New Orleans inspired food tucked away at the corner of Whitaker Mill and Atlantic Blvd.

I owe a lot to Hummingbird.

At the start of my senior year, a picky seventeen-year-old was on the hunt for a job (I just had to have money for clothes you know,) and an Instagram post caught my eye. I sent an email to the contact listed, having no prior experience in the service industry, and frankly not a very wide palette.

Jump ahead to a week later and I was starting my first hostessing gig at this cute and somewhat tucked away gem called Hummingbird. The work was fun- I had awesome coworkers, an admirable boss in chef and owner Coleen Speaks, the place was always busy, and we had Mexican Coke bottles which I made my go-to shift drink. The only downside? I refused to try the food. Chicken livers and fritto misto greeted me every time I went to look for some grub. I was having none of it. This was all far too adventurous for my palette.

Well one incredibly busy brunch, I was waiting tables and had carried out numerous servings of our avocado toast, and I don’t know if I was starved or if I just came to my senses, but it smelled good. No, scratch that, it smelled divine. When closing time came around, I bit the bullet. I ordered the avocado toast. The texture of the avocado was intimidating, I was repulsed at the idea of eggs, but gosh darn it, I had never wanted to eat something more in my life.

That right there was one of my first ever posts on @munchwithriles, and the opening of my mind (and tastebuds) to other foods. I have since forgotten my picky ways, tried some incredible food, and am actually now enrolled in Cordon Bleu culinary classes to pursue a potential career in the food industry.

So, I do owe a lot to this wonderful place for exposing me to the big and beautiful world of good eats, and I continue to frequent this spot because it’s just that good.

Now, enough exposition, let’s discuss the restaurant itself. With a warm and inviting patio, and a stunning bar that resides inside- the ambience is incredible. The string lights along the outside beckon you to come sit down and enjoy the food. Speaking of which, the food provides you with comfort all the while providing exciting flavors you likely won’t find in your home kitchen (and if you do, I am very jealous.) The menu is seasonal and so there aren’t many constants, but what does stick around does so for good reason. The spiced chicken wings, charbroiled oysters, smoked oysters, avocado toast, smoked deviled eggs, and brunch burger are all mainstays and must-sees. Oh, and if you have even the slightest bit of room for dessert, try the sticky bun or their ricotta fritters; donut-like balls served on mascarpone and seasonal jam. Heavenly.

As for their seasonal dishes, I would keep my eye on the fried hen of the woods, the cheshire pork, banana bread french toast, and the brunch pizza. Really though, you can’t go wrong with any of the dishes, all are fresh, well seasoned, cooked perfectly, and pleasing to the eye and belly. Chef Coleen Speaks finds the perfect mix of fine dining and comfort, the food never reads pretentious and never comes out as just decent. You will feel the love, intention, and time she puts into every original recipe that this self-taught chef comes up with.

Speaking of the seasons, Hummingbird offers an open bar decked out with awesome liquors, but also features a rotating list of seasonal cocktails. I had the pleasure of trying a fall cocktail called The Silk Road: a cardamom-infused reposado with pomegranate and lemon notes, as well as some spice that makes for a cozy drink, something I find difficult to accomplish with tequila. The cocktails are worthwhile, so pull up a chair, grab a few small plates and enjoy sipping inside the restaurant.

An absolute delight, every single visit, I adore Hummingbird. It set the standard for what I view as “delicious” and continues to live up to my internal hype every time I return. I couldn’t recommend you dine here more. While the brunch service is by far and away my favorite, their more low-key dinner service features some incredible bites that you really don’t want to miss out on. Bring good company, enjoy the vibrant food, and treat yourself to some of the very best Raleigh has to offer.