Cafe Medina

Cafe Medina Restaurant Review:

Bigger and brighter digs only enhanced the appeal of Café Medina. A bustling counter for takeaway coffee and Belgian waffles satisfies those in a rush while easing hunger pangs of patient patrons waiting for tables. Owner Robbie Kane directs traffic and a team of unflappable servers, while chef Jonathan Chovancek leads his crew in the busy open kitchen. Must-try dishes on the Mediterranean-inspired menu include the Harissa Pain Plat (also known as the “burger”) comprising ground beef with manchego cheese and tomato salsa tucked into a grilled pita envelope and finished with a fried egg accompanied by spiced hummus and fresh greens. Poisson Lem Marrakech combines a soft poached egg, Lem Marrakech bitters-cured wild salmon, and sprouted wheat berries-pistachio-parsley salad with sesame yoghurt. Dessert? Waffles, of course. Belgian-style, they are lightly yeasted, slightly chewy, and have crunchy pearl sugar. Indulge with one of several toppings such as raspberry caramel or milk chocolate-lavender. In addition to coffee, the drinks list ranges from “The Daily,” an on-tap organic, cold-pressed and unpasteurized juice to gin-spiked Medina lemonade, local brews, and a trio of sparkling, red and white wines. Among standout non-alcohol sodas are bergamot and buttermilk cream soda along with rosehip and Jaffa orange crush.