8 hotspots for the best brunch in the Triangle
The Triangle area is thriving when it comes to outstanding dining options. Consistently rated one of the top food towns in the country, Raleigh, as well as Durham and other surrounding communities are known for their James Beard award-winning chefs, global cuisine, southern delicacies, and more. And what better way to sample these top foods than to dig into the brunch culture that shapes the American way of life? If you’re looking for spots to enjoy the best brunch in the Triangle, put these restaurants at the top of your list.
Irregardless
Irregardless | 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am- 2:30pm
Open since 1975, Irregardless has long been a staple in the Triangle brunch scene and it proud to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2025. As the first Raleigh restaurant to offer a vegetarian-friendly menu, this café offers a selection of menu items that feature chickpeas, tofu, vegan chorizo, and more. But that doesn’t mean meat-eaters have to stay away. From steak and eggs to chicken and waffles, a lox brioche sandwich, and shrimp and grits, and even brunch beverages, there’s something for all tastes to explore.
NOFO
NOFO | 2014 Fairview Rd, Raleigh
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am- 2pm
For an unfortgettable brunch in the Triangle, look no further than NOFO at the Pig. NoFo is an iconically southern brunch treat, partially because of its menu, but also because of its quirky location. Found in the heart of Five Points’ former Piggly Wiggly, it has the character of the original “Pig” and functions as part restaurant, part store. Expect real southern cooking at NOFO, where the brunch menu is packed with options like pulled pork hash, fried green tomato sandwich (included NOFO’s pimento cheese), and shrimp and grits. NOFO also features numerous drink options to make the most of your brunch.
True Flavors Diner
True Flavors Diner | 5410 NC Hwy 55, Durham
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 7:30am- 2pm
Don’t let “diner” fool you in its name: True Flavors Diner is an upscale, heavenly brunch option. From thick-cut brioche French toast topped with berry crumbles to duck ragu over parmesan grits and slow-roasted pork shoulder served Puerto Rican style, your mouth will water from the moment you step in the door. It’s a must-try.
Coquette Brasserie
Coquette Brasserie | 4351 The Circle at North Hills St, Raleigh
Brunch hours: Sunday, 9:30am- 10pm
Coquette Brasserie is a French-themed restaurant and brunch spot that provides an upscale option for foodies. Enjoy such delicacies as artisanal quiche, crepes, and croque monsieur, plus more traditional brunch favorites like omelets and eggs benedict. They even have a children’s brunch menu for the little ones.
The Goat
The Goat | 5600 Primary Dr, Durham
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am- 2pm
The Goat’s brunch offers standard breakfast fare, like a breakfast casserole, a scramble and frittata. But they level up the basics significantly with pork belly, brioche, pimento cheese, and just about everything else that gives you a nontraditional spin on brunch. Whether you’re sharing a biscuit board, exploring their hot chicken Bloody Mary, or craving a banana fosters French toast, this is a spot you won’t want to miss.
The Restaurant at the Durham Hotel
The Restaurant | 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am- 2pm
Known for its upscale menu that features the best foods from across North Carolina, The Restaurant at the Durham Hotel doesn’t disappoint if you’re looking for a great option for brunch in the Triangle. Featuring local ingredients and mouth-watering items like stuffed French toast, breakfast fried rice, guac and toast, and shrimp and grits served with a tasso-poblano gravy, every item is outstanding. There are also standard brunch cocktails and specialty coffee drinks you will want to sample.
Acme Food & Beverage
Acme Food & Beverage | 110 E Main St, Carrboro
Brunch hours: Sunday, 10am-2pm
Acme is in a fantastic Carrboro location, and the restaurant’s chef brings in foods from local farms to ensure their menu is every bit as fantastic. Their menu rotates, ensuring foods are as fresh as the season, and 2025’s brunch menu is sure to satisfy. Enjoy housemade cocktails and explore a mix of southern dishes like southern tomato pie, a malted buttermilk waffle, pecan-crusted fried chicken, or blackened salmon with grits. The options are sure to make your mouth water.
Hummingbird
Hummingbird | 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am- 2:30pm
Hummingbird offers a rotating, seasonal menu with favorites that stay on the menu. And no matter which flavors you’re looking for, they have something that’s unforgettable for everyone. They tend to take a southern spin on tried-and-true brunch items. If you’ve been curious about a crab benedict or poutine with a crawfish tasso gravy, Hummingbird gives you the chance to indulge your cravings. Try one of their housemade cocktails to round out your brunch experience.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find outstanding options for brunch in the Triangle. From Raleigh and Durham to the smaller communities surrounding these cities, there are endless opportunites to support local restaurants.
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