Whether or not you celebrate Easter, it's definitely one of the best Sundays of the year to indulge in a lavish brunch. The holiday falls on April 8 this year, and while you might be thinking that gives you plenty of time to make plans, it's never too early to book a table and secure your very own round of mimosas.
Don't expect us to help hide eggs, fill baskets, and stock up on chocolate (we will, however, help you eat it). But, we can at least help simplify your holiday plans by pointing you to the restaurants that will fulfill your Easter wishes - if, like us, you dream about French toast, smoked salmon, baked ham, and eggs benedict. For those of you with little ones, we've also listed family-friendly brunches that offer activities for all ages, including meeting the Easter Bunny himself.
Cibo -- This downtown pizza spot recently began serving weekend brunch, and we can't say enough good things about it. The restaurant will be open for brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Menu favorites include the Fritatta Melfitana with Shreiner's sausage and bacon and the Contadino sandwich with scrambled eggs, spinach, and ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. 602-441-2697
El Chorro Lodge -- Menu highlights of this Easter brunch include honey-baked ham with dried cherry glaze, green chile chicken enchiladas, slow-roasted turkey with cranberry mayo, and New York strip steak with horseradish cream. There will also be a dessert station with seven options, including lavender chocolate-dipped strawberries and Easter cupcakes. Served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. brunch is $49 for adults and $16 for children ages 4-12. 480-948-5170
The Farm at South Mountain -- An extensive buffet will be served from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with freshly baked pastries, fresh salads, farm-style scrambled eggs, pecan honey glazed French toast, country potatoes, and more. Baked goods and candy round out the offering, including carrot cupcakes, pecan diamonds, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Brunch is $45.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 8-12, and $8 for children 3-7. Reservations are required. 480-471-5224
Frank & Albert's at The Biltmore -- Priced at $19 for adults and $10 for children, a breakfast buffet is available from 7 to 11 a.m. featuring Arizona comfort foods and American classics prepared with local ingredients. A three-course, pre-fixe Easter menu is also available for lunch and dinner at $55 for adults and $29 for children; the full menu is here. 602-381-7632
Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom at The Biltmore -- From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., an Easter Champagne Brunch prepared by Executive Chef Todd Sicolo will be served, including omelets and frittatas, antipasti, artisan cheeses, brown sugar herb glazed ham, crispy crab cakes, honey mustard salmon, fresh baked pastries and rustic breads, and white chocolate brioche bread pudding. A special menu offers children's favorite foods, like mini corn dogs and mac n' cheese. Brunch costs $75 for adults and $36 for children, and the full menu is available here. Reservations required. 602-381-7632
Phoenix City Grille -- Serving its popular southwest-meets-comfort-food brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Phoenix City Grille will not disappoint on Easter Sunday. Menu items change regularly, but favorites include griddled corn cakes with jack cheese and choice of meat, carne asada eggs benedict, and braised beef short ribs with a panko-breaded egg. Click here to see a sample weekend brunch menu. 602-266-3011
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort -- Two Easter brunch buffets will be available. Different Pointe of View's buffet includes fresh waffle and frittata stations; grill and carving stations with prime rib, baby lamb chops, Kurobuta pork loin, and oysters on the half shell; a medley of seafood including snow crab claws; roasted game hens; and an assortment of desserts. Served from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., brunch is $59.95 for adults and $29.95 for children. 602-866-6350 Brunch at Point in Tyme will feature classic Easter fare, including herb marinated lamb chops, maple-glazed honey ham, smoked prime rib, and seared see bass. Seasonal spring items will also be included, such as watermelon and peach gazpacho, a fresh fruit stand, and heirloom apple and strawberry salad. Served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch is $47.95 for adults, $38.95 for seniors and $19.95 for children ages 10 and under. 602-866-6348
Rico's American Grill -- Featuring made-to-order omelets, pancakes, and French toast, brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other specialties will include a "Little Italy" pasta station, salad bar, and carving station as well as Southwestern eggs benedict, three-chili marinated pork loin, and slow-roasted top sirloin with roasted onion jus. Brunch is $49 for adults, $29 for children, and free for children ages 8 and under. 602-997-5850
Roaring Fork -- A Western-inspired Easter brunch menu crafted by Executive Chef Bryan Hulihee will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $29. Menu highlights include a smoked salmon platter, vegetable egg enchiladas, biscuits and gravy, shrimp jambalaya, and Ancho truffles. 480-947-0795
Wright's at The Biltmore -- A gourmet Champagne Brunch, served 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., features a cornucopia of buffet and plated stations including farm fresh eggs with selections like lobster, short rib, and Atlantic salmon; small plates such as molasses duck breast, house-cured salmon with American sturgeon caviar, and sweet Arizona corn cakes; and a pasta station with sauces like veal bolognaise and lemon-thyme cream. The full menu is available here. The cost is $95 for adults, $40 for children 12, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations required. 602-381-7632
Wrigley Mansion Club -- Served at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m., this Champagne Brunch is $75 for adults, $32.50 for kids 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Enjoy an entire room full of delicious choices, including breakfast items, fresh roasted meats, salads, seafood, fresh fruits, and mouthwatering desserts,The price includes all-you-can-drink champagne and mimosas. 602-955-4079
Brunch + Events for Kids
The Biltmore -- Children of hotel guests and of patrons of the three brunches served there (listed above) are invited to an Easter egg hunt, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The hunt is conducted in three age groups, and baskets are provided. One golden egg is hidden for each age group, and the child who finds it wins a basket full of candy.
Bistro 24 at The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix -- An early Easter celebration, this traditional afternoon tea service includes finger sandwiches, scones, and Easter pastries. Peter Cottontail will even make an appearance for story time. Cottontail Tea is served Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 with seatings available at noon and 3 p.m. The cost is $38 for children and adults. 602-468-0700
Hidden Meadow Ranch -- For a full weekend of Easter activities, this lodge outside of Greer, AZ, is planning an Easter escape for families. Sunday brunch is provided by Executive Chef Kurt Jacobsen, who serves the finest selections of meats, game, poultry, seafood, and vegetables at the Ranch House Restaurant. Kids can play games, color eggs, and participate in the Easter egg hunt, and the weekend includes a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. 928-333-1000
Ko'Sin at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort -- Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., word has it that the Easter Bunny will make a special appearance. The buffet includes a gourmet omelet station, carving stations, a hand-crafted gnocchi station, a raw bar, made-to-order pancakes, sausage patties, and doughnuts, baked vegetable cobbler, and more. There will also be an egg hunt, cookie decorating, and arts and crafts. The price is $70 for adults, $63 for seniors, $35 for children 4-12, and free for 3 and under. Reservations required. 602-225-0100
The Phoenician -- Brunch is served in the Camelback Ballroom and includes hot and cold entrees, a fresh seafood bar including caviar, a sushi and raw bar, carving stations featuring roasts, freshly baked breads, an assortment of desserts, and holiday specials like garlic rubbed leg of lamb, mesquite rubbed prime rib, and glazed ham. The full menu is here. Also, kids can get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, there are two egg hunts (9 am and 2 pm), and there's an Easter fair with a petting zoo. Brunch is $89 for adults and $44.50 for kids 12 and under. Reservations are required. 480-423-2530
