The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Charlotte

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has what many tastemakers consider to be the best breakfast in Charlotte. Located near Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen Stadium 22 in StoneCrest Shopping Center, it is an American Restaurant and Steakhouse known for making everything right from scratch. It’s a polished-casual atmosphere that offers top-notch service and upscale dining without breaking the bank. Their early menu includes many of their signature wood-fired items, like the day-aged steaks and hand-pattied, USDA Choice Burgers. Try one of the signature salads for something lighter and definitely save room for one of their top-notch deserts.

Trio is just off the busy Pineville Matthews Road, in a beautiful space designed by Snak and Gray Architects in 1992. It’s a place that has it all, from a lively bar scene to cozy booths with beautiful views of the landscaped outdoors to an open-air central dining area with linen tablecloths and views of the wood-burning pizza oven. The menu brings together eclectic styles, including southern, Italian and classic American cuisine. Come in for the weekend brunch menu to sample their Cajun Shrimp and Grits, Brunch Pizza, Buttermilk Fried Chicken or the house Brunch Meatloaf.

Locally owned and operated by John Love and Ron Herbert, Red Rocks Cafe is a contemporary American restaurants with plenty of quaint neighborhood charm. They have been serving the community since 1992 and offer a diverse menu of appetizers, salads, pasta, steaks, seafood and chicken dishes. They also have a world-class wine menu. The space is casual with a welcoming, feel-good vibe. Sunday Brunch features amazing Southern specialties, like The Hughston’s Biscuits and Gravy, Carlton Burton’s Breakfast Burger, Cindy Price’s Omelette Sandwich and more.

This is a truly beautiful and unique Irish pub that was meticulously restored in Ireland and shipped to the US in order to evoke an authentic pub atmosphere. As a result, Ri Ra feels like stepping into a different country in a different epoch. The name comes from a phrase that translates to good fun or activity that improves with good food and drink. It’s a place to indulge in delicious dishes, beverages and revelry and the Charlotte location hosts plenty of live music to check out as well. The brunch menu features a number of weekend cocktails, egg dishes like the Irish Corned Beef Hash, Shepherds Pie, the Publican Reuben and Breakfast Poutine, among other house specialities.

This unique French bistro is a must-try for foodies in the Charlotte area. Diners will feel like they are on a mini-vacation to Europe every time they visit, with French music floating through the dining area, excellent dishes and a friendly wait staff. They serve breakfast all day so you don’t have to worry about rushing in for a morning meal. The most popular menu items include quiches and crepes, eggs, waffles, french toast, freshly baked artisan breads, pain du croissants and more. They prepare all of their high-quality French fare to order so you know your meal will be fresh and delicious.

This locally owned and operated American restaurant has a focus on hearty southern fare and is a local favorite here in Charlotte. They use area-sourced ingredients to inpsire their recipes and everything on the menu has a southern twist. The vibe is rustic chic and the location in uptown makes it a perfect stop before heading out on a day out the town. They have a great cocktail and beer menu and it is a huge three-story space that still manages to feel intimate and cozy. The full brunch menu features delicious options like Summertime Pancakes served with peach preserves, blackberries and toasted meringue and Chicken and Waffles, a classic southern specialty.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant is in one of the most premier shopping destinations in the state - SouthPark Mall. It’s the perfect spot to have breakfast before a day of shopping or checking out nearby attractions. They update the menu here twice daily in order to reflect the new shipments of fresh fish and seafood from both U.S. and international waters. Brunch menu items include Oysters Rockefeller, rotating fish selections such as the Pan Seared Mahi Mahi, Hawaiian Bigeye Ahi Tuna, Open Blue Cobia and more. They also have some signature breakfast choices like Stuffed French Toast, Bourbon Glazed Salmon and more.

Reid’s Fine Foods is on the bottom floor of the Duke Energy Center at Stonewall and South Tryon Streets. It features a butcher shop, deli, fresh foods section and wine bar and will offer to-go meals as well as dine-in options. They offer a delicious breakfast and brunch menu and diners can order off any of the menus or sample the brunch buffet as well. Try offerings like the Avocado Toast, the Breakfast Sandwich, Fried Chicken or the Breakfast Bowl.

The owners based Napa on Providence on the way that restaurants work in Napa Valley. They strive to take inspiration from the local surroundings and maintain and comfortable and approachable menu of food and beverages. At Napa on Providence, they have a focus on Contemporary American food inspired by the local landscape. It’s an award-winning brunch spot that most foodies will tell you is one of the best breakfast restaurants in Charlotte. Diners can try specials like Chicken and Waffles, fresh quiche, french toast and other seasonal favorites.