Where to eat the best breakfast in Raleigh (20+ local hot spots)

Rise and shine, the coffee is freshly brewed and the doors to the best breakfast in Raleigh have opened. What better way to start the day than with an irresistible plate of hot cakes overlooking the sleepy, sun-dappled streets waking up. We love to go out for breakfast and enjoy a hearty meal as a family. Since we’re a family of four, we each have different tastes – our daughters like something sweet, but I prefer something savory and satiating.

Fortunately, there are plenty of breakfast spots in Raleigh where you can find a multitude of yummy options to keep your belly happy. Whether you want something hearty to keep you full until dinner time, a nutritious and healthy option, something sickly sweet, or something unique, we have a breakfast spot for you! Below are our favorite local restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops.

1. Press Coffee & Crepes

Press Coffee & Crepes is one of our go-to breakfast spots in Raleigh, whether we’re easing into a weekday morning or lingering over brunch on the weekend. We love their perfectly made crepes that manage to feel both indulgent and light, with a great mix of sweet and savory options that are consistently spot-on.

The coffee is excellent on its own (no fancy add-ons needed), and the relaxed, welcoming vibe makes it a place you actually want to sit and enjoy your breakfast, not rush through it. Thoughtful without being fussy, Press Coffee & Crepes delivers the kind of elevated comfort that keeps us coming back.

Our go-to order: a savory crepe with a classic latte or drip coffee—it’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect way to start the day. Our favorite savory crepes are the BBJ&M (bourbon bacon jam and mushrooms, brie cheese and tater tots) or the BLT Morning, and favorite sweet is the blueberries and lemon curd crepe. They’re open for 7am on weekdays and 9am on weekends, and have a different weekend menu, making it also land high on our best brunch in Raleigh list. you can read our full review of Press Coffee & Crepes with more insights.

• Address: 400 Hillsborough St
• Website: pressccc.com

2. Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant

If I had a friend visiting Raleigh from out of town and had to choose one place to go for breakfast in Raleigh, I would take them to Big Ed’s in City Market. You don’t get more Raleigh, and a taste of Southern comfort food and hospitality, than at Big Ed’s. Here you can enjoy breakfast food like what grandma used to make, personable service, and a laid-back cafe with funky antiques hanging from the old rafters and memorabilia scattered around. 

Popular items include their HUGE hot cakes, fried chicken and waffle, breakfast baps, and double-brewed sweet tea. Read our full review of Big Eds Raleigh here and why I think it’s the best breakfast in Raleigh.

• Address: 220 Wolfe St Raleigh
• Website: Bigedsnc.com

3. Mecca Restaurant

Looking for breakfast in downtown Raleigh in a historic setting? Mecca holds the title as the oldest of the restaurant in Raleigh, founded by Greek immigrants in 1930. The historic setting oozes nostalgia with red stools along a long counter, a black and white checkered floor, and heavy wooden booths. Serving unpretentious and comforting meals, this is one of the few true diners left in the Raleigh area, and a step back in time.

Popular dishes include country ham with eggs, omelettes, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and breakfast poppers. Everything comes with a scratch made biscuit or toast and grits. If you love value for money, consider this breakfast restaurant for a unique-to-Raleigh experience.

• Address: 13 E Martin St, Raleigh
• Website: Mecca-Restaurant.com

4. State Farmers Market Restaurant 

Considered one of the nation’s best markets, the Raleigh Farmers Market is also home to one of the most popular breakfast 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). 

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 with eggs, omelets, and of course their biscuits. Get there early on a weekend as this place gets busy!

• Address: 1240 Farmers Market Dr
• Website: RealBiscuits.com

5. New York Bagel & Deli, Cary

Americans love your bagels for breakfast, especially New Yorkers, and I’ve since become a big fan. I taste tested my way around all the bagel shops in Raleigh to find the best and I agree with the general consensus, that New York Bagel & Deli in North Raleigh has the best! Here you’ll find the kind of bagels that give New Yorkers a taste of home, and as soon as I walked in I got those NY vibes from the memorabilia on the walls, the ambience, the menu offerings, and the taste of the bagels. It closely resembled a true NY bagel shop and a real NY experience right here in Raleigh. 

They use Boar’s Head meats and with 25 bagel varieties the menu is extensive. For breakfast, it’s not just bagels though. You can enjoy classic dishes such as bacon and eggs, as well as omelets. Most of their bagels are priced under $8 as well, so it’s a nice affordable option.

