Celebrate Easter over family-friendly egg hunts, delectable brunch and dinner spreads, free-flowing champagne and more in Orange County.
EVENTS
Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair
Mar. 29. Celebrate the new season and holiday with family-friendly activities at this farmer’s market and craft fair. Kids can enjoy balloon animals, face painting, vegan egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. The first 150 children will receive a mini Easter basket with treats. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., photos with the Easter Bunny 2-4 p.m. Lemon Street and Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim, 714.956.3586. downtownanaheim.com
Easter Bunny at Fashion Island
Through Mar. 31. Bring the little ones to hop around and snap a photo with the Easter Bunny in his spring garden at the Atrium Lawn. M-F 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sa 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.721.2000. shopfashionisland.com
Easter Eggstravaganza at Old World Huntington Beach
Mar. 31. Kiddos can spring into action this Easter by participating in festive activities like coloring Easter eggs, an Easter egg run, a sack race, face painting and a group dance. 2-4 p.m. Free. 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.895.8020. oldworld.ws
Newport Dunes Waterfront Beach Resort
Mar. 31-Apr. 1. Returning to the scenic waterfront resort is Newport Dunes’ annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Hundreds of children will gather on the shores to search for more than six thousand eggs containing goodies ranging from candy and toys to golden eggs containing cash prizes. One lucky kid will pick up an egg enclosed with a token for a new bicycle. The Easter Bunny himself will lead the hunt and be available for family photos. Easter Sunday at Newport Dunes begins with the Sunrise Easter Service delivered by Mariners Church pastor Tim Lukei at Pavilion E at 7 a.m. Saturday egg hunt 9-11 a.m., Sunday service 7-8 a.m. Free. Egg Hunt: 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach; Sunday Service: Enter at 101 Bayside Dr., Newport Beach. newportdunes.com
Easter Egg Hunt and Carnival at Monarch Beach Resort
Apr. 1. Spend your Easter at a beachside resort for an afternoon jam-packed with family-friendly festivities. Start with the Easter egg hunt where children can find and keep 10 custom bug-shaped eggs, while also searching for a golden egg to win an additional prize. Afterwards, visitors can take photos with the Easter Bunny, play lawn games, enjoy classic carnival treats and meet a variety of animals from Reptacular Ranch. A cash bar will be available for guests 21 and older who are looking to indulge in some tasty libations. Egg hunt 11:30 a.m.-noon, Carnival noon-2 p.m. Egg Hunt: free; Carnival: Free for adults, $40 per child. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3900. monarchbeachresort.com
Easter Sunday at The Queen Mary
Apr. 1. Come aboard the iconic ship for a day filled with festivities celebrating Easter. Activities include a petting zoo, Easter egg hunting, face painting, balloon twisting, games and watching the animated feature movie HOP. These activities are complimentary for guests visiting the Queen Mary as a dining, hotel, tour and exhibit guest on Easter. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.499.1739. queenmary.com
Hand-painted Easter Eggs
Through Apr. 8. Hop over to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel to admire five egg-straordinary hand-painted Easter eggs. These 8-foot eggs were painted and designed by local artists including Trevor Mezak, James Galindo, Robin Hiers and Kym de los Reyes, as well as Matt Parker who created this year’s newest addition to the collection. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com
BRUNCH + DINNER
Del Frisco’s Grille
Mar. 30-Apr. 1. Boasting a chef-driven menu featuring elevated twists on classic American dishes, families can enjoy a lively Easter Sunday with weekend-long specials such as the hand-carved bone-in prime rib served with housemade Au Jus and creamy horseradish. For brunch, enjoy signature favorites such as red velvet Belgian waffles, truffle-chive deviled eggs and decadent six-layer lemon cake. Call for reservations. IrvineSpectrum Center, 772 Spectrum Center Dr., 949.341.0376. delfriscosgrille.com
AVEO Table + Bar
