Looking for last-minute ideas to celebrate Easter—Sunday, April 5—in San Diego this year? Hop on over to these S.D. County restaurants, hotels and resorts—offering special menus and family-friendly festivities this holiday weekend. (And book now; reservations are filling up FAST.) May your Easter be delicious, and may your celebratory mimosa be bottomless!
“Hop, Sip & Bloom” at Wild Hare Bar Garden
April 4. Get into the Easter spirit the day prior at “Hop, Sip & Bloom,” a special spring brunch soiree at Wild Hare Bar Garden, located inside the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. The experience is a garden-style party, comprising spring-inspired cocktail specials and a full brunch menu; live bunnies to pet, play with and even adopt, via Tailas Tails; vendor pop-ups such as Headed West, Permanent Jewelry + Charm Bar, and Number Eleven Candles; and plenty of fresh florals and photo ops. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.702.8288
Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar
April 5. Overlooking the ocean in Del Mar Village, the charming L’Auberge Del Mar resort invites you to its Easter brunch buffet at its signature restaurant, Adelaide. Enjoy seasonal dishes curated by executive chef Sergio Jimenez, including an array of spring salads; beef and ham carving stations; omelet, waffle and pancake stations; a seafood and raw bar; entrées like seafood paella and roasted boneless lamb leg; and assorted desserts. Brunch is served 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (see website for reservations). $135 adults; $39 kids under age 12. 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.793.6467
Garibaldi
April 5. Known for its spectacular San Diego Bay views and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Garibaldi is serving up some delicious dishes for Easter. Starters include braided Greek Easter Bread and harissa-deviled eggs; plates like roasted lamb shank with pomegranate glaze, golden raisins, myrtle herb pilaf and early spring vegetables; and spiced carrot cake with mascarpone cream and citrus zest for a sweet finish. Enjoy all on Garibaldi’s expansive terrace, featuring new seating, firepits and a new full-service bar. Restaurant opens at 3 p.m. (Enjoy complimentary three-hour parking with a purchase of $50 or more.) See website for reservations. InterContinental San Diego, third floor, 901 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.436.1081
Herb & Sea
April 5. It’s all about the Easter bread service at Herb & Sea, and this year it’s the blueberry-lemon Danish pastry. The restaurant’s special three-course prix fixe holiday menu includes choices such as avocado and smoked seabass toast, strawberry and goat cheese salad, and pork belly with applewood-baked beans to start; followed by your choice of filet & eggs, Iberico Benedict, and Quiche Loraine (among other offerings); shared sides like breakfast potatoes and cinnamon French toast; and the blueberry-lemon Danish, of course. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $68 per adult; $30 per child. 131 West D St., Encinitas, 760.704.8300
Hotel del Coronado
April 5. The iconic seaside resort is hosting a lavish Easter brunch in its beautifully restored Crown Room. Indulge in a decadent buffet of classic brunch dishes; a chilled seafood bar; sushi and poke; a butcher’s block serving Mustard Scottish King Salmon, herb-grilled Pacifico Barramundi, fire-spiced roasted lamb shoulder and more; spring salads, pastas and sides and desserts; and a complimentary glass of Champagne. Guests can also reserve photos with the Easter Bunny and visit The Easter Garden Fair in the Victorian Garden Courtyard. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $235 adults; $125 kids ages 5-10; free ages 4 and under (see website for tickets). 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611
Juniper and Ivy
April 5. The Little Italy hotspot is serving up a gourmet Easter brunch menu, beginning with appetizers, followed by three courses, with a handful of choices available for each. Starters include caviar, a rockfish tostada, and a spicy tuna handroll; followed by first course options like Kumamoto oysters, rockfish aguachile, and strawberry-bufala mozzarella with mint pesto; mains such as San Diego Uni Carbonara, Iberico hanger steak and Tiger Prawn Étouffée over cheddar grits; and Strawberry Jasmin Tres Leches Cake, coconut-rice pudding, or mandarin pavlova for dessert. See website for reservations and pricing. 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9036
Marisi La Jolla
April 5. La Jolla’s elegant indoor/outdoor restaurant specializing Italian hearth cooking is open for brunch on Easter Sunday, offering a festive four-course prix fixe menu, served family-style. Indulge in Eggs Napolitana, Little Gem Caesar salad, a cured salmon plate, a mortadella sandwich, and carrot-cake loaf. See website for reservations. $60 per person; $40 wine-pairing add-on. 1044 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.401.6787
Mille Fleurs
April 5. The culinary staple of Rancho Santa Fe, Mille Fleurs is offering a four-course prix fixe brunch menu on Easter Sunday. Choose among traditional lobster bisque, Irish smoked salmon, and strawberry and lemon mascarpone crepes to start; entrees such as almond-crusted local seabass, eggs Benedict, prime New York steak ‘n’ eggs, and rack of lamb; and your choice of strawberry-rhubarb pie, fresh berries and Chantilly cream, and Valrhona dark chocolate pot de crème with cookies for dessert. See website for reservations. $105 per person; $40 kids ages 12 and under. 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.3085
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
April 5. It’s an Easter “Eggstravaganza” at Costa de la Luna at Omni La Costa Resort, which hosts the largest Easter egg hunt in the area—boasting 15,000 eggs—plus a special appearance by the Easter Bunny and brunch. Indulge in made-to-order specialties, a chilled seafood bar and bottomless mimosas. Brunch reservations available 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; egg hunts at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (reserved exclusively for overnight resort guests, members and brunch patrons). $190 per adult; $75 per child ages 4-11. 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
April 5. The luxe resort is offering an array of family fun amid its tranquil outdoor space. Indulge in a decadent Easter buffet that includes a generous raw bar, carving stations, spring salads, a dessert bar and brunch libations. Meanwhile, the kiddos will love the petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, balloon art and Easter egg hunts and playtime on the lawn. Call for reservations. Lawn activities available 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; dining reservations 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; all-ages Easter egg hunts at noon and 3 p.m. $245 adults; $95 kids ages 4-12. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246
Sally’s Waterfront Dining
April 5. Located along the marina at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Sally’s Waterfront Dining is offering Easter brunch and a family-friendly egg hunt in the marina courtyard. The kiddos will receive a complimentary Easter basket filled with treats, coloring books, crayons and stickers; plus dedicated kids’ tables. Easter brunch includes Tres Leches French Toast, Baja Chilaquiles, seasonal cocktails, prosecco specials and more. 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. See website for reservations. (Separate reservations are required for brunch and Easter egg hunt.) 1 Market Place, downtown, 619.358.6740
Photo credits: Garibaldi is by Chris Costa. Juniper and Ivy and Marisi La Jolla are by Kimberly Motos. All other images are courtesy of the businesses featured.
