Foodie alert! Looking for the best breakfast and brunch in Wilmington NC? Read our ultimate guide now!
Best Breakfast Wilmington NC
Warning: This post will make you hungry!
Brunch is life! Seriously, it’s pretty much my favorite meal.
Wilmington is my happy place. It’s where I went to college, where I got married, and now where we spend many of our days. So, when I tell you’ve I’ve done the research for you on the best breakfast in Wilmington, I’m not kidding.
From the classic “Wilmington institutions” to the newest places for breakfast and brunch in Wilmington, we have got you covered. No matter if you’re looking for sweet, savory, simple, or family friendly, this Wilmington brunch guide will help you choose the best breakfast spot for you!
Want more Wilmington info? Get the inside scoop here:
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- 5 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Wilmington NC
- 15 Best Coffee Shops in Wilmington NC
- Top 25 Things to Do in Carolina Beach NC
- Top 25 Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach NC
Where to Eat Breakfast & Brunch in Wilmington
Wilmington, NC is a charming coastal town with a thriving food scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, finding the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch can be a delightful (and delicious!) experience. From classic Southern comfort food to creative twists on traditional dishes, Wilmington has plenty of options to satisfy your brunch cravings.
So let’s get to it! In no particular order, here is the ultimate guide to the best breakfast and brunch spots in Wilmington, NC:
Eternal Sunshine Cafe
Eternal Sunshine Cafe is one of our very favorite breakfast places in Wilmington. We’ve been at least a dozen times and are never disappointed.
Menu items range from their famous “benedicts” to french toast to breakfast quesadillas and they even serve up some gluten free options too. They can get busy on the weekends, so be prepared for a wait, especially during the summer months.
Our personal recommendations: Any of their daily specials, the biscuits and gravy, or the hot honey chicken biscuit are some of our favorites! And of course, you can’t skip trying their fun mimosa flights.
Reservations Available? No
Location: 420 Eastwood Road #109 Wilmington, NC
Our Crepes and More
I have to be honest, I wasn’t particularly excited about this breakfast place in Wilmington. But when you hear how amazing it is over and over again from different people, you have to find out for yourself. And it truly lives up to the hype.
If you love crepes, you’re in for a real treat. If you don’t love crepes, you may just be converted. Even my kids ask to go to breakfast here…and that’s saying something.
This family owned and operated French Creperie is located in a very unassuming strip mall but seriously delivers on breakfast and brunch. Serving made from scratch fresh food, everything is delivered to your table as soon as it is ready. Looking for gluten or dairy free brunch in Wilmington? Our Crepes and More has menu items to accommodate many different dietary needs.
Our personal recommendations: We almost always order at least one sweet crepe and one savory and share. And don’t worry if you’re not feeling crepes, they have plenty of other breakfast options too.
Reservations Available? No (counter service)
Location: 3810 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC
The Dixie Grill
Upon first glance, you might just walk right past this spot, but The Dixie Grill is hands down one of the best downtown Wilmington breakfast restaurants.
Serving breakfast and brunch seven days a week, this is a popular breakfast spot for both locals and visitors to Wilmington. With friendly staff, southern hospitality, and great food, you can’t go wrong with breakfast from The Dixie Grill.
Our personal recommendations: Sweet potato pancakes with a side of bacon and a breakfast burrito with cheesy grits. (We like to try the grits just about everywhere we go- it’s a southern thing!)
Reservations Available? No
Location: 116 Market Street Wilmington, NC
Insider Tip: This was a filming location for One Tree Hill!
Cast Iron Kitchen
Fresh local ingredients + seasonal ingredients + a southern inspired menu = one of the best breakfast places in Wilmington.
Located in the Porter’s Neck area of town, Cast Iron Kitchen is a very popular Wilmington restaurant. And for good reason. It’s ridiculously good.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, choose from menu items like their southern sampler board, sweet biscuits, shrimp and grits, or their famous “dirty biscuit.” My only complaint is since this award winning restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, everyone and their brother wants to eat here- so be prepared for a wait!
Our personal recommendations: The weekend sweet biscuits, CIK hot honey chicken biscuit, and “Not my momma’s meatloaf” sandwich.
