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    Looking for Easter brunch? Hop on over to these Orange County restaurants
    • April 6, 2023

    On Sunday, April 9 numerous restaurants around Orange County will present festive menus inspired by Easter. Some places will serve brunch, others will use the occasion to premiere specialty spring-inspired dishes, and many will assemble opulent buffets for families and friends. If you haven’t made plans yet, don’t fret. There are still numerous options available. This is a roundup of Easter-themed eats from fine dining to family-friendly takeaway meals. There are tasty options for everyone.

    1. Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar

    Chef Rainer Schwarz hosts a seaside Easter brunch buffet with an iced seafood station, made-to-order omelets, and various selections of sliced-to-order meats including roasted Double R Ranch prime rib, and baked honey ham. Driftwood Kitchen offers a full bar with signature cocktails, wines by the glass, and by the bottle. Brunch buffet is $95 for adults; $25 for children. Reservations suggested via opentable.com/driftwood-kitchen. 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach; 949-715-7700; driftwoodkitchen.com

    2. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

    The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is hosting brunch at both its Tustin and Newport Beach locations on Sunday, April 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Executive Chef Yvon Goetz has created a spring-inspired, prix-fixe menu and guests can enhance their dining experience with a seafood tower or endless mimosa service. Prices and menus vary by location. (Beverages, tax, and gratuity separate.)For reservations, call the restaurant.  2647 Park Ave., Tustin; 714-258-7600; 3131 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-999-6622; thewineryrestaurants.com

    Handmade desserts are among the offerings for Easter Brunch at Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa (Courtesy of Knife Pleat)

    3. Knife Pleat

    Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault created an Easter-inspired Saturday Afternoon Tea Service. On Saturday, April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Knife Pleat presents its exquisite tea service. A selection loose leaf teas from La Maison du Thé teas are paired with a tower of scones and sandwiches, elegantly composed with Persian cucumbers, beet-cured salmon, and breakfast radishes, along with other savories like free-range chicken tartlets, Maine lobster eclairs, black winter truffle brie on brioche, and estate caviar topped deviled eggs. Handmade desserts like lemon curd and meringue-filled cream puffs complete the tasting experience. A supplemental caviar service is offered. Reservations are encouraged. 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-266-3388; knifepleat.com

    The Great Maple at Fashion Island will be serving truffled deviled eggs as part of its Easter Brunch. (Courtesy of the Great Maple)

    4. The Great Maple

    Enjoy an Easter meal with the family at Great Maple. Through April 9, Great Maple will offer seasonal dishes including housemade strawberries & Cadbury cream doughnuts and truffled deviled eggs. Fashion Island, 1133 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach; 949-706-8282; thegreatmaple.com

    5. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

    Easter Brunch at Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar, located in historic Old Towne Orange, is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 9. The menu includes Haven favorites such as the duck confit chilaquiles, bread pudding-French toast, and chicken & waffles. “Brunch-y beverages” include bottomless mimosas with fresh orange juice, Irish Coffee, and the Haven bloody Mary. Make reservations or place orders, by calling the restaurant. 190 S. Glassell St., Orange; 714-221-0680; havencraftkitchen.com

    6. Hendrix Restaurant & Bar

    Hendrix Restaurant & Bar presents its Easter brunch buffet on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The experience includes stations with brunch favorites such as eggs Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, made-to-order omelets, and a rotisserie carving station with Double R Ranch prime rib and honey baked, mustard glazed ham. Bottomless mimosas for an additional $18 per guest (two-hour limit). This buffet is $79 for adults, $19 for children (13 and younger), and free, 6 years and younger. Reservations recommended. 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel; 949-248-1912; hendrixoc.com/our-menus#menu=easter-buffet

    Fable & Spirit in Newport Beach will serve Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 9. (Courtesy of Fable & Spirit)

