Easter is one of the biggest brunch occasions of the year, but also a time for hearty dinners centering on roast lamb and honey-baked ham, and baskets filled with sweet treats. Celebrations at Chicago restaurants run the gamut, featuring decadent buffets, egg decorating, a traditional midnight feast and a drag show. Whether you’re seeking a meal where the kids can meet the Easter Bunny or looking for someone else to cook the food for your at-home gathering, these 70 restaurants are providing all the goodies.
All events take place Sunday unless otherwise specified. Be sure to plan ahead, as many spots will book up or have cut-offs on their to-go orders.
The Loop and Near North Side
The 101
Enjoy views from the 20th floor dining room while sharing a four-course brunch ($85) including lobster bisque, grilled Caesar salad, harissa lamb chop and lemon olive oil cake. Noon to 7 p.m. 101 E. Erie St., 312-667-6800, the101chicago.com
Aba
Come for brunch Saturday or Sunday for a $110 spring Bellini tower including an assortment of eight blueberry, strawberry and kiwi Bellinis. 302 N. Green St., 773-645-1400, abarestaurants.com
Adalina
Every table will receive an Easter basket during a brunch featuring eggs in purgatory ($18), deviled eggs ($15) and fried green tomato caprese ($22). 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 912 N. State St., 312-820-9000, adalinachicago.com
Adorn
Kids will be welcomed with balloon art and a photo with the Easter Bunny at brunch ($275; $95 for kids 12 and under), while adults can enjoy a glass of rosé and a buffet including salads, carving stations, sushi and a raw bar. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 120 E. Delaware Place, 312-799-3322, adornrestaurant.com
Alpana
Choose from options including cauliflower bisque, short rib Benedict, apricot-glazed ham and blueberry French toast during a two-course brunch ($48; $24 for kids). Add on pastries and sides including a large cinnamon roll ($6.95), fresh fruit bowl ($5.95) or chicken maple sausage ($7.95). 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 831 N. State St., 312-624-8055, alpanachicago.com
avec
An all-you-can-eat brunch buffet ($50; $25 for kids ages 12 and under) includes a fruit tower, house-made pastries and sweet treats. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 141 W. Erie St., 312-736-1778, 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 ($65, $25 for kids) featuring live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 180 N. Field Blvd., 312-600-9997, avli.us
Avli River North
Executive chef and partner Panos Chalikiopoulos celebrates the Anastasi Greek Easter midnight feast with a four-course dinner ($59) including lamb magiritsa soup, slow-roasted lamb shoulder with mashed potatoes and Greek yogurt mousse. Midnight Saturday. 702 N. Wells St., 312-643-5656, avli.us
The Bellevue
The Gold Coast restaurant offers a lavish buffet ($110; $40 for kids ages 5-12; free for kids 4 and under) featuring oysters, eggs Benedict, made-to-order omelets, carved ham, chicken fingers, mashed potatoes and doughnuts. 10 a.m. to 2:30 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 baby beet salad, braised prime beef short ribs hash and apple raisin brioche bread pudding. Add on an hour and a half of bottomless mimosas for an additional $20. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 840 N. Wabash Ave., 312-944-8400, bistronomic.net
The Dearborn
The Loop restaurant offers specials Friday through Sunday including lamb lollipops ($24), roasted and stuffed saddle of rabbit ($35) and strawberry rhubarb trifle ($13). 145 N. Dearborn St., 312-384-1242, thedearborntavern.com
Gene & Georgetti
The Easter Bunny drops by the restaurant during a brunch featuring beef carpaccio ($33), roasted lamb risotto ($41) and avocado toast ($22). Build-your-own mimosas with a bottle of prosecco, two juices and fresh fruit ($48). 11 a.m. to 3 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 ($150; $25 for kids under 12) featuring roasted ham, omelets, East Coast oysters, braised short rib and carrot cake. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000 ext. 3, grillon21.com
I | O 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. 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 ($58) including honey-baked ham, waffles, French toast and charcuterie. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 900 E. Grand Ave., 872-710-5750, liricarestaurant.com
Maple & Ash
A decadent brunch ($120; $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. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 8 W. Maple St., 312-944-8888, mapleandash.com
Michael Jordan’s Steak House
The restaurant within the InterContinental Hotel offers Slagel Farm’s herb-marinated lamb chops with parsnip puree, pistachio-mint pesto and pickled onions ($62) during dinner. 505 N. Michigan Ave., 312-321-8823, michaeljordansteakhouse.com
