Is Cafe Medina good for families with kids?

Yes, the Belgian waffles are a huge hit with kids of all ages. Just be prepared for long weekend waits and tight seating.

How long is the wait at Cafe Medina?

Weekends can mean 30-60+ minutes. Weekday mornings before 9 AM usually have a 10-20 minute wait or less.

Does Cafe Medina take reservations?

No, brunch is walk-in only. Arriving early is the only way to guarantee a shorter wait.

Cafe Medina

Name: Cafe Medina
Address: Vancouver, Canada, CA
Telephone: (604) 879-3114
Rating: 4.5

1 / 5

Rating

4.5(5,442)

Family of 4

Around $70-$100 CAD for a family of 4.

Duration

1 to 1.5 hours including wait time

Best Ages

All ages

About

Cafe Medina is one of Vancouver's most popular brunch destinations, famous for its Belgian waffles with Mediterranean-inspired toppings and strong espresso drinks. With over 5,400 Google reviews and a 4.5 rating, the hype is real, and so is the wait.

The waffles are the star here. They're Liege-style, which means they're denser and chewier than standard waffles, with caramelized sugar baked into the dough. Toppings range from milk chocolate lavender to salted caramel to mixed berries with mascarpone. Kids will want to try all of them. The savory menu holds its own too, with tagines, shakshuka, and egg dishes that lean Mediterranean.

The biggest challenge for families is the wait. Weekend lines regularly stretch 30-60 minutes, and the restaurant doesn't take reservations for brunch. If you've got antsy toddlers, weekday visits are dramatically easier. The space itself is stylish but compact, so large strollers can be awkward to navigate once it fills up.

Cafe Medina is on Richards Street in the downtown core, making it easy to pair with a walk to the Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street shopping, or the seawall. Street parking can be tough, but there are lots nearby. The restaurant closes at 3 PM daily, so this is strictly a morning-to-afternoon spot.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

No dedicated facilities; single-stall restroom available

Kid Meals

No kids' menu, but the waffles and simpler egg dishes are naturally appealing to children

Setting

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Arrive before 8 AM on weekdays or right at 9 AM on weekends to minimize the wait

Wait Times

30-60+ minutes on weekends; 10-20 minutes on weekdays

Nearby Food

The downtown core has options everywhere. Tim Hortons and Blenz Coffee are nearby for a quick drink. Japadog on Robson Street is a fun kid-friendly stop for Japanese-style hot dogs.

Why Kids Love It

The Belgian waffles with toppings like salted caramel, chocolate lavender, and mixed berries are the kind of thing kids talk about for weeks. The toppings are drizzled right on the plate in colorful patterns.

Pro Tips from Parents

The chocolate lavender waffle is the signature, order at least one for the table
Weekday mornings before 9 AM are your best bet with kids to avoid long waits
They don't take brunch reservations so arrive early or be prepared to wait

What to Bring

Snacks for kids if the wait is long
A compact stroller since space is tight inside
Cash or card both accepted

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

Around $70-$100 CAD for a family of 4.

Waffles run $14-$18, mains $16-$22, coffee $5-$6.

Tips to Save

Share a waffle order between two kids and add one savory main.
The lavender latte is the signature drink but at $6+ it adds up fast with a full family.