15 Places to Eat the Best Brunch in Raleigh (don’t sleep In Y’all)

I love to eat both breakfast and lunch and never like skipping meals. But brunch has become a fairly recent fun cultural event and we’ve been eating our way around the city to find the best brunch in Raleigh, and have fully embraced the challenge!

Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar
Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen -fantastic Raleigh brunch spot!

Whilst I’m never going to become a fan of a Bloody Mary, I’m fully on-board with hearty food as a hangover cure and lingering for an extended time over the best Mimosas around town, a signature cocktail or two, or a few local craft beers – “hair of the dog”, as they say!

So, if you’re searching on your phone for “Sunday brunch near me”, consider adding these delicious local brunch places in Raleigh to your list, then let me know in the comments down the bottom, who do you think offers the best brunch in Raleigh?

Rosewater Kitchen & Bar, North Hills

dining table with shelves of pot plants att Rosewater Kitchen & Bar, North Hills

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 Fried Pork Chop and GIANT Cinnamon Bun. Other favorites include Steak & Eggs, Crab Cakes, Eggs your style, and Fine Herb Omelet. Of course, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s are on the menu, and mocktails for the kids!

plate of fried pork and eggs
Chicken Fried Pork Chop

Besides the garden room, they have a fabulous patio area for nice weather days – on our list for next time!

Gringo A Go Go

Front of a restaurant showing patrons dining on the patio

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.

People dining out on a patio under white umbrellas.
Love the patio vibes

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 brunch offerings cannot be found elsewhere in Raleigh.

The most popular items on the brunch menu are the Huevos Con Chorizo, Chilaquiles Rojos, and Heuvos Rancheros.

Plate of Chilaquiles Rojos
Chilaquiles Rojos

We went with the Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles Rojos. All full of flavor and not too heavy or spicy for our liking! While there’s no specific kids’ menu, there is a 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.

Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar, Downtown Raleigh

cropped-taverna-agora-1.jpg

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, Stuffed Grapes Leaves, Baked Eggs and Pita, Moussaka, and lamb burger!

Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar, Raleigh, NC
Baklava Sticky Buns

Drink wise, enjoy $3 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.

Plates Neighborhood Kitchen

People sitting outside on a patio having breakfast

Plates is another one of our favorite brunch spots in Raleigh (or for lunch and dinner) and it occupies a prime spot right on Glenwood Avenue South. The interior is cozy and comfortable, but it’s hard to beat brunching on their outside patio on nice weather days!

They describe themselves as a modern eatery with a globally inspired, farm-fresh menu, plus signature cocktails, and we can personally vouch for their popular weekend (or weekday) brunch specials – and love their Breadbox Coffee Shop set up outside on their patio!

Bacon and eggs and fruit on a plate
Big Breakfast Plate

My go-to for brunch is their Big Breakfast Plate (3 scrambled eggs + bacon + home fries + cheddar grits + fresh fruit). Their Shrimp & Grits is flavorful too, paired with a mimosa and coffee of course. 

Tables and chairs inside a restaurant
Cozy interior

Of course, if the weather is not favorable, or you generally prefer to dine indoors regardless, the cozy interior is very inviting.

STIR Raleigh, North Hills

STIR in North Hills, Raleigh

Another of the most 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.

Deviled eggs at STIR, North Hills, Raleigh
Deviled eggs

Brunch favorites include oysters, deviled eggs, Filet Benedict, a Baja Omelet and Strawberry Nutella Waffles

Irregardless Cafe, Raleigh

People dining outside a cafe with plants growing over the building.

A Raleigh staple for decades, Irregardless 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 such as the complimentary bread and scones, tofu scramble, asparagus omelet, vegan pancakes, Smoked salmon hash, Strawberry Waffles, Brisket sandwich, and Shrimp & grits!

From the drinks menu choose from cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass.

Parkside Restaurant, downtown Raleigh

exterior of parkside restaurant on corner

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, Bananas Foster Challah French Toast, fried 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!

