Easter celebrates rebirth and the start of spring, and the full diversity of Chicago’s culinary scene is on display as restaurants and bakeries offer a wide variety of traditional foods for the holiday including hot cross buns, magiritsa, mazurek and colomba. There are decadent buffets with carved ham, seafood and tables piled with treats, plus plenty of spots offering family fun with visits from the Easter Bunny or egg hunts. Whatever you’re looking for in a festive feast, you’ll find something on our list of 67 spots to celebrate Easter.
All events take place March 31 unless otherwise noted.
The Loop and Near North Side
Aba
Kataifa carrot cake at Aba. (Aba)
Come for brunch for spring frittata with lump crab or visit during dinner to enjoy slow-braised eggplant lamb with kataifi carrot cake. 302 N. Green St., 773-645-1400, abarestaurants.com/chicago
Adalina
Every table will receive an Easter basket during a brunch featuring specials including short rib hash, a smoked salmon tower, and a sausage and hashbrown breakfast sandwich. 912 N. State St., 312-820-9000, adalinachicago.com
Adobo Grill
Choose an entree such as al pastor tacos, barbacoa hash or quesabirria, then pile your plate from an appetizer buffet featuring chips and guacamole, empanadas and adobo-marinated chicken wings. $29; $16 for kids. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 215 W. North Ave., 312-266-7999, adobochi.davinci-group.com
Adorn
Kids will be welcomed with balloon art, face painting and a photo with the Easter Bunny, while adults can enjoy live music and a brunch buffet including salads, carving stations, sushi and a raw bar. $225. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 120 E. Delaware Place, 312-280-8800, adornrestaurant.com
Alpana
Choose from options including cauliflower bisque, avocado toast, apricot-glazed ham and strawberry shortcake French toast during a two-course brunch. Add on bottomless mimosas for $25 or pastries and sides including a glazed cinnamon roll ($6.95), butter croissant ($4.95) or chicken maple sausage ($7.95). $38; $18 for kids. 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. 831 N. State St., 312-624-8055, alpanachicago.com/easter-brunch
Asador Bastian
The steakhouse opens early to serve its signature dishes along with a la carte specials including lobster with spring peas ($67), dry-aged lamb chops ($71) and white asparagus salad with caviar and cava sabayon ($42). 214 W. Erie St., 312-800-8935, asadorbastian.com
avec
Pre-order treats including carrot cake ($50) and take-and-bake cinnamon rolls ($25) for your home celebration. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 141 W. Erie St., 312-736-1778, avecrestaurant.com
Bistronomic
A three-course brunch includes baby beet salad, braised prime beef short ribs hash and lemon tart. Add on an hour and a half of bottomless mimosas for an additional $20. $48; $28 for kids ages 10 and under. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 840 N. Wabash Ave., 312-944-8400, bistronomic.net
Brass Tack
Sip unlimited rosé ($35) while dining on brunch specials such as bananas foster pancakes ($22), cornbread madeleines ($12) and vanilla mascarpone-stuffed French toast ($25). 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 11 E. Walton St., 312-646-1402, brasstackchicago.com
Carnivale
Bring the kids for a brunch buffet featuring shrimp ceviche, roasted leg of lamb, cheddar grits, buttermilk fried chicken, seafood paella, a sundae bar, cotton candy and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. $60; $25 for kids ages 12 and under. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005, carnivalechicago.com
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
The Easter Bunny makes an appearance from noon to 3 p.m. during a three-course brunch including lobster bisque, slow-roasted leg of lamb and strawberry shortcake. Add on family-style sides such as creamed spinach ($14) or whipped potatoes with roasted garlic ($11). $75. 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com
