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Raleigh’s Best Breakfast Spots: A Local’s Guide to Starting the Day Right

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Raleigh’s Best Breakfast Spots: A Local’s Guide to Starting the Day Right

At The Coley Group, we pride ourselves on Showing Raleigh’s Best—and that includes more than just homes. Whether you’re new to the city or a local looking to explore your own backyard, Raleigh’s breakfast scene is full of flavor, history, and heart. Here are five local breakfast spots that serve up more than just a great meal—they deliver a true Raleigh experience.

State Farmers Market Restaurant

Website: realbiscuits.com

Nothing says “Southern breakfast” quite like the State Farmers Market Restaurant. A Raleigh institution since 1955, this family-run favorite brings farm-to-table full circle. Located right next to the city’s bustling farmers market, they serve classics like country ham biscuits, fluffy pancakes, and pork tenderloin with gravy. It’s no frills, all flavor, and all heart—just the way Southern mornings should start.

A Place at the Table

Website: tableraleigh.org

Looking for a meal that feeds the soul and the community? A Place at the Table offers Raleigh’s only pay-what-you-can café model, inviting everyone to the breakfast table—regardless of ability to pay. With a focus on community, dignity, and connection, the café serves up fresh biscuit sandwiches, waffles, omelets, and seasonal bowls. Whether you’re ordering avocado toast or donating an extra meal, every visit supports something bigger.

Big Ed’s North Restaurant

Website: bigedsnc.com

Big Ed’s is a name that’s been synonymous with Southern hospitality for decades. Their North Raleigh location continues the tradition of big portions and bold flavors. The menu is stacked with local favorites—think aged ribeye steak and eggs, sausage biscuits with gravy, and crispy hash browns cooked just right. It’s comfort food at its best, served in a place where regulars are greeted by name.

Heirloom

Website: heirloom-raleigh.com

Modern, intentional, and globally inspired—Heirloom brings a refreshing twist to Raleigh’s breakfast scene. This beautifully designed café-meets-teahouse blends Laotian, Taiwanese, and Japanese flavors with a Southern spirit. The menu features scallion biscuits, mochi waffles, and char siu pork belly sandwiches—all alongside specialty coffee, premium teas, and sake. Whether you’re meeting a friend or working remote, Heirloom offers a serene, artful setting to savor your morning.

Morning Rolls

Website: morningrolls.com

Sometimes, the best way to start the day is with a warm, gooey cinnamon roll—and Morning Rolls absolutely delivers. This boutique bakery has reimagined the classic with creative spins like blueberry upside-down rolls and strawberry shortcake versions. They also serve savory breakfast sandwiches (including brisket and plant-based options), making it a crowd-pleaser no matter your taste. Expect sweet vibes and the smell of cinnamon drifting through the door.

Your Morning, Raleigh-Style

Breakfast in Raleigh isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual, a community, and a way to experience the city’s flavor in more ways than one. At The Coley Group, we believe in highlighting the places that make Raleigh feel like home. Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods or just looking for your next favorite cinnamon roll, we’re here to guide you to Raleigh’s best—bite by bite.

Looking to find a home near one of these breakfast gems?

Take our 5-Minute Neighborhood Match Survey to get paired with your perfect spot, or let’s connect and turn the key to Raleigh’s best lifestyle together.