Where To Find the Best Breakfast in Raleigh, NC in 2024
Are you looking for a great spot to enjoy breakfast in Raleigh, NC? Raleigh is known as one of the best places to find the tastiest Southern eats and breakfast is no exception. With a vibrant culinary scene that’s always expanding, an abundance of options are available to suit all tastes.
However, with so many excellent options, it can be challenging to know which breakfast spots to check out. To help, we’ve rounded up a list of the most popular places for a scrumptious breakfast in Raleigh, NC. From old-fashioned family-style eateries to places with more upscale atmospheres, this list will provide you with an array of choices for a delicious morning meal.
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The 16 Best Breakfast Places in Raleigh, NC
1. State Farmers Market Restaurant
State Farmers Market Restaurant serves up an all-American breakfast in Raleigh, NC that fills your plate and your belly! It’s well known for its generous portion sizes and is touted by locals as serving some of the best breakfast in Raleigh.
The Vibe
State Farmers Market Restaurant offers the warmth of country cuisine. Savor the goodness of fresh and local-grown ingredients within the Southern comforts of its welcoming atmosphere.
What to Order
Regardless of your order, you’ll start every meal with their famous ‘real biscuits’ that are melt-in-your-mouth delectable. Another favored dish is the Granny Cone’s Sampler — it’s perfect for sharing. This wholesome plate comes overflowing with eggs, bacon, sausage, cured country ham, tasty gravy, sliced apples, hot cakes, home fries and toast.
State Farmers Market Restaurant | 1240 Farmers Market Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603 | $
2. The Flying Biscuit Café
The Flying Biscuit has been delighting families with breakfast in Raleigh for more than 30 years. It has successfully maintained its neighborhood spirit while keeping a focus on Southern-inspired comforts made from fresh and local ingredients.
The Vibe
An eclectic neighborhood restaurant with a nostalgic feel, The Flying Biscuit has a warm and inviting atmosphere focusing on generating the comforts of home. Also serving up brunch and lunch, this is a wonderful choice for breakfast in Raleigh, NC.
What to Order
Pancake tacos take the stage with warm scrambled eggs stuffed between two fluffy buttermilk hot cakes and loaded with cheese and sausage or bacon. Next, try their Southern style Benedict — a warm split biscuit smothered in pimento cheese, eggs over medium, crispy applewood bacon, hollandaise and chives; definitely one of the most flavorful breakfasts in Raleigh.
The Flying Biscuit | 2016 Clark Ave., Raleigh, NC 27605 | $$
3. Brigs Great Beginnings
Brigs Great Beginnings is an award-winning restaurant that has been a favorite place for breakfast in Raleigh, NC since 1988. The desire for more elaborate breakfast options grew into a franchise that now graces the region with affordable dining options for everyone.
The Vibe
Brigs offers that down-home neighborhood feeling for the entire family, with a lucrative and playful kids' menu and an extensive selection of meal choices for those seeking sweet or savory breakfast in Raleigh. The dining experience brings a rustic, country kitchen feel and guests feel welcome and cared for during their visit.
What to Order
Make sure to try their Conquistador Skillet, which includes corned beef hash and jalapeños. They also serve up delicious and unique omelettes, like the Calzone, featuring three eggs stuffed with pepperoni, ham, sausage, caramelized onions, bell peppers, calamata olives, marinara and provolone.
Brigs Great Beginnings | 8111 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 | $$
4. First Watch
First Watch is a casual café chain whose ethos is to greet each morning with the sunrise and welcome each season with ingredients based on the position of the sun. This makes the food selection truly unique and incredibly fresh. Breakfast in Raleigh, NC will be unforgettable when you indulge in their carefully crafted dishes.
The Vibe
Trendy, casual and cozy, First Watch boasts a laid-back and inviting atmosphere. Its interior is fresh and modern with ample indoor and outdoor seating. The perfect place to map out your day while enjoying breakfast in Raleigh, NC.
What to Order
Be sure to try the barbacoa chilaquiles breakfast bowl that’s inspired by the authentic flavors of Mexico. The Brooklyn Breakfast sandwich is another customer favorite, loaded with pastrami, cheese, roasted onions, pickles and arugula.
