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 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. There are also packages with everything you need to celebrate at home. Whatever you’re looking for in a festive feast, you’ll find something on our list of 63 spots to celebrate Easter.
All events take place on April 5 unless otherwise noted.
The Loop and Near North Side
Adorn
A brunch buffet ($275; $95 for kids 12 and under) includes salads, carving stations and a raw bar. (120 E. Delaware Place, 312-799-3322, adornrestaurant.com)
The Albert
Pile your plate at this buffet ($60) with carved roasted turkey, lemon ricotta pancakes and grilled lamb chops, along with trips to an antipasti buffet and sweets table from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com)
Alpana
Choose from options including cauliflower bisque, short rib Benedict, brown sugar-glazed ham and blueberry cheesecake French toast during a two-course brunch ($48; $25 for kids) served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Add on pastries and sides, including a large cinnamon roll ($7.95), fresh fruit bowl ($5.95) or chicken maple sausage ($7.95). (831 N. State St., 312-624-8055, alpanachicago.com/easterbrunch)
avec
An all-you-can-eat brunch buffet ($50; $25 for kids ages 12 and under) includes a carving station, house-made pastries and sweet treats from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (141 W. Erie St., 877-298-0592, avecrestaurant.com)
Avli on The Park
Feast on traditional Greek Easter classics, including tsoureki bread, red eggs and carved spit-roasted lamb, at a brunch buffet ($70, $35 for kids) featuring live jazz music and a visit from the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5 and a traditional Greek band during Greek Easter April 12. (180 N. Field Blvd., 312-600-9997, avli.us/easter)
Avli River North
Executive chef and partner Panos Chalikiopoulos celebrates the Anastasi Greek Easter midnight feast late Saturday, April 11, with a four-course dinner ($59) including mushroom magiritsa soup, lamb shoulder, tsoureki, and yogurt mousse with sour cherries. (702 N. Wells St., 312-643-5656, avli.us/easter)
The Bellevue
The Gold Coast restaurant offers a lavish buffet ($125; $40 for kids ages 5-12; free for kids 4 and under) featuring oysters, eggs Benedict, made-to-order omelets, a carving station, a mimosa bar, bagels with lox, and dessert from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (1031 N. Rush St., 312-888-8900, thebellevuechicago.com)
Bistronomic
A three-course brunch ($50; $28 for kids ages 10 and under) includes avocado toast, braised prime beef short ribs hash, and apple and raisin brioche bread pudding. Add on an hour and a half of bottomless mimosas for an additional $22. (840 N. Wabash Ave., 312-944-8400, bistronomic.net)
IO Godfrey
A brunch buffet ($65; $15 per child under age 12) includes omelets, eggs Benedict, French toast, prime rib, sushi and carrot cake muffins plus a visit from the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (127 W. Huron St., 312-374-1830, iogodfrey.com)
Lirica
The Navy Pier restaurant offers a brunch buffet ($75; $20 for kids ages 5-12; free for kids 4 and under) including pastries, parfaits, French toast, omelets, charcuterie and dessert, plus an egg hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (900 E. Grand Ave., 872-710-5750, liricarestaurant.com)
Maple & Ash
A decadent brunch ($125; $65 for kids 12 and under) includes Kaluga caviar, a roasted seafood tower, Alaskan king crab, eggs Benedict, brown butter potatoes, maple-glazed bacon, macarons and coconut cream pie. (8 W. Maple St., 312-944-8888, mapleandash.com)
Miru
A brunch buffet ($135, $75 for kids ages 10 and under, free for kids ages 4 and under) includes whole roasted leg of lamb, sushi, cinnamon French toast and pastries from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-7811, mirurestaurant.com)
NoMI
The restaurant on the seventh floor of Park Hyatt Chicago serves a brunch ($265; $95 for kids; free for kids 5 and under) including smoked salmon, sushi, caprese salad, braised lamb and macarons from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030, nomichicago.com)
Olio e Più Chicago
The River North restaurant offers Easter specials in addition to the regular menu, including crispy artichokes al limone with whipped ricotta ($21), paccheri pasta with seafood ($31) and chocolate rice pudding ($16). (445 N. Dearborn St., 312-363-3335, olioepiu.com)
Osteria Via Stato
A brunch buffet ($79; $35 for kids ages 6-10; free for children aged 5 and under) features made-to-order omelets, bagels, smoked salmon, seafood stew, applewood-smoked ham, ricotta doughnuts and Easter candy from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (620 N. State St., 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com)
The Peninsula Chicago
A string quartet, balloon artist, magician, the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt provide entertainment for the whole family during a luxurious brunch ($325; $85 for kids ages 5-12) served from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that includes sushi, caviar, prime rib, Peking duck, French toast and lobster risotto. (108 E. Superior St., 312-573-6760, exploretock.com/thepeninsulachicago)
River Roast
A brunch buffet ($85; $25 for kids ages 10 and under) includes steak and eggs with chimichurri, spring lamb ragu and grilled swordfish with asparagus from 10:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. (315 N. LaSalle Drive, 312-822-0100, riverroastchicago.com)
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co.
