Easter Sunday offers an excellent opportunity for family and friends to connect around a dining table, enjoying an exquisite spread fit for a king — or perhaps, in this case, the Easter Bunny. NoVA restaurants will dazzle with brunch options that range from succulent honey-glazed ham to fluffy made-to-order omelets. Make reservations today to savor classics like eggs Benedict, freshly brewed coffee, and freshly baked pastries, all while celebrating tradition and creating cherished memories.
Alexandria
Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar
Hop on over to Thiesmann’s Restaurant and Bar with the whole family Easter weekend for two back-to-back magical mornings filled with fun and festivities. The Alexandria restaurant will host Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 30 and again Easter Sunday, March 31. Gleeful children can meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny, participate in an Easter egg hunt, and make their own Easter basket. The “served family-style” meal includes kid-friendly foods like pastries, bagels, French toast, eggs, bacon, and tater tots. 1800 Diagonal Rd., Alexandria, $58 for adults, $32 for children
Arlington
Santé at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Indulge in a brunch buffet where the culinary delights include a raw bar, chilled and grilled favorites, carving station, salads, eggs, side dishes, as well as delicious desserts and classic brunch cocktails. Seatings are between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; reservations required. Kids will love a visit from the Easter Bunny and photo opportunities. 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington, $155 for adults, $55 for children 12 and under, free for children 3 and under
Palette 22
Dig into this Bottomless Brunch from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Select as many menu items as you like, including an enticing, chef-attended taco and waffle bar. Specialties include monkey bread, Szechuan sausage biscuits, curry chicken empanadas, brick oven flatbreads, and french toast sticks. Save room for dessert, and add a bellini, mimosa, or a create your own bloody mary for $4.22 each. The Village at Shirlington: 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington, $32.22 per person
Surreal
Surreal by Seven Reasons Group offers an Easter Sunday brunch in its whimsical National Landing restaurant. Highlights include corn cheddar quiche and airy waffles, with house-infused 100 percent maple syrup and housemade seasonal marmalade. Specialty cocktails and mocktails round out the meal. Guests can look forward to a special egg-themed dessert from Pastry Chef Barbara Whettell, and potentially even an Easter Egg hunt in the park surrounding the restaurant. 2117 Crystal Dr., Arlington, prices are à la carte
Ashburn
Eddie Merlot’s
If you’re craving a custom-made omelet with all the bells and whistles, Eddie Merlot’s can whip it up. Or visit over-the-top stations for a variety of carved meats, seafood, breakfast items, salads, vegetables, and desserts. Want some lemon chicken, filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, mashed potatoes, cherrywood smoked bacon, and bananas foster? The restaurant also has a lengthy wine list. Brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 20350 Minot Dr., Ashburn, $74 for adults; $19 for children 10 and under
Bristow
Bristow Manor Golf Club
Bristow Manor’s elegant setting makes the perfect backdrop for an occasion to remember, offering scenic views of the golf course. The grand Easter brunch buffet will be served in a climate-controlled outdoor tented venue. There will be a grand buffet, bunny visits, and engaging crafts for kids. Reservations are required for seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. 11507 Valley View Dr., Bristow, $43 for adults, $26 for children
Fairfax
Alta Strada
James Beard award–winning chef and owner Michael Schlow’s Alta Strada will offer traditional options such as the Farmer’s Market Omelette and Prosciutto Di Parma Benedict in addition to housemade pastas. Indulge in beverages like the Alta Bellini or Mimosa, and for dessert try the popular Pizzelle cookies. 2911 District Ave., Ste. 150, Fairfax
Great Falls
L’Auberge Chez François
Make Easter extra-special by visiting this destination spot for an elegant holiday brunch. Reservations are still being accepted to dine on classics like la sole de la Manche, le homard du Maine, les escalopes de veau, and Chateaubriand de L’Auberge for two. An assortment of hot soufflés are dessert delights. This is a prix-fixe menu and an à la carte menu. Seatings are at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls, $129–$148 for adults, $75 for children under 12
Leesburg
Lansdowne Resort