Reservations Available? No
Location: 8024 Market St #6, Wilmington, NC
Drift Coffee & Kitchen
Not only is Drift Coffee & Kitchen super insta-worthy, the food is crazy good too!
This very popular coffee shop has recently opened a full service breakfast restaurant on Wrightsville Beach. High end coffee with an elevated breakfast experience easily moved this Wilmington breakfast spot up our list fast.
Open seven days a week, this is also a great lunch restaurant on Wrightsville Beach. (Beer, wine, and cocktails available too!)
Our personal recommendations: We can’t pass up the avocado toast or Nutella stuffed french toast.
Reservations Available? No
Location: 114 Causeway Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC
The Basics
Consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Wilmington, The Basics is a downtown staple. Located downtown at The Cotton Exchange, The Basics serves Southern-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The brunch menu features dishes like The restaurant has a cozy and casual atmosphere and is known for its friendly service.
You seriously cannot go wrong with The Basics for any meal, but safe to say, we’re huge fans if you’re looking for brunch in downtown Wilmington.
Our personal recommendations: What can I say, we love a breakfast biscuit! My kids are also a huge fan of the french toast.
Reservations Available? Yes
Location: 319 N Front St, Wilmington, NC
Sweet & Savory Cafe
Sweet and Savory has been around for over 20 years and is known for quality food in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but we think breakfast is where they really shine!
Another Wilmington restaurant that has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, some of the more popular dishes include the french toast, benedicts, and omelets. The restaurant also has a bakery that offers a wide selection of pastries and desserts, including cakes, cookies, and bread.
With an always welcoming staff, Sweet and Savory is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal or a sweet treat with family and friends.
Our personal recommendations: The grits!! I literally go here just for the grits…so creamy and delicious. Y’all, I can’t even. (Funny thing is I didn’t even start to like grits until maybe five years ago.) We also really love their baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and french toast.
Reservations Available? Yes
Location: 1611 Pavilion Pl, Wilmington, NC
Blueberry’s Grill
Founded in Myrtle Beach, SC, Blueberry’s is a recent addition to the Wilmington food scene.
Blueberry’s not only has great food, but has one of the most beautiful outdoor dining areas in town! With plenty of indoor seating as well, Blueberry’s has gained popularity quite quickly as one of the best breakfast restaurants in Wilmington. But not to worry, you can join the waitlist before you arrive online.
Blueberry’s offers classic breakfast menu choices, healthy items, as well as specialty items like blueberry hushpuppies.
Our personal recommendations: French toast, sweet potato pancakes, or chicken and waffles are always winners in our book.
Reservations Available? No, but you can get on the waitlist online
Location: 1900 Eastwood Rd. Wilmington, NC
Vicious Biscuit
We first discovered Vicious Biscuit while visiting Charleston, South Carolina and we were super impressed.
My husband and I have said for years that Wilmington needed a biscuit place, so when we heard they were opening a Vicious Biscuit in the Forum shopping center, we were stoked!
Soft and fluffy biscuits, bacon jam, signature pimento cheese, chicken and sweet potato waffles, and so much more…this southern inspired menu makes it hard to choose what to order. Spoiler alert- I don’t think there’s a bad choice!
Insider Tip: Their merch game is also super strong!
Our personal recommendations: Everything! Haha. We love the Vicious Beignets, The Mater, and The Gravy Train.
Reservations Available? No (counter service)
Location: 1121 Military Cutoff Rd A, Wilmington, NC
Read about our other favorite foodie finds in Mount Pleasant, SC!
Brunches
I personally can’t resist trying a restaurant whose website is mimosasmademedoit.com. What can I say? I love it.
Brunches is a casual breakfast restaurant in Wilmington offering classic menu items like The All American breakfast, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles in a laid back atmosphere. Open seven days a week, this is always a great options for breakfast in Wilmington!
Our personal recommendations: Nutella french toast, the chicken biscuit supreme, and the Notorious BLT. I’m also a fan of the mimosa flight.
