Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina’s breakfast scene is packed with creative chefs who’ve turned French toast into an art form. From the mountains of Asheville to the coast of Wilmington, restaurants across the state are serving up versions that go way beyond the basic butter-and-syrup routine. Whether you’re craving bourbon-soaked pears, banana Foster sauce, or biscuits reimagined as French toast, these spots will make your taste buds sing.
1. Sunny Point Café (Asheville)
West Asheville’s beloved breakfast destination has earned its reputation for turning French toast into a bourbon-kissed masterpiece. Their signature Bourbon Pear French Toast combines house-made bread stuffed with bourbon-poached pears and sweet almond cream cheese, then crowned with bourbon caramel, clouds of whipped cream, and crunchy toasted almonds.
Sunny Point also rotates classic and stuffed versions on their menu, so regulars always have something new to try. The café’s laid-back vibe and commitment to fresh, local ingredients make every bite feel like a celebration.
Expect a wait on weekends—this place is wildly popular with locals and tourists alike. But trust us, that first forkful of caramel-drizzled, pear-stuffed goodness is absolutely worth it.
2. Early Girl Eatery (Asheville)
Buttermilk biscuits, scratch-made, fluffy, and perfect, soaked overnight in a secret French toast batter that’s been perfected over 16 years is exactly what Early Girl Eatery does with their wildly creative Biscuit French Toast, and the result is pure Southern magic.
Try the “Bow to the King” version topped with crispy fried chicken for a sweet-and-savory combo that’ll blow your mind. Or go for the Banana Pudding Biscuit French if you’re feeling dessert-forward.
Early Girl’s farm-to-table philosophy shines through every dish, with ingredients sourced from local farms whenever possible. This Asheville staple proves that sometimes the best innovations come from reimagining comfort food classics in totally unexpected ways.
3. Parkside (Raleigh)
Challah bread makes all the difference when it comes to French toast, and Parkside in Raleigh knows it. Their Bananas Foster Challah French Toast features thick, eggy slices of challah soaked and griddled to golden perfection, then topped with rum-kissed caramelized bananas that taste like liquid heaven.
This signature dish has become a local legend, earning shout-outs from Raleigh brunch lovers who return week after week. The Foster sauce brings just the right amount of boozy sweetness without overwhelming the rich, custardy bread.
Parkside’s polished atmosphere makes it ideal for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent. Pair it with one of their brunch cocktails for the full experience.
4. High Park Bar & Grill (Raleigh)
Sometimes you want fancy brunch vibes, and sometimes you just want comfort food done right. High Park Bar & Grill delivers the latter with their Banana Foster French Toast—a diner-style favorite that hits all the right notes without any pretense.
Listed right on their menu and online ordering system, this dish features classic French toast finished with that signature Foster sauce and sweet caramelized bananas. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a lazy Sunday morning.
High Park’s neighborhood-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for families, friends catching up, or solo diners who appreciate quality breakfast without the fuss. The dessert-leaning finish satisfies your sweet tooth while still feeling like a legitimate meal.
5. Ruby Sunshine (Charlotte – South End & Ballantyne)
Ruby Sunshine brings a playful twist to French toast with their addictive French Toast Bites—perfectly golden brioche cubes tossed in cinnamon sugar, then drizzled with sweet cream-cheese icing and rich praline sauce. Each bite delivers maximum flavor with zero fork-and-knife hassle.
If you prefer the traditional route, their Classic Brioche French Toast is equally delicious, and seasonal stuffed options appear throughout the year to keep things interesting. The brioche base guarantees that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone craves.
With locations in both South End and Ballantyne, Charlotte locals have easy access to this sunshine-themed breakfast spot. The cheerful atmosphere and Instagram-worthy presentations make Ruby Sunshine a brunch destination worth planning around.
6. Famous Toastery (multiple NC locations; Charlotte area included)
Born right here in North Carolina, Famous Toastery has built its reputation on doing breakfast better than anyone else—and their Stuffed French Toast proves why. This longtime crowd favorite features thick slices packed with fruit and cream-cheese fillings that ooze out with every forkful.
The chain’s commitment to breakfast-first quality means they’ve perfected every detail, from the bread selection to the stuffing ratios. Multiple locations across the Charlotte area make it easy to get your fix no matter which neighborhood you’re in.
Famous Toastery’s family-friendly vibe and generous portions make it a go-to spot for weekend gatherings, celebrations, or when you simply need a breakfast that feels like home. Their NC roots shine through in every dish.
7. The Durham Hotel (Durham)
Rooftop brunch just hits differently, especially when you’re at The Durham Hotel enjoying their polished take on Stuffed French Toast. This weekend brunch lineup staple brings downtown sophistication to a breakfast classic, with carefully crafted fillings and presentation that feels special without being stuffy.
The hotel’s trendy atmosphere and killer rooftop views make this French toast taste even better. Pair it with one of their expertly mixed brunch cocktails for a truly elevated experience.
The Durham Hotel has become a destination for locals and visitors who appreciate thoughtful food in a stylish setting. Their French toast embodies that philosophy perfectly—familiar comfort elevated through quality ingredients and creative execution that respects the dish’s roots.
8. Refectory Café (Durham)
Available daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Refectory Café’s Challah Cinnamon French Toast has earned recognition from Discover Durham as a must-try breakfast staple. The rich, eggy challah bread soaks up cinnamon-spiced custard beautifully, creating that perfect balance of crispy edges and custardy centers.
Refectory keeps things simple and focused, letting quality ingredients speak for themselves. The café’s no-frills approach means you’re getting authentic flavor without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Durham locals appreciate having a reliable spot where they can grab excellent French toast any day of the week, not just on weekends. The extended service hours mean you can satisfy your craving whether you’re an early riser or prefer a leisurely late breakfast.
9. The George on the Riverwalk (Wilmington)
Wilmington’s coastal charm meets breakfast indulgence at The George on the Riverwalk, where their French Toast Foster combines sourdough bread dipped in cinnamon-vanilla custard with that iconic Foster-style sauce. The sourdough adds a subtle tang that balances the sweet caramelized bananas perfectly.
What really sets this experience apart is the riverside setting—enjoying decadent French toast while watching boats glide by feels like a mini vacation. The George’s brunch menu showcases their commitment to elevated comfort food in a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Whether you’re visiting Wilmington or lucky enough to call it home, this spot deserves a place on your brunch rotation. The combination of excellent food and unbeatable views makes every visit memorable.