Gene & Georgetti
The Easter Bunny drops by the restaurant during a brunch featuring whipped ricotta ($14), roasted lamb risotto ($41) and steak and eggs ($40). Build-your-own mimosas with a bottle of prosecco, two juices and fresh fruit ($48). Noon to 4 p.m. 500 N. Franklin St., 312-527-3718, geneandgeorgetti.com
Grill on 21
The restaurant on the 21st floor of The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection hosts a brunch buffet featuring roasted ham, omelets, seafood, chicken piccata and dessert plus photos with the Easter Bunny. $65; $25 for kids. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000 ext. 3, grillon21.com
I|O Godfrey
A brunch buffet includes omelets, eggs benedict, French toast, prime rib, sushi and carrot cake muffins plus a visit from the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt for kids. $65; $15 per child under age 12. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 127 W. Huron St., 312-374-1830, iogodfrey.com
LIVA at Chicago Winery
Start with a charcuterie board with breakfast pastries then choose between honey-baked ham with eggs sardou, French toast or a fried chicken biscuit sandwich. The meal ends with a plate of cookies. $60; $25 for kids. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 739 N. Clark St., 312-763-3674, chiwinery.com
Maple & Ash
Easter brunch at Maple & Ash. (Maple & Ash)
A decadent brunch includes Kaluga caviar, a fire-roasted seafood tower, Alaskan king crab, eggs benedict, brown butter potatoes, maple-glazed bacon, macarons and coconut cream pie. $120; $65 for kids. 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. 8 W. Maple St., 312-944-8888, mapleandash.com
Mercat a la Planxa
The restaurant hosts Easter brunch for the first time, offering a buffet including poached asparagus, smoked salmon, roast lamb leg, honey-baked ham, braised short ribs and Basque cheesecake. Enter through the lobby of The Blackstone Hotel, where the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $85; $25 for kids. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 636 S. Michigan Ave., 312-765-0524, mercatchicago.com
NoMI
Easter at NoMI. (Park Hyatt Chicago)
The restaurant on the seventh floor of Park Hyatt Chicago serves a brunch menu including fried chicken with buttermilk waffles, strawberry salad with fresh mozzarella, roasted lamb with rosemary jus and a sweets table loaded with macarons, tarts and scones. Each table will be set with an Easter egg you can crack into for a treat. For an extra $95, you can also build your own mimosas with prosecco or champagne, fresh-squeezed juices and fruit garnishes. $165; $55 for kids ages 5-12. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030, nomichicago.com
Osteria Via Stato
A brunch buffet features made-to-order omelets, mini croissants and bagels, seafood stew, carved dry-aged ribeye, ricotta doughnuts and Easter candy. $70; $35 for kids ages 6-10; free for children aged 5 and under. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 620 N. State St., 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com
Prime & Provisions
The steakhouse’s annual grand buffet brunch features cinnamon French toast, eggs benedict, carving stations serving maple-glazed ham and slow-roasted prime rib, a raw bar with shrimp, oysters and crab legs, made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffles, and plenty of sweets. $95; $35 for kids ages 7-12, free for children aged 6 and under. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 222 N. LaSalle Blvd., 312-726-7777, primeandprovisions.com
River Roast
A three-course brunch from executive chef Jason Qureshi includes smothered Scotch egg gravy, pineapple honey-glazed ham and carrot cake. Bring the kids for an egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny until 2 p.m. and a special kids menu. $65; $20 for kids ages 10 and under. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 315 N. LaSalle Drive, 312-822-0100, riverroastchicago.com
Robert’s Pizza and Dough Co.