Reservations Available? No
Location: 3 locations in Wilmington: 6800 Parker Farm Drive, 2030 Stonecrop Drive, 3326 Jaeckle Drive Suite 120
Jester’s Cafe
Jester’s Cafe is a boutique bistro in the arts district in downtown Wilmington. A local favorite, at Jester’s you will find a friendly staff, indoor and outdoor seating, and delicious food!
Offering a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, Jester’s is most well known for their delicious omelets, quiche of the day, and savory benedicts. They also offer great locally roasted coffee.
This quaint little cafe is another Wilmington hidden gem worth a visit!
Our personal recommendations: I love quiche…so when it’s on the menu, I’m all in!
Reservations Available? No
Location: 607 Castle St, Wilmington, NC
Famous Toastery
The Famous Toastery is a restaurant chain with locations throughout the United States that specializes in breakfast and brunch.
While we love our locally owned restaurants, sometimes we need to go with what’s convenient. And The Famous Toastery is often convenient!
We have found that it’s not unusual for a restaurant to have a wait for brunch in Wilmington. But, with it’s large dining area, the wait at The Famous Toastery is often minimal and goes very fast.
The menu features a wide selection of classic breakfast items like pancakes, waffles, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches, as well as more unique options like avocado toast and breakfast burritos. In addition to breakfast, the restaurant also serves a variety of salads, sandwiches, and burgers for lunch. The atmosphere at The Famous Toastery is casual and family-friendly.
Insider Tip: I love that they have self serve coffee available while you wait!
Our personal recommendations: We really love the omelettes, waffles, and biscuits and gravy at The Famous Toastery.
Reservations Available? No
Location: 6722 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC
First Watch
First Watch is another popular breakfast and brunch restaurant chain new to Wilmington.
And I have to say, it’s fantastic! We’ve been several times and have never been disappointed.
The menu at First Watch is HUGE offering a variety of classic and innovative breakfast and brunch dishes. Some of the most popular items on the menu include avocado toast, breakfast tacos, Belgian waffles, and a variety of egg dishes. They also offers a selection of healthy options like superfood bowls, power wraps, as well as a range of freshly squeezed juices, coffee, and tea.
And if you arrive a little later in the day they have sandwiches, salads, and soups for lunch.
The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and preparing everything from scratch has made it a go-to spot for breakfast and brunch lovers looking for a delicious and satisfying meal in Wilmington.
Our personal recommendations: I’m obsessed with their avocado toast. Of course my kids get the french toast and my husband is usually going for an omelette.
Reservations Available? No, but you can join the waitlist online.
2 Locations in Wilmington: 1035 International Drive (Mayfair) and 3534 Oleander Drive (near Independence Mall)
Keg & The Egg
The Keg & The Egg is one of Wilmington’s best kept secrets!
I mean how can you go wrong at a place who’s tagline is: Eat good, relax, and have fun!
The food is always excellent and the menu has something for everyone. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Keg & The Egg is actually one of our favorite places to take friends when they are visiting Wilmington.
Whether you’re looking for classic menu items like eggs, french toast, or shrimp and grits or want something more unique like huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos, you won’t regret trying this Wilmington hidden gem.
Our personal recommendations: We love their brunch fry pie and the chicken biscuit. You also have to try their hash brown casserole- it’s pretty epic! They also always have the most amazing specials like chicken and waffles!
Reservations Available? No
Location: 4039 Masonboro Loop Rd, Wilmington, NC
Blue Surf Cafe
Blue Surf Cafe is a popular restaurant in Wilmington, NC known for its modern American breakfast and lunch options.
A local favorite, Blue Surf has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with outdoor seating available. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including breakfast plates, waffles, hashes, as well as vegetarian options.
Customers rave about their coffee and house-made sauces, but what I love most about Blue Surf is all the healthy menu options.
Blue Surf Cafe is a must-visit spot for a tasty brunch in Wilmington.
Our personal recommendations: The yogurt parfait, breakfast scramble, and blueberry buttermilk waffles.
Reservations Available? No (counter service)
Location: 250 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC (They also have a new location at The Arboretum West which serves brunch on the weekends.)