Amazing burger at Parkside Restaurant in downtown Raleigh, NC
The Parkside burger
Fried chicken & waffle sandwich, Parkside Restaurant
Chicken & waffle sandwich

Coquette Brasserie, North Hills

people sitting at tables beside french doors in coquette restuarant

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 charcuterie board (enough for two), and I highly recommend their Seafood Crepe. Other dishes include classic eggs benedict, omelets, quiches, pancakes and of course French toast!

seafood crepe
Seafood crepe

With warm and attentive staff,  you’ll feel like you’re in a Parisian cafe. And, they have an excellent children’s brunch menu. Read our full review of Coquette Raleigh.

The Flying Biscuit, Village District

People dining outside at a cafe

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).

Biscuits and jam

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!

Brunch served: All day every day!!
Address:  2016 Clark Ave. Raleigh, NC 27605
Website: Flying Biscuit Raleigh

Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, Downtown Raleigh

people smiling at camera sitting at table with views of raleigh at Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing

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, roasted beet hummus, Morning Glory Burger, Strawberry Fields Salad, Shrimp & Grits, Falafel Waffle.

Wye Hill Burger with fries
Morning glory burger

And treat yourself to refreshing signature cocktails such as The Retox (tequila, fresh watermelon & lime, jalapeño, coconut water), or one of their house-brewed beers or seltzer!

Read our full review of Wye Hill here.

Smokestack Cafe, Historic Oakwood

SmokeStack Cafe, Raleigh

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 (hand cut, tossed in cajun garlic butter, topped with grated parmesan).

A plate of food, with Steak at smokestack cafe
Aged Ribeye

Mimosas were only $3 or buy the bottle for $18. Good selection of beers!

Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, Downtown Raleigh

Beasley's Chicken + Honey Restaurant by Ashley Christensen

Whenever I eat at this popular Raleigh restaurant by famed chef Ashley Christensen I immediately feel like I’m in the South, that this is Raleigh and a place I can bring out of town friends to introduce them to southern comfort food and ambiance.

Popular brunch items include biscuits and gravy, hot chicken eggs benedict, fried chicken on a buttermilk biscuit, and loaded breakfast bowl. Wash that down with a blackberry mule, a local craft beer, or a glass of wine or bubbles.

Capital Club 16, downtown Raleigh

A large building
Capital Club Building

UPDATE: As of April 2023, Capital Club is taking a break from brunch. It sounds like brunch will return so sure to keep checking in with them!

Located downtown in a depression-era landmark building, Capital Club 16 is well regarded as one of the best brunch restaurants in Raleigh serving up traditional and creative dishes featuring seasonal and local ingredients, a German flair, and good vegetarian options in a charming setting. 

Popular brunch items: Schnitzel Sandwich, Bavarian Breakfast (grilled Bavarian sausages), Schnitzel a la Holstein (breaded pork cutlet), Apple Strudel. Challah French Toast, and Farmer’s Breakfast.

A plate of food on a wooden table

Rotating German and local draft beers on tap, and really good cocktails. 

Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, City Market

Big Ed's Raleigh, NC

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 hot cakes, 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.

Big Ed's City Market
Aged ribeye & eggs

Read our full review of Big Eds Raleigh here.

Tupelo Honey, Village District

Craig Makepeace et al. sitting at a table posing for the camera

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, Bacon & Sausage Scramble, Cast Iron Pork , Southern Chicken BLT, Mac n cheese waffles, plus hand-crafted mimosas, Bloody Marys and lavender lemonade.

pancakes with syrup on a plate
Kids pancakes

A good staple place for a casual brunch, reasonable portions and a busy atmosphere.

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: 

  • Plates Neighborhood Kitchen
  • NOFO @ the Pig
  • Hummingbird
  • Humble Pie
  • Mandolin
  • St Roche Fine Oysters + Bar

Related Post13 top places for breakfast in Raleigh

Who do you think serves up the best brunch in Raleigh, and the best mimosas around town? Please share in the comments section below!

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