Apr. 1. Feast on a bountiful Easter brunch buffet featuring a seafood bar, omelet station, fresh pasta made to order, a carvery and much more. Highlights from the hot buffet selection include Moroccan spiced lamb lollipops, prosciutto wrapped chicken breast saltimbocca and lemon verbena roasted branzino. Don’t forget to stop by the Sweet Table for marzipan stuffed dates, mango mousse white tea cups, pistachio baklawa and more. Reservations required. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $139 adults (includes a glass of sparkling wine), $59 children ages 12 and under. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3900. monarchbeachresort.com
Back Bay Bistro
Apr. 1. Start your morning with a decadent Easter Sunday brunch featuring signature breakfast dishes and highlights like a build-your-own omelet station, a carving station featuring honey glazed ham and New York strip steak, a seafood station with King crab legs, an array of desserts including white and milk chocolate fountains and more. Bottomless champagne and mimosas are included for adults, and children will enjoy a special visit from the Easter Bunny. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $79 adults (includes bottomless champagne and mimosas), $38 children 12 years and under. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, 949.729.1144. newportdunes.com
The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar
Apr. 1. Dine al fresco on the lakefront patio with friends and family this Easter at The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar. Executive chef Karl Pfleider Karl will be serving a special Easter brunch menu, which will pair perfectly with an expansive selection of craft beers and specialty craft cocktails by bar manager Ryan Autry. Call to make reservations. 31431 Santa Margarita Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.888.0072. theblindpigoc.com
BO-beau kitchen + roof tap
Apr. 1. Ditch the dishes and the fuss to enjoy elegance and comfort with a four-course California-French feast this Easter. On the dinner menu, expect herb marinated roasted lamb loin, bay scallops with sweet corn puree and more. A selection of wines can be paired with each course upon request. 5-9 p.m. $44.95/pp, optional wine pairing for $20. 144 Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.983.0056. cohnrestaurants.com
The Capital Grille
Apr. 1. Indulge in a three-course brunch with savory menu items this Easter. Entree selections include jumbo shrimp sauteed with bacon and white cheddar grits, lobster frittata with truffle hollandaise, bone-in dry aged N.Y. strip with fried egg, 8 oz. filet mignon and pan-seared salmon with citrus crab salad. Freshly squeezed juices, tea, coffee and soda are included. Endless mimosas or peach Bellinis can be added for $14. A special children’s brunch menu will be available. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $49 adults, $15 children 10 and under. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.432.1140. thecapitalgrille.com
The Catch
Apr. 1. Kick off your Easter morning with free-flowing mimosas and seafood on ice. Enjoy breakfast favorites including omelettes with your choice of fillings, Belgian waffles with berries and create-your-own pasta, all made-to-order. The carving station will feature succulent prime rib and baked ham. End on a sweet note at a dessert bar and chocolate fountain with a variety of dippers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $44.95 adults, $14.95 children 3-10 (exclusive of tax and gratuity). 2100 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.935.0101. catchanaheim.com
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
Apr. 1. Listen to live Latin music, sip on bottomless mimosas and enjoy a two-course brunch special at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen. The brunch specials are made-from-scratch with quality, seasonal ingredients, including sustainably-caught seafood, wood-fired meats and local organic produce. Entrees include the popular huevos rancheros, served with two farm-fresh eggs, layered on top of corn tortillas and black beans topped with guajillo chili and tomatillo sauces. 10:30 a.m. $24 with glass of champagne, $10 extra to add bottomless mimosas. Brea: 110 W. Birch St. #7, 714.255.1040; Irvine: 13126 Jamboree Road, 714.408.7819. chachaslatinkitchen.com
CUCINA enoteca Newport Beach
Apr. 1. Easter Sunday brings a lavish Italian brunch buffet that will make you dream of spring all year long. With an endless array of gourmet scrambles and omelettes, a carving station, antipasti, salads, housemade pastas, pastries and desserts, there are more than a few ‘somethings’ for the whole family. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $45 adults, $18 children 12 and under. Fashion Island, 951 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.706.1416. urbankitchengroup.com
Five Crowns