Specials offered in addition to the regular brunch menu include duck eggs benedict, a smoked salmon plate and a wild mushroom omelet. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 465 N. McClurg Court, 312-265-1328, robertspizzacompany.com
Somerset
Bring the kids for an egg hunt in the Viceroy Chicago’s lobby and pictures at an Easter bunny selfie station, then dig into a buffet brunch including quiche florentine, brioche French toast, bagels and carrot cake. Adults also receive a glass of prosecco. $85. 11 a.m. 1112 N. State St., 312-586-2150, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/chicago/somerset
Tanta
Easter specials at Tanta. (Mistey Nguyen)
The Peruvian restaurant offers specials Friday through Sunday including a half rack of grilled lamb chops with minted pesto ($62) and seared scallops with crispy pork belly ($38). 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com
Tapas Valencia
A four-course meal includes garlic potato salad, lamb meatballs with spicy tomato sauce, grilled branzino with cauliflower puree and chocolate mousse cake. $69; $49 for a vegetarian menu. 1530 S. State St., 312-842-4444, tapasvalencia.com
Travelle at The Langham, Chicago
Easter brunch buffet at Travelle. (Kent Drake Photography)
Bottomless champagne, mimosas and bellinis are included in a brunch buffet from executive chef Damion Henry featuring croissants, eggs benedict, flatbreads, herb mustard-crusted lamb, pan-roasted branzino, lobster rolls, sushi, chilled jumbo shrimp, dim sum and rolled ice cream. An acoustic string duo performs throughout the brunch, the Easter Bunny will hand out treats and pose for photos, and a balloon artist will make sculptures for guests. $265; $75 for kids ages 5-12. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com
Venteux
The French brasserie serves specials including a smoked salmon benedict ($29), banana ricotta pancakes ($18) and braised lamb shank with miso-glazed carrots ($44). Enjoy bottomless mimosas, rosé and bloody marys ($26) or the Egg Hunt, a cocktail made with gin, egg white and lemon ($21). 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 224 N. Michigan Ave., 312-777-9003, venteuxchicago.com
Yardbird
Come for brunch for an asparagus and goat cheese benedict ($28) or banana pudding cinnamon roll ($18) offered in addition to the regular menu. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 530 N. Wabash Ave., 312-999-9760, runchickenrun.com/chicago
North Side & Northwest Side
The Albert
Choose an entree such as grilled lamb chop, roasted turkey or lemon ricotta pancakes to enjoy between trips to an antipasti buffet and sweets table. $60. 228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com
Andros Taverna
Andros Taverna phyllo fruit tart. (Hsing Chen)
A $48 Greek Easter Feast offered in addition to the Logan Square restaurant’s regular menu from March 31 through May 5, which is Orthodox Easter, includes traditional fare such as tsoureki, magiritsa, lamb chops and a phyllo fruit tart. You can also order an $88 meal for two to three for pickup or delivery. 2542 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-365-1900, androstaverna.com
Argot
The new Lincoln Park brasserie offers a special $35 menu including French onion soup, buckwheat pancakes and bacon, plus a spritz or bloody mary for an extra $7. The regular a la carte brunch menu is also available. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 2349 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-770-3571, argotchicago.com
Bar Roma
Dinner specials served Friday through Sunday include saffron risotto with sauteed sea scallops ($32), wood-grilled lamb chops ($38) and lemon olive oil bundt cake ($11). 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572, barromachicago.com
Daisies
Executive pastry chef Leigh Omilinsky prepares pastries for pickup including a six-inch chocolate fudge cake topped with malt eggs ($60), hot cross buns ($15), orange olive oil bundt cake ($45) and carrot cake ($55). 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-697-9443, daisieschicago.com
Le Sud
Chef William Lara offers brunch specials including sourdough toast with sun-dried tomato pesto ($19) and egg shawarma with crispy potatoes ($18). 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, lesudchicago.com
Smoque Steak
Choose between a pork chop, prime rib or chicken and waffles with eggs, all accompanied by family-style potatoes, fruit and toast. $45; $22 for kids under age 12. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 3310 N. Elston Ave., 773-219-1775, smoquesteak.com
Swift & Sons Tavern
The Wrigleyville restaurant serves a special brunch featuring one entree per guest plus pastries, roasted salmon and sides for the table. $49; $20 for kids, free for kids under 3. 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 3600 N. Clark St., 773-360-0207, swiftandsonstavern.com
Vinci
