I love to eat both breakfast and lunch and never like skipping meals. However, brunch has become one of my favorite meals since there are so many places to eat a fantastic brunch in Raleigh. Whilst I’m never going to become a fan of a Bloody Mary, too rich for me, I’m fully on-board with hearty food and lingering for an extended time over the best Mimosas around town, or a signature cocktail or two.
If you’re looking for the best brunch spots in Raleigh, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve been eating our way around the city and have listed our personal favorite restaurants that do brunch in Raleigh that we’ve personally eaten at ourselves.
Irregardless Cafe, Raleigh
- Brunch served: Saturday + Sunday
- Address: 901 W. Morgan St, Raleigh
- Website: Irregardless.com
A Raleigh staple, Irregardless Cafe is one of the longest-running Raleigh restaurants and a true farm-to-table experience offering not only excellent vegetarian and vegan food in Raleigh, but also meat and seafood dishes – something for everyone! Come to one of the most popular brunch spots in Raleigh for a warm and fun atmosphere, artsy and eclectic decor, live music and home-cooked food.
We love the complimentary bread and scones, tofu scramble, asparagus and tomato omelet, vegan and gluten free pancakes, avocado toast, Smoked salmon Benedict, Belgian Waffles, and Shrimp & Grits!From the drinks menu choose from cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass.
Press Coffee & Crepes
- Website: pressccc.com
- Location: 400 Hillsborough St
Definitely our favorite place in Raleigh for brunch, is the relatively new European style cafe, Press Coffee & Crepes. We take all our out-of-town visitors and frequently visit ourselves. Their savory and sweet crepes, made with buckwheat flour, cater to those seeking gluten-free alternatives without sacrificing flavor. Each crepe is crafted with unique combinations inspired by the owners’ favorite meals, offering creative options.
Our favorites are the BLT morning crepe with smoked bacon, pimento cheese, eggs and avocado; the BBJ&M bourbon bacon jam, grilled portabella mushroom, blue cheese and tater tots topped with hurricane eggs, hot honey, and goat cheese; and the blueberry lemon curd crepe (sweet heaven!) There hash brown waffles are also gluten sensitive.
Other items like their popular lox and toast and avocado toast, which can also be served on gluten-free bread. Press Coffee & Crepes serves exceptional coffee, making it a go-to spot for a satisfying meal or snack in the heart of Raleigh. Here is our full review of Press Coffee & Crepes
NoFo @ The Pig
- Brunch: Sat & Sun 10am-2pm
- Address: 2014 Fairview Rd
- Website: nofo.com
NoFo @ The Pig is a quirky brunch spot with a restaurant downstairs and a gift shop upstairs. Set in a former Piggly Wiggly supermarket, the space is bright and airy, with huge windows and colorful displays. In 1999, the local Piggly Wiggly, aka “The Pig,” closed, but in 2001, after extensive renovations to the building, NOFO @ The Pig opened. The building still retains many design elements that maintain the original character of the space – including a full-service bar created from Piggly Wiggly food cans and dairy case displays.
Pumpkin Espresso Martini
But that’s not all. Upstairs is a fantastic food market and gift store featuring 300+ unique food products made in NC and the South. And their gift store offers local products from NC artists in addition to globally known lifestyle brands. And some cool holiday themed gifts around Christmas time!
Fried okra / shrimp & grits
The cuisine is your usual Southern flair, and their shrimp and grits receive rave reviews. Pair this with a house made Bloody Mary and you’re starting your day off right. We ordered:
- Sweet potato fries with a Cajun citrus mayonnaise
- Hot Pimento Cheese Dip
- Shrimp & Grits
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with creamy cole slaw
- Fried okra
- Espresso Martini (we had a seasonal pumpkin one)
- High Fashioned cocktail (Woodford Reserve, Grand Marnier, bitters, sugar, orange and cherry)
Coquette Brasserie, North Hills
- Brunch served: Sunday, 9.30am – 3pm
- Address: 4351 N Hills St, Raleigh
- Website: CoquetteRaleigh.com
Step inside a true French Brasserie featuring a classic bistro design with tiled floors, dark wood, marble table tops and an impressive zinc bar. Featuring authentic French food, an all-French wine list, classic French cocktails and Belgian beers on draft, Coquette is a lovely brunch in Raleigh experience.
