Where to Celebrate Easter in Boston

Chiara

By Naomi Kooker

Easter is just around the corner, and while chocolate bunnies and Cadbury eggs may be a delicious decadence, they do not a true meal make (despite contrary wisdom from five-year-olds). Take the family out to celebrate with a sumptuous spring brunch or dinner at one of these restaurants throughout the city and beyond.

Aura: The buffet brunch at this American in the Seaport Hotel in the Seaport District offers traditional dishes like honey-glazed ham and eggs Benedict, and other offerings such as ricotta blintzes. An assortment of desserts, a chocolate fountain and a visit from the Easter bunny clinch it (11 AM-3 PM; $55 for adults; $13 for children five-14; children under five eat for free; 617-385-4300).

Catalyst: Chef-owner William Kovel has some scrumptious à la carte specials for Easter Sunday brunch. Think skillet coffee cake with cinnamon crumble; panko French toast with real maple syrup and bourbon whipped butter; and rotisserie lamb with spring peas, baby carrots, pomme purée and rosemary jus (11 AM-4 PM; 617-576-3000).

Chiara: Easter dinner is a special affair at this Westwood Mediterranean with a three-course prix fixe that includes shrimp cocktail, pan-seared sea scallops, and chocolate and vanilla gelato sundae (5:30-8:30 PM; $39 for adults; $9 children’s menu; 781-461-8118).

Harvest: Easter brunch is always a special occasion at this Harvard Square American stalwart helmed by executive chef Mary Dumont. The three-course prix fixe menu includes savory and sweet choices such as English pea soup, braised Vermont rabbit gnocchi, eggs Benedict, lemon poppy French toast and dessert selections (10:30 AM-3:30 PM; $49 per person; add $15 for half-glass wine pairings and $25 for full-glass wine pairings; 617-868-2255).

Market: The Theater District’s hot American with Asian accents offers a special Easter breakfast (8-11 AM; $20 per person) and three-course prix fixe dinner, which includes scallop sashimi, Atlantic salmon with lemon crumbs and warm chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream (12-9 PM; $55 per person, 617-310-6790).

Nubar: The sleek New American in the Sheraton Commander Hotel in Harvard Square will showcase an Easter buffet, including carving stations, eggs made to order, a salad bar, entree choices and a dessert bar (11:30 AM-4 PM; $39 for adults, $20 for kids; ages five and younger are free; 617-234-1365).

Rialto: This lovely Harvard Square Italian shows off its lighter side for Easter brunch with a three-course prix-fixe menu that includes options like monkfish with house bacon, a peekytoe crab omelet and desserts such as Boston cream pie (11 AM-2 PM; $65 per adult and $25 per child; 617-661-5050).