From egg hunts to indulgent brunches, find the best places to celebrate Easter in San Diego.
Edited by Eva Scattergood.
A.R. Valentien
Apr. 21. Celebrate Easter at The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature restaurant and enjoy a prix-fixe three-course meal featuring options including Dungeness crab ravioli, caramelized sea scallops, braised lamb osso buco and carrot cake. Noon-3 p.m. $80 adults, $95 with free-flowing sparkling wine, $40 children 12 and under. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.777.6635. lodgetorreypines.com
Belmont Park
Apr. 21. This all-day Easter bash includes Sunday brunch on the boardwalk at Draft and a rooftop mimosa bubbles bar at Cannonball. Guests can also enjoy free activities and entertainment from an Easter Bunny photo op to hat painting, plus live music at Beach House. This year, kids ages 12 and under will be able to enjoy egg hunts in the park at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (no tickets required). 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. belmontpark.com
Casa Sol y Mar
Apr. 21. Enjoy a celebratory Easter brunch buffet at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. The buffet offers a carving station with favorites such as tri-tip grilled beef and honey baked ham; breakfast station with fiesta scrambled eggs, handmade flour tortillas, refried beans and chorizo; and a dessert station with Mexican chocolate mousse, cinnamon sugared churros and caramel flan. Traditional lunch items like tequila lime shrimp, chicken fajitas and cheese enchiladas are also included in the buffet. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $27.95 adults, $13.95 children under 10. 12864 El Camino Real, Del Mar, 858.792.4100. casasolymar.com
Cafe Sevilla
Apr. 21. Head to the Gaslamp Quarter for a nine-course tapas brunch while listening to live Spanish music. Menu selections include 14 hour braised short ribs, pan seared salmon, Spanish eggs Benedict and a lemon tart for dessert. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $28.50 adults, $11.50 children 12 and under. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. cafesevilla.com
Catania
Apr. 21. Reserve a cozy banquette with views of the Pacific and feast on a decadent Italian Easter lunch. Catania’s handmade pasta, assortment of woodfired pizzas including a holiday-appropriate lamb sausage and egg option, market-fresh seafood and incredible cocktails are sure to make for a low-key and luxurious Sunday celebration. 11:30 a.m. 7863 Girard Ave. #301, La Jolla, 858.551.5105. cataniasd.com
Charles + Dinorah
Apr. 21. New on the brunch scene, Charles + Dinorah will be serving Easter brunch poolside. Indulge in dishes like Nutella French toast made with pain de mie, hazelnut and maple syrup, and croque madame with bechamel, black forest ham and a fried egg. On the lighter side are tartine options of avocado, tomato, radish and sprouts or smoked salmon with roasted poblano cream cheese, tomato, capers and red onion. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Pearl Hotel, 1410 Rosecrans St., Point Loma, 619.226.6100. thepearlsd.com
The Crack Shack
Apr. 21. Have fun with lawn games, craft drinks and fried chicken this holiday. Before anything else, try the newest menu item—the BAE, featuring bacon, avocado, sunny side up egg and American cheese, all on an artisan English muffin from the best local bakeries. For a brunch minus the buns, there’s the Anti-Salad Power Bowl that comes with smoked chicken, soft boiled egg, heritage grains, chato’s salsa, avocado and arugula. And a pro tip: add a couple of fried eggs to the Mexican Poutine for yolk-meets-fry heaven. See website for hours. 2266 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.795.3299; 407 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, 760.230.2968. crackshack.com
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Apr. 21. Celebrate Easter alongside family and friends with a buffet-style garden brunch. Sip on bubbly and indulge in a breakfast taco station, featuring custom tacos made to order with short rib machaca and market vegetables, a classic omelet station, chilled seafood display and carving station filled with choices like smoked spice-rubbed brisket and crab clusters. Cap off the meal with the gelato station and petit fours including plum cake pasquale with dried and candied fruit, a ricotta pastiera napoletana and a cassata siciliana al forno with a sweet and savory pasta frolla, short pastry, ricotta and chocolate chips. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $75 adults, $25 children. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 855.318.7602. meritagecollection.com