• Address:7909 Falls of Neuse Rd
• Website: NYBagelRaleigh.com

6. Heirloom Brewshop

Not only does Heirloom serve one of our favorite lattes in Raleigh, but this specialty coffee shop, premium tea house, sake bar and kitchen does an Asian inspired breakfast – which we love having lived in Bangkok for six months and traveled extensively through southeast Asia! Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Chuan Tsay and Anna Phommavong, both children of Asian immigrants (Taiwan and Laos, respectively), Heirloom Brewshop has an Asian-inspired aesthetics – the wood slat ceiling is a feature!

For breakfast, choose from dishes such as chicken rice porridge, Sesame pan toast & sweetened condensed milk, azuki overnight oats, mochi waffle and Heirloom breakfast baguette. Read our full review of Heirloom Brewshop.

• Address: 219 S West St, Raleigh
• Website: heirloom-raleigh.com

7. Herons at Umstead Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more opulent and high-end to spend your morning, consider having breakfast at the exuberant Herons restaurant at Umstead Hotel. It was listed as one of Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world, out of 64 restaurants, and is well known for its regal interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and hand-picked private art collection. Popular items on the breakfast menu are the Acai Bowl, an assortment of Breakfast Pastries, Old Fashioned Pancakes, Crab Cake Benedict, and the Herons Featured Omelet, which is made from local cheese and seasonal veggies.

We enjoyed breakfast at Herons when we stayed at the Umstead Hotel. On our delicious menu was a French-style omelet with chorizo and sugar snap peas, and avocado toast layered with English peas, radish, goat cheese, and pistachios. Every bite reinforced that Herons isn’t just a restaurant—it’s part of what makes The Umstead an extraordinary destination.

Try to grab yourself a seat by the windows which overlook the hotel’s magnificent gardens. There are only 98 seats in the dining room, so it’s recommended you book in advance to avoid disappointment. However, if weather permits, the best place to sit is the outdoor terrace. Note: there is a dress code. Men must wear pants, a collared shirt, and dress shoes. No jeans, no shorts, no sandals, no entry.

• Address: 100 Woodland Pond Drive
• Website: www.theumstead.com

8. The Morning Times

Since 2006, The Morning Times in the heart of downtown Raleigh has been a go-to spot for breakfast for locals and visitors alike.  On the menu are unique, and staple breakfast items. If you love breakfast burritos, that’s my personal favorite menu item. Also consider their corned beef and hash, or one of their yummy biscuits. They have great sandwiches too!

You can choose to sit in the cozy upstairs that also functions as an art gallery, or on the sidewalk on a nice weather morning and watch the Raleigh street scene go by. Or, grab a bagel or biscuit to go with a cup of their excellent brewed coffee.

• Address: 10 E Hargett St, Raleigh
• Website: MorningTimes-Raleigh.com

9. Boulted Bread

If you’re looking for bakeries in Raleigh, Boulted Bread is that chic, local neighborhood bakery you’re craving that features pastries and artisan bread made with local and organic grains. As one of the most popular bakeries with the locals, they serve craft bread and pastries ranging from their popular flaky croissants, to sweet fruit-filled jam pinwheels, and savory morning buns.

Sit in and enjoy over a mug of coffee or grab something to go then head to one of our favorite neighborhoods in Raleigh, the Warehouse District, for another coffee fix at Heirloom Brewshop or Black & White Coffee. 

• Address: 614 W. South St
• Website: BoultedBread.com

10. A Place At The Table

What a cool concept A Place at the Table is. Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café in downtown Raleigh serves chef-prepared food, but all menu items have suggested prices. The idea is you can pay more or less than the suggested price, or volunteer in exchange for a meal. You can also donate meal tokens for people within the community. The permanent staff and volunteers are all fantastic and very welcoming, and there is a real community vibe here.

Popular items include homemade buttermilk biscuits and/or spicy cheddar biscuits, and the breakfast burrito made with scrambled eggs, black beans, hoop cheddar, green tomato-japaneo relish, avocado, and turkey sausage. They have good coffee too. They use Black and White Coffee Roasters from Wake Forest, who also have a coffee shop around the corner in the Warehouse District. 

• Address: 300 W Hargett St
• Website: TableRaleigh.org

11. Fount Coffee + Kitchen, Morrisville

If you’re looking for the best gluten-free breakfast in Raleigh with the best coffee in Wake County, then head over to the Morrisville area (it’s only a 20-minute drive) for Fount Coffee + Kitchen. It may be a little way out of the city center, but the specialty coffee bar and 100% gluten free menu makes it worth the trip!