Miru
A brunch buffet ($125, $65 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. Kids can decorate their own cookies at the table. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-7811, mirurestaurant.com
Miss Ricky’s
The restaurant within Virgin Hotels Chicago offers brunch specials including a ham and egg plate ($35), mimosa carafes ($30) and a chocolate egg filled with candy ($14). 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 203 N. Wabash Ave., 312-940-4400, virginhotels.com/chicago/entertainment/easter-brunch
NoMI
The restaurant on the seventh floor of Park Hyatt Chicago serves a brunch ($225; $95 for kids; free for kids 6 and under) including smoked salmon, sushi, prosciutto and strawberry salad, bone-in ham and macarons. Add on a seafood tower ($160) or a meat and cheese plate ($64) for the table. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030, nomichicago.com
Osteria Via Stato
A brunch buffet ($70; $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. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 620 N. State St., 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com
Prime & Provisions
The steakhouse’s annual grand buffet brunch ($96; $40 for kids ages 7-12, free for children 6 and under) 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. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 222 N. LaSalle Blvd., 312-726-7777, primeandprovisions.com
River Roast
A brunch buffet ($75; $35 for kids ages 5-11; free for kids 4 and under) includes chive scrambled eggs, pineapple-glazed ham with maraschino cherries and waffles. Bring the kids for photos with the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 315 N. LaSalle Drive, 312-822-0100, riverroastchicago.com
Siena Tavern
Brunch specials include braised lamb hash skillet ($26), giant sticky cinnamon roll ($19), prosciutto Benedict ($21), strawberry mint spritz ($16) and banana espresso martini ($17). 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 51 W. Kinzie St., 312-471-1636, sienatavern.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 ($89; $25 for kids ages 3-12) including quiche Florentine, fried chicken and waffles, French toast and carrot cake. Adults also receive a glass of prosecco. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1112 N. State St., 312-586-2150, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/chicago/somerset
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. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 110 W. Illinois St., 312-644-0500, sundanewasian.com
Tanta
The Peruvian restaurant offers specials including lamb shank with ají panca sauce ($69), crispy fried whole fish with yucca ($69) and carrot cake with hazelnut mousse ($16). 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com
Tapas Valencia
Meet the Easter Bunny during a $39 three-course brunch offered from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. including Serrano ham, grilled branzino with potato cake and tres leches cake. Starting at 3:30 p.m., the restaurant serves a three-course dinner for $49 including seared yellowfin tuna, braised lamb shank with couscous and carrot cake. 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, smoked salmon, honey-glazed ham, pan-roasted black cod, king crab, sushi, chilled jumbo shrimp, dim sum and a chocolate fountain. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com
North Side & Northwest Side
The Albert
Pile your plate at this buffet ($60) with carved roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham and grilled lamb chops along with trips to an antipasti buffet and sweets table. 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com
Daisies
A family-style brunch ($49; $15 for kids 10 and under) includes a pastry board for the table and a choice of three entrees including truffle egg bruschetta, cavatelli carbonara and salmon gravlax. Add on sides such as breakfast sausage or bacon for $8. 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-697-9443, daisieschicago.com
Le Sud
Chef William Lara offers specials including a lamb skillet ($19) and grilled bone-in lamb loin ($40). 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, lesudchicago.com
Itoko
Have a bento box ($45; $30 for kids) including skirt steak, pan-fried gyoza, miso soup and a salmon avocado roll while decorating Easter eggs. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. 3325 N. Southport Ave., 773-819-7672, itokochicago.com
Kit Kat Lounge
Wear a bonnet for the chance to win prizes during a three-course drag brunch ($72) including breakfast pastries, Caesar salad, chilaquiles and free-flowing drinks including mimosas. 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 3700 N. Halsted St., 773-525-1111, kitkatchicago.com
The Oakville Grill & Cellar