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Apr. 21. Hop on over to one of three options for brunch at this luxury resort. Enjoy a buffet brunch and bubbly in the Ballroom, a three-course brunch at Amaya or an à la carte brunch at The Clubhouse Grill. Color your Easter unforgettable with face-painting, cookie-decorating, sack races and the popular egg hunt (baskets provided)—complete with a strolling Easter Bunny. Family activities 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Egg hunt 12:30 p.m. See website for brunch hours. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar, 858.314.2000. fairmont.com
Farmer & The Seahorse
Apr. 21. Spend Easter out in the sunshine with brunch on the patio. The eatery will be serving up their brunch menu with dishes like their lobster roll, along with some Easter specials and a few festive surprises, including an Easter egg hunt and Easter Bunny appearance for the kids. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 10996 Torreyana Road, Torrey Pines, 858.260.5401. thealexandria.com
Gravity Heights
Apr. 21. This new 5,000-square-foot beer garden will be dedicated to a kid-focused Easter experience featuring an egg hunt for the littles and a special Easter buffet brunch. Adult tickets include brunch and a mimosa, while tickets for the kids include brunch and the Easter egg hunt. 10 a.m.-noon. $25. 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd., Sorrento, 858.283.8206. Tickets
Herb & Wood
Apr. 21. Herb & Wood is celebrating the one year anniversary of its renowned brunch with a four-course Easter menu. Options include dishes such as Dungeness crab hash, burrata and crispy prosciutto toast, shakshuka and bananas Foster French toast. The menu also includes a pastry basket to start created by Executive Pastry Chef Adrian Mendoza, along with the choice of strawberry vacherin or chocolate pots de creme for dessert. A kids menu is available including options like French toast and a mini quiche. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $48.88 adults, $15.99 children. 2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.955.8495. herbandwood.com
Hotel del Coronado
Apr. 21. Go all out this Easter with an over-the-top champagne brunch in Hotel Del Coronado’s magnificent Crown Room. Families and friends can gather round customizable waffles and omelets, a carving station, local seafood, assorted meats, fresh fruit, delectable desserts and more. A beachfront Easter egg hunt awaits after the meal to soak up the sunshine, plus crafts on the Windsor Lawn. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $140 adults, $65 children ages 4-10, free children 3 and under. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.8100. hoteldel.com
InterContinental San Diego
Apr. 21. Take in remarkable views of San Diego Bay from the hotel’s third-floor restaurant, Vistal, with a decadent brunch buffet of chilled seafood, cheese, charcuterie, salads, pastries, desserts and bottomless mimosas, plus made-to-order entrees like stone crab benedict and braised short rib hash. Little ones will receive a complimentary Easter basket for dessert and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $68 adults, $34 children 12 and under. 901 Bayfront Ct., 619.535.0485. vistalsd.com
KITCHEN 1540
Apr. 21. L’Auberge Del Mar’s Easter brunch offers guests an extravagant array of traditional breakfast and lunch offerings highlighting the chefs’ contemporary takes the best local foods. There’s even a special table for the little ones, as well as a petting zoo and oversized games on the Pacific Terrace. Stop by at 9 a.m. to join the complimentary Easter egg hunt and sand dollar coloring. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $90 adults, additional $15 for free-flowing mimosas, $30 children under 12. 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.793.6460. laubergedelmar.com
Louisiana Purchase
Apr. 20-21. This recently opened North Park spot will be launching their brand-new brunch on Easter weekend. Guests can enjoy dishes like the LP Sardou—a 4-ounce steak over English muffin with cream spinach, topped with crab boil poached eggs, a Marchand de vin and bearnaise or an Open Face Jambalaya Omelet. The Southern-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar will be offering food and drink specials throughout both Saturday and Sunday. Cocktail specials include the “Cat’s Meow” bottomless mimosas and rosé for $20 à la carte or $15 with entree. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 2305 University Ave., North Park, 619.255.8278. louisianapurhasesd.com
