In this the second Easter of Covid-cautious dinners and specials, restaurants are hosting sit-down brunches and dinners along with to-go options. Holiday favorites like egg frittatas, spring salads, seafood and meat dishes are available as chefs embrace spring flavors.
Orchard Park by David Burke
East Brunswick
Brunch will be served with plenty of options for adults and kids. The menu has creative dishes like Breakfast Pizza (topped with baked eggs, spicy chorizo, ‘nduja and mozzarella) and Sugar Donuts (with strawberries and passion-fruit caramel), as well as mains including an Egg White Frittata, Chilean Sea Bass with Shrimp Hash, and Surf & Turf. Kids plates include a Stuffed Popover (scrambled eggs and home fries), chicken fingers, and Cavatelli Pasta with butter. All items are a la carte.
Orchard Park by David Burke, 670 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick; 732-554-5714
The Reeds at Shelter Haven
Stone Harbor
A four-course Easter brunch will be held at this hotel and year-round resort, with a prix fixe menu putting a twist on breakfast favorites. Start with options like Deviled Egg Radishes and Crispy Pea Risotto Cakes, then a second course of Chilled Melon Soup or Fruit Salad with Banana Yogurt, and main course options like savory Stuffed Crepes, Apricot and Mustard-Glazed Ham, and Bananas Foster French Toast. End the brunch with either Mixed Berry Pound Cake, Lemon Meringue Cake or Chocolate Fudge Cake. From 11 am–4 pm on Easter Sunday; reservations required.
The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor; 609-368-0100
B2 Bistro + Bar
North Brunswick, Red Bank, Point Pleasant, Toms River
All B2 Bistro locations are serving something different for Easter this year, available all day on April 4. New Brunswick will serve dishes like Maple Glazed Ham, Rack of Lamb and Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp, while Red Bank will highlight charcuterie plates and creative brunch favorites. Point Pleasant will offer a menu of seafood favorites, including Rhubarb Glazed Salmon, Crab Cakes and Seared Scallops, and Toms River will plate delicious meats like Pan Seared Ribeye and New Zealand Lamb Chops. Menu offered on Easter Sunday; reservations available.
B2 Bistro + Bar; various locations
Ventanas Restaurant & Lounge
Fort Lee
Easter brunch at this Latin-, Asian- and American-inspired eatery from chef David Burke includes breakfast favorites like Avocado Toast (with poached egg and black caviar), Burke’s signature Clothesline Bacon, Asian dishes like K-Town Wings & Calamari Rings (with gochujang and watermelon radish), creative plates like Lobster Benedict (topped with black truffle hollandaise), and Sweet Plantains with agave lime syrup. Individual desserts are available, as well as the shareable Cheesecake Lollipop Tree, with branches of chocolate, cherry pistachio and toffee crunch pops. Reservations can be made online.
Ventanas Restaurant & Lounge, 200 Park Ave., Fort Lee; 201-583-4777
Soul Sweet Boutique
Newark
Stuffed chocolate eggs are available for pickup and delivery at this Newark sweet shop. This year, their Brazilian Easter Eggs are stuffed with flavors like Brigadeiro (similar to chocolate fudge), Nutella, Oreo, Carrot Cake, and Red Velvet. Each is coated in an outer layer of milk chocolate, and is big enough to make a centerpiece for your Easter table. Order by March 31, or pick up in store until April 3. Check out their website for other Easter treats, including Meringue Pops and Cookie Decorating Kits.
Soul Sweet Boutique, 162–164 Van Buren St., Newark; 973-585-7532
Beach Plum Farm
Cape May
With plenty of outdoor space, Beach Plum is taking advantage of their farm to celebrate Easter. There will be plenty to do around the farm, including an Easter egg scavenger hunt, live music and lawn games. The Easter menu includes Seared Salmon, Honey Glazed Ham, Roasted Pork Loin and Vegetable Pot Pie. Seatings are available at 11 am, noon, 1 pm and 2 pm; $55 for adults and $20 for children (ages 4–12). Email [email protected] for reservations.
Beach Plum Farm, 140 Stevens St., West Cape May; 609-602-0128
Osteria Morini
Bernardsville
Brunch and dinner on Easter Sunday at Osteria Morini will be prepared by chefs Bill Dorrler and Chris DiGiandomenico. Bacon and Cheddar Frittata, Steak and Eggs, and Burrata with honey and spiced nuts are available for mid-afternoon brunch, $35 per person. The dinner menu ($59 per person) includes an assortment of entrées, including pastas (basil pesto gnocchi), fresh seafood (pan-seared salmon filet) and robust meat dishes (braised lamb shanks and Piedmontese strip steak). Pastry chef Katie Conklin is putting together Spring Flower Cupcakes and Easter-themed Frosted Sugar Cookies, available at the Morini Bakeshop. Reserve online.