    7. Fable & Spirit

    On Easter Sunday, Fable & Spirit executive chef David Shofner will serve elevated takes on classic brunch favorites. Wood-fired shakshuka with baked eggs, Moroccan-spiced tomato, crème fraiche, and queso fresco, served with naan; house-smoked salmon on toasted pumpernickel, with everything bagel spices, citrus-infused red onion, dill crème fraiche, and crispy capers. Brunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach; 949-409-9913; fableandspirit.com

    8. Georgia’s Restaurant

    Easter Sunday brunch is available at both Georgia’s locations, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia’s Anaheim Packing House and from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia’s Long Beach Exchange. Georgia’s Restaurant is known for its traditional soul food set in a casual family-friendly environment. On Easter, adults may order specially priced brunch cocktails, including peach sangria ($5), mimosas ($5), hard lemonade ($5), and bloody Marys ($7). 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., #209a, Anaheim; 714-906-1900; georgias-restaurant.com

    9. Sushi Roku

    Sushi Roku offers a non-traditional Easter dining experience. With a menu that combines Japanese cuisine and global flavors with California’s seasonal bounty, Sushi Roku serves high-quality, fresh fish sourced from around the globe. Reservations for April 9 are recommended. 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-706-3622; sushiroku.com/menus/newport-beach

    Vanilla bean crème brûleé with berries will be among the dessert options for Easter Brunch at Citrus City Grille in Orange. (Courtesy of Citrus City Grille)

    10. Citrus City Grille

    The Easter 3-course prix fixe menu ($45) includes the choice of Avgolemono, a Greek lemon chicken egg soup, or an organic greens salad with caramelized pecans. Entrée selections include honey-glazed ham with sweet mashed potatoes or butternut squash ravioli with mushrooms in a fennel bourbon cream sauce. For dessert, selections are the flourless chocolate cake with chocolate panna cotta or the vanilla bean crème brûleé with berries. 122 N. Glassell St., Orange; 714-639-9600; citruscitygrille.com

    The Confit de Canard at OEB Breakfast Co. in Newport Beach is served with poached eggs and duck fat-fried herb potatoes. (Courtesy of OEB Breakfast Co.)

    11. OEB Breakfast Co.

    The brunch hotspot will serve its full menu for Easter. Popular dishes include the photo-friendly French Toast Trifle, brioche bread layered with lemon curd and topped with torched pavlovas, fresh berries, and pistachios. Savory breakfast dishes are elevated with French-inspired twists. The Confit de Canard is served with poached eggs and duck fat-fried herb potatoes. The Holy Crab Benny with wild blue crab is served on a croissant with brown butter hollandaise, and herb potatoes fried in beef tallow. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian-considerate dishes include Forestière Toast, rye bread topped with wild and cultivated mushrooms and poached eggs with lavender fleur de sel and microgreens. OEB Breakfast Co., 1104 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach; 949-438-7337; us.eatoeb.com

    12. CUCINA enoteca

    Executive Chef Cesar Sarmiento’s brunch specials at CUCINA enoteca’s two OC locations are infused with California-Italian flavors. At Newport Beach, blueberry pancakes are accompanied with grand marnier whipped mascarpone. Where in Irvine, the sweet pancakes are swapped for a savory New York steak with fried eggs, parmesan potatoes and béarnaise sauce. Both locations offer a version of avocado toast, smoked salmon potato hash and a poached egg, vegetable gnocchi. 951 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-706-1416; 532 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 949-861-2222; urbankitchengroup.com

    13. Billy’s at the Beach

    Easter prix fixe brunch at Billy’s at the Beach is full of options. Start with one of the three wine pairings ranging from Candoni Prosecco to Veuve Clicquot. For the first course, choose from Maui onion soup with caramelized onions, Billy’s style clam chowder, a Caesar, or a burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes. The second course includes either 8-ounce Angus beef patty loco moco with eggs over jasmine rice, Hawaiian French toast with coconut meringue, the miso-marinated Mahi Mahi, the grilled Barramundi filet with chimichurri sauce, or a prime steak sandwich on a parmesan sourdough roll. Finish with dessert, which is a choice of key lime pie or Hawaiian-style doughnuts with raspberry coulis, chocolate, and Haupia dipping sauces. Brunch starts at $60. Reservations are recommended. 2751 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-722-1100; billysatthebeach.net

