all, a 10/10! read more

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A popular Vancouver brunch place, Cafe Medina has still retained the tasty middle eastern-inspired menu that made it a go-to spot. The location is central in downtown and you will see line ups on most if not all days. That said, they have an easy wait system that lets you know how long to wait and when to head over to get your spot. Once you are seated the food comes out quickly and the service is friendly and efficient. We ordered the tagine, cassoulet, and fricassa and really enjoyed all of the dishes. read more

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

We were initially told the wait would be 45 minutes, but luckily we grabbed seats at the bar and were seated in just 15--pleasant surprise! While waiting, I spotted a display of waffles that looked like a house specialty. After placing our breakfast orders, we decided to add the waffle with the sauce--and I'm so glad we did. It's a must-try when dining here! The food was clearly made from scratch--fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. We absolutely loved both the taste and the presentation. A fantastic experience overall, and definitely worth a visit if you're in town. read more

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My fav brunch place in Vancouver rather all of Canada. Every trip I definitely stop by this place. Love thier savory dishes and no trip is complete without their belgian waffles with their sauces - dark chocolate, raspberry & white chocolate pistachio rose water. This time we tried their eggs with oyster mushrooms and harissa burger and boy they were delicious. Love their house latte and have ordered spiked coffee as well several times. Service is amazing. Food takes a while but its made fresh and is well worth the wait. They have ample indoor seating and some outdoor seating as well. You can make reservations online by donating $10 per person or stop by and be prepared to wait. Highly recommend and its been almost 8yrs and this place never disappoints! read more

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Life is too short for bad coffee, and Medina delivers. The coffee is smooth and strong without being bitter. My brunch plate with steak, eggs, salad, and the skillet dish was fresh, well seasoned, and really satisfying. The room feels cozy and lively, and the staff stayed friendly even when it was busy. I would happily come back here for brunch again. read more

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

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Solid brunch/ lunch spot in downtown Vancouver. The staff was friendly upon arrival. There was a 30 min. wait on a rainy Monday afternoon. I'd imagine a longer wait time on weekends for sure. 4/5: Cassoulet was delicious in flavors and textures. The focaccia was nicely toasted and worked well to soak up everything on the plate. Medina bacon was more of a thick pork belly slice rather than a thin slice of usual bacon one would imagine, but it was smokily tender. The 2 sunny eggs were cooked right and paired well with the sausages. I do have to say the London fog with oat milk was the most memorable. I'd order this again hands down. Overall, I would visit again on a weekday if I'm in the area. read more

Medina Cafe - Cassoulet ($23) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia