Citrus the Diner

It wasn’t just breakfast. It was an experience. While vacationing near Lake Norman, we asked a few locals where we could find a good breakfast spot. Without hesitation, they recommended Citrus Diner. We walked and greeted with a cheerful welcome by Blake. The diner itself is full of personality, with a bright, colorful atmosphere and a menu that’s just as fun. The names of the dishes and drinks are creative and original, which added to the charm. We went with a suggested drinks by Blake. My friend had the Bernadette’s Bloody Mary, and I had the Nutty Russian—both were excellent! For breakfast, we shared the peanut butter banana stuffed French toast w/eggs and ham. Everything was absolutely delicious. Our server; Khoury was attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. The other server; Alisha added to the cohesive and non-competitive team to tend to ALL guests. If you’re anywhere near Lake Norman and looking for a memorable breakfast, this vibrant little diner is definitely worth the stop.

Great diner with extensive menu. Biscuits were great. Good amount of fat and bite made a sturdy sandwich. Also had the French onion soup omelette. Novel idea. It was good but I probably pick something else. Grits were good. They have a bit of heat from black pepper. But the grits were soft. Service was outstanding. Coffee was great as well. Would go back

We’ve been regulars here for years, and it continues to be our favorite spot - hands down. The menu is extensive yet thoughtful, constantly evolving, and always made with incredibly fresh ingredients. Whether you’re a traditional eater or someone who loves to try something new, there’s truly something for everyone. They’re also fantastic about accommodating dietary restrictions, which is rare to find done this well. And the fresh-squeezed orange juice? Unmatched. What really sets this place apart, though, is the staff. They’ve known us before, during, and after we had our baby - and somehow remember more about our lives than some friends and family. That level of genuine care is something you can’t fake, and it’s felt every single visit. They even listened to our suggestion about adding music on the patio and are testing it out now, which speaks volumes about how much they value their guests. Don’t let the modest strip-mall exterior fool you—this place is a true gem. 10/10, every time.

Citrus is always our go to Sunday Brunch spot after Mass! The food is always great, the restaurant is quirky and fun, and the staff is always nice and thorough. We have not had a bad meal, and the specials overall are delicious. Today we ordered the specials of Thai Pork Breakfast Bowl and the Strawberry-Mascarpone Shokupan. They were both so good and yet so different, so we shared them and got a main dish and a sweet dish! Highly recommend enjoying brunch at Citrus the Diner!

Add us to the list of fans of Citrus the Diner! This location was very near the place we were staying so decided to go there for breakfast and we weren't disappointed! Belgium waffles took awhile because they only had 2 irons and they were both in full use. But the waffles were worth the wait and were hot, slightly crispy, and delicious. Their bacon was also excellent. Special call out to their Banana Nut Bread Latte (or something like that). Amazing, not something you see elsewhere, and worth ordering. Really friendly staff and atmosphere. Highly recommended.