As the weather rounds the corner from April showers into full-fledged spring, the coming of Easter is a great time to venture out and catch up with loved ones—over a plate of good food, of course. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly brunch (complete with Easter Bunny photo ops) or a more intimate, upscale dining experience, Charm City has plenty of options for a lovely Easter morning. This year, leave the egg-dying at home and try out one of these spots. You might even find a new Easter tradition.
The Capital Grille: Elevate your Easter meal with the two-course prix-fixe menu at this Inner Harbor staple. Enjoy a basket of house-baked blueberry bread before making your choice, which could be anything from clam chowder to lobster frittata to filet mignon. Don’t be fooled by the upscale service, though—kids are welcome, too, with a fixed menu of their own. Dinner options are also available for those who are ham-and-eggs-averse. 500 East Pratt St., $60 for adults, $17 for children.
Cece’s Roland Park: Specifically for the holiday, the Cross Keys newbie is offering a three-course prix-fixe from Michelin-starred chef Nick Sharpe. Menu options put an emphasis on spring flavors and produce like asparagus, English peas, and orange blossom. Cut into scallop crudo or a smoked salmon pizette before ending on a sweet note with your choice of a chocolate crepe or ricotta cake. $59. 10 Village Sq., Ste. 10.
Charleston: Add a tinge of Lowcountry cuisine to Easter Sunday with a twist on Charleston’s classic menu, which will incorporate the restaurant’s first fresh asparagus to ring in spring. Enjoy classics like chef Cindy Wolf’s cornmeal-fried soft-shell crab and fresh artichoke soup, alongside seasonal delights like smoked salmon and three cuts of lamb with spring vegetables. 1000 Lancaster St.
Cindy Lou’s Fish House: Reserve a table in this Harbor Point dining room to sample brunch and dinner specials with a sparkling waterfront view. Mid-morning holiday menu items will include a giant cinnamon roll donut, chicken-fried deviled eggs, and a crab and asparagus omelet. If you’re making a dinner res, go for the traditional holiday plate complete with brown sugar ham, thyme gravy, mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and asparagus with hollandaise. 1215 Wills St.
Das Bierhalle: One week early on April 13, this Bel Air fixture will be hosting two brunch seatings complete with treats and coloring pages for kids, as well as free photos with the Easter Bunny for those looking to get a family shot in everyone’s springtime best. Das will have a limited brunch menu alongside buffet offerings to please palates of every kind. 119 Main St., Bel Air. Reservation deposit required.
Hersh’s: If your perfect brunch includes pizza and pasta, Hersh’s has you covered. Serving up both red and white pies alongside carbonara and a spring onion cavatelli, the Riverside haunt is perfect for parties that want a shareable menu—so you won’t have to choose between focaccia or meatballs. 1843 Light St.
Kelsey’s Pub: An Ellicott City staple, Kelsey’s is serving up a variety of buffet offerings on Easter morning. Go the traditional route with their carving and breakfast stations, or grab pub classics like boneless wings and pretzel bites. Nonalcoholic drinks are included, or you can add a kick to your meal with a grapefruit Crush or classic Irish coffee. 8480 Baltimore National Pike. $40 for adults, $20 for ages 6-12. Free for ages 5 and under.
Mother’s North Grille: Do some good while enjoying your breakfast at Mother’s in Timonium. A portion of the proceeds at a special Easter event on April 13 will be donated to the Zachary T. Paff Foundation, a nonprofit that honors its namesake by providing support for those struggling with addiction. Enjoy the huevos rancheros or strawberry pancakes and snap a complimentary picture with the Easter Bunny, all in support of the good cause. 2450 Broad Ave. Timonium
The Owl Bar: Settle in at the stained glass and brick-lined restaurant located in Mt. Vernon’s historic Belvedere Hotel. A holiday brunch buffet will include a variety of classic breakfast fare, as well as several meat carving stations and sumptuous sides like pomegranate Brussels sprouts. All ages are welcome, with a regular kid’s menu option for littles 12 and under. 1 E. Chase St., $68 for adults, $35 for ages 12-18.
The Point in Towson: Get in the spring spirit with lovely libations at The Point’s bottomless Easter brunch. In addition to themed food and drink specials for the occasion, the restaurant will also be offering espresso martini flights, brunch cocktails, and complimentary kids’ activities. 523 York Rd. Towson.
Rec Pier Chop House: Take a morning stroll along the Fells Point cobblestone until you reach this dining destination inside the Sagamore Pendry Hotel. There, patrons will enjoy a $125 prix-fixe menu with specials from chef Mike Grande, as well as a full dessert buffet and a courtyard egg hunt for little ones age 10 and under. Look out for menu highlights including crab-stuffed deviled eggs, whipped ricotta toast, overnight roasted lamb shoulder, and an Easter pie dish—a take on a classic Italian Pizza Rustica—topped with fennel, salami, pecorino, and mizuna salad. 1715 Thames St. $125
Rusty Scupper: This historic harborside venue is serving up a hearty buffet with everything from fresh salads to made-to-order omelets to a bountiful raw bar. There’s plenty of entree options for every kind of eater (Old Bay roasted chicken with hot honey butter, anyone?) and even the pickiest can delight in a helping of mac and cheese or French toast. Adults can enjoy complimentary drinks, so opt for a classic mimosa or step up the meal by trying the signature red sangria. 402 Key Hwy., $82 for adults, $38 for ages 10 and under.
True Chesapeake: For a truly traditional Easter brunch, make your way to True Chesapeake in Hampden for buffet offerings including a waffle bar, deviled eggs, blue crab mac and cheese, and spring vegetable risotto. Unsurprisingly, their namesake raw oysters will also be available a la carte. 3300 Clipper Mill Rd., $52 for adults before 4/13, $60 after 4/13. $25 for ages 12 and under.