    14. Tanaka Farms

    Farm-to-table hilltop lunches at Tanaka Farms in Irvine begin with a tractor ride up to the buffet where visitors can select from ham, tri-tip, chicken, house-made sweet and smoky glazed vegan ham, along with grilled seasonal vegetables and dessert. The experience includes a visit with the Easter bunny and an egg hunt. The brunch is $79 for adults, $49 for children (4-12 years old), and free for children 3 and under. 5380 ¾ University Dr., Irvine; 949-653-2100; tanakafarms.com/hilltop-luncheons

    15. Seasons 52

    Seasons 52 will offer an à la carte Easter brunch menu and an Easter Green Box for takeout. Brunch entrées include crab and cheddar quiche, upright French toast with fresh blueberry compote, wood-grilled shrimp and grits, and apricot-glazed ham with French green beans and sweet potato mash, along with maple-pecan streusel. The Easter Green Box, which serves 4-6 people and needs to be warmed at home, offers a choice of apricot-glazed spiral ham, a side of cedar plank-roasted salmon, or wood-grilled beef tenderloin, along with choice of salad, two side dishes, and six mini indulgences desserts for $145. Make reservations at opentable.com. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Suite #2802, Costa Mesa; 714-437-5252; seasons52.com/menu/all-day

    16. The Capital Grille

    The Capital Grille opens early Easter Sunday. The restaurant’s full dinner menu, as well as four brunch dishes and sparkling mimosas, will be served. Brunch entrées include lobster frittata with butter poached lobster tails, bone-in dry-aged NY strip steak and eggs, and filet mignon, all served with white cheddar hash browns. The new dish is a smoked salmon and caviar topped blini and white cheddar potato cake. Brunch dishes will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-432-1140; thecapitalgrille.com

    17. Morton’s the Steakhouse

    Morton’s presents a three-course filet and lobster menu available Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 9. First-course choices include a Caesar, artisan goat cheese salad, or lobster bisque. The entrée is a center-cut filet mignon (filet comes 6, 8 or 12-oz) served with a cold-water lobster tail.  Dessert selections are key lime pie, crème brûlée or the hot chocolate cake. Morton’s full menu is also available. Price for the Easter three-course menu starts at $79, depending on filet selection. Easter hours are 1-9 p.m. 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana; 714-444-4834; mortons.com/santaana

    18. Outpost Kitchen

    The Aussie-inspired restaurant with an organic-sustainable philosophy will serve a three-course Easter brunch prix fixe menu for $59 per person (tax and gratuity not included). There are two seatings for this brunch experience, starting at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and a children’s menu for kids under 12 is available. Reservations suggested. 3420 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-852-3044; Outpostkitchen.com

    19. Mah Jong’s by Chef Mike

    Celebrate Easter with a tiki-style brunch at Mah Jong’s by Chef Mike at the Collage Culinary Experience, a global dining collective located at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza. Available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Tiki brunch menu offers cocktails inspired by the Hawaiian Islands and ten brunch entrées ranging from pulled pork pancakes and shrimp cake Benedict to grilled fish tacos. 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa; 949-295-3841; mahjongsbychefmike.com

    20. Cocoa Parlor

    Cocoa Parlor has created 3 vegan, organic chocolates for Easter: white chocolate bunnies ($15) made with freeze-dried raspberry powder, dark chocolate peanut butter filled bullfrogs ($6), and a dark chocolate boxed bunny ($32) made with vegan, organic, and ethically sourced dark chocolate. 31161 Niguel Road, Unit A, Laguna Niguel; 949-877-9549; cocoaparlor.com