First Watch | 6320 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 | $$
5. New York Bagel & Deli
There’s a consensus around town that New York Bagel & Deli tops the leaderboard for the best bagels for breakfast in Raleigh, NC. This hip café features 25 bagel flavors and an array of ingredients and menu options, so you can experiment with new ways to enjoy a bagel.
The Vibe
Soak in all the feels of an authentic New York bagel shop. From the minute you walk in, you’ll feel a wave of ambiance. Take in Big Apple vibes as you admire the memorabilia on the walls and grab a seat in this quaint and friendly café.
What to Order
Ellis Island and the Manning Sandwich are fan favorites here for a filling breakfast in Raleigh, NC. You can also build your own sandwich and select from a large variety of fresh toppings.
New York Bagel & Deli | 7909 Falls of Neuse Road, Ste. 121, Raleigh, NC 27615 | $
6. A Place at the Table
If you’re looking for breakfast in Downtown Raleigh, NC, stop at A Place at the Table to experience their innovative pay-what-you-can experience. You can even volunteer to earn your meal. A Place at the Table gives everyone in the community a safe place to enjoy one of the best breakfasts in Raleigh.
The Vibe
Community is the vibe here. A Place at the Table is all about bringing the community together with a contemporary and hip feel that welcomes everyone for a memorable breakfast in Raleigh.
What to Order
Some local favorites are the spicy cheddar biscuits (which can be used in a biscuit sandwich) and the Latin breakfast — a tasty plate filled with black beans, cream, avocado, homemade salsa and brown butter cornbread. Huevos rancheros is another tasty and filling option that is extremely popular.
A Place at the Table | 300 W. Hargett St., Ste. 50, Raleigh, NC 27601 | $
7. The Morning Times
For another great breakfast in Downtown Raleigh, head to The Morning Times. It’s a favorite spot among both locals and visitors for great coffee and breakfast in Raleigh.
The Vibe
Another place that brings the community together, The Morning Times boasts a rustic and earthy atmosphere with super friendly baristas ready to greet you.
What to Order
The Morning Times has an awesome breakfast burrito that is loaded with fresh ingredients and flavor. If you are after a filling breakfast in Raleigh, NC, give their corned beef and hash a try with a flakey biscuit on the side.
The Morning Times | 10 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC, 27601 | $
8. Boulted Bread
If you want to grab a quick bite for breakfast in Raleigh before starting your day, Boulted Bread is the place to go. This cute little bakery offers pastries and artisan bread, along with various types of coffee and tea.
The Vibe
This cozy shop emits a chic neighborhood vibe and radiates the inviting aroma of fresh bread. Its small team of friendly staff is ready to greet you with a warm smile, making this one of the most welcoming places for breakfast in Raleigh, NC.
What to Order
The morning bun, jam pinwheel and flakey croissants are local favorites. Each is carefully crafted using an in-house stone mill and organic or heirloom grains.
Boulted Bread | 328 Dupont Circle, Raleigh, NC 27603 | $$
9. Fount Coffee + Kitchen
Prefer something 100% gluten-free for breakfast in Raleigh, NC? Enjoy great coffee and a delectable, healthy breakfast at Fount Coffee + Kitchen, which features specialty beverages and organic, high-quality ingredients in their completely gluten-free dishes.
The Vibe
Celebrating quality and community, you’ll find the atmosphere here contemporary, hip and inviting. A great place to chill out with your laptop and get your work done.
What to Order
Smoothie bowls are the jam here. Try the Paradise smoothie bowl or create your own with a selection of fresh fruits and toppings for one of the healthiest breakfasts in Raleigh, NC. The Greek salad and cilantro lime salad are also great choices for brunch.
Fount Coffee + Kitchen | 10954 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville, NC 27560 | $$
10. Mecca Restaurant
Looking for another hot spot for breakfast in Downtown Raleigh? Mecca Restaurant is a can’t-miss spot that also happens to be the oldest restaurant in the city, founded in 1930. It’s loaded with history and character and offers one of the best value breakfasts in Raleigh, NC.
The Vibe
Maintaining a true 1930s diner feel, Mecca will bring the comforts of easier times and a cozy community feeling. History buffs will love the character and strong, dark wood architecture that graces the walls, bars and booths here.
What to Order
Mecca Restaurant offers a memorable breakfast in Raleigh, NC, and favorite dishes include French toast and country ham. Fresh biscuits are also recommended, as are the pancakes.
