780 Richards Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604 879 3114

Web: www.medinacafe.com

Twitter: @CafeMedina

Advice: No reservations.Expect long line-ups on weekends.

Known as the breakfast spot for years, Medina moved a few blocks over to a larger space, adding known Executive Chef Jonathan Chovancek. His menu focus is southeastern Mediterranean and North African flavours with a bit of Spanish influence. The room features high ceilings and large, street-facing windows that allow for plenty of natural light. On my first visit I sat at the cocktail bar and on the second visit at the coffee bar, both great spots for the solo diner.

I have fallen in love with his menu, as most of the menu boasts the egg, those people who aren’t egg lovers like me are well taken care of here as the avocado can often be a great substitute. I have visited a couple of times during lunch, had the delicious Blistered wood stone Flatbread ($4) with the yummy Mascarpone & black pepper honey ($5) that is the perfect combo. I have also had the Poisson Lem Marrakech ($17) Lem Marrakech-cured wild salmon, sesame yoghurt, sprouted farro, greens and pisachios with avocado instead of the egg. On another visit I had the outstanding and unique Harissa Pain Plat ($17) a layered beef ‘burger’, grilled pita, Manchego, tomato salsa, spiced hummus & summer greens along with an Espresso.

The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch thru to mid-afternoon daily, you will find a creative cocktail list, beer and wine rounding up the menu along with the full espresso beverage line-up with delicious coffee.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Vancouver, BC V6B 0C8, Canada