Best Brunch Wilmington NC
Savorez
#1 Brunch in North Carolina according to Yelp in 2022
Need I say more? But seriously, Savorez is one of my absolute favorite Wilmington restaurants. Brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert…you literally cannot go wrong with a meal here.
Savorez is a Latin-inspired restaurant located in Wilmington, NC that offers a unique and delicious brunch menu. Some of the most popular brunch items at Savorez include the Huevos Rancheros, which are made with black beans, eggs, and fresh salsa, and the Churro Waffles, which are served with a dulce de leche sauce and fresh fruit.
You can also choose from a range of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and savory bowls. With its creative and flavorful brunch menu, Savorez is a great choice for anyone looking for a unique and satisfying breakfast or brunch experience.
Our personal recommendations: Our top picks: Breakfast of Champions and the Pan Frances. I’m hungry just thinking about it.
Reservations Available? No
Location: 402 Chestnut St. Wilmington, NC
Rooster & The Crow
If you’re looking for brunch in downtown Wilmington, you should check out Rooster and the Crow.
This popular Wilmington restaurant offers a delicious southern inspired brunch menu. From classic dishes like eggs Benedict to unique options like shrimp and grits and bananas foster french toast, there is something for everyone.
Rooster and The Crow has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a weekend brunch with friends or family. Make sure to leave time to stroll the Wilmington Riverwalk after your meal.
Our personal recommendations: Smothered hoop cheese biscuit and chicken waffles for us please!!
Reservations Available? No
Location: 225 S Water St Suite G & H, Wilmington, NC
Seabird
Seabird is a relatively new restaurant to the Wilmington foodie scene, but boy did it make a big splash.
Becoming a super popular restaurant fast is only due to it’s amazing food and excellent service.
While most well known for their dinner service, their brunch is a must-try as well. Featuring delicious dishes like avocado toast, french toast, and shrimp and grits, this is THE place downtown for oysters! They also have fantastic coffee and cocktails to complement your meal.
The restaurant’s downtown location make it the perfect way to start the day exploring downtown Wilmington.
Our personal recommendations: This is the only restaurant on this list I haven’t eaten at personally because I don’t like oysters or seafood. (Gasp, I know. I’m weird.) BUT, one of my very best friends ate here as says it’s phenomenal…for brunch and every other meal. And I trust her opinion!
Reservations Available? Yes
Location: 1 S Front St, Wilmington, NC
Wilmington NC Breakfast Institutions
The Original Salt Works
Salt Works is a Wilmington institution that has been serving up breakfast classics for years.
This is the type of place where people know each other. The staff often call customers by name and know their orders. Of course they have their fair share of tourists as well since word has spread over the years. Eggs, omelettes, grits, toast and more are some of what you can expect at Salt Works.
The best way I can describe Salt Works is “simple food, made well.” Classic menu items off the grill at affordable prices make this a Wilmington favorite.
Know Before You Go: Salt Works is cash only!
Our personal recommendations: We typically get eggs, grits, hash browns, and toast.
Reservations Available? No
Location: 6301 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC
The Sawmill Restaurant
If you’re looking for homestyle food with friendly service, look no further than The Sawmill. This diner style restaurant in Monkey Junction may not look like much from the parking lot, but it’s a Wilmington breakfast spot you can always count on.
A huge menu with delicious food, you will always feel welcome at The Sawmill.
Our personal recommendations: We like to go pretty traditional here with the Lumberjack special of two eggs any style, grits or potatoes, sausage, bacon or cured ham, and your choice of three pancakes, a waffle, or two biscuits with gravy. I mean…you aren’t leaving hungry here!
Reservations Available? No
Location: 5611 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC
Boathouse
The boathouse is another family owned Wilmington institution.
The Boathouse breakfast menu includes classic menu items like eggs, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, omelettes, and more. With fast and friendly service, you cannot go wrong with breakfast at the Boathouse.
Our personal recommendations: We go pretty simple here with eggs or omelettes, hash browns or grits.