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Apr. 21. Gather family and friends to delight in a blossoming Easter buffet at Seaview Restaurant while enjoying the property’s waterfront location offering picturesque views of the San Diego Bay and beyond. Leave the aprons at home and enjoy a stress-free holiday complete with a customized omelet bar, various breakfast pastries and fresh Belgian waffles to begin the day. Head over to the iced seafood display for Alaskan king crab legs, Pacific oysters, shrimp and sushi; or indulge in salt crusted prime rib and honey bourbon glazed ham from the butcher. Top it off with side dish highlights such as Boursin whipped mashed potatoes, spring vegetable risotto, deviled eggs, an artisan cheese and charcuterie board, and more. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $74 adults, $34 children ages 6-12, free children five and under. 1 Market Place, downtown, 619.358.6735. hyatt.com
The Marine Room
Apr. 21. Offering dramatic views of La Jolla Shores, this oceanfront restaurant provides guests with the opportunity to experience fine dining at its best. The Easter Sunday buffet menu highlights the best in local, seasonal cuisine fresh from the ocean and farmers market—one of the few times during the year you can enjoy an abundance of Marine Room favorites served buffet-style. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $82 adults, $45 children ages 6-10, free children ages five and under. 2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla, 858.459.7222. marineroom.com
Mister A’s
Apr. 21. With a three-course prix-fixe menu, brunch gets the deluxe treatment where staples like eggs benedict are elevated with suckling pig, apple cider hollandaise and chicharron, all on a housemade English muffin. Not to mention the duck confit chilaquiles served with scrambled eggs, guajillo salsa, radishes and black beans. For dessert, maple bacon profiteroles served with maple bacon ice cream and chocolate sauce. No matter where you sit, the view of the San Diego Bay and skyline are impeccable. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $72.50. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
THE MED
Apr. 21. This ocean view restaurant boasts a food smorgasbord full of action stations and whimsical dishes. Guests can choose from items such as quiche, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, a seafood selection of freshly shucked oysters, crudo, crab claws and jumbo shrimp, fresh salads and crudité, as well as action stations such as omelets, meat carving and dessert. They will also have three Easter egg hunts for little ones at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with a special visit from the Easter Bunny at those times as well. 10 a.m. $89 adults, $39 children. La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 855.476.6870. lavalencia.com
Mille Fleurs
Apr. 21. The French-Californian establishment will be serving a prix-fixe menu featuring dishes like Meyer lemon ricotta crepes, house-cured ham steak on a brioche waffle with gruyere cheese, bacon syrup vinaigrette, roasted apples and pickled onion, and smoked trout hash and eggs with swiss chard, leeks, winter squash, new potatoes and toasted baguette. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $69.50. 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.3085. millefleurs.com
Primavera Ristorante
Apr. 21. Buona Pasqua! Celebrate with a specialty prix-fixe brunch. Selections include salmon bruschetta; cozze e salsiccia—steamed green-lipped mussels with Italian sausage, white wine garlic broth and toasted ciabatta; lobster eggs benedict; cialde con crema ricotta—Belgian waffle topped with sliced bananas, strawberries and vanilla mascarpone served with bacon-wrapped apple chicken sausage; salsiccia e pepperoni fritta—Italian baked omelet served with fresh fruit; cheesecake al cioccolato bianco with a chocolate cookie crust, fresh raspberry cream cheese filling and chocolate glaze; and more. There will also be a Piccolo Bambini menu available for children. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $56.95 adults, $18 children 12 and under. 932 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.0454. primavera1st.com
Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile
Apr. 21. Brunch with the best and enjoy Easter specials at Pendry San Diego. Indulge in a variety of favorites, from cheese and charcuterie, pork belly benedict and roasted fingerlings to the seafood bar, pasta cheese wheel and ever-popular carving station. Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with blueberry and brie pastry puffs, chocolate fountain dippable treats or with the housemade desert collection, including guava mousse domes and key lime macarons. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $75 adults, $20 children ages 3-12. 425 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7300. pendryhotels.com
