[Editor’s note: See our roundup of the most current 2017 Easter brunch specials here.]
There’s no denying that cooking and clean up can be stressful whenever the big holidays roll around, and the local restaurant scene is offering plenty of dining-out options if you’re hoping to ditch your apron for Easter this year. Whether you’re in search of fancy fare or a brunch on the water, eateries all over town are pulling out all of the stops in honor of the lively holiday.
B&O American Brasserie: A sleek interior, top-notch cocktails, and innovative dishes all contribute to the inviting atmosphere at this spot inside the Hotel Monaco. From 8-10 a.m., B&O will feature an early-bird buffet with bananas foster French toast, veggie frittatas, and layered yogurt parfaits. Signature dishes such as honey-baked ham, grilled flank steak, and rosemary-roasted potatoes will be added to the spread at 10 a.m. A bottomless mimosa and Bloody Mary bar is included in the fixed price. 2 N. Charles St., 443-692-6170. $25-$40
Cinghiale: Chef Julian Marucci is serving up a special three-course Sunday supper for the occasion, highlighting his claim-to-fame house made pastas and grilled meats. Enjoy a glass of wine in the dimly-lit dining room while looking over the menu, which includes dishes such as crispy baby artichokes, grilled albacore with white beans and salsa verde, lasagna with porcini mushrooms and a red wine reduction, and braised lamb. 822 Lancaster St., 410-547-8282, $45
Cinnamon Tree Restaurant: This newly renovated restaurant inside the Hunt Valley Inn is offering champagne pairings with its holiday brunch buffet this year. Reserve a seat at one of the dark wood tables in the rustic dining room to feast on made-to-order omelets, roast pork loin with apple stuffing, herb-roasted prime rib, and the restaurant’s signature cinnamon rolls. 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, 410-785-7000, $15.95-39.95
Cunningham’s: Celebrate the rising temperatures with the spring-inspired dishes on the Easter menu at this farm-to-table spot. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Cunningham’s is hosting a two-course brunch where diners can enjoy colorful plates like watermelon radish salad, cornmeal-fried oysters, lobster ginger soup, and roasted beet and goat cheese pasta. For dinner, indulge in a three-course prix-fixe menu that will include roasted chicken, pork chops with a brandy maple glaze, and apple crisp with bourbon vanilla ice cream. 1 Olympic Place, Towson, 410-339-7730, $25-39
Fleming’s: Not only does this swanky steakhouse in Harbor East feature some killer waterfront views, but it also showcases an expansive menu full of savory meats and international wines. Fleming’s will be serving a three-course brunch on March 27, with options like brioche French toast, porcini-crusted filet, pan-seared broccolini, and mixed berry cobbler. Specialty brunch cocktails—like the bacon and bleu cheese Bloody Mary with a toasted chipotle rim—will be available for an additional price. 720 Aliceanna St., 410-332-1666, $39.95
The French Kitchen: Situated inside the historic Lord Baltimore hotel, this elegant restaurant is the perfect venue for mid-morning brunch. On Easter Sunday, The French Kitchen’s bottomless spread will include assorted pastries, crab and crawfish bisque, grilled endive salad, mustard-glazed ham, and Chicken Chesapeake with oven-cured tomatoes. All-you-can-drink mimosas and Bloody Marys can be added to the fixed buffet price for $10. 20 W. Baltimore St., 410-539-8400, $15-35
La Cuchara: Wood-fired meats are the stars of the show at this trendy Woodberry spot, and, in keeping with the theme, executive chef Ben Lefenfeld plans to serve his signature lamb shoulder (slow-cooked for 24 hours and then wood grilled) in honor of the holiday. La Cuchara will be open for brunch and dinner on Easter Sunday and, in addition to the lamb, other a la carte specials will include house-cured salmon with chamomile crème fraiche, black truffle scrambled eggs, and torrijas— a Spanish French toast dish topped with apples and warm honey. 3600 Clipper Mill Road, 443-708-3838
The Manor Tavern: This county restaurant, situated inside a pre-Colonial stone farmhouse will host two brunch seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Easter Sunday, featuring a buffet with bacon-wrapped scallops, crab tortellini, oyster stuffing, and house made peanut butter cheese cake. The tavern will also offer a fixed-price dinner menu, which lists offerings such as grilled baby lamb chops and Chicken Saltimbocca. 15819 Old York Road, Monkton, 410-771-8155, $13-$39
The Milton Inn: Housed inside a centuries-old fieldstone building in Sparks, this fine-dining den is offering a three-course Easter brunch menu, which lists seasonal items such as baked half grapefruit, raspberry salad, pan-seared salmon, and fennel pollen-roasted pork tenderloin with corn and cheddar grits. 14833 York Road, Sparks, 410-771-4366, $22.50-45
Mt. Washington Tavern: Dress up your tykes in their Sunday best and snag a seat in the Pimlico Room or top-level Skybar to enjoy the all-inclusive brunch bar showcasing classics like eggs benedict, honey-glazed ham, applewood-smoked bacon, and country sausage, alongside specialty offerings such as bell pepper fritatas, thick-cut French toast soaked in Grand Marnier, and penne pasta alfredo. 5700 Newbury St., 41-367-6903, $12-24
Nick’s Fish House: Head to Port Covington to chow down on seafood-inspired snacks while taking in the waterfront views at this dockside destination. Nick’s is featuring a full-blown buffet—with dishes such as blackened mahi mahi, crab balls, jambalaya, chicken Marsala, pasta primavera, and steamed shrimp—alongside omelet, salad, and meat-carving stations. 2600 Insulator Drive, 410-347-4123
Parts & Labor: Weekend brunch service at this Remington hotspot, which officially got underway last month, will be in full swing on Easter Sunday, but if you’re looking for some takeaway options for your own home-cooked feast, the Parts & Labor butcher shop has got you covered. Stop in to pre-order items such as rosemary-rubbed local leg of lamb, house-smoked hams made with Woodberry pantry jams, and fresh-baked hot crossed buns. All orders must be placed by Friday, March 25. 2600 N. Howard St., 443-873-8887
Rusty Scupper: This Inner Harbor destination is starting the day early with an all-inclusive brunch buffet highlighting classics like roasted leg of lamb and green beans almandine, as well as more complex options like shrimp and scallop macaroni and cheese, Cajun chicken, and mussels drowned in Old Bay Beurre blanc. An a la carte menu for Easter dinner includes the restaurant’s signature crab cakes, lobster tails, filet mignon, and grilled salmon. 402 Key Highway, 410-727-3678 $26.95-49.95
Wit & Wisdom: Family-friendly fun will be the focus of Wit & Wisdom’s Easter festivities this year, as it offers an all-inclusive brunch from 9 a.m.-3p.m., complete with live music, roast-your-own s’mores, and decorate-your-own Easter egg cookies for the little ones. In addition, other interactive eats will include a carving station, build-your-own omelets, and DIY crepes. The trendy tavern will also offer an a la carte menu for dinner service. 200 International Drive, 410-576-5800, $29-69
Tersiguel’s: French country cuisine reigns supreme at this charming 19th-century inn, whose Easter menu will showcase chef Michel Tersiguel’s signature brunch options. Choose from starters like corn chowder or Gravlox, followed by dishes such as frittata omelets with truffle salad, poached eggs atop crispy duck confit, and fruit tarts topped with white chocolate ganache. 8293 Main St., Ellicott City, 410-465-4004, $20-40