Osteria Morini, 107 Morristown Rd., Bernardsville; 908-221-0040
Salt Creek Grille
Rumson
Enjoy a delicious Easter dinner with a waterfront view at Salt Creek Grille on April 4 from noon–7 pm. From salads like the House Special (baby greens, apples, gorgonzola and walnuts), to entrées like Chicken & Prosciutto Pasta or Prime Rib (served with veggies and Yukon gold mashed potatoes), to seafood dishes (Crab Cakes and Maple Dijon Salmon), the a la carte menu has something for everyone. The dessert menu includes Carrot Cake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and NY Style Cheesecake. Make dinner reservations online or via phone.
Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Ave., Rumson; 732-933-9272
Bistro D’Azur
South Orange
Executive chef Richard Krug is celebrating Passover and Easter with a special takeout menu available from March 27 through April 4. Main courses include Beef Brisket (served with roasted vegetables), Shakshuka (baked eggplant with feta and spinach), Grilled Swordfish (paired with orzo and fresh dill) and other flavorful plates. Sides include roasted vegetables, Haroset (apples, almonds and honey), Matzoh Ball soup and salads. The dessert menu offers a Flourless Chocolate Torte, Bourbon Cake or Tarte Tatin. Available for takeout only; choose your pickup date and time online.
Bistro D’Azur, 14 Academy St., South Orange; 973-327-9725
Son Cubano
West New York
David Burke and executive chef Brian Morales are preparing an Easter Sunday feast, available all day ($55 per person). The Cuban-inspired menu includes appetizers of Blackened Shrimp with Pineapple and Avocado Salsita, an entrée of Colorado Lamb Chops (with yucca and mint chimichurri) and a decadent Quatro Leche (served with mixed berry and dulce de leche). Table share options are Chilled Barnegat Bay Oysters and Empanadas (variously filled with braised chicken, ropa vieja, or spinach and manchego). Make reservations online.
Son Cubano, 40-4 Riverwalk Pl. (Port Imperial), West New York; 201-399-2020
Harbor Pines Golf Club
Egg Harbor Township
Enjoy a festive Easter Sunday at Harbor Pines, where they will serve a family-friendly brunch. Held in the club’s grill room, with a view of the golf course, the brunch features an omelet and scrambled eggs station and a carving station (with Virginia Baked Ham and Prime Rib). Lunch entrées include Filet Tips and Chicken Caprese. An assortment of pastries, cakes and pies are available. Guests will have the option to take photos with the Easter Bunny. Reservations required; $39.95 per person.
Harbor Pines Golf Club, 500 Saint Andrews Dr., Egg Harbor Twp.; 609-927-0006
Concord Café
Avalon
Just steps away from the Avalon beach, Concord is adding a special Easter dinner. The three-course meal will feature New England Clam Chowder, House Salad, Applewood Smoked Ham (with sweet potato mash), Rosemary Rubbed Rack of Lamb (with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus), Baked Cheese Ravioli and, for dessert, Carrot Cake, Tiramisu and Cheesecake. Reserve online or call to save your spot.
Concord Café, 7800 Dune Dr., Avalon; 609-368-5505
La Mer Beachfront Resort’s Pier House
Cape May
An elegant a la carte menu debuts on Easter Sunday at this beachfront restaurant. Ranging from breakfast options (like Eggs Benedict, Quiche Lorraine and French Toast) to lunch specials (including a Grilled Reuben and Fish Tacos) and entrées (Leg of Lamb and Grilled Pork Loin), La Mer’s menu comes with a catalogue of options. Brunch will be served from 8 am–4 pm. Reservations required.
La Mer Beachfront Resort’s Pier House, 1327 Beach Ave., Cape May; 609-884-9000
Drifthouse by David Burke
Sea Bright
Enjoy Easter by the ocean at Drifthouse by David Burke, where they will celebrate the holiday all day. The restaurant will feature a two-course prix fixe brunch from 11 am–2 pm ($38 per person) and, for dinner, an a la carte Lobster Night and Easter specials from 4–8 pm. Either meal comes with delightful views at Sea Bright’s only oceanfront eatery. Reserve online or via phone.
Drifthouse by David Burke, 1485 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright; 732-530-9760