Don’t feel like cooking this Easter (Sunday, April 9)? 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 …
Bleu Bohème
April 7-8. Celebrate the holiday early with a special Easter-inspired dinner entree at this quaint French bistro, available exclusively on Friday and Saturday. The dish comprises leg of lamb—braised in herbs and spices for seven hours—and served with ratatouille and flageolet beans ($42). Pair it with Champagne or a selection from Bleu Bohème’s vast wine list; and save room for the crème brulée or warm brioche bread pudding with caramelized apples, raisins and white chocolate for dessert. See website or call for reservations. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167
Dockside 1953 at Bahia Resort Hotel
April 9. Head to the Bahia Resort Hotel for its Easter Champagne Brunch Buffet at Dockside 1953. The buffet will feature brunch entrees, omelet and waffle stations, charcuterie and cheese platters, salads, chilled seafood, fresh fruit and desserts. The fun also includes an Easter egg hunt for the kiddos; as well as a complimentary ticket for each guest aboard the William D. Evans sternwheeler for a special Easter cruise along Mission Bay. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts and visit with the Easter Bunny himself; while specials on mimosas and Bloody Marys await for the adults. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $120 adults; $60 kids ages 5-12; free ages 4 and under. 998 W. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay, 858.539.7635
Farmer & The Seahorse
April 9. The spacious property will host an Easter egg hunt, a visit with the Easter Bunny and a special brunch buffet crafted by chef Sam Deckman. His generous spread includes a prime rib carving station, build-your-own Benedicts, a little gem salad bar, fresh biscuits, a special “Little Bunnies” children’s buffet, bagels and lox, and desserts such as carrot coffeecake and cheesecake in a jar. See website for available reservation slots. $50 adults; $25 kids. 10996 Torreyana Road, Suite 240, La Jolla, 858.260.5400
Herb & Sea
April 9. It’s all about the Easter bread service at Herb & Sea, and this year it’s the lemon-blueberry Danish pastry. The restaurant’s special holiday menu includes choices such as charcuterie, oak-smoked salmon and peach-and-arugula salad to start; followed by your choice of crab cake Benedict, hanger steak with poached eggs, French toast or a lobster roll (among other offerings); sides like fried potatoes and seasonal fruit; and the lemon-blueberry Danish, of course. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $65 per person. 131 West D St., Encinitas, 760.704.8300
Hotel del Coronado
April 9. The iconic seaside resort is hosting myriad Easter activities, but our favorite would have to be brunch in the legendary Crown Room. Enjoy a lavish brunch of international dishes, a chilled seafood bar, carving stations, a grand dessert display and a glass of Champagne. (Easter brunch guests and overnight hotel guests are also invited to the exclusive Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. and noon on Del Beach.) Brunch reservations are required. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. $175 adults; $95 kids ages 4-12. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611
Mister A’s
April 9. Serving Easter brunch with a side of its famous views from 12 floors up, Mister’s is offering an exclusive three-course menu. To start, choose from dishes such as the signature lemon-babka French toast with lemon curd and blueberries; Maine lobster pot pie; and potato gnocchi with caramelized onion cream, crispy eggplant and spiced walnut. Second-course choices include buttermilk-fried chicken ‘n’ waffles, salmon wellington and Turkish eggs; with your choice of sticky-toffee carrot cake, vanilla-bean crème brulée, citrus pound cake, piña-colada tapioca or chocolate mousse to finish. Reservations required. $85 per person. 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
April 9. 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, pastas, breakfast entrees, made-to-order egg dishes, an avocado toast station, 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. $195 adults; $55 kids ages 3-11. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246
SEA180
April 9. For a seaside Easter brunch, head south to SEA 180 Coastal Tavern—plunked right on the beachfront with views of the Imperial Beach Pier. Order from the restaurant’s extensive brunch menu; along with specialty dishes such as smoked salmon toast, Turkish fried eggs and the croque Madame with Gruyere cheese and truffle bechamel. Wash it all down with festive libations like the Lil Bunny Foo Foo Margarita; the My Peeps cocktail with vodka, Malibu rum, pineapple juice and a marshmallow Peep garnish; and the Grapefruit Garden Paloma. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Pier South Resort, 800 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach, 619.631.4949
STK Steakhouse
April 8-9. The Gaslamp hotspot is offering special Easter weekend menus on Saturday and Sunday—available for dine-in (reservations recommended) or takeout. For brunch, try the Dungeness crab deviled eggs, hot chicken ‘n’ waffles, or steak ‘n’ eggs. Dinner offerings include slow-roasted prime rib, lamb T-bones and veal chops; plus your favorite STK sides and desserts. Beginning at 11 a.m. Andaz San Diego, 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.354.5988
La Valencia Hotel
April 9. La Jolla’s landmark “Pink Lady” is pulling out all the stops for Easter, offering a festive three-course menu all day (10 a.m.-7 p.m.). Choose from entrees such as honey-glazed ham, herb-crusted lamb loin, pistachio-crusted halibut and quiche with spring veggies and fontina cheese; with chocolate panna cotta or a hibiscus-lemon tart with fresh berries and raspberry coulis for dessert. The Easter Bunny—along with Mrs. Easter Bunny and Princess Lolly—will also be on hand for photo ops (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.); plus an Easter egg hunt in the ocean-view garden. Easter dining is $129 per adult; $45 per child. See website for reservations. 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 855.476.6870
Photo credits: Mister A’s by Kimberly Motos. All other images are courtesy of the venues featured.