    21. Gracias Madre

    Gracia Madre’s executive chef Diana Briscoe created a plant-based, Mexi-Cali-inspired Easter Sunday brunch. Set on the restaurant’s patio, guests will sample specials such as the Ensalada De Primavera ($18) with haricot vert, roasted spring onions, pepitas, queso fresco, pea tendrils, and spinach pesto, or the Enchiladas De Hongos Silvestres Poblano Y Queso ($15) made with cashew corn poblano sauce, or the Crispy Jackfruit Taquitos De Deshebrada ($16). Beverage director Sean Stewart created a Conejo Loco ‘Silly Rabbit’ alcoholic cocktail made with Ensemble mezcal, passion fruit, cacao, and garnished with shaved dark chocolate. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach; 949-386-8100; graciasmadre.com/location-newport-beach

    22. Cafe Gratitude

    On Easter Sunday, Cafe Gratitude offers a plant-forward brunch. A new spring menu by executive chef Dreux Ellis includes dishes such as the ‘I am Hospitable’ gluten-free chick’n waffles ($18.75), ‘Yo Soy Vida’ machaca Mexican breakfast hash ($17.75), and the ‘I am Vivid’ acai superfood bowl ($17.75). Reservations are encouraged. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach; 949-386-8101; cafegratitude.com/pages/newport-beach

    23. Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens

    Easter brunch at Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden highlights locally sourced breakfast favorites by Executive Chef Rich Mead. The brunch menu includes a seasonal frittata with shiitake mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, and carmelized onions, the citrus marmalade French toast; or the baked shakshuka with spinach, eggs, and potatoes in a tomato cumin sauce. Brunch is served 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar; 949-640-1415; farmhouserg.com

    Läderach at South Coast Plaza is offering limited-edition Easter-inspired chocolates decorated by artisan chocolatiers in Switzerland. (Courtesy of Läderach)

    24. Läderach

    Limited-edition Easter-inspired chocolates decorated by artisan chocolatiers in Switzerland are available at Läderach inside South Coast Plaza. Bunny Cleo almond milk chocolates are studded with caramelized almond bits and ears decorated with edible glitter dust. The Grand Cru dark chocolate Cleo bunny is made of single-origin 70% dark chocolate from Ecuador. Other Easter creations include hazelnut FrischSchoggi eggs made with Swiss milk chocolate mixed with whole caramelized hazelnuts from Piedmont, Italy. 3333 Bristol St., #2814, Costa Mesa; 949-594-2280;laderach.com/us-en/

    RESTAURANTS IN RESORTS

    1. The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel

    Enjoy Easter by the ocean with the family-friendly Beachside Easter Brunch at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 9. Feast on a spread of oysters, snow crab claws and jumbo shrimp. The experience includes maple sugar-glazed ham and prime rib carving stations, made-to-order omelets and eggs, waffles dressed up with blueberry compote and fresh fruit, and a crepe station. Healthier menu options such as chia almond milk elixirs, vegan, gluten-free parfaits, and build-your-own-acai bowls. The Easter entertainment includes live music, photos with the Easter Bunny, custom balloon animals, a petting zoo, and air-brush body art. The Waterfront Beach Resort’s Easter Brunch is $149 for adults and $79 for children, 12 and under (includes service charge & tax; excludes EventBrite fees). Space is limited and reservations must be made via Eventbrite. 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach; Waterfrontresort.com

     

    Aveo Table + Bar at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club will host an Easter buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 9. (Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club)

    2. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

    Easter at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club includes views of the Pacific Ocean paired with spring-inspired menus at the resort’s restaurants. On Sunday, April 9, Aveo Table + Bar will host a breakfast buffet, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Chef David Kasparian will serve breakfast favorites and Latin-inspired dishes at several action stations. Made-to-order omelets and eggs benedict. Stations will offer guests meat carved upon request including sea bass and herb-roasted leg of lamb, a selection of caviar, sushi and ceviche along with a station for pastas, and seasonal fruit and yogurts. The brunch buffet starts at $154 for adults, $84 per child, ages 5-12, and $44 per child, ages 2-5. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com

