Brunch is a great idea any Sunday, but on Easter Sunday it’s a special treat. Fortunately a number of restaurants in the near west suburbs are offering lavish Easter brunch buffets or menus—and “lavish” definitely applies. Loose-fitting dresses and pants with elastic waistbands are highly recommended!
This year Easter is April 5, so make your brunch plans now. Most places require reservations, and at all others they’re strongly advised, as Easter is one of the five most popular days of the year to dine out. Please note: Unless otherwise indicated, the prices below do not include taxes and gratuities.
Now, let’s hop to it!
Oak Park
Cucina Paradiso
814 North Boulevard, Oak Park, IL
Normally a dinner destination, Cucina Paradiso is taking bookings for Easter brunch buffet, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Along with the Italian specialities it’s known for, including Caprese salad and chicken cacciatore, there will be plenty of other fare, from deviled eggs to cinnamon French toast with Nutella and fruit to bagels, lox, and cream cheese. Mini doughnuts, petite pastries, and of course, Italian butter cookies and biscotti ensure you end your meal on a sweet note. Hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages are included.
Price: $48 per adult, $20 per child 5–12, free for kids under 5; bloody Marys, mimosas, and other drinks from the full bar are available for an extra charge.
La Notte
1120 Pleasant Street, Oak Park, IL
La Notte is usually closed on Sundays, but it will host an Easter brunch buffet 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Don’t load up on goodies from your Easter basket before arriving, as you’ll want a hearty appetite to take full advantage of the omelet, waffle, and carving stations; the last will offer ham, roasted leg of lamb, prime rib, and pork tenderloin. In keeping with its traditional Italian menu, appetizers will include bruschetta and cold antipasto, while tilapia piccata and chicken Vesuvio are among the entrées, and desserts include tiramisu and mini cannoli.
Price: $79 per adult, $39.95 per child 5–10, free for kids under 5.
Trattoria 225
225 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL
House-smoked salmon. Italian-style deviled eggs. Grilled asparagus with feta and lemon. Herb-roasted New York strip. Pasta primavera. These are just a few of the delights that will be available at Trattoria 225’s Easter brunch buffet. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. you can dine on all that and much, much more, including made-to-order omelets with your choice of toppings and a cornucopia of house-made breakfast breads and desserts.
Price: $42.95 per adult, $21.95 per child 5–12, free for kids 4 and younger.
Hillside
Emilio’s Tapas
4100 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL
Easter is arguably the most significant holiday celebrated in Spain. While Emilio’s Tapas can’t serve up the majestic processions that take place in many Spanish locales, it will be dishing up a special Easter feast. From 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., tuck into a buffet of cold tapas, followed by a selection of entrées and desserts. While they’ve not yet disclosed the menu, past Easter feasts have included patatas con alioli, roasted eggplant with mozzarella and goat cheese, classic paella, and baked ham. There will also be a special menu for kids ages 5–10.
Price: $68 per adult, $20 per child.
La Grange
The Elm
23 West Harris Avenue, La Grange, IL
Easter brunch at The Elm promises both delectable food and delightful views, as the buffet will be set up and enjoyed on the rooftop. (Don’t worry—there’s a retractable roof should the weather not cooperate.) From 10:30 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. guests can savor breakfast foods (omelets made to order, pancakes), dinner foods (baked ham, beef tenderloin, roasted chicken), and any-time-at-all foods (charcuterie, fresh fruit, salad, pastries). Soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, and for the adults, bottomless mimosas are included.
Price: $70 per adult, $25 per child 3–12 years old, children 2 and younger free; tax and gratuity are included; cash bar for alcoholic drinks other than bottomless mimosas.
Fourteensixteen
14 West Calendar Avenue, La Grange, IL
In addition to its standard New American menu, Fourteensixteen is preparing special Easter options, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The à la carte menu includes a number of gluten-free dishes, such as lobster deviled eggs with black truffle caviar, pork belly hash with two eggs, and honey-glazed ham. Vegetarians will enjoy the French toast with lemon ricotta and blueberry compote as well as the beignets. The restaurant is known for its specialty cocktails; the Gator, made with Deep Eddy Lime vodka, simple syrup, and Sprite, is a refreshing accompaniment.
Price: à la carte, from $12 for assorted breakfast breads to $47 for lamb chops with mint chimichurri.
La Grange Park
Mattone
9 East 31st Street, La Grange Park, IL
No need to choose either Italian fare, American Easter classics, or child-friendly favorites this Easter. The buffet brunch at Mattone offers all three. Book a seating for between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and get ready to tuck into pastas and pizzas, French toast and shrimp cocktail, carved ham and chicken tenders, and much more, including brownies and cookies. A cup of juice or coffee is included; soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails are extra.
Price: $49 per adult, $22 per child 6–12, free for kids 5 and younger; $25 extra per adult for bottomless mimosas.
Riverside
La Barra
2 East Burlington Street, Riverside, IL
In honor of Easter, La Barra will be opening two hours earlier than usual and adding brunch dishes to its offering. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the menu will include the likes of avocado toast with poached eggs, eggs Benedict Italiano (pancetta crisp instead of Canadian bacon with spinach added for good measure), and a croissant with honey ham and melted cheddar. Several of its famed artisan pizzas made with ciabatta-style dough will also be available, as well as favorites such as eggplant Parmesan, gnocchi, and the black Angus burger with white cheddar on a pretzel bun.
Price: à la carte, from $7 for minestrone to $36 for whitefish piccata.
Schiller Park
The Great Escape
9540 West Irving Park Road, Schiller Park, IL
The sweets table, featuring cobblers and other desserts, might be reason enough to head to The Great Escape for Easter brunch. But the buffet, available from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will also offer breakfast dishes such as French toast, pancakes, and biscuits and gravy, along with lunch and dinner favorites including baked ham, mustard-crusted bass, Polish sausage, and turkey with dressing.
Price: $38.95 per adult, $18.95 per child under 10; bloody Marys, mimosas, and screwdrivers an additional $6 each.
Even More Brunches to Choose From
Numerous other restaurants in the near west suburbs will be offering their usual Sunday brunch on Easter. We’ve compiled a list of favorites in and around Oak Park. Some might be closed for the holiday, so it’s a good idea to check ahead—and to make a reservation while you’re at it.
Whether you’re celebrating with your immediate family, the extended clan, or friends, a great time and a satiated appetite are all but guaranteed at any of the above brunch destinations. Have a happy Easter!