A latte paired with their coffee cake is one of my favorite mouth-watering pairings for breakfast. For something a little less sweet and more substantial, their smashed avocado toast will satisfy any tastebud. Also have smoothie bowls and other stacks served on a slice of toasted GF Simple Kneads Sourdough Bread. Discover more gluten free restaurants in Raleigh

• Address: 10954 Chapel Hill
• Website: FountCoffee.com

12. Idle Hour Coffee Roasters

Located on Oberlin Road in a lovely neighborhood spot not far from Five Points and the Village District. This boutique coffee house also has a small cafe menu with pastries, toasted delights, and sandwiches.

It has comfy inside seating that consists of cozy couches and booths, and outside are a few tables and chairs for when the weather is nice. Read our full review of Idle Hour Coffee here. 

• Address:1818 Oberlin Road
• Website: Idle Hour Coffee.com

13. Jubala Coffee (3 Locations to Choose From)

If you love great coffee and moist, fluffy biscuits and waffles then consider starting your day at one of our favorite coffee shops in Raleigh, Jubala. We are regular visitors to their Hillsborough Street location (across from NC State University) and their latest location in the North Hills District was an instant hit.

Jubala is a specialty coffee shop with a full menu of caffeinated drinks, I personally love their lattes, but they also serve tasty comfort food. I’m a big fan of their biscuits, fluffy and moist and recommend the bacon + fried egg + pimento cheese biscuit. And our kids just LOVE their Banana Nutella Waffles!

Note: their North Hills location has an extended food menu including Avocado Toast, Banana and Walnut Steel Cut Oatmeal, Granola Yogurt, and a small selection of baked goods (which you can also get at their two other locations). New in late 2025 is their fourth location further down on Hillsborough St in the Pendo building, which has an expanded menu and cocktails in the evening!

• Location: Hillsborough St, North Hills & Lafayette Village
• Website: JubalaCoffee.com

14. Iris Coffee Lab & Cafe

For those in the Glenwood Ave area, Iris Coffee Lab & Cafe has got you covered. Whilst there are no shortage of bars and dinner spots in this area of downtown Raleigh, there was a definite lack of local coffee shops until Iris opened their doors during the pandemic. Upon entering you’ll notice how modern, clean and cool the space is, coupled with personable staff and a relaxed vibe to sit for a while and enjoy a lovely coffee and bagel, or pull out your laptop and work online over breakfast.

They have a rotating menu that changes daily, for example at time of writing, bagels were a feature, with their Hotshot Bagel an all-time best seller: egg, cheese, bacon, chive cream cheese, and hot honey from NY. In the past we’ve had smashed avo on toast and donuts. Super cute place that is continuing to evolve! Iris is also in my top 5 coffee shops in Raleigh, especially for their unique and delicious seasonal lattes and matcha lattes. I eagerly await the new season drop!

• Address: 725 Tucker St, Raleigh
• Website: IrisCoffeeLab.com

15. Benchwarmers Bagels

Another popular bagel shop for breakfast is Benchwarmers Bagels, located inside the equally popular Transfer Co. Food Hall. Benchwarmers use a wood-fired oven, heirloom grains, extended fermentation, and fresh-milled, pre-fermented 100% organic flour to make their modern bagels. They have 7 styles of bagels including the usual classics and some unique cream cheese spreads including pimento cheese, Maitre d’hotel (herby + lemon), Carolina reaper (spicey), pecan butterscotch, and a cashew (vegan). 

Their bagels don’t contain any dairy or egg, and if you’re looking for a tasty bagel and coffee option don’t sleep on this spot for breakfast in Raleigh – one of the founder’s is the owner of Jubala Coffee, so good coffee here too! Benchwarmer’s original location is at Trnasfer Co Food Hall, but we prefer their Rockway Building location at S Saunders St, Raleigh. And one to open soon in the Innovation Distric tof North Hills.

• Address: 1015 S Saunders St
• Website: BenchwarmersBagels.com

16. The Flying Biscuit

Not local to Raleigh, but the Flying Biscuit Cafe is certainly popular with Raleigh locals and is one of the most popular breakfast and brunch spots since it opened in 2009. They also have locations in Cary, Brier Creek, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest. Well known for their Southern hospitality, bright décor that gives you permission to relax, and of course their tasting and filling food – most notably grits and fluffy biscuits (they bake nearly 5,000 biscuits a week). 