The riverfront restaurant offers brunch specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including bacon, egg and asparagus pizza ($26), wild mushroom omelet ($23), and eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon ($18). (465 N. McClurg Court, 312-265-1328, robertspizzacompany.com)
Siena Tavern
A brunch buffet ($69; $29 for kids ages 7-12; free for kids 6 and under) includes braised lamb hash, breakfast sausage, oysters, maple-glazed ham, crispy garlic potatoes and bomboloni from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (51 W. Kinzie St., 312-471-1636, sienatavern.com)
Somerset
Kids can join an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. and have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny during a brunch ($89; $25 for kids), including fruit salad, scrambled eggs, French toast and carrot cake. (1112 N. State St., 312-586-2150, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com)
Sunda New Asian
An Asian spin on the brunch buffet ($98; $38 for kids ages 4-12, free for kids 3 and under) features Korean-style prime rib with kimchi, maki rolls, sweet chili fried chicken, tempura French toast, an omelet station and an ube white chocolate fountain from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (110 W. Illinois St., 312-644-0500, sundanewasian.com)
Tanta
The Peruvian restaurant offers holiday specials including grilled lamb chops with crispy chickpeas, grilled scallops with chickpea puree, and a chocolate bunny stuffed with carrot cake, dulce de leche and cream cheese mousse. (118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com)
Tapas Valencia
A three-course brunch ($89; free for kids 12 and under) includes garlic potato salad, bacon-wrapped dates, grilled beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes, and tres leches. A $59 vegetarian menu is also available. (1530 S. State St., 312-842-4444, tapasvalencia.com)
Travelle at The Langham, Chicago
Bottomless Champagne, mimosas and bellinis are included in a brunch buffet ($285; $85 for kids ages 5-12) featuring croissants, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, made-to-order omelets, pan-roasted sea bass, oysters, sushi, ceviche, herb-roasted rack of lamb, dim sum and coconut layer cake from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com)
Tre Dita
A three-course Tuscan-inspired lunch ($94; $44 for kids 4 and under) served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes prosciutto di parma, cacio e pepe and tiramisu. (401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-1724, treditarestaurant.com)
North Side & Northwest Side
Andros Taverna
Place an order by April 2 to pick up a Greek-inspired meal for four to six ($97) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday that includes slow-roasted lamb, roasted potatoes, tzatziki and pea latheros. The meal is also available for Greek Easter on April 12. (2542 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-365-1900, androstaverna.com)
Dolce Arte
A brunch buffet ($53; $25 for kids ages 2-8) includes lobster bisque, avocado toast, waffles, frittata, carved prime rib and carrot cake. (3057 N. Rockwell St., 312-505-8551, dolceartechi.com)
Mano a Mano
Chef Doug Psaltis’ Logan Square restaurant offers three ways to celebrate. An Easter brunch ($55) served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes a bread basket, house-made salumi and cheese, and a pancake with strawberry syrup for the table to share, plus your choice of an egg sandwich, cacio e pepe omelet or carbonara. A five-course dinner ($78) offered from 4-9:30 p.m. includes spring vegetable chopped salad, mussels and prawns, apricot crostata and a choice of entree. Place an order by April 2 to pick up roasted porchetta along with corn polenta and grilled spicy broccolini ($86) on April 5. Add on tiramisu for $20. (2534 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-819-7970, eatatmano.com)
Summer House Santa Monica
The Easter Bunny makes a visit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during a brunch featuring ham and eggs with hash browns ($24) and cinnamon-sugar pancakes with cherry compote ($22). Dinner specials available from 3-9 p.m. include roasted Alaskan halibut ($43) and wood-grilled smoked pork chop ($34). The cookie bar offers Easter-themed treats. (1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4100, summerhouserestaurants.com)
Swift Tavern
The Wrigleyville restaurant serves a special brunch ($55; $25 for kids, free for kids under 3) featuring pastries, roasted salmon and sides for the table, plus a choice of entree, including cornflake French toast, lox Benedict and tri-tip steak hash. (3600 N. Clark St., 773-360-0207, swiftandsonstavern.com)
West Side & Near West Side
Brasero
A family-style brunch ($60) served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes favorites from John Manion’s Latin-inspired restaurant along with new brunch dishes and a preview of items from Guillotine Bakery, which is opening in West Town soon. (1709 W. Chicago Ave., 872-342-2079, braserochicago.com)
Carnivale
Bring the kids for a brunch buffet ($70; $25 for kids ages 12 and under) featuring ceviche, roasted leg of lamb, cheddar grits, buttermilk fried chicken, seafood paella, tacos, omelets, a sundae bar and flan from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005, carnivalechicago.com)
Duck Duck Goat