Choose to start à la française with their popular French Onion Soup or a warm brie biscuits, and I highly recommend their crepes. Other dishes include classic eggs Benedict, omelets, quiches, pancakes and of course French toast!
With warm and attentive staff, you’ll be mistaken for feeling like you’re in a Parisian Cafe. And, they have an excellent children’s brunch menu, too. Read our full review of Coquette Raleigh. And, they make the best espresso martinis in town.
Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar
- Brunch served: Sunday from 11am – 3pm
- Address: 326 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: Tavernaagora.com
Looking for brunch restaurants in Raleigh that specialize in lovely rooftop patios and authentic Greek food? You can’t beat the food and vibe at Taverna Agora, one of the best downtown Raleigh restaurants. Get among the atmosphere and enjoy traditional Greek favorites like Baklava Sticky Buns, Gyro hash, Greek Omelet, and Baked Eggs and Pita!
Drink wise, enjoy mimosas, a Greek Mule, a Greek lemonade, or our favorite, a glass of Greek wine! Beer and non-Greek wine also on offer. Read our full review of Taverna Agora Raleigh.
State Farmers Market Restaurant
- Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-3pm, Sun 8am-3pm
- Address: 1240 Farmers Market Dr, Raleigh
- Website: RealBiscuits.com
The Raleigh Farmers Market is home to one of the most popular brunch restaurants in Raleigh and another top choice to get a country breakfast and Southern dining experience. They start each meal with their highly acclaimed “REAL BISCUITS”, hand-made using the best NC self-rising flour and real Buttermilk, or order a biscuit as a main meal with fillings (they are gigantic, almost a hamburger).
Southern delights
Their menu features many fresh grown North Carolina based products, and popular items include their Granny Cone’s Sampler (a little of everything), country ham, omelets, and of course their biscuits. Get there early on a weekend as this place gets super busy!
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar, North Hills
- Brunch served: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
- Address: 110 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh
- Website: RosewaterRaleigh.com
One of the best restaurants in North Hills is also one of the best brunch places in Raleigh. Rosewater Kitchen & Bar is a restaurant by Giorgios Bakatsias, one of the Southeast’s most prolific and visionary restaurateurs and we fell in love with their European chic garden room. While it feels like you could be in Europe, the focus here is on LOCAL with food sourced from local gardeners, farmers, fishermen, and foragers, plus unique cocktails and local NC craft beer.
Popular brunch dishes include the fantastic Chicken and Waffles, French Toast, and a GIANT Cinnamon Bun. Other favorites include Steak & Eggs, Benedict topped with Crab Cakes, Eggs Your Style, and Fine Herb and Cheese Omelet. Of course, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s are on the menu, and mocktails for the kids! Besides the garden room, they have a fabulous patio area for nice weather days – on our list for next time!
STIR Raleigh, North Hills
- Brunch served: Sat & Sun, 10am – 2:30pm
- Address: 4242 Six Forks Rd Ste 100, Raleigh
- Website: StirRaleigh.com
Another of the popular brunch restaurants in Raleigh, STIR is located in the Midtown section of North Hills and offers premium oysters, signature craft cocktails, and dishes with a Southern twist consisting of seasonal ingredients (sourced locally whenever possible.) We love their open-air concept and large outdoor patio, there’s a buzzing atmosphere with a diverse crowd and recommend you start with one of their craft mimosas – they blend their own syrups and bitters for unique flavors such as strawberry basil and honey peach.
Saturday brunch favorites include fresh oysters, deviled eggs, salads, Eggs Benedict, a Baja Omelette and Classic Waffles with syrup, whopped butter and breakfast potatoes.