Apr. 1. Experience world-class hospitality while indulging in three-course menus featuring holiday favorites and classic accompaniments courtesy of executive chef Alejandra Padilla. Both brunch and dinner prix-fixe menus highlight starters such as lobster bisque with crème fraîche and Pride of the Crowns salad with bacon, toasted walnuts, gruyere and herbs de Provence dressing. Main entrees include crab Benedict with poached eggs, béarnaise and truffled potatoes on the brunch menu and seared salmonwith leek soubise, zucchini, artichokes, dill and garlic chips on the dinner menu. Choose from decadent dessert options including Meyer lemon beignets during brunch and crème brûlée with champagne berries at dinner. Brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner 4-8 p.m. $38-$85 for brunch, $44-$85 for dinner. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331. lawrysalacart.com
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Apr. 1. Enjoy a leisure Easter brunch at the beautifully remodeled restaurant with an expansive patio. Start with a featured cocktail, the bacon and blue cheese Bloody Mary or the passion fruit Sonoma sparkler, followed by an exclusive three-course prix-fixe menu with choices for each course. Menu highlights include lobster bisque, eggs Benedict with filet Mignon or crab cake, cinnamon apple brioche French toast with orange Chantilly cream and much more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $50 adults, $16 children 12 and under. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 455 Newport Center Dr., Fashion Island, 949.720.9633. flemingssteakhouse.com
Hornblower Easter Sunday Brunch
Apr. 1. Hop on board a Hornblower yacht for an Easter brunch or supper cruise with the entire family. The lavish brunch will feature traditional favorites, along with free-flowing champagne, live entertainment, sweet treats and a special visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Boarding 30 minutes prior. 10 a.m.-noon, 11a.m.-1 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m. See website for prices. 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.631.2469. hornblower.com
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
Apr. 1. Spend your Easter with bunnies, a live jazz trio, balloon artists and a fabulous brunch. Brunch starters include carrot-ginger soup with lemon crème fraiche and carrot top gremolata; local halibut ceviche with crispy tostadas; and crab cakes hot off the griddle. Savor main entrees like honey and tangerine glazed ham with maple whole grain mustard and rosemary-garlic-mustard-lemon roasted leg of lamb and cucumber yogurt-mint sauce. Sweets include a chocolate fountain surrounded by treats for dipping, a gelato bar, signature bread pudding and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $94 adults; $34 kids ages 6-12; Free for children 5 and under. 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.4627. huntingtonbeach.regency.hyatt.com
Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa
Apr. 1. Indulge in a champagne brunch buffet this Easter, complete with entertainment for the whole family. Have your cameras ready for an Easter egg hunt and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Additional activities include face painting and coloring for the children and live entertainment for the adults. Breakfast 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Easter egg hunt 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. $50 adults, $18 children 6-12. Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7577. lagunacliffs.com
Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge
Apr. 1. Get a taste of Leatherby’s three-course prix-fixe Easter brunch. Entree selections include tagliatelle Dungeness crab pasta, Colorado lamb sirloin, seared Scottish salmon and challah French toast with chicken apple sausage as well as a “Carrotini” specialty cocktail. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $39 adult, $19 children 10 and under. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.429.7640. patinagroup.com
The Loft