After you’re seated, you’ll be welcomed with those fresh, warm biscuits and cranberry apple butter (think apple pie). From breakfast bowls to hashes, pancakes to and acai super bowls and standard southern breakfast foods, there is a variety of healthy food options on the menu, especially gluten free. One of the things we love most about eating at Flying Biscuit is the high-quality food and experience at affordable prices. If the weather permits, we recommend sitting on the outside patio!

• Address:  2016 Clark Ave
• Website: Flying Biscuit Raleigh

17. Sola Coffee

Sola is a family-owned coffee shop owned by the Luther family, who opened this cute coffee shop in 2012. Since it opened, it’s been a popular breakfast joint for locals and visitors alike. Their food is fresh, organic, and locally sourced, with handcrafted drinks and artisan food on the menu. Popular breakfast items include Farmstyle Mini Omelet, Breakfast Bowl (Aragula, Avo, Quinoa, Jammy Egg, Feta, Tomato, Peppadew, Lime, Cilantro and Maple Sriracha + meat of your choice), as well as Smashed Avo on Toast.

The best thing about Sola is the price. All breakfast items are under $12 per meal, and you can even find lighter bites for under $5. If you’re looking for a cheap breakfast place in Raleigh, this is it! Note: there is no WiFi from 9.00am – 1.00pm on weekdays or at all on Saturdays, so if you’re planning on doing some work over breakfast, this isn’t the place for you.

• Address: 7705 Lead Mine Road
• Website: www.solacoffee.com

18. Rise Southern Biscuits

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Rise Biscuits have several locations in Raleigh, but our favorite branch is in their Village District. They serve traditional, Southern Biscuits with homegrown Southern-milled soft wheat flour, making them nice and fluffy. Choose from classic pairings such as Egg and Bacon or go for something off the cuff such as their Sweet Country Blues Biscuits which comes with country-seasoned pork sausage on a glazed blueberry biscuit. What’s more is many of their dish’s cost less than $7, making it a cheap brekkie place for those on a budget. They also have a Veggie Chicken for those looking for meat substitutes.

• Address: 530 Daniels St
• Website: risebiscuitschicken.com

19. First Watch

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 Farmhouse Hash, which is made of two free range eggs any style, seasoned potatoes, bacon, avocado, house-roasted onions and tomatoes, Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Yum!

Their breakfast menu is mostly made up of healthy options, and there’s a huge egg section with eight different types of omelet. 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 multiple locations in Raleigh and Wake County including one on Hillsborough St near downtown Raleigh.

• Address: 10 locations in Raleigh
• Website: firstwatch.com

20. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Not specifically local to Raleigh, but I’m including them as they are local to North Carolina (Asheville). Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is another popular breakfast place because it has big portions and hearty meals that fill you up until dinner time. They have an all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist – and a good kid’s menu. Tupelo is famous for their buttermilk biscuits, fried green tomatoes, classic fried chicken & waffles, farmhouse breakfast platter, and shrimp and grits.

Tupelo Honey in Raleigh is a good staple place with reasonable portions and a busy atmosphere. Be sure to make reservations for the weekends! 

• Address: 425 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh
• Website: TupeloHoneyCafe.com

More popular breakfast spots in Raleigh

There are still so many more breakfast spots in Raleigh for us to try. Please leave your favorites in the comments so we can check them out and share them in future updates. Future readers will also read your suggestions in the comments – so help out a Raleigh mate! Our Facebook community are great at making recommendations and here are some of their favorites currently on our list.

• Angie’s Restaurant – A longtime Raleigh favorite known for classic Southern breakfast plates, generous portions, and the kind of no-frills comfort food locals swear by.
• Pam’s Farmhouse – Consistently recommended for its hearty, homestyle breakfasts, friendly service, and old-school diner charm that feels like a warm hug.
• Watkins Grill – A true Raleigh institution beloved for its affordable, classic breakfast combos and nostalgic lunch-counter vibe.
• Shiny Diner – A retro diner experience with an extensive breakfast menu, big flavors, and a fun, throwback atmosphere the community loves.
• Barry’s Café – A local go-to for quick, satisfying breakfasts and dependable diner staples served with Southern hospitality. Barry’s also comes recommended as very gluten friendly.

Final thoughts

Whilst the breakfast options in Raleigh aren’t as diverse and to the quality of say, brunch in Raleigh, or dinner options, you can still get a good range of quality and interesting breakfast dishes! Don’t miss a chance to try local favorites like Country ham, Southern Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Biscuits and gravy, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches to name just a few.  We hope this guide gave you some inspiration about where to eat breakfast in Raleigh and gave you a few options to consider.

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