Brunch specials include buttermilk biscuits ($12), pigs in a blanket ($16) and short rib hash ($24). 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 163 N. Green St., 773-309-2300, theoakville.com
Summer House Santa Monica
The Easter Bunny makes a visit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during a brunch featuring baked ham and eggs ($29) and cinnamon-sugar French toast ($20). Dinner specials available from 3-9 p.m. include baked crab dip ($26) and asparagus and pancetta pizza ($22). The cookie bar offers Easter-themed treats all week. 1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4100, summerhouserestaurants.com
Swift Tavern
The Wrigleyville restaurant serves a special brunch ($49; $20 for kids, free for kids under 3) featuring one entree per guest plus pastries, roasted salmon and sides for the table. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3600 N. Clark St., 773-360-0207, swiftandsonstavern.com
Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar
A three-course brunch ($54; $20 for kids ages 10 and under) includes deviled eggs, brioche French toast and Grand Marnier crème brûlée. Add unlimited drinks for $26. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 5553 N. Clark St., 773-654-1432, uvaechicago.com
Vinci
The Lincoln Park restaurant’s Easter brunch buffet ($42; $23 for kids) features meatballs, roast leg of lamb and panna cotta. 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
Decorate cookies and take a picture with the Easter Bunny during a brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including an entree or three tacos for $20 or $10 for kids 16 and under. A Bad Bunny Easter Party from 5-9 p.m. features Caribbean-inspired food specials. 551 N. Ogden Ave., 312-521-5169, bigstarchicago.com
BLVD Steakhouse
The Fulton Market spot offers a three-course menu ($45) including ricotta toast with charred ramps, chicken and waffle, and cheesecake with strawberry compote. Upgrade to king crab Benedict for $10 or steak frites for $25. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 817 W. Lake St., 312-526-3116, blvdchicago.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, a sundae bar and cotton candy. 10 a.m. to 4:30 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). 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com
Fioretta
Specials include bone-in lamb loin chops with spiced heirloom carrots ($59), slow-roasted prime rib ($66-$91) and carrot cake ($17). 4-8 p.m. 318 N. Sangamon St., 312-897-5011, fiorettasteak.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 $85. A la carte specials include crispy scallion pancake ($16) and smoked salmon eggs Benedict ($29). You can also celebrate at home with a meal for two ($250) or four ($400) available for pickup from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9-11 a.m. Sunday. 2700 W. Chicago Ave., 773-661-9577, heritage-chicago.com
Momotaro
A four-course brunch ($75; $20 for kids) includes curried deviled eggs, sashimi, spicy tuna dip, and steak and eggs. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 820 W. Lake St., momotarochicago.com/momotaro
Nisos Prime
Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired flavors with a $50 three-course menu including zucchini toast, eggs in purgatory and chocolate cake from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A $95 three-course dinner offered from 5-9:30 p.m. includes oysters, hanger steak frites and Nutella panna cotta. 802 W. Randolph St., 312-800-8582, nisosprime.com
Rose Mary
A three-course menu ($55) includes braised lamb hash, burek with bacon and mozzarella, and chocolate budino. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 932 W. Fulton St., 872-260-3921, rosemarychicago.com
Sepia
The Michelin-starred restaurant serves a four-course brunch ($95; $45 for kids under 12) including caramelized honey brioche, smoked salmon rillettes, braised lamb and petit fours. Add on caviar for $15. 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 ($95; $20 for kids ages 4-12; free for kids 4 and under) including bacon, paprika fried potatoes and biscuits plus a bloody mary or mimosa for adults. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1000 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-9420, swiftandsonschicago.com
South Side & Near South Side
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
The Easter Bunny makes an appearance from noon to 3 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). 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com
The Duck Inn
A family-style three-course brunch ($75) includes deviled eggs with wasabi tobiko, short rib Benedict, duck fat potatoes and coconut mango tartlets. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com
Lowcountry