Apr. 1. panoramic ocean views, locals and resort guests will enjoy choosing from the special seasonal à la carte menu. Beginning dishes include smoked trout rillete with toasted bagel, California avocado toast with hard-cooked egg, marinated beet salad and curly kale and asparagus salad with truffle vinaigrette. Tempting pan breads include banana pancakes, brioche French toast and apple and mascarpone crêpes. Featured items include shrimp and grits and slow-roasted leg of lamb with mascarpone polenta, pickled green tomato and broccolini. Guests may also select Montage crab benedict served with fingerling potatoes, huevos rancheros or croque madame with sautéed spinach, prosciutto and gruyère. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call to make reservations. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Apr. 1. Delight in brunch favorites during an elevated, oceanfront Easter dining experience. The upscale brunch will feature a buffet menu that includes carving stations, omelette stations, Belgian waffles and other breakfast and lunch favorites. Sip on signature cocktails such as the bubbly peach Bellini or Mastro’s mojito with fresh mint and lime, served tall with splash of refreshing club soda. Brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner 5 p.m.-close. $95 adults (includes complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne); $25 kids ages 6-12; Free for children 5 and under. 8112 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.376.6990. mastrosrestaurants.com
Masterpiece Celebration in the Grand Ballroom
Apr. 1. It’s a holiday feast at Montage Laguna Beach that features 12 stations of deliciousness, live musical entertainment, complimentary photographs, a champagne toast and entrance to the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Guests can create their own egg dishes at the egg bar as well as enjoy food from the pancake station, antipasto display and fruit station. The sushi station offers favorites like California rolls, caterpillar rolls and assorted sashimi. Then there are the seafood ice glo with prawns, crab claws and Peruvian ceviche. The chef’s carving station tempts with roasted rack of lamb and Tuscan spiced prime rib. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $160 adults, $50 children ages 4-12. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Oak Grill
Apr. 1. Brimming with holiday brunch selections, spend your Easter Sunday at Oak Grill’s fireside patio. Start at the build-your-own omelette station or the pancake bar. For seafood lovers, On The Water offers oysters, shrimp and a build-your-own poke station. There are plenty of straight-from-the-farm salads, as well as a chef’s carving corner serving up meats and fish such as herb roasted chicken and whole planked salmon. Kids will love all the live-action stations, but there are chicken tenders, hot dogs and other favorites too. Brunch goers will be offered temptations including vanilla bean cupcakes, lemon panna cotta, oreo cheesecake and strawberry lemonade cake. To quench thirsts, sip on bottomless mimosas as part of the deal, and bloody marys and margaritas at an additional charge. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $90 adults; $25 children ages 5-12; Free for children 4 and under. Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Old Vine Café
Apr. 1. For Easter Brunch, the favorite contemporary dining destination Old Vine Café will be offering their breakfast/brunch menu for all to enjoy. Menu highlights include rabbit mole made with braised rabbit, two eggs, pasilla and cashew mole and fresh-baked corn bread; and caramel apple French toast made with freshly baked and garnished with a caramel and chocolate swirl. The brunch will be first come, first serve. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The CAMP, 2937 Bristol St. Suite A-102 Costa Mesa, 714.545.411. oldvinecafe.com
Old World Huntington Beach
Apr. 1. Feast on a bountiful all-you-can-eat brunch buffet and sip on bottomless champagne or the grapefruit infused Hefeweizen beer “Beer-Mosa” while enjoying live music direct from Europe. Menu highlights include a waffle bar, a carving station with roast beef and roasted pork, smoked salmon, European deli cold cuts with assorted mustards and much more. Reservations are required. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $34.95 adults; $32.95 seniors; $13.95 ages 6-12; $6.95 ages 3-5; Free for children under 3. 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.895.8020. oldworld.ws
Paséa Hotel & Spa
Apr. 1. Celebrate Easter Sunday with a decadent brunch prepared by Paséa Hotel & Spa executive chef Kevin Meyer. Sip bottomless mimosas while enjoying ocean views and live entertainment. There will be lawn games for children, including an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Egg hunts 11 a.m., 1 p.m. See website for prices. 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach,
Red O Newport Beach
Apr. 1. Start your morning with a lavish brunch buffet spread featuring Red O’s breakfast and lunch favorites. Menu highlights include made to order omelettes, chilaquiles, a carving station, paella, ceviche, lobster mac and cheese, among others. Guests can order endless house margaristas, mimosas, equila sunrises, sangria and bloody marys for an additional $20 per person. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $49 adults; $15 children; Free ages 6 and under. Fashion Island, 143 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.718.0300. redorestaurant.com
