Brunch with a View at 10th & Terrace in Downtown Raleigh

Brunch is back at 10th & Terrace – and it’s even better than before! This downtown rooftop gem has officially reopened its seasonal weekend brunch, and after checking it out recently, we can confidently say: this might just be Raleigh’s most scenic brunch spot.

Perched high above the city at the top of the Residence Inn Downtown, 10th & Terrace offers jaw-dropping 180-degree views that stretch out over Raleigh’s tree-filled skyline. Honestly, with all the greenery surrounding you in the distance, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of the city of Raleigh. It’s a beautiful reminder of just how special Raleigh is.

Whether you’re settling into a comfy lounge chair on the open terrace or gathering with friends at one of the tables, the outdoor vibe is laid-back and lovely. But first, before you start indulging, be sure to grab a fun photo at the photo station set up upon entry to the restaurant.

A little tip: come early. We arrived soon after opening and watched the space fill up quickly. Reservations are highly recommended (and totally worth it).

A Buffet That Surprised Us – In the Best Way

Buffets can be hit or miss, but this one? Surprisingly delicious. The all-you-can-eat spread had a wide variety of options that go far beyond the usual brunch suspects. Sure, you’ll find the classics – bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs – but there were also indulgent dishes like bread-and-butter pudding, fresh fruit, and a dreamy selection of cakes and treats.

And here’s the best part (especially for anyone with dietary needs): Executive Chef John Petrie’s wife is celiac, so he makes it a point to prepare almost everything gluten-free. As someone who usually skips buffets because there’s often just one sad, overcooked gluten-free option, I was thrilled. It’s rare to feel this taken care of, and it made the brunch experience so much more enjoyable.

I know you might be thinking – yeah but gluten free doesn’t taste as good. I can assure you it does, and you would not even know that it is gluten-free. It was the most I’ve eaten at breakfast for a long time, because I could finally eat delicious bread and butter pudding, mini tiramisu, blueberry muffins, and mini cupcakes.

If you’re craving something extra, there are à la carte options you can add on for an additional price. We tried the shrimp and grits – absolutely delicious! Some of the add-ons may not be gluten-free, but the kitchen is very open and knowledgeable, and Chef John is clearly on a mission to keep everyone happy. Bonus: the menu rotates weekly to keep things fresh and exciting.

DIY Mimosa Bar? Yes, Please.

No brunch is complete without mimosas, and 10th & Terrace adds a fun twist with their make-your-own mimosa bar. You purchase your bubbly separately – $5 for a glass or $15 for a bottle – and it comes served in the cutest mason jar. ( I actually thought that was a great price – tell me I’m not misguided?)

Then you get to mix and match from a rainbow of juice flavors, including cranberry, orange, pineapple, and my personal fave: peach and mango. Refreshing, fun, and perfect for sipping while soaking up the southern sunshine and city views.

Service That Delights

One thing Raleigh does really well is friendly, welcoming service – and 10th & Terrace is no exception. The staff was attentive and upbeat, and they even surprised us with complimentary hors d’oeuvres from the à la carte menu, like sliders, spring rolls, and mini quiches.

Chef John plans to keep this little “surprise and delight” moment going, which is such a thoughtful and fun touch. Chef can be seen delivering the treats himself, so if you want to talk food with him, be sure to say hi, or just a thank you for a yummy Sunday brunch in Raleigh!

Final Thoughts on Brunch at 10th & Terrace

If you’re looking for a brunch spot that combines a relaxed vibe, a creative menu, gluten-free care, and the best rooftop views in Raleigh, 10th & Terrace should be at the top of your list. If you don’t want to sit outside, they have indoor seating as well, which did not float my boat nearly as much! But, with the pollen invasion of the South you may prefer inside.

I’m trying to find a negative for you, to be balanced, but there’s not much really. As it’s a buffet, items were not as hot as we’d have liked them to be as people tend to leave the lids off the warmer – but it really didn’t impact our enjoyment of the food, and we’ll definitely be back. My sister is visiting in June so I think this could be on my list as a Raleigh show-off item.

10th and Terrace rooftop is a brunch in Raleigh well suited to a date, a gathering wtih friends, or special occasions like a bachelorettte party we saw happening! Grab some friends, sip a mason jar mimosa, and take in the city from above. With beautiful Spring weather, there really is no better time for brunch in Raleigh. Here are more patio resturants in Raleigh to enjoy for lunch and dinner! And you know with views like this, 10th and Terrace is also the place to be in Raleigh for sunset!

More Photos of 10th & Terrace Brunch

Residence Inn Downtown

For visitors to Raleigh (or staycationers) the 10th & Terrace, it is the rooftop lounge above the Residence Inn, Downtown Raleigh. It’ss one of our favorite downtown Raleigh hotels for their spacious suites (great for families) and location – and of course this rooftop terrace (great for an evening drink as well)

You may want to ditch the free hotel breakfast for this 10th & Terrace brunch experience though! See more in our review of the Residence Inn Downtown.

It’s also a great hotel if you’re attending a concert or show at Red Hat Amphitheatre or Martin Marietta Center or a Fayetteville St festival – only steps away and no need to worry about parking!