Think an Easter brunch buffet with a fresh raw bar, carving station, and classic favorites sound good? This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and special child-friendly menu items are available. Free Easter egg hunts for kids of all ages. 44050 Woodridge Pkwy., Leesburg, $95 for adults, $40 for children ages 5-12, free for children under 5
McLean
J Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood
Savor this extensive brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whether it’s the mini-waffle, bagel, or omelet bars, topped off with the hand-carved prime rib station, family members will be happily stuffed. Save room for assorted panna cotta, cakes, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Not a buffet person? There’s a $59 prix-fix dinner menu from 4 to 8 p.m. 6930 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, $52 for adults, $21 for children 5-12, free for children under 5
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
At a buffet on the grounds of George Washington’s estate, guests delight in spiral cut honey glazed ham, braised leg of lamb with Cabernet rosemary sauce, Southern-style fried chicken, rosemary garlic roasted pork loin, and herb crusted salmon. The Easter buffet menu is offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $72 for adults, $25 for children 6 and older, free for children 5 and under
Purcellville
Magnolias at the Mill
It doesn’t get prettier than Magnolia’s at the Mill. This welcoming restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 1905 grain mill in the heart of Loudoun County’s wine country. Tempting Easter buffet brunch fare includes a ham, beef, and lamb carving station, and an omelet station. Those are in addition to entreés like BBQ ribs, country-fried chicken, smoked gouda mac and cheese, vanilla French toast, Norwegian salmon, and a variety of refreshing salads and desserts. 198 N. 21st St., Purcellville, $50 for adults, $25 for children 12 and under
Reston
Founding Farmers Tysons and Reston Station
Founding Farmers has the corner market on beautiful buffets. Enjoy molassas-glazed ham, roast beef, shrimp and grits, and egg favorites. Dine in or enjoy a stress-free, food-filled day at home by ordering from the Easter At Home menu and seasonal Easter chocolates assortment. On Easter Sunday, the brunch buffet runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1800 Tysons Blvd., Tysons; 1904 Reston Metro Plz., Reston, $34.99 for adults, $17.99 for children 7–12, kids 6 and under free
Fogo de Chao
For the meat lovers in the family, Fogo de Chao will offer brunch items between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and welcomes parties of every size for an Easter to remember. The brunch market table includes Belgian waffles, made-to-order omelets, Brazilian sausage, and braised beef rib hash. 11915 Democracy Dr., Reston, dinner pricing all day, with children ages 7-12 half–price with the purchase of an adult churrasco, children 6 and under eat for free
Davio’s
The brunch menu here is available from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the dinner menu is offered all day. For brunch, enjoy specialties like tiramisu French toast, steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, and avocado toast. 1902 Reston Metro Plz., Reston
Sterling
The Bungalow Lakehouse
Easter brunch at this lakeside restaurant features a breakfast buffet, a cold buffet, a carving station, and a hot buffet. Dive into a customized omelet, glazed Virginia ham, roasted prime rib, and a symphony of sweets. Seatings between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 46116 Lake Center Plz., Sterling, $46.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 6-10, kids 5 and under free
Vienna
Joon
Joon, helmed by James Beard semifinalists, chef-owner Chris Morgan and executive chef Najmieh Batmanglij, will serve an Easter brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. consisting of unlimited small plates for $45 per person, along with an à la carte menu. Joon is also offering an Easter Donut Special, featuring three egg-shaped cake donuts with rosewater, cardamom, and chocolate glazes with Easter-colored nonpareil sprinkles. 8045 Leesburg Pk., Ste. 120, Vienna
Washington
The Restaurant at Blue Rock
For the first time ever, Blue Rock will offer a casual four-course family-style menu, including a main course from Blue Rock Smokehouse. Seatings will run from 1 to 6 p.m. Located on 80 rolling acres in picturesque Rappahannock County, Blue Rock is a new take on the classic country inn. Reservations required. 12567 Lee Hwy., Washington $109, $59 for wine pairings
Feature image courtesy Founding Farmers
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food & Drink newsletter.