The Lincoln Park restaurant’s Easter brunch features a choice of entrees such as banana-stuffed French toast and roasted leg of lamb plus a buffet of appetizers and desserts including meatballs, bruschetta, panna cotta and mini cannoli. $36; $19 for kids. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1732 N. Halsted St., 312-266-1199, vinci.davinci-group.com
West Side & Near West Side
Big Star West Town
Kids eat free during a brunch featuring pictures with the Easter Bunny and egg and cookie decorating. Specials including deviled eggs will be served along with the regular menu. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 551 N. Ogden Ave., 312-521-5169, bigstarchicago.com
Duck Duck Goat
Share dim sum and other dishes during a family-style brunch. $65. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com
Fioretta
A four-course menu features shrimp scampi, caesar salad, red wine-braised lamb shank and olive oil cake. Add on caviar service for $85 or trade your entree for king crab linguine for $30. $125. Noon to 8 p.m. 318 N. Sangamon St., 312-897-5011, fiorettasteak.com
Formento’s
Share a cinnamon roll and smoked fish platter, then choose an entree such as cacio e pepe or braised lamb hash. Finish with pastries for the table including cannoli and chocolate cake. $60; $10 for kids ages 10 and under. 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 925 W. Randolph St., 312-690-7295, formentos.com
Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar
A family meal features deviled eggs with trout roe, wood-grilled leg of lamb with grilled ramps and asparagus salad with crispy garlic for $65 or $35 for kids under age 12. A la carte specials include crispy scallion pancake ($12) and smoked salmon eggs benedict ($28). You can also celebrate at home with a $300 meal for four available for pickup from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday. 2700 W. Chicago Ave., 773-661-9577, heritage-chicago.com
Publican Quality Bread
Hot crossed buns from Publican Quality Bread. (Kelly Sandos/One Off Hospitality)
James Beard Award-winning baker Greg Wade offers colomba ($30), a dove-shaped Italian cake traditionally eaten at Easter, along with tres leches cake ($35) Saturday and Sunday. Celebrate Good Friday by picking up apricot jam-glazed hot cross buns ($15). 1759 W. Grand Ave., publicanqualitybread.com
Roister
Share family-style cinnamon rolls, deviled eggs, breakfast potatoes and cured bacon and choose from an entree including eggs benedict or chicken and waffles. $65. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 951 W. Fulton Market, roisterrestaurant.com
Rose Mary
A three-course menu includes braised lamb hash, pork belly benedict and olive oil cake. $55. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 932 W. Fulton St., 872-260-3921, rosemarychicago.com
Sepia
The Michelin-starred restaurant serves a five-course brunch including chocolate babka, smoked whitefish salad, braised lamb and chocolate profiterole. $84; $40 for kids under 12. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 123 N. Jefferson St., 312-441-1920, sepiachicago.com
Swift & Sons Steakhouse
Choose from corn flake French toast, lobster pierogi and avocado toast during a family-style brunch including bacon and paprika fried potatoes plus a bloody mary or mimosa for adults. $89; $20 for kids ages 4-12; free for kids 4 and under. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1000 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9420, swiftandsonschicago.com
South Side & Near South Side
Delightful Pastries
Easter specials from Delightful Pastries. (Delightful Pastries)
The Jefferson Park bakery offers traditional Polish Easter food such as poppy seed mazurek ($15) and white borscht ($12) plus other specials including Easter eggs ($5.49), lamb pound cake frosted with buttercream ($24-$29) and rhubarb strawberry pie ($24). 5927 W. Lawrence Ave., 773-545-7215, delightfulpastries.com
The Duck Inn
A family-style three-course brunch served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes deviled eggs with wasabi tobiko, braised short rib eggs benedict, duck fat potatoes and coconut mango tartlets for $75. You can also order a $190 heat-at-home meal for four available for pickup or delivery on March 30. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com
Mariscos El Puerto 2
Catch a drag show while enjoying a brunch buffet that includes a bottle of champagne to make your own mimosas. $50. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 5004 S. Archer Ave., 773-498-2948, mariscoselpuerto.net
Suburban and multiple locations
Aboyer
Specials offered in addition to the regular brunch menu include eggs benedict with smoked pork loin ($26), rack of lamb with sliced garlic sausage ($48) and chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier crème anglaise ($16). 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847-441-3100; georgetroisgroup.com/aboyer
Antico Posto