Mecca Restaurant | 13 E. Martin St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | $$
11. Idle Hour Coffee
If you are craving the sweet luxury of delectable donuts, then stop in at Idle Hour Coffee for a quick and yummy breakfast in Raleigh, NC. They serve up scrumptious homemade donuts and small breakfast items as well as a wonderful selection of caffeinated beverages.
The Vibe
The interior seating is cozy with booths and couches. This eccentric café also offers some patio seating to enjoy your breakfast outdoors.
What to Order
You’ll want to try their famous Tepuy donuts, but the tasty Southwestern grilled cheese sandwich and the Norweigian sandwiches are also popular choices for an on-the-go breakfast in Raleigh, NC.
Idle Hour Coffee | 1818 Oberlin Road, Ste. 103, Raleigh, NC 27608 | $
12. Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant
If you want to experience authentic Southern flair, visit Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant for breakfast in Raleigh, NC. Here you’ll soak up comforts and hospitality just like a visit to grandma’s kitchen.
The Vibe
The laid-back feel and pleasant service provide a warming, homely atmosphere for guests, with classic country-style tables and groovy antiques hanging from the rafters.
What to Order
Their hot cakes are huge and fluffy, making them a popular item. Other adored choices are the French toast and the massive country ham and cheddar omelette.
Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant | 220 Wolfe St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | $$
13. Rise
Rise prides itself on serving great food with premium ingredients. They now have 19 locations across the United States and are a favorite destination for those looking to enjoy a traditional breakfast in Raleigh, NC.
The Vibe
This breakfast eatery is very committed to its humble company culture and values community. The interior radiates a fresh and modern diner feel. They love to involve their customers in their evolution and work diligently to ensure guests are comfortable.
What to Order
Some guest favorites are the Nashville hot chicken biscuit, blueberry glazed biscuits and fried green tomato biscuit.
Rise | 530 Daniels St., Raleigh, NC 27605 | $
14. Metro Diner
The award-winning Metro Diner is another go-to spot for breakfast in Raleigh that dishes out generous portions and classic, savory favorites.
The Vibe
The minute you walk into Metro Diner, you’re part of the family. Metro has an all-around, family-friendly atmosphere and boasts a contemporary feel with a hint of country rustic.
What to Order
Customers keep coming back for Metro’s signature fried chicken and waffles and the Southwest scramble bowl.
Metro Diner | 6325 Falls of Neuse Road, Ste. 73, Raleigh, NC 27615 | $$
15. Waffle House
Waffle House began in 1955 when two neighbors joined forces to feed their community, opening up a small diner in Avondale Estates in Georgia. From there, the chain grew across the United States, including with the opening of multiple locations in Raleigh. Today, Waffle House is one of the prime spots for a classic breakfast in Raleigh, NC.
The Vibe
Waffle House in Raleigh gives off that true American, old-fashioned diner vibe with its counter seating, tile walls and jukebox in the corner. It maintains its principles of providing the friendliest service in town.
What to Order
Some guest favorites include the pecan waffle and chocolate chip waffle. You’ll also want to make room for the sausage, egg and cheese hash brown bowl.
Waffle House | Multiple Locations | $
16. The Shiny Diner
Join the Shiny Diner for their all-day breakfast. They’ve served over two million customers and counting, offering memorable homestyle meals for the whole family.
The Vibe
You’ll feel like you time-traveled before you even walk into this joint! Neon lights and jukeboxes give it a fun 1960s diner feel, and the staff are friendly and funny, which is a bonus.
What to Order
Order the Cowboy Style omelette with hashbrowns and toast for a filling savory breakfast treat. Also, try their Woah Waffle sandwich.
Try Cooking Raleigh Foods
Curious how you can recreate these savory dishes at home? Enjoying a new place for breakfast in Raleigh, NC is always a great idea, but it can also be a lot of fun staying in and cooking up something tasty at home. By attending a few cooking classes in Raleigh, you’ll have all the skills you need to make fantastic breakfast dishes and Southern cuisine in your own kitchen.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Whether you decide to cook at home or head out to enjoy breakfast in Raleigh, NC, the abundance of options will ensure you have a fabulous start to your day. From smaller grab-and-go options to authentic Southern-style eateries, Raleigh’s breakfast scene is always hopping.
For even more ways to explore Raleigh and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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