Head to Chinatown for a $36 lunch combo offered from noon to 3 p.m. that includes snow crab clusters, shrimp, corn, potatoes and cornbread, and add on an $8 springtime sangría. 2359 S. Wentworth Ave., 312-900-7770, lowcountrychicago.com/chinatown
Suburban and multiple locations
Aboyer
Specials offered in addition to the regular brunch menu include eggs Benedict with smoked pork loin ($27), lamb porterhouse with sliced garlic sausage ($48) and chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier crème anglaise ($16). 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847-441-3100; aboyerbistro.com
Antico Posto
Feed four for $225 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 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The restaurant also offers a slow-cooked lamb shank ($37) as a special Friday through Sunday. 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; 630-586-9200, antico-posto.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 until 3 p.m. and a pasta station starting at 4 p.m. Other dishes include wild sea bass piccata, shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon with bagels. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Multiple locations, shhospitality.co/pages/whats-cooking
Giostra by Fabio Viviani
Meet the Easter Bunny at a buffet brunch ($75; $25 for kids for kids ages 6-12; free for kids under 6) featuring shrimp cocktail, carved prime rib, chicken marsala, tiramisu, mimosas, bloody marys and espresso martinis. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, giostrabyfabioviviani.com
The Goddess and Grocer
Pick up a $175 Easter dinner for six including sliced ham, potatoes au gratin, grilled asparagus and maple roasted carrots or opt for a $75 vegan dinner for two featuring mushroom walnut pâté and spring vegetable pie. You can also grab six Easter cookies ($30) or cake pops ($24). Orders must be placed by noon Wednesday. 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 ($13), lemon meringue pie ($40) and take-and-bake cinnamon brioche ($30). 1733 Central St., Evanston, 847-869-4396, hewnbread.com
Il Mio
The restaurant opens for brunch, serving bloody marys ($12), beet goat cheese salad ($18), lemon ricotta pancakes ($15), prosciutto flatbread ($20) and lamb chops ($47). 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 30 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills, 630-526-4646, eatilmio.com
Lago Lake Zurich
The Italian steakhouse offers a brunch buffet ($75; $25 for kids ages 6-12; free for kids under 6) including brioche French toast, prime rib, wagyu bolognese truffle blush vodka pasta and tiramisu, plus a visit from the Easter Bunny and other kids’ activities. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 350 N. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, 224-286-3567, lagolakezurich.com
Oaken Bar + Bistro
A brunch buffet ($65; $35 for kids) includes bagels with lox, omelets, chocolate chip pancakes, roasted tenderloin, croissants and bacon. 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
Passero
A brunch buffet ($46; $23 for kids under age 12) includes bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, herb-crusted prime rib, shrimp cocktail, liege waffles, maple-glazed salmon, mac and cheese, and scones. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3 S. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, 224-857-8900, eatpassero.com
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 $29. The same individual meal is available for $49 or $19 for kids from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a slice of cheesecake for $9. Multiple locations, perryssteakhouse.com
Prairie Grass Cafe
Feast on a brunch buffet ($78 or $38 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 includes scrambled eggs, glazed sliced ham, shrimp cocktail, bagels with smoked salmon and blueberry streusel coffee cake plus prosecco and mimosas. 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 cake traditionally eaten at Easter Friday through Sunday, along with chocolate malt pie ($35) Sunday. Celebrate Good Friday by picking up apricot jam-glazed hot cross buns ($15). 1759 W. Grand Ave., 312-605-1618; 211 Harrison St., Oak Park, 312-736-1981; publicanqualitybread.com
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
Three Embers Restaurant
The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort restaurant offers a buffet ($67; $24 for kids 12 and under) including roasted leg of lamb, oysters, an omelet station, mini pies, bottomless mimosas and photos with the Easter Bunny. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, 847-634-0100, threeembersrestaurant.com
Wildfire
An Easter lamb dinner including fresh spinach and cauliflower mashed potatoes ($45) and triple-layer carrot cake ($11) is available in addition to the regular menu. Multiple locations, wildfirerestaurant.com
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.