Parkside Restaurant, downtown Raleigh
- Address: 301 W Martin St, Raleigh
- Website: ParksideRaleigh.com
Located on the edge of the ever evolving Warehouse District and with its unmissable neon sign, Parkside Restaurant makes the list of best brunch in Raleigh for traditional American comfort food the locals love. Popular items include their Chicken and Waffle Sandwich, Bone in Pork Chop, and the Parkside Burger is one of the best burgers in Raleigh.
And you can wash your meal down with one of the 20 beers on tap, a house cocktail or a glass of wine! Parkside Restaurant also has a location in Wendell, which is just as good!
The Village Tavern
- Address: 4140 Lassiter Mill Rd, North Hills
- Website: www.villagetavern.com
For another classic Raleigh brunch spot in North Hills, head to The Village District. This upscale yet casual American scratch kitchen & bar features a large menu of American favorites, plus an extensive wine list and is perfect for families, couples, or friends. The original Village Tavern opened its doors in 1984 in Winston Salem. The idea was simple, serve the best possible food, at affordable prices, using only the finest freshest ingredients.
They have an extensive brunch menu with choices such as Benedicts, Omelets, Waffles, Burgers, Pizzas, Sandwiches, Bowls, Desserts and classic brunch cocktails. Indoor and patio seating. Also a great option for lunch or dinner. Definitely put The Village Tavern on your Raleigh brunch rotation.
The Flying Biscuit, Village District
- Brunch served: All day every day!
- Address: 2016 Clark Ave. Raleigh
- Website: Flying Biscuit Raleigh
High on the list of best brunches in Raleigh is the Flying Biscuit Cafe, who have been welcoming villagers since 2009. They’re known for their Southern hospitality, bright décor that gives you permission to relax, and of course their outstanding food – most notably grits and fluffy biscuits (they bake nearly 5,000 biscuits a week). You’ll be welcomed upon arrival to your table with those fresh, warm biscuits and apple butter (think apple pie).
From breakfast bowls to hashes, pancakes to and acai bowls and standard southern breakfast foods, there is a variety of healthy food options on the menu, especially gluten free.
They have seasonal cocktails and twists on traditional breakfast ones like Super Bacon Mary and a Manmosa. One of the things you’ll love most about eating at Flying Biscuit is the high quality food and experience at affordable prices. $8 cocktails are rare to find in Raleigh now and breakfast dishes range from $5 – $15. If the weather permits, we recommend sitting on the outside patio! Flying Biscuit has all of Wake County catered to with locations also in Cary, Wake Forest, and Brier Creek
Smokestack Cafe, Historic Oakwood
- Brunch served: Sunday from 11am
- Address: 701 E Lane St, Raleigh
- Menu: mmokestackcafe
A hidden gem in downtown, Smokestack Cafe is tucked away in one of our favorite neighborhoods in Raleigh, Historic Oakwood. Imagine an old house that’s been converted into a restaurant becoming a great little neighborhood corner eatery that’s charming with a no-frills ambiance.
Here you’ll enjoy a unique Raleigh brunch experience either in their cozy interior or sitting outside in their nice little outdoor shaded patio area. The menu changes daily (displayed on their Instagram) with some common staples and favorites such as their house-smoked meats, Signature Wings, Deviled Eggs, Aged Ribeye, Crispy Fried Pig Ears and Dirty Butter Fries. Mimosas were only $3 or buy the bottle for $18. Good selection of beers!
Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, City Market
- Served from: 7am – 2pm
- Address: 220 Wolfe St Raleigh
- Website: Bigedsnc.com
You don’t get more Raleigh and a taste of real Southern comfort and hospitality than at Big E’ds in the historic City Market near Moore Square. At one of the best breakfast spots in Raleigh, come and enjoy food like what grandma used to make in a laid-back cafe with funky antiques hanging from the old rafters.
Popular items: HUGE pancakes, country ham and biscuits, aged ribeye steak, sliced pork loin, fried catfish, fresh made hot biscuits, French toast, the peach cobbler, double-brewed sweet tea. Read our full review of Big Eds Raleigh here.
