Founded by Alia Jaziri, who previously worked at Juniper & Ivy, Medina brought a unique blend of Mediterranean and North African flavors combined with the bright, bold tastes of Baja-California cuisine to San Diego. Jaziri's journey began with a love for the culinary traditions of her family, combining the Mediterranean spices and North African cooking she learned from her Tunisian father with the vibrant flavors of Baja that had fascinated her since childhood.
Following successful crowd-funding campaigns on GoFundMe and IndieGoGo, Medina began as a series of pop-ups and farmers market appearances before opening its doors as a brick-and-mortar location on El Cajon Boulevard in 2019. The restaurant's lively design drew inspiration from iconic markets such as La Boqueria in Barcelona and the medinas and souks of Morocco and Tunisia.
Medina's menu quickly became known for fusion items like Moroccan tacos, couscous grain bowls, and Merguez sausage flatbreads, pairing with beer and wine selections in a warm, communal setting. The eatery became a neighborhood favorite and was even included in the Michelin Guide California over the past three years.
"These last five years have been so memorable, filled with love and support from our amazing community," announced Medina ownership on the company's Instagram. "It's with heavy hearts that we are announcing we'll be closing our doors for the final time on November 24. We invite you to come by and enjoy your favorites before then. Merci, merci, for your support, the wonderful memories, your bright smiles, and positive reviews. You can continue following us on Instagram or sign up for our email list for updates, as we explore ways to continue sharing some of our North Africans specialties with you in the future."
Located at 2850 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 4, Medina will welcome diners to enjoy their favorite dishes until the final day on Sunday, November 24. For updates on Medina’s future ventures, visit their Instagram page.
Originally published on November 12, 2024.
