9 North Carolina Brunch Cafés Turning French Toast Into Masterpieces
North Carolina’s brunch scene has a secret weapon – French toast that goes way beyond the basics. I’ve spent weekends hunting down the most incredible French toast creations across the state.
From mountain towns to coastal gems, these nine cafés have transformed the humble breakfast classic into something truly special, with flavors that’ll make you forget plain old syrup forever.
1. Sunny Point Cafe — Asheville
Holy cinnamon heaven! The French toast at Sunny Point made me weak in the knees. Their secret? Local sourdough bread soaked overnight in a vanilla-cinnamon custard.
The crispy edges give way to a pillowy center that melts in your mouth. I still dream about the mountain berry compote they serve alongside it.
2. Mayfel’s — Asheville
Y’all aren’t ready for Mayfel’s Bananas Foster French Toast! Last summer, I watched in awe as they flambéed caramelized bananas tableside before pouring the mixture over thick-cut challah.
The New Orleans influence shines through in every bite. Paired with their chicory coffee, it’s a southern breakfast that’ll knock your socks off.
3. City Bakery Cafe — Asheville
Remember when breakfast was just… fun? City Bakery’s Cinnamon Roll French Toast brings that feeling back. They’ve brilliantly combined two breakfast favorites by slicing their famous cinnamon rolls horizontally.
Each piece gets dipped in custard and griddled to perfection. The result? A breakfast that tastes like Saturday morning cartoons and happiness.
4. Another Broken Egg Cafe — Asheville
Cheese in French toast? Trust me on this one! Another Broken Egg’s Lemon Mascarpone French Toast had me skeptical until that first heavenly bite.
Brioche slices get stuffed with lemon-infused mascarpone before being grilled golden brown. The blueberry compote adds just the right amount of tartness to balance the rich filling.
5. La Farm Bakery — Cary
French meets Southern at La Farm, where master baker Lionel Vatinet transforms his artisan white chocolate mini baguettes into the most extraordinary French toast I’ve ever tasted.
The bread’s slightly sweet interior creates caramelized pockets when cooked. I embarrassed myself by actually licking the plate clean of the bourbon-maple reduction.
6. Savorez — Wilmington
Tequila for breakfast? Count me in! Savorez’s Mexican-inspired Churro French Toast arrives dusted with cinnamon-sugar that crackles with each bite.
The chef soaks thick bread in a custard spiked with orange liqueur and tequila. Topped with agave-lime syrup and toasted pepitas, it’s a coastal breakfast fiesta that perfectly captures Wilmington’s beach-meets-foodie vibe.
7. Midtown Cafe & Dessertery — Winston-Salem
“Cake or breakfast?” I wondered, staring at Midtown’s Carrot Cake French Toast. The genius lies in using actual carrot cake as the base!
They slice housemade carrot cake, dip it in custard, and grill it until the cream cheese frosting gets slightly caramelized. Topped with candied walnuts and maple syrup, it’s breakfast disguised as dessert.
8. 411 West Italian Cafe — Chapel Hill
Who knew Italian and breakfast could create such magic? 411 West’s Tiramisu French Toast had me questioning everything I thought I knew about morning meals.
Espresso-soaked ladyfingers get the French toast treatment, then topped with mascarpone and cocoa. The college students pack this place, and after one bite, I understood why they’re willing to wait an hour for a table.
9. Tupelo Honey — Multiple Locations Across NC
Grandma’s recipes have nothing on Tupelo Honey’s Sweet Potato Pancake French Toast. I gasped when I saw the towering creation – sweet potato pancakes sandwiched between slices of French toast!
The spiced pecan butter melts perfectly into every layer. With locations across North Carolina, this Southern-inspired breakfast masterpiece is thankfully never too far away.