Mecca Restaurant
- Brunch served: Sat & Sun 8am-3pm
- Address: 13 E Martin St, Raleigh
- Website: mecca-restaurant.com
A must-visit restaurant in Raleigh is Mecca Restaurant, even when you’re not looking for brunch spots. This is a classic, old-timey dining room that has been serving up delicious Southern cuisine since the 1930s and has stayed within the same family for two generations. The brunch menu caters to a variety of tastes.
Hearty brunch favorites!
There is a huge pancake selection of both sweet and savory offerings, as well as omelets, burgers and classic breakfast plates. For an old-school Raleigh experience, consider the Mecca for your next brunch spot in downtown Raleigh.
Gringo A Go Go
- Brunch served: Sunday 10am – 2:30pm
- Address: 100 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: GringoRaleigh.com
This former gas station from the 1930s turned Mexican restaurant on the edge of Historic Oakwood offers a fun upbeat vibe and serves delicious, authentic Mexican food and seasonal hand-crafted Margaritas and Gringosas that pairs so well with the unhurried feel to a Sunday brunch.
Our favorite brunch experiences are those who steer us away from blasting AC into the natural warmth of the sun’s rays and an inviting outdoor patio, and the space at Gringo A Go Go delivers on that with an A+ with a wide-open view of North Person St, our favorite street in Raleigh.
Like the playlist paying homage to the white and red tiled building’s ESSO origins, the brunch menu is a tribute to owner Fredy Alvarez’s Central Mexican heritage. Fredy assures us that most of the Gringo A Go Go brunch offerings cannot be found elsewhere in Raleigh. The most popular items on the brunch menu are the Huevos Con Chorizo, Chilaquiles Verdes, and Heuvos Rancheros.
We went with the Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles Rojos. All full of flavor and not too heavy or spicy for our liking! And while there’s no specific kids’ menu, there is a Gringo French Toast, which our kids demolished. Several gluten-free dishes and vegetarian.
Brunch is the best time for parking in Raleigh – it’s free and usually plenty available. There is a small parking lot in the front of the restaurant, and larger space at the back.
Peck & Plume at The Mayton Inn
- Location: 301 S Academy St, Cary
- Website: peckandplume.com/
While not in Raleigh, I can’t not let an easy 15-minute drive to neighboring Cary get in the way of recommended one of my favorite brunch spots in Wake County. Peck & Plume is a refined, yet approachable restaurant located in the boutique Mayton Inn, offering elevated Southern-inspired cuisine with seasonal touches. Recently appointed executive chef, Greg Gettles came over from Herons at The Umstead, a Forbes 5-star restaurant, so you can imagine brunch at Peck & Plume is now even more elevated.
It’s a standout for brunch, especially their Cold Brew Whiskey Cocktail, French toast, and innovative, seasonally changing shrimp and grits, which I’m happy to hail as the best ever (twice!). We took Craig’s parents and our Scottsdale friends here for bunch and much gushing was done! We also visited with my sister Jen, but for lunch, and she said Peck & Plume was her favorite of all the places we ate during her three week stay! Plus, you are right near Downtown Cary Park, so head there after for a stroll to walk off that delicious food. No brunch guilt needed.
Hibernian Irish Pub
- Address: 311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: HibernianPub.com
Our favorite pub in Raleigh would have to be the Hibernian Irish Pub. We lived in Dublin for one year in 2003 and love some hearty Irish fare washed down with a Guinness or Irish coffee – they make a proper Irish coffee and float the cream, if Keith the manager is there, ask for him, he’s from Dublin and an expert!
On the menu are classics such as bangers & mash, Shepard’s pie, and fish & chips. They also do a solid burger and good wings. Nice upstairs patio, sidewalk tables, or cozy booths inside. For a classic Irish breakfast or brunch, you can’t beat the Hibernian.
First Watch
- Hours: 7.00am – 2.30pm daily
- Address: 10 locations in Raleigh
- Website: firstwatch.com
First Watch is another chain in Raleigh that’s known for their breakfast. All their breakfast food items are made to order and are as fresh as they come! They serve up classic breakfast dishes with a Mediterranean twist.
