Wake up to the best breakfast and brunch in Lake Norman, where every morning brings mouthwatering bites, cozy vibes, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re hunting for a quick breakfast or a drool-worthy brunch, there’s a place to satisfy every craving.
1. The Neighborhood Café
The Neighborhood Café is a family-owned and operated café offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. All the dishes are made from scratch, even the dressings!
Specialty dishes include the burrito, quiche, stuffed French toast, and lobster mac n' cheese. Don't forget the mimosas! Customers will find the cozy ambiance and wonderful atmosphere they've been missing. And their outdoor patio deck is pet-friendly!
"5 stars all the way. The food, drinks, atmosphere and staff are superb. We had the Crab Cake Benedict, Salmon BLT and Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Delicious and heaping portions. The Sunrise drink is a MUST!" -Kathy F.
A local favorite right across from Davidson College opened in 1951 and has continued to be a tradition to visit if you are in town. The Soda Shop has walls that tell a story of the history of the restaurant and their customers. Come visit this comfortable, timeless environment with a diner-like feel serving breakfast, sandwiches, and ice cream. Afterward, take a stroll along the expansive brick sidewalks past the trees that line Main Street.
"Misty (owner) and her team are wonderful! Great food & atmosphere - highly recommend!" - Courtney Muncy
2. Soda Shop
3. The Egg
Blending breakfast and barbecue, two longtime favorite restaurants in Lake Norman have merged for now. Some of The Egg Cafe’s most popular lunch items will roll onto The Crazy Pig’s lunch menu, including the reuben and chicken salad. Wave hello to the Notorious P.I.G. as you walk past the porcine statue standing guard at the door and order up a short stack of pancakes or a banana Nutella waffle. If you hang around long enough, barbecue will be rolling out of the kitchen at 11am.
"I loved the food. I had the eggs Benedict with the English muffin replaced with a big toasted tortilla. The egg was perfectly poached and the chorizo was spicy but just a bit not a lot. My side was hash browns but I asked for them crispy and they added the perfect amount of crisp. Kudos to the chef. Service was great as well. " -Evana R.
4. Fresh Egg
If you find yourself in the heart of Cornelius, you’ll be in good hands at Fresh Egg, a casual eatery known for comforting bites like hot cheddar biscuits. Once you’ve tried the eggs Benedict, you’re bound to make breakfast here a weekly ritual. They offer the same quality food and great service as its sister company, Fresh Chef Kitchen.
"Warm, welcoming place with great breakfast. Food was delicious, service was great and we enjoyed our time there." - Esther M. Alcamo
5. Sully's Steamers
Just a few minutes down the road, Davidson rounds out the Lake Norman breakfast and brunch scene with historic charm and culinary excellence. Grab one of the famous breakfast sandwiches at Sully’s Steamers, a laid-back joint with friendly service and melt-in-your-mouth bagels.
"We ended up ordering The Blondie and The Griswold (since she said this was one of their popular choices). Both of our entrees were great. Everything tasted fresh and were large portions. Next time we are in Davidson and looking for breakfast, we will definitely return to Sully's Steamers!" -Brandon S.
6. Milkbread
For a seriously tasty indulgence, Milkbread in Davidson is a must. Choose between standout dishes like the crispy chicken biscuit and Nutella toast topped with banana brûlée at this Lake Norman breakfast gem. Don’t leave without treating yourself to the milk bread donuts — it’s what inspired the family behind local hotspot Kindred to open this trendy outpost!
"We had breakfast which included avocado toast, roasted mushrooms toast, a muffin and washed it down with a cortado and ginger tea. All of the above hit the spot, the service was prompt and the ambiance just perfect. Will be back." -Peeran B.
7. Metro Diner
The Metro Diner located in Huntersville is a favorite breakfast place and has been satisfying customers for nearly 25 years. The menu includes innovative new dishes created from local ingredients. Known for welcoming service and award-winning food, Metro Diner is a great stop for locals or anyone that is passing through.
"Best chicken and waffles I’ve had in a while. Great prices. Awesome mimosas, friendly atmosphere." - Perette Campbell
8. First Watch
If you're searching for food that changes with the season, be sure to get a table at First Watch in Huntersville. They welcome each season into the First Watch menu with ingredients and flavors inspired by the position of the sun. You'll find vibrant green California-grown asparagus in April, the most refreshing Florida watermelon in July, or tender, sweet yellow corn from the midwest in August. Don't forget to pair it with the signature drip coffee, Project Sunrise. They ventured to Colombia to find the richest beans and personally met the female farmers who grow them.
"LET ME tell you something. This is the best breakfast place E-V-E-R-... I HAD A B-L-T, Million dollar bacon and coffee. No Matter which state/city I'm in, the service is always on point as well as the food." - James E.
9. Cocotte Bakery
Get a slice of France in every bite! Swing by first hour for your morning boost or take some time, and relax, with one of their Barista's lattes made to perfection.
Cocotte Bakery offers a variety of pastries, breads and lunch options. With their unique collection of artisanal croissants and signature breads they created a delightful menu to transport your palate to France.
"Wow.. I struggle to find words for how beautiful this bakery is. I am a retired pastry chef who specialized in bread and laminated dough with over a decade of experience baking. THIS is the most exquisite, expertly crafted, technically perfect pastry I have ever seen. This level of craftsmanship you can usually only get if you travel to France. Luckily they've brought it right to our doorstep." - Lex S.
10. Rise Cafe
Rise Cafe is another popular pick for brunch in Huntersville with staples like corned beef hash, fluffy pancakes, and breakfast platters. Known for its community partnerships, this uplifting eatery offers a feel-good start to the day.
"The food was absolutely delicious. The pancakes are heart-shaped and the French toast is thick and perfect. " - Chris
11. Famous Toastery
Looking for innovative twists on culinary classics? With locations in Davidson and Huntersville, you can’t go wrong with the all-day breakfast menu at Famous Toastery, where the lively atmosphere invites you to stay awhile. Choose from fan favorites like the stuffed French toast, huevos ranchero, and biscuits smothered in their famous sausage gravy. There’s a reason this breakfast spot is always so busy!
"Love eating here with the family, clean bathrooms, friendly employees, great food, good atmosphere for family and friends". - Restucci Angela
Whether you’re a breakfast or brunch person, Lake Norman has a variety of restaurants that bring the freshest food to the table. Don’t forget to tag us in your delicious foodie photos on social media @VisitLakeNorman for a chance to be featured!
