Last updated: 2025-04-07
From the historic downtown to the beach-side cafes, Wilmington’s brunch scene offers distinctive coastal flavors and Southern charm. Local favorites like Seabird’s seafood-forward plates and The Basics’ shrimp and grits showcase Port City’s culinary identity.
Whether sipping craft coffee at Drift Kitchen or enjoying waterfront views at Dram Yard, each spot brings its own take on mid-morning dining. Park Café’s locally-sourced ingredients and Savorez’s Latin-inspired dishes reflect the port town’s diverse food culture.
Discover Port City’s best brunch spots below!
Featured Brunch Spots in Wilmington
- Savorez
- Seabird
- The Basics
- Dram Yard at ARRIVE
- Drift Coffee & Kitchen
- Columbus Inn
- Blue Surf Cafe
- Park Café
- Eternal Sunshine Café
Casual Dining in Wilmington
Blue Surf Cafe
What to Expect
Coastal-inspired Southern brunch with local seafood specialties
Description
Blue Surf Cafe offers a laid-back Wilmington brunch experience with coastal-inspired Southern cuisine. Specializing in creative breakfast plates like their signature Crab Cake Benedict and fluffy buttermilk pancakes, this cafe captures the relaxed beach town vibe. With a bright, airy interior and local artwork, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for weekend brunch enthusiasts seeking fresh, locally-sourced coastal breakfast fare.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Blue Surf Cafe
Columbus Inn
What to Expect
60-year legacy of contemporary American brunch cuisine
Description
Columbus Inn offers a sophisticated Sunday brunch experience in Wilmington, featuring contemporary American cuisine with seasonal twists. Their Sunday brunch menu showcases elegant dishes crafted by Chef Ross Essner, combining classic comfort with modern culinary techniques. Known for warm hospitality and excellent service, this historic restaurant delivers a refined dining experience that celebrates local ingredients and culinary creativity.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Columbus Inn
Dram Yard at ARRIVE
What to Expect
Courtyard garden dining with Southern coastal cuisine
Description
Dram Yard offers a Southern coastal brunch experience with global culinary influences in Wilmington's vibrant ARRIVE hotel. Nestled in a charming courtyard garden, this spot serves hand-crafted cocktails alongside innovative coastal-inspired dishes. Their menu blends local ingredients with creative preparation, promising a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Wilmington's culinary spirit.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Dram Yard at ARRIVE
Drift Coffee & Kitchen
What to Expect
Coastal North Carolina coffee shop with all-day brunch concept
Description
Drift Coffee & Kitchen offers a contemporary coastal brunch experience in Wilmington, specializing in artisan coffee and innovative Southern-inspired dishes. Their signature Biscoff Stack highlights a creative menu blending local ingredients with modern culinary techniques. With multiple locations across North Carolina, Drift provides a vibrant cafe atmosphere perfect for casual morning dining and coffee enthusiasts.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Drift Coffee & Kitchen
Eternal Sunshine Café
What to Expect
Coastal Carolina-inspired brunch with locally sourced ingredients
Description
Southern-inspired brunch spot in Wilmington serving up creative coastal Carolina cuisine. Signature dish: Lowcountry Crab Cake Benedict with locally sourced blue crab and house-made hollandaise. Bright, airy interior features large windows and a relaxed coastal vibe perfect for weekend brunching.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Eternal Sunshine Café
Park Café
What to Expect
Dog-friendly outdoor patio with pergola and weather adaptability
Description
Park Café offers a contemporary weekend brunch experience in Wilmington, featuring seasonal dishes and locally roasted coffee. Their dog-friendly outdoor patio provides a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying signature cocktails and creative menu items. Specializing in diverse, evolving cuisine that changes with local ingredients, the café combines casual dining with a welcoming community vibe.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Park Café
The Basics
What to Expect
Authentic Southern brunch with locally sourced ingredients
Description
Southern-inspired brunch destination in downtown Wilmington featuring hearty classics like shrimp and grits, buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, and creative egg dishes. The Basics offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere with exposed brick walls and a warm neighborhood vibe perfect for weekend brunching. Local ingredients and traditional Southern cooking techniques highlight this charming restaurant's commitment to authentic regional cuisine.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: The Basics
Fine Dining in Wilmington
Seabird
What to Expect
Coastal-inspired seafood brunch with locally sourced ingredients
Description
Seabird offers an elevated coastal brunch experience in downtown Wilmington, showcasing North Carolina's seafood-driven culinary traditions. Their signature Lobster Benedict transforms classic brunch with local seafood, featuring fresh Maine lobster atop toasted brioche with delicate hollandaise. The restaurant's waterfront views and sophisticated maritime-inspired atmosphere create an exceptional dining environment for seafood enthusiasts and brunch lovers.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Seabird
Ethnic & International in Wilmington
Savorez
What to Expect
Latin-Southern fusion brunch with innovative small-plate style offerings
Description
Savorez brings Latin-inspired brunch to downtown Wilmington, featuring Chef Sam Cahoon's creative fusion of Southern and Latin cuisines. Sunday brunch highlights include innovative dishes like BLT arepas and Tiny Tuna Tostadas, complemented by freshly squeezed juices and craft cocktails. The intimate brick building offers a casual, vibrant dining experience with bold flavors and locally sourced ingredients.
Where: Wilmington | More Info: Savorez
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