Share dim sum and other dishes during a family-style brunch ($65) served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com)
Fioretta
A buffet ($95; $39 for kids ages 7-12; free for kids 6 and under) offered from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. includes eggs Benedict, carved maple-glazed ham, shrimp cocktail, bagels with smoked salmon, made-to-order omelets, mini-roasted meatballs, and bomboloni. (318 N. Sangamon St., 312-897-5011, fiorettasteak.com)
Momotaro
A four-course brunch ($75; $20 for kids) served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes curried deviled eggs, sashimi, spicy tuna dip, and steak and eggs. (820 W. Lake St., momotarochicago.com)
Rose Mary
A three-course menu ($55; $25 for kids) served from 9:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. includes braised lamb hash, burek with bacon and mozzarella, and chocolate budino. (932 W. Fulton St., 872-260-3921, sevenrooms.com/experiences/rosemary)
Sepia
The Michelin-starred restaurant serves a four-course brunch ($95; $45 for kids 12 and under) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that includes sweet and savory breads, a choice of entree, and sweets to share. (123 N. Jefferson St., 312-441-1920, sepiachicago.com)
Swift & Sons
Feast on corn flake French toast, lobster pierogi and avocado toast during a family-style brunch ($105; $20 for kids ages 4-12; free for kids 4 and under) that also includes bacon, paprika fried potatoes and biscuits, plus a bloody mary or mimosa for adults. (1000 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9420, swiftandsonschicago.com)
Tortello
An Italian Easter meal kit for two ($44) available for pickup from 12:45-6 p.m. Saturday includes handmade agnolotti filled with braised lamb and everything you need to make a simple browned mint compound butter sauce with peas and parmigiano. Add on tiramisu ($25) or focaccia with ricotta and honey ($10). (1746 W. Division St., 773-360-1293, tortellopasta.com)
Trino
The Latin-influenced steakhouse offers a special brunch menu from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including chilaquiles rojo ($18), short rib barbacoa hash ($30), puffy buttermilk pancakes ($16), and steak and eggs ($36). (738 W. Randolph St., trinochicago.com)
South Side & Near South Side
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
The Easter Bunny makes an appearance from noon to 2 p.m. during a three-course brunch ($79) including lobster bisque, grilled lamb chops and strawberry shortcake. Add on family-style sides such as creamed spinach ($14) or whipped potatoes with roasted garlic ($12). (1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com)
The Duck Inn
A family-style three-course brunch ($90) served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes deviled eggs with wasabi tobiko, short rib Benedict, duck fat potatoes and coconut mango tartlets. (2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com)
Suburban and multiple locations
Aboyer
Specials offered in addition to the regular menu include eggs Benedict with shaved ham ($26) and baked blueberry-vanilla French toast with thick cut bacon from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and roast chicken with spring peas ($28) and braised lamb shank navarin over housemade spaetzle ($36) from 3-5:30 p.m. (64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847-441-3100; opentable.com/r/aboyer-winnetka)
Antico Posto
Feed four for $190 with an Easter dinner to go that includes 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 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. (118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; 630-586-9200; antico-posto.com)
Ascione Bistro
Specials offered at both the Hyde Park and Skokie locations include ossobuco with mushroom risotto ($49), braised lamb shank with mashed potatoes in red wine reduction ($36) and halibut with asparagus risotto and wild mushrooms ($37). (1500 E. 55th St., 773-363-8161; 8006 Lincoln Ave., Skokie; 224-724-8440; ascionebistro.com)
The Ashburn at Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel
Kids can enjoy crafts, live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny during a brunch buffet ($46; $23 for kids) served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that includes poached prawns, smoked salmon, carved orange maple glazed spiral ham, made-to-order omelets, carrot cake pancakes and Easter cookies. (5300 N. River Road, Rosemont; 847-544-5300; loewshotels.com)
Crosby’s Kitchen
The restaurant’s annual Easter buffet ($69; $19 for kids under age 12) includes made-to-order omelets, a raw bar, and carving stations serving lamb, ham and prime rib from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (6480 W. Touhy Ave., Niles; 224-279-2525; crosbyskitchenniles.com)
Francesca’s
Pile your plate with carved prime rib and spiral ham at a buffet ($58; $17 for kids ages 12 and under) featuring an egg station from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a pasta station from 4-8 p.m. Other dishes include four cheese ravioli, shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon with bagels. (Multiple locations, shhospitality.co/pages/whats-cooking)
The Goddess and Grocer
