Don’t feel like cooking this Easter? On Sunday, March 31, hop on over to these San Diego County restaurants and resorts, offering special holiday-themed menus and family-friendly festivities throughout Easter weekend. (And book now; reservations are filling up FAST.) May your Easter be delicious, and may your celebratory mimosa be bottomless …
Hotel Del Coronado
March 28-31. The iconic seaside resort is hosting myriad Easter weekend activities: an “Easter Roast” at the beach, where guests can enjoy a bonfire and toast s’mores (March 28-31); personalized deliveries from the Easter Bunny himself (March 28-31); an Easter egg hunt on Del Beach on Easter Sunday; and, our favorite, the Champagne Easter Brunch in the Southpointe Ballroom. The latter includes a lavish spread of international dishes, a chilled seafood bar, carving stations, a grand dessert display and a glass of Champagne. Brunch reservations are required; check website for remaining brunch availability and for details on all Easter activities. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
March 29-31. “Easter at The Grand” is a festive extravaganza for the whole family. Book the Easter Bunny Tea (March 29-30; noon-4 p.m.), which includes a selection of teas, petit fours, Champagne for the adults, treats for the kiddos, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. On March 31, there’s also a decadent Easter Brunch buffet in the Grand Ballroom; Easter dining at Amaya restaurant; and the Grand Egg Hunt on the lawn. At the outdoor Grand Social lounge, relax with libations and live music and mingle with the Easter Bunny; while the kids enjoy face painting and balloon twisters. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar, 858.314.2000
STK Steakhouse
March 29-31. In celebration of Easter, the Gaslamp hotspot is offering a la carte menu specials on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Feast on Dungeness crab deviled eggs with sturgeon caviar for $34; slow-roasted prime rib for $69; peppercorn-crusted lamb chops for $74; Parmesan-crusted sole for $51; and more. Each guest will also be greeted with an Easter egg filled with surprises—some of which are golden eggs holding grand prizes. See website for hours (reservations recommended). Andaz San Diego, 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.354.5988
Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar
March 31. Overlooking the ocean in Del Mar Village, the charming L’Auberge Del Mar resort invites you to Easter brunch at its signature restaurant, Adelaide. Crafted by executive chef Larry Monaco, the menu offers braised-short-rib Benedict, duck confit hash, cream-cheese-stuffed French toast with strawberries, and zeppole; plus a made-to-order omelet station, salads, a carving station with ham and prime rib, desserts and more. The fun also includes an egg hunt (11 a.m.) and a visit from the Easter Bunny (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). See website for reservations. $150 adults; $40 kids under age 12. 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.386.1336
Books & Records
March 31. Enjoy a decadent Easter brunch buffet—with offerings like short-rib Benedict, bagels and lox, hashbrowns, and fresh fruit—plus a side of live jazz music at this stylish uptown haunt. Add-ons include bottomless mimosas for $30; with the restaurant’s full cocktail menu also available. We suggest the Cajun Shrimp Bloody Mary. Reservations available beginning at 9 a.m. $60 per person. 2204 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.795.1000
Cafe Sevilla
March 31. Celebrate the day at this popular Gaslamp staple. Cafe Sevilla will offer live Spanish music (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and classic brunch fare with a Spanish twist. Think: Spanish Eggs Benedict (poached eggs, jamón serrano, and saffron hollandaise on kalamata olive loaf; the Breakfast Meat Paella; and the Torrijas Spanish-Style French Toast (French loaf soaked in nutmeg, cinnamon and lemon zest cream, topped with sangria-blueberry syrup). Return for happy hour or dinner and enjoy live Latin music by Cuban4Ever (8-11:30 p.m.). See website or call for reservations. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979
George’s at the Cove
March 31. A La Jolla institution for refined dining, George’s at the Cove only serves brunch on rare occasions; and Easter Sunday is one of them. Book a table on the restaurant’s lower level and indulge in a special menu of breakfast pastries, classic eggs Benedict, a wild-mushroom-and-Gruyere-cheese omelet, steak ‘n’ eggs, huevos rancheros, brioche French toast, carrot-cake cheesecake and more; all with a side of George’s postcard-perfect coastline views. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.4244
Herb & Sea
March 31. It’s all about the Easter bread service at Herb & Sea, and this year it’s the blueberry Danish pastry. The restaurant’s special holiday menu includes choices such as salmon toast, peaches and greens, and brûléed Brie cheese to start; followed by your choice of chocolate-chip pancakes, confit rabbit hash, or New York steak with poached eggs (among other offerings); sides like rosemary potatoes and seasonal fruit; and the blueberry Danish, of course. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $65 per person. 131 West D St., Encinitas, 760.704.8300
Little Frenchie
March 31. The Michelin Guide-recognized Parisian cafe is serving Easter brunch, featuring classic French dishes such as the crab-and-avocado Benedict with a croissant and lemon hollandaise; a rabbit and pistachio terrine; and trout-and-potato beignets; plus mimosas, bellinis, Bloody Marys, coffee drinks and teas. See website for reservations. 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.675.0041
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
March 31. 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 (12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.), and playtime on the lawn. Call for reservations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $225 adults; $95 kids ages 3-11. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246
Photo credits: Books & Records by Kimberly Motos. Other images are courtesy of the venues featured.