Feed four for $205 with an Easter dinner to go including honey-glazed ham, parmesan-crusted beef medallions, parmesan smashed potatoes, herb-roasted baby carrots and tiramisu. Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. Wednesday to pick up on Saturday. The restaurant also offers dine-in specials Friday through Sunday, such as lamb risotto and lemon cheesecake. 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; 630-586-9200, antico-posto.com
The Ashburn at Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel
Kids can work on a seasonal craft and get their photo taken with the Easter Bunny as part of a breakfast buffet that also features live music. $47; $23 for kids ages 4-12, free for kids 3 and under. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont, 847-447-4275, loewshotels.com
The Barn Steakhouse
A special menu features brunch classics including brioche French toast ($17 or $11 for kids), steak and eggs ($27), eggs benedict ($23), bloody marys ($15) and mimosas ($14). 1016 Church St., 847-868-8041, thebarnsteakhouse.com
Di Pescara
Come for brunch and try specials such as lobster deviled eggs, a braised short rib benedict and bananas foster French toast. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook; 847-498-4321; di-pescara.com
Disotto
Special dishes include braised lamb shank with creamy polenta ($39), pan-seared halibut with lemon caper butter ($35) and roasted asparagus with crispy prosciutto ($15). 310 Green Bay Road, Highwood, 224-765-9490, disottoitalian.com
Fonda Cantina
The Mexican restaurant is usually closed Sundays, but for Easter it’s offering brunch specials including steak and eggs and chilaquiles. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1735 Benson Ave., Evanston, 224-714-2866, eatatfonda.com
Francesca’s
Pile your plate with carved prime rib and spiral ham at a buffet featuring an egg station until 3 p.m. and a pasta station starting at 4 p.m. Other dishes include halibut piccata, shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon with bagels. $55; $17 for kids ages 12 and under. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Multiple locations, miafrancesca.com
The Goddess and Grocer
Pick up a $95 Easter dinner for four including sliced ham, potatoes au gratin, grilled asparagus and roasted carrots, with deviled eggs and themed cupcakes available for another $30. You can also grab six Easter cookies ($30) or cake pops ($24). Orders must be placed by noon March 27. Multiple locations, goddessandgrocer.com
Hewn
Place an order by 8 p.m. Wednesday to pick up treats Saturday or Sunday including hot cross buns ($17), bunny cookies ($12) and take-and-bake cinnamon brioche ($25). 1733 Central St., 847-869-4396, hewnbread.com
Meson Sabika
A four-course brunch includes chicken curry salad, bacon-wrapped dates, lamb shank with couscous and carrot cake with toasted pecans. Weather permitting, the restaurant will also host an Easter Egg hunt. $80; $49 for a vegetarian menu. 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville, 630-983-3000, mesonsabika.com
Oaken Bar + Bistro
Take family photos with the Easter Bunny during a brunch that includes bagels with lox, omelets, chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. $65; $35 for kids 10:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. 200 N. Field Drive, Lake Forest; 847-582-6410; oakenbistro.com
Prairie Grass Cafe
Deviled eggs at Prairie Grass Cafe. (Cindy Kurman)
Feast on a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring deviled eggs, chicken pot pie, omelet and crepe stations, raisin buns and carrot cake squares. The meal is $85 or $54 for kids. You can also place an order by Thursday to pick up Easter dinner for two from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday that includes sliced ham, crispy sweet potatoes and mushroom soup for $118. Add on six deviled eggs for $15. 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook; 847-205-4433; prairiegrasscafe.com
Prairie Moon
A brunch buffet includes scrambled eggs, glazed sliced ham, shrimp cocktail, bagels with smoked salmon and blueberry streusel coffee cake plus prosecco and mimosas. $36; $15 for kids. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1635 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-864-8328; prairiemoonrestaurant.com
Sweet Mandy B’s
Sweet Mandy B’s cupcakes. (Sweet Mandy B’s)
Specials available Thursday through Sunday include bird’s nest cupcakes, decorated rice krispie treats, bunny cakes and themed cookies. 1208 W. Webster Ave., 773-244-1174; 254 E. Ontario St., 312-255-1632; sweetmandybs.com
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Libertyville
Kids will be entertained by a magician, crafts and visits from the Easter Bunny during a brunch buffet featuring carved ham and turkey, mac and cheese, deviled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and doughnuts. $45; $28 for kids ages 10 and under. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-984-2599, timothyotooles.com
Wildfire
An Easter lamb dinner including fresh spinach, Diane sauce, cauliflower mashed potatoes and carrot cake is available in addition to the regular menu. Multiple locations, wildfirerestaurant.com
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.
