Greater Fayetteville is a place where mornings are meant to be savored. From old-school diners and cozy cafés to modern brunch spots, there’s no shortage of great breakfast options. Here are four local favorites that bring their unique flavor to the first meal of the day.
1. Zorba’s Gyro — Hope Mills
📍 3114 N. Main Street, Hope Mills, NC
Known for its Greek specialties at lunch and dinner, Zorba’s is also a great place for breakfast. The portions are hearty, the service is friendly, and the inexpensive menu covers everything from classic American breakfasts to Mediterranean-inspired plates.
✨ What to order: Try the Western Omelet, loaded with veggies and cheese, or go for a stack of pancakes with a side of crispy bacon if you’re in the mood for something sweet and simple.
2. Cedar Point Restaurant — Spring Lake
📍 997 N Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake, NC
A Spring Lake institution, Cedar Point Restaurant is all about comfort and community. The dining room has that cozy, no-frills diner charm, while the kitchen serves up hearty plates. Locals love the inventive specials, such as pineapple upside-down pancakes that add a fun twist to the traditional breakfast lineup.
✨ What to order: The pancake specials are a must, but regulars also recommend the country ham with eggs and grits for a true Southern breakfast.
3. MaryBill’s Café & Elbow Room — Fayetteville
📍 801 Elm St, Fayetteville, NC
A family-owned favorite, MaryBill’s Café & Elbow Room is the definition of comfort food with heart. With its welcoming staff and cozy atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and visitors quickly feel like part of the family.
✨ What to order: Don’t miss their homemade biscuits, which pair perfectly with sausage gravy. For something lighter, the veggie omelet with home fries is a local go-to.
4. Circa 1800 — Fayetteville
📍 108 Person St, Fayetteville, NC (Downtown)
For those who want to elevate their morning, Circa 1800 brings a modern, upscale twist to Southern brunch. Set in a historic downtown building, the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to craft distinctive takes on classics. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely weekend brunch.
✨ What to order: The shrimp and grits are a must-try, and the brioche French toast drizzled with seasonal toppings is equally irresistible. Pair either with a mimosa flight or freshly brewed local coffee.
Circa 1800
For my last dining recommendation, I’m suggesting an 11-year-old downtown restaurant that is known for offering its patrons a finer take on some Southern classics. Circa 1800 is a family-owned establishment. Chef Bill takes great pride in…
Wrapping Up the Morning Tour
From the hearty plates at Zorba’s to the classic Southern flavors at Cedar Point in Spring Lake, and from the welcoming vibe at MaryBill’s Café to the refined brunch at Circa 1800, the region serves all kinds of tastes. Whether it’s comfort food, creative twists, or upscale brunch dishes, these four local favorites prove that mornings here are just as memorable as your other adventures in Fayetteville.