Pick up a $175 Easter dinner for six that includes sliced ham, potatoes au gratin, grilled asparagus and maple-roasted carrots, or opt for a $75 vegan dinner for two featuring spring vegetable pie and strawberry-rhubarb crumble. You can also grab six Easter cookies ($30) or eight cake pops ($24). Orders must be placed by noon Wednesday for pickup from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. (Multiple locations, goddessandgrocer.com)
The Graceful Ordinary
A family-style brunch ($65; $25 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids under 3) served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes cinnamon rolls, cheddar biscuits, red potatoes, sausage and bacon, plus a choice of main course such as steak and eggs or lobster biscuits and gravy. (3 E. Main St., St. Charles; 331-235-5803; thegracefulordinary.com)
Hewn
Place an order by 8 p.m. Thursday to pick up treats Saturday or Sunday including hot cross buns ($18), bunny cookies ($14), carrot cake ($30) and take-and-bake morning buns ($29). (Multiple locations, hewnbread.com)
Labriola
The Easter Bunny will make an appearance at a brunch buffet ($60; $25 for kids) featuring made-to-order omelets, carved ham, shrimp cocktail, pizza and doughnuts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Add on a bottomless bellini bar for $20. (3011 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook; 630-861-6177; labriolaoakbrook.com)
LAGO
The Italian steakhouse offers a brunch buffet ($85; $20 for kids under 12) including tiramisu French toast, prime rib, wagyu bolognese, shrimp cocktail and made-to-order omelets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (350 N. Rand Road, Lake Zurich; 224-286-3567; lagolakezurich.com)
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
A buffet ($69; $24 for kids 12 and under) includes rosemary-crusted leg of lamb, oysters, an omelet station, mini pies, bottomless mimosas and photos with the Easter Bunny. (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, 847-634-0100, threeembersrestaurant.com)
Oaken Bistro + Bar
Take family photos with the Easter Bunny during a brunch buffet ($65; $35 for kids) that includes bagels with lox, omelets, chocolate chip pancakes, roasted tenderloin, croissants and bacon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (200 N. Field Drive, Lake Forest; 847-582-6410; oakenbistro.com)
Passero
A brunch buffet ($46; $23 for kids under age 12) features herb-crusted New York strip steak, maple-glazed ham, Liege waffles, made-to-order omelets, mac and cheese, and cupcakes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Add bottomless mimosas ($27) or a bloody mary ($14). (3 S. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights; 224-857-8900; opentable.com/r/passero-arlington-heights)
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Order a $149 family meal to pick up cold Saturday or ready to eat on Sunday that includes carrot ginger soup, triple-glazed ham, whipped potatoes and green bean almondine. Add on white chocolate cheesecake for $32. The same individual meal is available for $49 or $19 for kids 12 and under from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a slice of cheesecake for $10. (Multiple locations, perryssteakhouse.com)
Prairie Grass Cafe
Feast on a brunch buffet ($79 or $39 for kids 10 and under) from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring deviled eggs, chicken pot pie, omelet and crepe stations, hot cross buns and carrot cake squares. You can also place an order by Thursday to pick up Easter dinner from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday that includes sliced ham with crispy sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus ($29), deviled eggs ($9) and mushroom soup ($12-$22). (601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook; 847-205-4433; prairiegrasscafe.com)
Prairie Moon
A brunch buffet ($40; $17 for kids 12 and under) includes scrambled eggs, glazed sliced ham, shrimp cocktail, bagels with smoked salmon and blueberry streusel coffee cake plus prosecco and mimosas from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (1635 Chicago Ave., Evanston; 847-864-8328; prairiemoonrestaurant.com)
Publican Quality Bread
James Beard Award-winning baker Greg Wade offers colomba ($40), a dove-shaped Italian bread traditionally eaten at Easter, along with chocolate malt pie ($40) and apricot jam-glazed hot cross buns ($15) Friday through Sunday. (1759 W. Grand Ave., 312-605-1618; 211 Harrison St., Oak Park; 312-736-1981; exploretock.com/publicanqualitybread)
Saranello’s
The Easter Bunny will be sharing treats during a brunch ($55; half price for kids 12 and under), including shrimp cocktail, smoked ham, crab cakes Benedict and cold-smoked salmon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Easter dinner specials include fig and burrata salad, halibut with spring pea risotto, and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. (601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, 847-777-6878; saranellos.com)
Soul & Smoke
Order one ($25) or five pounds ($120) of house-brined smoked ham sliced and served with Carolina Gold sauce for pickup or delivery Saturday or Sunday. (Multiple locations, soulandsmoke.com)
Wildfire
An Easter lamb dinner that includes fresh spinach and cauliflower mashed potatoes ($45) and a slice of triple-layer carrot cake ($11) are available in addition to the regular menu. (Multiple locations, wildfirerestaurant.com)
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.