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Apr. 1. Let the little ones delight in an Easter egg hunt and visits with the Easter Bunny, all amid vast Pacific Ocean panoramas. In Mar Vista’s grand ballroom from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., executive chef Jean-Pierre Dubray presents traditional brunch favorites, accented with California and Tuscan flavors. Easter egg hunts begin at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $128 adults; $60 children ages 5-12; Free for children under 5. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, . pelicanhill.com
Royal Khyber Fine Indian Cuisine
Apr. 1. Not in the mood for a traditional Easter brunch? Hop over to Royal Khyber for an Indian-inspired brunch buffet featuring a variety of appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts, chef specials and the signature DIY Indian Nachos. Free flowing champagne can be added for $6.95. Brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner 5:30-9:30 p.m. $21.95 adults, $16.95 children under 10. 1621 W. Sunflower Ave. (at Plaza Drive), Santa Ana, 714.436.1010. royalkhyber.com
Seasons 52
Apr. 1. Elevate your Easter brunch at Seasons 52 with chef creations such as smoked salmon flatbread, S52 eggs Benedict with poached lobster, brick-oven brioche French toast with whiskey-smoked brown sugar pecans, braised short rib hash, vegetable frittata and shakshuka with chorizo. Red wine sangria, champagne Bellinis, mimosas and Bloody Marys will be available by the glass or as endless sips for $14.90. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Prices vary per selection (exclusive of tax and gratuity). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5252. seasons52.com
Studio at Montage Laguna Beach
Apr. 1. Chef Craig Strong and his team will be wowing Easter guests with an elegant fine dining experience in the lovely Studio restaurant overlooking the ever-captivating Pacific Ocean. The first course is a choice of either English pea and carrot salad with burrata and nasturtium, marinated tuna poke with avocado panna cotta, or crab and pineapple roulade with micro greens and honey-vanilla bean vinaigrette. Next, choose lobster bisque with poached egg, seared scallops accompanied by salsify, kumquats and arugula, or brown butter and bacon gnocchi. Entree selections include baked salmon in pastry with asparagus; pressed Mary’s chicken with forbidden rice; and grilled hanger steak and eggs with truffle potato galette. To end this celebration, dessert options are warm crêpe suzette, Harry’s berries rice Napoleon or chocolate verrine croustillant. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations required. Studio in Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
TAPS Fish House & Brewery
Apr. 1. Kick start your Easter morning at one of two TAPS Fish House & Brewery locations to indulge in a decadent buffet. The display features seafood on ice; prime rib and baked ham carving stations; made-to-order omelettes, pancakes and waffles; assorted charcuterie and cheese selections; freshly baked breads and breakfast pastries; a variety of signature dishes and other breakfast favorites. Save room for the dessert bar and interactive chocolate fountain. A choice of mimosas, bubbly or two craft beers are also included in the price of brunch. TAPS á la carte Sunday dinner service will be available from 4-10 p.m. Reservations recommended. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $44.95 adults, $14.95 children ages 3-10 (excludes tax and gratuity). Brea: 101 E. Imperial Hwy., 714.257.0101; Irvine: Irvine Market Place, 13390 Jamboree Road, 714.619.0404. tapsfishhouse.com
Water Grill
Apr. 1. Dine on savory dishes at Water Grill this Easter with brunch menu highlights like poached salmon rillettes, warm blueberry pancakes with lemon cream, house smoked Atlantic salmon with Shirley’s bagel, crab benedict and warm cinnamon rolls. Pair your meal with the signature cocktail, “WG” Bloody Mary, that is dressed with blackened shrimp and thick cut bacon, hibiscus agua fresca, Harry’s white peach Bellini and first class prosecco flight. Fresh raw and chilled seafood also available. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Prices vary per selection (excludes tax and gratuity). South Coast Plaza, 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 949.208.7060. watergrill.com
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Information originally published here edited by WHITNEY LAUREN HAN