Reservations Available? No
Location: 6328 Oleander Dr, Wilmington
Brunch & Breakfast Downtown Wilmington
If you are specifically looking for breakfast in downtown Wilmington, we recommend:
- The Basics
- Dixie Grill
- Jesters Cafe
If you are specifically looking for brunch in downtown Wilmington, we recommend:
- Savorez
- Rooster & The Crow
- Seabird
If you are specifically looking for coffee in downtown Wilmington, we recommend:
- Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods
- Cheeky Monkey Coffee Co.
- 24 South Coffeehouse
Exploring beyond downtown? Read our full guide on the best coffee shops in Wilmington!
Best Breakfast Wilmington NC
Sometimes you’re just not feeling a full on sit down meal for breakfast. Hey…I get it.
If you’re looking for something quick and delicious, grab a donut, acai bowl, or bagel at one of these awesome Wilmington breakfast places!
Best Donuts in Wilmington
Britt’s Donuts
Britt’s is a Carolina Beach institution. People literally come from all over just to eat these insanely delicious treats.
Britt’s Donuts is an absolute must when in Carolina Beach. Visitors and locals alike love their glazed donuts, coffee, and soft drinks (that’s it, that’s the entire menu).
During summer, expect long lines down the boardwalk, and make sure to bring cash. Britt’s closes during the winter months and has limited days and hours during the shoulder seasons. The key to enjoying their delicious donuts is to eat them fresh and warm on the spot; they’re just not the same the next day.
Be forewarned, Britt’s donuts are addictive!
Location: Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Wake N Bake
Wake N Bake Donuts is a popular destination for those looking for delicious, freshly-made donuts.
The incredibly creative combinations of flavors and toppings make Wake N Bake stand head and shoulders above the rest. You can certainly get traditional flavors like chocolate and glazed, but the real treats are the unique flavors like key lime pie, cinna-bomb, butterfinger, and more.
Visitors can also enjoy a selection of coffee drinks to pair with their treats. If you’re looking for a sugar fix, you need to try Wake N Bake Donuts.
We love Wake N Bake!! So freaking yummy.
Location: 2 locations: Downtown Wilmington: 114 Princess St, Wilmington and Carolina Beach: 1401 N Lake Park Blvd, Unit # 46
Donut Inn
Donut Inn is a popular bakery and donut shop located in Wilmington, NC.
They are known for their delicious and fresh donuts, which come in a variety of flavors and styles. I like to describe their donuts as more cakey in consistency, which my son happens to love!
In addition to donuts, Donut Inn also serves coffee and other baked goods, making it a great spot for a quick breakfast or snack.
Location: 1427 Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, NC
Best Bagels in Wilmington
We highly recommend Round Bagels & Donuts.
Our personal recommendations: We love the asiago and french toast bagels.
Pro Tip: This place gets busy, but you can place your order online before you arrive!
Location: 890 S. Kerr Avenue Wilmington, NC
Best Acai Bowls in Wilmington
We love an acai bowl!
If you do too, here are our recommendations on where to find the best acai bowl in Wilmington:
- Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar – 32 N. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC
- Drift Coffee & Kitchen (multiple locations around Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach)
- Zeke’s Beans & Bowls – 534 Causeway Dr. Wrightsville Beach, NC
- Sundays Cafe – 708 B S. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC
- Malama Cafe – 108 Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
Best Wilmington Brunch
If you read this far, phew! That was a huge list, right?
I find it very hard to choose favorites, but just for the sake of this post, I’m gonna try.
If I had to choose my top three favorite restaurants for brunch in Wilmington, I’d choose Eternal Sunshine Cafe, Cast Iron Kitchen, and Vicious Biscuit. But, seriously there are so many amazing breakfast and brunch restaurants in Wilmington, you cannot go wrong with anything on this list.
Side note: My family really loves biscuits in gravy- someone’s always ordering it. But dang, it’s not very photogenic! LOL.
Happy Brunching!
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About The Author
Julie is the founder and voice behind the lifestyle and travel blog, More than Main Street. Always exploring, she has traveled to 32 US states and 20 countries, but feels fortunate to call North Carolina home. A beach girl through and through, dog lover, and adventure seeker, Julie believes in living life to the fullest and finding joy in everyday. Learn more about Julie.
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