Cafe Medina

Downtown Vancouver's most famous brunch, a Mediterranean-leaning spot known for Liege waffles with dip sauces and rich egg dishes. A friend sends you here once, for the experience. The honest caveat: expect a wait, since walk-in lines are long and its quirky reservation system is limited.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What should I order?

The Liege waffles with dipping sauces (milk chocolate lavender, dark chocolate, salted caramel) are the signature, and the fricasse and shakshuka-style egg dishes are the savoury heavy-hitters. Get a table to share a waffle plus a couple of mains.

Is Cafe Medina worth the hype?

For a first visit, yes, the food is genuinely good and the waffles live up to their reputation. Whether it's worth the wait depends on your patience; regulars tend to go on quiet weekday mornings rather than fight the weekend crush.

Is it expensive?

It's mid-range for brunch, but waffles, mains and coffee add up quickly, so a full sit-down can feel pricey. Sharing dishes keeps it reasonable while still hitting the highlights.

How does Cafe Medina's reservation system work?

They release a limited number of reservations up to about three weeks out, booked on a by-donation basis (roughly $10 per person to their charity of the quarter for a table of up to eight). Walk-ins are always welcome too, but that means the line. Book early if you can.

What are the hours?

They serve breakfast and lunch only, 8am to 3pm on weekdays and 9am to 3pm on weekends. There's no dinner, so this is strictly a daytime plan.

How long is the wait at Cafe Medina?

On weekends, waits can stretch to an hour or more, especially mid-morning. Weekday visits right at the 8am open are your best shot at walking in fast. If you didn't snag a reservation, go early or go hungry-and-patient.

How do I get there?

It's about a 6-minute walk from Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain Station in downtown Vancouver, so transit is easy. It's a very central location, which is part of why it's always busy. Driving means paying for downtown parking.

Can I bring a group or kids?

Yes, and their reservation tables seat up to eight, which is handy for groups. Just know the space is bustling and the wait can test small kids' patience, so an early weekday slot is kindest for a family visit.

Nearby in Ask Vancouver

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