Yearning for an Easter meal that goes above and beyond a paper plate of store-bought spiral ham and a fistful of mini chocolate eggs?
Look no further than the following pinkies-up brunches and dinners offering a bevy of high-end fare in stunning settings. While by no means a comprehensive list, these 10 choice spots give you the opportunity to sport your finest threads, gather with loved ones and taste what kinds of food spring has to offer.
Word to the wise: Be sure to call in advance to see if reservations are still available.
Bourbon Steak (Dana Point): This Michael Mina restaurant inside the Waldorf Astoria will offer a special Easter menu for dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. High-end highlights include whole Maine lobster ($81), Santa Barbara sea urchin ($42), crispy pork belly ($26), Mary’s whole fried chicken with truffle mac and cheese ($84), Colorado baby lamb rack ($70) and Maine lobster pot pie ($140). Wine pairings from the cellar feature a whopping 800-plus wines hand-selected by sommelier Michelle Morin Nishina. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.
Citrus City Grille (Orange): Two options for hungry revelers at this Orange spot: a three-course prix-fixe menu ($45 per guest) and a la carte dining. The former will offer a choice of soup or salad (avgolemono or organic greens), entrée (honey-glazed ham or butternut squash ravioli), and dessert (flourless chocolate cake with chocolate panna cotta or vanilla bean crème brûlée), while the latter includes octopus, stuffed dates, burrata salad, tuna tartare, sea bass and more. 122 N. Glassell Street, Orange.
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens (Corona Del Mar): Enjoy Chef Rich Mead’s springtime brunch menu that includes a seasonal frittata with shiitake mushrooms; roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions; citrus marmalade French toast; and baked shakshuka with spinach, eggs, and potatoes in a tomato cumin sauce. Brunch is served 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar.
The Hobbit (Orange): With a new owner and fresh remodel, the storied restaurant in Orange will offer a special prix-fixe Easter dinner for $150 starting off with five amuse bouches; crab agnolotti with white asparagus, pickled cucumber, dill and herb oil; roasted stuffed quail with sage and orange chicken sausage and root vegetable hash; beef wellington; and lemon olive oil cake with white chocolate mousse and lemon curd. Reservations are extremely limited. 2932 East Chapman Ave., Orange.
SEE ALSO: These restaurants will serve ham, quiche and more on Easter, March 31
The Mayor’s Table at Lido House (Newport Beach): From 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., guests can enjoy an Easter brunch with such fine fare as deviled eggs, maple-brined Petaluma chicken, prime rib and banana leaf-wrapped sea bass. For the oceanic-include, check out the raw bar featuring oysters, blue prawns, tuna tartare, nigiri and other sushi. Dessert highlights will include carrot cake, Lido “Peeps,” a croquembouche, cheesecake pops, a lemon tart topped with toasted meringue and sugar cookies. Cost is $145 for adults, $75 for kids 12 and under. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach.
Raya at the Ritz-Carlton (Laguna Niguel): Chef Richard Sandoval will prepare a four-course meal offering holiday-themed fare like Salvadoran cheese rolls, seafood cocktail aguachile, Zabuton beef carpaccio, Iberico eggs benedict, strawberry hibiscus cheesecake and more. A kids menu will feature items like devilled eggs, spring crudité and Abuelita’s French toast. The holiday brunch goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adults pay $195 with children nine and under costing $65. And, yes, the Easter Bunny will make a cameo appearance inside the resort’s Terrace Salon Ballroom. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.
Tanaka Farms (Irvine): Starting with a tractor ride up a verdant hill, guests at this farm-to-table Easter buffet can enjoy ham, tri-tip, chicken, housemade glazed vegan ham, salads, grilled seasonal vegetables, potatoes, fruits and dessert. While enjoying the al fresco holiday fare, don’t miss a guest appearance by the Easter Bunny followed by an egg hunt. The brunch runs $79 for adults, $49 for children (4-12 years old), and free for children 3 and under. 5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine.
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Seasons 52 (Costa Mesa): While the shops inside South Coast Plaza will close for Easter, its many restaurants will remain open for holiday dining. Seasons 52, located near Bloomingdale’s, will offer an a la carte brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu will feature crab and cheddar quiche, upright French toast with smoked bacon, apricot-glazed ham, and shrimp and grits. Spiked sips include mimosas, sangria, strawberry-hibiscus margaritas, Bloody Mary’s and rosé lemonade. For those who want to serve dinner at home, you can order a to-go Easter Green Box (containing either said ham, a whole side of cedar plank-roasted salmon or beef tenderloin; a field greens salad; two sides; and six complimentary sweet treats) by March 27 to be picked up on March 30. 3333 Bristol Street, suite #2802, Costa Mesa.
View at Vea (Huntington Beach): Guests can enjoy an a la carte brunch menu featuring items like fried chicken and waffles, lobster rolls, french toast, huevos rancheros and more from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Don’t miss out on an egg hunt from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Marea Lawn.) An Easter dinner from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. will feature a selection of entrees including pan roasted Chilean sea bass, braised lamb pappardelle and an American wagyu burger. 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.
The Waterfront Beach Resort (Huntington Beach): Replete with oceanic views, this Easter buffet brunch will offer an abundance of oysters, snow crab claws, sea bass wellington, roasted leg of lamb, beef bourguignon, whipped yukon gold potatoes, salads, cheeses, charcuterie and more. But wait, there’s more: The vast buffet will feature stations like Asian Fusion (with Korean short ribs, pot stickers, sushi and more), Rock ’n’ Cabo Wabo Flare (esquites, Mexican quiche, tequila shrimp), the Butcher and Lil’ Surfer (i.e., fare for kids). Dessert includes lemon blueberry cake, red velvet whoopies, pecan bars, key lime tarts, raspberry cheesecake, berry mousse tulip cups, passionfruit panna cotta, crepes, waffles, mini donuts, liquid-nitrogen ice cream and, of course, hot cross buns. Phew. Other holiday activities here include live music, photos with the Easter Bunny, custom balloon animals, a mini petting zoo, and airbrush body art. Brunch will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with seating times available at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (option of indoor or outdoor seating). The Easter affair costs $125 for adults and $65 for children 12 and under. Space is limited and reservations must be made in advance via Eventbrite. 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach.
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