It's no secret that breakfast restaurants are one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry. The morning options in the Wilmington area have reflected that, too, with everything from brunch restaurants that incorporate innovative culinary techniques to a local, mimosa-inspired chain.
But the breakfast boom hasn't necessarily come with more buffets, aside from some local hotels. Maybe because diners are looking for more value and variety when dining out -- two strengths of buffets – that could be changing as some restaurants are adding the service. Here's a look at a few of the eateries where you can eat all you care to in the a.m.
Osteria Cicchetti, Wilmington
The new owners of this Italian restaurant in The Forum at 1125 Military Cutoff Road have been making tweaks
to the menu and service. Now, they've added a Sunday brunch buffet that leans to lavish. Selections include the standard breakfast items, including Eggs Benedict, as well as those that satisfy lunchier cravings, like shrimp and grits, pasta, warm salmon in a caper sauce, and a selection of pizzas. Also included are pastries, fruit, lox, yogurt and granola. Brunch also comes with a form to build-your-own omelet, which is then made in the kitchen. Mimosas and Bloody Marys are on special. It's 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Wharf, Holden Beach
This restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway has had another recent rebrand, with the owners giving it this nautical rename a few months ago. (It was previously SmacNally's Waterfront Bar & Grill, LouLou's Waterfront Restaurant and Betty's Waterfront Restaurant.) In addition to a food truck and a Friday night surf-and-turf buffet, they've added a daily all-you-can-eat breakfast at 1045 B-Var Road. Look for biscuits and gravy, cheesy grits, bacon, sausage links and patties, home fries, scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, and fruit. The menu might also include a special soup and there's also a waffle station. It's 7-11 a.m.
Solstice Kitchen & Cocktails, Wrightsville Beach
Among the hotels and resorts offering a breakfast bar is this restaurant inside the Lumina on Wrightsville Beach. It has a coastal American menu and ocean views from indoor and outdoor dining area. In this case, it means you can enjoy a buffet while the sun rises over the Atlantic. Their menu is available every day and includes pastries, oatmeal, fruit, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, and sausage, buttermilk biscuits and an excellent sausage gravy. Omelets and eggs can be made to order. A non-alcoholic beverage is included and there's also a menu of brunch cocktails. It's also available daily, 7-11 a.m. weekdays, and until noon Saturdays and Sundays.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews.You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Is the brunch buffet back? 3 to try in the Wilmington area