    Bourbon Steak

    On April 9 from 2-8 p.m., chef Christopher Sanchez will serve a specialty a la carte menu for Easter at Bourbon Steak, a Michael Mina restaurant. In addition to the holiday menu, regular offerings will be available such as prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. Reservations should be made by calling 949-234-3900. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point; waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com/dine

    3. Lido House, Autograph Collection

    Celebrate Easter near the marina at The Mayor’s Table at Lido House. The family-friendly brunch, starting at $68, is served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The three-course dining experience includes several choices. For the first course, choose from the spring vegetable frittata or a Garden of Eden local greens and shaved spring vegetable salad. The butter poached lobster salad with lemon vinaigrette can be supplemented for an additional $25.  For the second course continue on with the house-made pasta with English peas and parmesan foam, or the wild halibut with green mole and nasturtium sauce. Supplement the course with herb-roasted rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes for $25. The dessert course is a choice between comforting lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries and brown sugar whipped cream or the creative avocado chocolate mousse with caramelized raspberry puree and popping candy. Brunch reservations should be made on resy.com. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach; 949-662-6160; lidohousehotel.com

    4. Marriott Irvine Spectrum

    Situated as a social hub at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen, the property’s full-service restaurant, will offer a special Easter brunch buffet on Sunday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast classics will be served alongside a shellfish bar, a custom omelet station, and prime rib carved to order. The buffet is $89 for adults and $29 for kids (12 and under). Reservations should be made with resy.com. 7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine; 949-880-2420; heirloomfarmhousekitchen.com

    5. Surf & Sand Resort

    Celebrate Easter Sunday with a view of Laguna Beach’s shoreline. At the Surf & Sand Resort. The property’s restaurant, Splashes, will offer an Easter brunch from noon to 3 p.m. The three-course prix-fixe brunch features ocean-inspired cuisine. Highlights include the local bass aqua, seared branzino, beef wellington, foraged mushroom toast, and desserts such as carrot cake and chocolate pecan eggs.  Reservations are suggested and should be made by calling 888-579-8544. 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; surfandsandresort.com

    6. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

    Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style resort perched on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor. The California beach-style respite is serving Easter Brunch at Outer Reef by Celebrity Chef John Tesar on Sunday, April 9 from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. The Easter Bunny is co-hosting this luxe breakfast buffet. (Diners also have the option to order from an a la carte brunch menu.) Festivities include photos with the Easter Bunny and treats on the Vue Lawn. Reservations available via Opentable. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point; 949-487-7555; outerreefoc.com

    7. VEA Newport Beach

    VEA’s VIEW Restaurant & Lounge launches its brunch service on Easter Sunday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu items by executive chef Andrew Arndt include fried chicken & waffles, egg white frittata, short rib breakfast potatoes, and buttermilk French toast. ) Guests can order Champagnes along with brunch cocktails including sangria, raspberry mules, and the “Good Morning Newport” cocktail with tequila blanco, grapefruit, Campari, and Firestone 805.  Reservations are suggested at opentable.com. 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-640-4000; Viewatvea.com

    8.The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

    The resort’s annual Easter brunch includes a variety of tasting stations and specialty bars with caviar, smoked fish, sushi, dumplings, and a raw bar. Traditional breakfast food includes waffles, French toast, an omelet bar and Indian cuisine by chef Sanjay Rawat. The New Delhi-native chef helms the resort’s culinary program dedicated to South Asian weddings. The brunch is $250 per person and should be reserved on Tock. Festive photo opps include giant Easter eggs displayed throughout the property and a floral installation surrounding the RAYA restaurant. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point; 949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel

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