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Apr. 21. Spend this Easter at the luxurious and family-friendly Rancho Bernardo Inn with wholesome food and fun for all. The property’s signature restaurants AVANT and Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant will offer brunch buffets full of California’s finest cuisine. For guests looking for bubbles, enjoy bottomless mimosa specials, while relishing in the surrounding golf course views and live music. Children can meet the Easter Bunny and explore the resort for hidden treats in a classic Easter Egg Hunt for ages 4-12. Brunch specials 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $85 adults, $30 children. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo, 844.254.0013. ranchobernardoinn.com
Rustic Root
Apr. 21. Dine on a specialty brunch in the downstairs dining room with menu highlights including breakfast risotto, shrimp toast, traditional eggs benedict and an acai bowl. In addition to delicious culinary offerings, Rustic Root will also host an “adult-approved” egg hunt with an array of prizes and its signature Bubbles & Berries tray and mimosa station. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 535 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.232.1747. rusticroot.com
Union Kitchen & Tap
Apr. 21. Spend your Easter in the energetic Gaslamp Quarter and stop by Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp for their gourmet Easter brunch, matched with live acoustic music from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., plus $15 bottomless mimosas. The buffet will be priced at $35 per person, and will include a variety of sweet and savory brunch items crafted to elevate your Easter Sunday experience. If Encinitas is closer to your stomping grounds, rest assured that Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas will feature a slew of brunch cocktail and food specials honed for the occasion, paired with bottomless mimosas from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Bring the kids along for special Easter treats. 333 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.795.9463. gaslampunion.com. 1108 S. Coast Hwy., Encinitas, 760.230.2337. localunion101
THE US GRANT
Apr. 21. Spring into Easter with a seasonal, bountiful buffet. From a soufflé pancake station, a selection of artisan breads and cheeses, fresh offerings from the land and sea, classic omelets and benedicts to sweet desserts, family and friends can feast on an extravagant brunch accompanied by bottomless mimosas, live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Reservations required. Reservations 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., buffet closes at 3 p.m. $78 adults, $69 seniors, $39 children; valet parking included. 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2046. marriott.com
Veladora
Apr. 21. Come together and celebrate this Easter with friends and loved ones with a bountiful buffet at Rancho Valencia’s signature restaurant. With a warm hacienda atmosphere and stunning valley views, guests can savor the legendary raw bar, fresh spring salads and a carving station. With festive bellinis and sweet goodies, adults can watch over little ones as they scavenge for Easter eggs, enjoy live music, a petting zoo, face painting, bounce house and more. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $140 adults, $70 children ages 4-11, free children 3 and under. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com
Waterbar
Apr. 21. Spend the holiday seaside with unparalleled ocean views. Perched along the shoreline in Pacific Beach, this coastal hotspot will offer endless rosé, along with loaded cinnamon buns, a plate of three homemade cinnamon buns smothered in white icing and topped with sliced bananas, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and blueberry compote; eggs benedict, stacked with an English muffin, Canadian bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise, served with your choice of side; and finally, their Spring Fling Scramble, featuring English peas, asparagus, baby heirloom tomato, chives, crumbled goat cheese, sliced avocado and choice of toast. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 4325 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.888.4343. waterbarsd.com
The Westgate Hotel
Apr. 21. Guests can toast the holiday and honor spring with a delicious Easter brunch marked by French elegance and, of course, Champagne. Dishes include fresh seafood, made-to-order omelets, carving stations, a special children’s buffet selection, as well as a full array of quintessentially European gourmet dishes. While adults will delight in this sophisticated Parisian experience, children will love the entertainment which includes face-painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $99 adults, $35 children ages 4-12, free children ages 3 and under. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
Header photo and The Marine Room courtesy c3 Communications. Herb & Wood courtesy Katalyst Public Relations. InterContinental San Diego courtesy The Brandman Agency. The Westgate Hotel courtesy Chemistry PR.