One of my favorite dishes from them is the Honey Chipotle Hash. The Maple Bacon Croissant sandwich and Pumpkin Pancake breakfast are also highly rated, as are their omelets and French Toast. Their breakfast menu is mostly made up of healthy options, and there’s a huge egg’s section with eight different types of omelets.
Since the dishes are made to order, they are simple, but they are packed with flavor – it’s all in the seasoning! Don’t miss a chance to pair your breakfast with a mouthwatering juice from the juice bar. I enjoyed their Morning Meditation juice with Orange, lemon, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar and beet. They have a relatively new location on Hillsborough St near downtown Raleigh.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, Downtown Raleigh
- Brunch served: Sat & Sun, 10am-3pm
- Address: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh
- Website: wyehill.com
The best outdoor patio in Raleigh with amazing views of the downtown skyline combined with unique and creative food options makes Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing one of the best places to eat outdoors in Raleigh and a top Sunday brunch spot. Popular items: deviled eggs, everything brussels, Wye Hill Burger, Strawberry Champagne Salad, Shrimp & Grits, and Shakshuka.
And treat yourself to refreshing signature cocktails such as a seasonal mimosa or Bloody Mary, or one of their house-brewed beers or seltzer. Those city skyline views won’t disappoint.
10th & Terrace
- Brunch is served Seasonally!
- Address: 616 South Salisbury St
- Website: 10thandterrace.com
Located atop the Residence Inn in Downtown Raleigh, 10th & Terrace offers one of the most scenic brunch experiences in the city. With sweeping 180-degree views of Raleigh’s tree-lined skyline, this rooftop spot feels like a hidden oasis above the hustle. Note: because it’s outdoors, brunch here is seasonally!
Their all-you-can-eat buffet is surprisingly elevated, with a rotating selection of brunch classics, sweet treats, and an impressive number of gluten-free options thanks to the care of Executive Chef Jonathan. Add on à la carte items like shrimp and grits, build your own mimosa at the DIY bar, and settle into the comfy terrace seating for a relaxing weekend treat.
Just be sure to make a reservation—this popular spot fills up fast! Mimosa lovers will enjoy their make-your-own mimosa bars – pay additional for your bubbly served in a mason jar. Read more about the 10th and Terrace Sunday brunch.
Tupelo Honey, Village District
- Brunch served: Saturday and Sunday 9am – 4pm
- Address: 425 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh
- Website: TupeloHoneyCafe.com
No, not specifically local to Raleigh but local to North Carolina (Asheville), this popular brunch spot offers an all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, and a good kids menu. Famous for buttermilk biscuits, classic fried chicken & waffles, Cast Iron pimento queso , Southern Chicken BLT, Mac & Cheese, plus hand-crafted mimosas, Bloody Marys and farmstand lemonade. A good staple place for a casual brunch, reasonable portions and a busy atmosphere.
Southern favorites!
Other brunch places in Raleigh
Below is a list of other brunch restaurants in Raleigh we haven’t personally dined out yet, but come highly recommended and are on our to do list:
- Hummingbird
- Figulina
- St Roche Fine Oysters + Bar
- Brigs Restaurant
- Related Post – 13 top places for breakfast in Raleigh
Final thoughts
So there you have it, whether you’re looking for sweet or savory, indoor seating or outdoor seating, relaxed environments or sophisticated – there’s something for everyone on this list! We hope you found a place to visit on this list of places to go for brunch in Raleigh and that it satisfied your taste buds. Which of these restaurants are you most excited to have brunch at? Please share in the comments section below!
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As of today (Apr 18, 2023), according to their website Capital Club 16 isn’t doing brunch.
Thanks for letting us know! It’s why we always recommend checking it out first as things change so much. They said they’re taking a break so hoping they come back as it’s meant to be a great one. I will update the post! Thanks again.
Just ran across this article.
The abbreviation is y’all not ya’ll. Stands for you all not ya all.
Cheers!
Yes. You are right! We know that but must have had fingers moving faster across the keyboards then our minds registered. Thanks for picking it up and letting us know! It’s corrected.