Savor the flavor: Raleigh's 20 best brunch spots revealed
Raleigh, North Carolina, is a city that not only embraces its rich history but also celebrates a diverse culinary landscape. When it comes to brunch, Raleigh offers an array of options, from classic Southern comfort food to globally inspired dishes. In this guide, we'll explore the 20 best brunch spots in Raleigh, each offering a unique and flavorful experience.
1. Beasley's Chicken and Honey (247 S. Wilmington St.)
A haven for chicken and waffle enthusiasts, Beasley's Chicken + Honey delivers finger-lickin' goodness with its perfectly brined and pressure-fried chicken. The Reunion sandwich, featuring a buttermilk biscuit with a fried egg and cheese, is a brunch favorite.
2. Nofo at the Pig (2014 Fairview Road)
In Five Points, Nofo at the Pig is a charming spot serving heavenly shrimp and grits. While you wait, explore the upstairs shopping area for a delightful experience.
3. Flying Biscuit (2016 Clark Ave.)
A brunch champion in the Triangle, Flying Biscuit offers breakfast all day, featuring organic oatmeal pancakes and dog-friendly options. The menu caters to diverse tastes, making it a beloved spot for brunch enthusiasts.
4. Metro Diner (6325 Falls of Neuse Road)
North Raleigh's go-to for brunch, lunch and dinner, Metro Diner boasts a menu with highlights like shrimp and grits, crab cake benedict and fried chicken and waffles, providing a satisfying dining experience.
5.Tupelo Honey (425 Oberlin Road)
Tupelo Honey is a sweet haven for both sweet and savory brunch lovers. Indulge in their Shoo Mercy Sweet Potato Pancakes or Banana Pudding Layered Pancakes for a delightful experience.
6. Coquette Brasserie (4351 The Circle at North Hills St.)
For a touch of French flair, Coquette Brasserie at North Hills offers a brunch menu featuring French toast, Nutella and banana crepes, Monte Cristo sandwiches and more.
7. State Farmers Market Restaurant (240 Farmers Market Dr)
Get ready for a Southern brunch feast! They've got all the classics – hot cakes, omelets, waffles, you name it. And the biscuit menu? Pure comfort, with options like biscuit and sausage gravy, country ham biscuit and more. Try the fried pork chop breakfast – it's a winner. And if you're feeling extra hungry, go for Granny Cone’s sampler; it's a plate full of goodness with eggs, bacon, sausage, ham and all the fixings.
8. Irregardless (901 W. Morgan St.)
Variety is the spice of life at Irregardless, where the brunch menu spans from egg dishes to scratch-made pancakes, waffles, shrimp and grits and crab cake eggs benedict.
9. Mandolin (2519 Fairview Road)
With a menu changing with the seasons, Mandolin ensures a fresh experience with offerings like shrimp and grits, house-smoked bacon and specialty omelets.
10. Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie (518 Pershing Rd)
This European Bistro-inspired spot with a North Carolina twist offers a delectable brunch featuring items like chicken and waffles.
11. Hummingbird (1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd STE 111)
An intimate New Orleans-inspired spot, Hummingbird offers a seasonal brunch menu with dishes like avocado toast, charbroiled oysters and ricotta fritters. Considered one of the best brunch spots in Raleigh, it's a must-visit for enthusiasts.
12. Plates Neighborhood Kitchen (301 Glenwood Ave # 100)
Known for its high-quality fresh options and killer cocktails, Plates Neighborhood Kitchen in Raleigh offers a good brunch spread that won't break the bank.
13. Madre (518 N. West St.)
Serving brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, this Mediterranean restaurant serves up small plates and brunch features some yummy options including Pork Belly Hash and Chicken and Donut, which features a Tepuy donut topped with hot honey calabrian chicken.
14. Brigs Restaurant
With locations in Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Wake Forest, Brigs Restaurant is your go-to for breakfast cravings all day long.
15. First Watch (4035 Lake Boone Trail STE 103)
A health-conscious cafe chain in Raleigh, First Watch is the place for omelets, salads and soups, providing a nutritious brunch option.
16. Rosewater (110 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609)
A standout in North Hills, Rose Water offers an elegant brunch experience with amazing bread and the option to ask for the delightful fig jam. Favorites include the traditional breakfast with root vegetable hash and mussels served with fries on top, complemented by a nice mimosa special.
17. A Place at the Table ( 300 W Hargett St #50)
A nonprofit cafe with a pay-what-you-can model, A Place at the Table invites everyone for a wonderful dining experience. Their brunch, recommended for its excellence, goes beyond expectations.
18. St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar ( 223 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601)
Bringing a taste of New Orleans to Raleigh, St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar offers fresh oysters, loaded po'boys and a brunch experience complete with Big Easy-inspired cocktails, wine and beer.
19. Mecca Restaurant
Opened in 1930, Mecca Restaurant is Raleigh's oldest restaurant, serving comforting diner-style meals for over 90 years. Located just a couple of blocks from the North Carolina State Capitol, Mecca is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, offering Southern favorites like pancakes, grits, biscuits and gravy.
20. The Mill Raleigh (3201 Edwards Mill Rd #153)
Serving brunch on Sundays from 10am-3pm, The Mill's new brunch items are sensational. Be sure to try the pancake stacks with extra syrup!
With a brunch scene as diverse as its culture, Raleigh beckons brunch enthusiasts to explore these 20 culinary havens. From classic Southern staples to international flavors, each spot adds its unique touch to the city's vibrant food tapestry, ensuring that every brunch experience is a memorable journey for the senses.
