Café Medina

The story

Café Medina Vancouver: Michelin-Recommended Mediterranean Brunch

Café Medina: A Vancouver Brunch Institution

Since opening in 2008, Café Medina has become a beloved fixture in Vancouver’s dining scene. Owner Robbie Kane’s vision of “enlightened hospitality” has shaped a café that is both vibrant and welcoming, offering guests a memorable experience built on warm service and a distinctive atmosphere. This commitment to quality has earned the restaurant a consistent place in the Michelin Guide since 2022, a testament to its refined approach to daytime dining.

The restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is the heart of the menu, which is served until 3 pm. Dishes like the Cassoulet, with sunny eggs, Medina bacon, and Andouille sausage, or the Les Boulettes, featuring spicy Moroccan lamb meatballs with poached eggs, reflect the kitchen’s bold, eclectic style. Executive Chef Christopher West, who leads the team, champions a local-centric philosophy, ensuring ingredients are sourced with care. The signature Liège-style Belgian waffles, available with toppings like white chocolate pistachio rosewater and salted caramel, are a perennial draw.

In August 2014, Café Medina moved from its original Crosstown location to its current home at 780 Richards Street. The bright, open space features soaring ceilings, an open kitchen, and a larger bar, while preserving the intimate, old-world charm of its beginnings. The café also offers a thoughtful “Reservation by Donation” model, where guests can book a table by contributing to a quarterly charity partner, reinforcing Kane’s belief in extending hospitality beyond the plate.