Don’t feel like cooking this Easter? We’ve got you covered. On Sunday, April 17, hop on over to these San Diego County restaurants, offering special holiday menus and family-friendly festivities. (And book now; reservations are filling up fast!)
7 Mile Kitchen
Located at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 7 Mile Kitchen offers ocean breezes and tranquil pool and garden views. Easter brunch includes a selection of omelets, hash-style dishes, wood-fired pizzas, fennel-sausage meatballs, and specialties such as the brioche French Toast topped with vanilla-bean gelato. Wash it all down with a bloody mary or bottomless mimosa. Reservations recommended. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 5420 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, 760.827.2514.
20 | Twenty
Nestled at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 20|Twenty serves locally sourced dishes with global touches. Indulge in executive chef Julian Quiñones’ refined Easter brunch menu of sweet and savory plates. Selections include lobster risotto, blueberry-basil pancakes, smoked-salmon Benedict, roast prime rib with potato gratin, Grand Marnier brioche French toast and more. Enjoy with a mimosa or bloody mary; or choose from a selection of healthy elixirs with fun names, such as the Green Monster and Kale-ifornia. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, 760.827.2500.
Farmer & The Seahorse
The spacious property will offer an Easter egg hunt and a special brunch buffet crafted by chef Sam Deckman. His hearty spread includes carving stations for prime rib, herb-crusted salmon and honey-roasted ham; sides such as potatoes au gratin and roasted asparagus; desserts including raspberry mousse, bread pudding and limoncello tiramisu; and other bites such as bagels, lox, deviled eggs, Caesar salad and more. See website for available reservation slots. $75 adults; $25 kids. 10996 Torreyana Road, Suite 240, La Jolla, 858.260.5400.
Herb & Sea
It’s all about the Easter rolls with cinnamon butter at Herb & Sea. The restaurant’s special holiday menu includes choices such as avocado toast, crab cakes and butter-lemon salad to start; followed by your pick of prosciutto Benedict, filet ‘n’ eggs, polenta with mushrooms and a poached egg, brioche French toast or a lobster roll; along with a side of those heavenly rolls, of course. Add-ons include grilled spot prawns and a basket of mini doughnuts. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $65 per person. 131 West D St., Encinitas, 760.704.8300.
Hotel del Coronado
The iconic seaside resort is hosting a plethora of Easter activities, but our favorite would have to be brunch in the legendary Crown Room. Enjoy an expansive buffet of international dishes, a seafood bar, carving stations, a lavish dessert display and more. (Easter brunch guests and overnight hotel guests are also invited to the exclusive Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. and noon at Del Beach.) Brunch reservations are required. $175 adults; $95 kids ages 4-12. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611.
Juniper and Ivy
Chef Anthony Wells (recently named a James Beard semi-finalist) has crafted two special Easter dining experiences at Juniper and Ivy. The three-course brunch menu features brioche-cinnamon buns, spring-vegetable quiche, baked eggs, lamb legs and carrot cake. Or come in to try the four-course dinner menu with such offerings as carne-crude toast, hanger steak, spicy tuna hand rolls and the famous Yodel for dessert. See website for available reservation slots. $65 brunch; $85 dinner. 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9036.
The Marine Room
The elegant beachfront restaurant is offering an “Easter Jazz Brunch Buffet” with sides of complimentary ocean views and live jazz music. Food selections include crepes, crab cake Benedict, an omelet bar, a carving station, sushi station and seafood bar. Save room for tiramisu, lemon-lavender cake, praline cream puffs and more for dessert. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $175 adults ($225 with bottomless bubbly add-on); $60 kids ages 6-12. 2000 Spindrift Drive. La Jolla, 858.459.7222.
Ranch 45
The butcher shop and cafe is offering both a pickup meal option and onsite dining for Easter brunch. The Easter pickup meal (preorder by April 13 for pickup April 16-17) serves four and includes Brandt New York roast, Chino Farms vegetables, roasted potatoes and salad ($200). Add-ons include mimosas, deviled eggs, bacon quiche and hot-cross buns. Or come for Easter brunch and dine on Ranch 45’s quaint patio; menu items include baked French toast and Brandt beef chorizo and papas with cured egg. Walk-ins only (no dining reservations accepted). 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 512 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858.461.0092.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
The luxe resort is offering an array of alfresco family fun amid its tranquil grounds. 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, Easter egg hunts (12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.), a crafts table and playtime on the lawn. Call for reservations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $165 adults; $65 kids under age 12. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246.
The US Grant Hotel
A buffet station devoted entirely to gnocchi? Sold. Head to The US Grant Hotel’s famed Palm Court Ballroom for an indulgent Champagne brunch buffet dreamt up by executive chef Mark Kropczynski; along with live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny. In addition to the gnocchi station (offering ricotta, chanterelle, sea urchin and bottarga), buffet stops include soups and salads, seafood, cheese and charcuterie, veggies and potatoes, meat and fish, Benedicts, omelets, desserts and coffee drinks. To drink, try the tequila-based Mariposa or a bottomless mimosa. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $105 adults; $75 seniors; $45 kids. 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2077.
Valentina
This quaint bistro and wine bar feels like a slice of Europe in coastal North County. Come for Easter brunch and try the famous glazed ham with a pairing from Valentina’s well-curated bubbly selection. Or dine in for dinner and try the wiener schnitzel, lamb stew and more. A three-course, prix fixe Easter menu is also available ($55 per person). Reservations recommended. Br 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; D 4-9 p.m. 810 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.943.6686.
Waverly
Cardiff’s casual-chic hangout invites you to celebrate with its annual Easter egg hunt and Sunday brunch—featuring dishes such as the “Pig Mac” bao, Funfetti pancakes, fried-egg brioche sandwich, Baja rice bowl, specialty cocktails and more. The fun also includes live music, gift giveaways and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. The Easter egg hunt begins at 9 a.m.; see website for brunch reservations. 2005 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 760.230.1682.
Photo credits: Herb & Sea and Juniper and Ivy by James Tran. Ranch 45 by Kambria Fischer Photography. Valentina by Heather Cleaves. All other images are courtesy of the venues featured.
