Don’t feel like cooking this Easter? On Sunday, April 20, hop on over to these San Diego County restaurants and resorts, offering special holiday-themed menus and family-friendly festivities. (And book now; reservations are filling up FAST.) May your Easter be delicious, and may your celebratory mimosa be bottomless …
Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar
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. The fun also includes an Easter egg hunt (11 a.m.) and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Brunch is served 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (see website for reservations). $125 adults; $39 kids under age 12. 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.793.6467
ARLO at Town and Country Resort
Indoor/outdoor restaurant ARLO promises an “eggcellent” Easter with its special holiday buffet brunch. Offerings include a seafood station, pastries, specialty salads and desserts; plus entrees like braised short ribs, quiche, beef strip loin and rosemary-crusted, grilled leg of lamb; along with Easter-themed cocktails. Brunch guests will also enjoy live DJ music and are invited to attend Town and Country Resort’s Easter egg hunt on the Martini Lawn. Brunch is served 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $90 adults (including a glass of sparkling wine for patrons age 21+); $38 kids ages 5-12. See website for reservations and full menu. 500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley, 619.908.5058
Herb & Sea
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 toast, a lox plate and maple-bourbon pork belly over polenta to start; followed by your choice of sausage & eggs, French toast with chai-mascarpone whip, and smoked pulled pork hash (among other offerings); sides like rosemary potatoes and little gem salad; and the blueberry-lemon Danish, of course. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $68 adults; $30 kids. 131 West D St., Encinitas, 760.704.8300
Crown Room at Hotel del Coronado
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 sashimi, carving stations, a grand dessert display and a complimentary glass of Champagne. Afterward, the kiddos can enjoy an Easter egg hunt on the beach (exclusively for brunch and hotel guests; 10 a.m. and noon). Brunch is served 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $228 adults; $117 kids ages 5-10; free ages 4 and under (see website for tickets). 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611
Juniper and Ivy
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 red crab with uni toast; followed by first course options like Pacific oysters and burrata with spring peas; mains such as blackened shrimp ‘n’ grits, green eggs and ham raviolo, and king salmon; and coco flan, Tres Leches or churros with dark Mexican chocolate for dessert. See website for reservations and pricing. 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9036
Marisi La Jolla
La Jolla’s elegant indoor/outdoor restaurant specializing Italian hearth cooking is open for brunch on Easter Sunday with a fun menu of offerings. Start with a bloody mary (pictured) or the Brunch Martini, made with gin, bergamot, lemon and orange marmalade; and then choose from dishes like Eggs in Purgatory, the house-made pasta carbonara, and sourdough cinnamon rolls with whipped mascarpone. See website for reservations. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1044 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.401.6787
Mille Fleurs
The culinary staple of Rancho Santa Fe, Mille Fleurs is offering a three-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, traditional duck confit, 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. Brunch reservations available 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.3085
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
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 hunt at 11 a.m. (reserved exclusively for overnight resort guests, members and brunch patrons). $190 adults; $75 kids ages 4-11. 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad
Ponyboy at The Pearl Hotel
Leave the kiddos at home for Ponyboy’s campy “not your Grandma’s Easter brunch” experience (21+). The fun includes DJs spinning vintage vinyl deep cuts; a Golden Egg Hunt for a chance to score bar prizes; Easter-themed cocktails and spiked coffee drinks; and a brunch buffet with dishes like shrimp ‘n’ grits, Hawaiian roll French toast and Ponyboy’s signature deviled eggs. Guests are encouraged to dress in their retro Sunday best; think: oversized shades, linen suits, silk scarves, etc. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $68 per person (includes brunch buffet and one Easter cocktail). See website for reservations. 1410 Rosecrans, Point Loma, 619.226.6100
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
The luxe resort is offering an array of family fun amid its tranquil indoor/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, Easter egg hunts and playtime on the lawn. Call for reservations. Lawn activities available 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; dining reservations 1-4 p.m.; all-ages Easter egg hunts 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. $235 adults; $95 kids ages 4-12. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246
Rumorosa at Sheraton San Diego Resort
Sheraton San Diego Resort is offering a festive Easter Bunny Brunch, with plenty of fun for the kiddos. Its marina-view flagship restaurant, Rumorosa, is serving up seasonal dishes and desserts, such as Carrot Cake Waffles, Eggs Benedicto and Barbacoa leg of lamb; along with an egg hunt with the Easter Bunny. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. See website for reservations. $85 adults; $35 kids. 1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island
Photo credits: Juniper and Ivy, Herb & Sea, and Ponyboy by Kimberly Motos. Mille Fleurs by Lucianna McIntosh. Other images are courtesy of the venues featured.
