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!
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?
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!
Besides the garden room, they have a fabulous patio area for nice weather days - on our list for next time!
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!
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.
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.
Brunch favorites include oysters, deviled eggs, Filet Benedict, a Baja Omelet and Strawberry Nutella Waffles
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 options, 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.
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!
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!
With warm and attentive staff, you'll feel like you're in a Parisian cafe. And, they have an excellent children's brunch menu!
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.
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.
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).
Mimosas were only $3 or buy the bottle for $18. Good selection of beers!
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.
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.
Rotating German and local draft beers on tap, and really good cocktails.
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.
Read our full review of Big Eds Raleigh here.
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.
A good staple place for a casual brunch, reasonable portions and a busy atmosphere.
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:
Related Post - 13 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!