Easter is fast approaching. And if you’re spending Easter Sunday 2023 in New York City, where should you go to eat, what are the best restaurants open for brunch and dinner and family meals in NYC? We’re thrilled that so many of the coronavirus restrictions in the city have been lifted – with any luck, it may start to feel like Easter did in the Before Times. Imagine that! We’ve curated a list of 11 of the best restaurants serving Easter 2023 brunch or dinner in New York City (NYC). If you’re planning to make a reservation, though, you should hop to it.
Easter in New York City 2023
Easter is rapidly approaching, and if you’re anything like us, you’re already discussing and planning how you’re going to spend the day – and, of course, where you’ll be meeting friends and family for a holiday meal.
If you happen to live in New York City – 0r you’re planning to visit here for the Easter 2023 holiday – we have some great news. New cases of COVID-19 have dropped down to their pre-omicron levels, and we’re looking forward to a celebratory brunch out on the town. With no masks!
As they say, the early bird gets the worm – which seems extra-appropriate for this spring holiday. So even though many restaurants have not yet published their Easter plans, we’re going to get you started with a few of our fellow early birds. Here are eleven suggestions of where you might want to enjoy a festive brunch this Easter Sunday.
what are the best restaurants open for Easter 2023 in New York City?
1. Perry St
Jean-Georges’ restaurants are always a hit for the holidays because they guarantee a great meal from start to finish. And they often feature a special menu. This time, we’re recommending the wide-windowed Perry St, which promises a little taste of the sun alongside your morning coffee.
Where to eat: restaurants open for family Easter 2023 meals in New York City (NYC): Perry Street. Courtesy Photo.
And as an added bonus, they’re already accepting reservations for April 9th – so if you’re looking to finalize your plans right now, this is your spot. Menu highlights include crispy fried chicken, pan-seared black sea bass, and chocolate pudding – but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few Easter specials make an appearance as well.
2. Red Rooster
Where better to spend this year’s Easter than Harlem favorite Red Rooster? Their weekend brunch menu is always pretty special. Think cornbread and gravy; a cheddar cheese omelet; and a breakfast pasta with tomatoes and eggs.
Where to eat: restaurants open for Easter 2023 in New York City (NYC): Red Rooster. Courtesy Photo.
We suspect they may have something extra-special up their sleeves for the holiday, as they have in past years. We’ll have to wait and see! (And yes, of course they do take reservations – keep your eyes peeled, so that when April 9th opens up, you’re the first to snag a seat).
3. Le Coucou
They may call it “lunch,” rather than “brunch,” but meals at the Michelin-starred Le Coucou are still among the absolute best you can get on a weekend morning in New York. And even before we get to the possibility of Easter brunch specials, their regular weekend menu includes first-rate French fare.
Restaurants open for family Easter brunch and dinner in New York City (NYC) in 2023: Le Coucou. Courtesy Photo.
Like Parisian lobster, “filet basquaise,” and a “tarte chocolate-passion.” If you want your Easter brunch to include some truly exceptional food this year, this is the place we might suggest. It’s still too early to reserve for April 9th, so keep your wits about you – it will be time soon enough.
4. La Goulue
This Easter Sunday, La Goulue – the much-loved revival of the longtime French restaurant – will offer a special holiday pre-fixe menu ($72.00 per person). The courses have yet to be revealed, but since we are big fans of their typical weekend brunch – like the decadent brioche French toast, and the swoon-worthy eggs benedict – we are betting it will be a meal to remember.
Restaurants open Easter Sunday 2023 for brunch and dinner in NYC: La Goulue. Courtesy Photo.
5. Jams
You may already be familiar with Jams, the restaurant at the boutique 1 Hotel Central Park. The location happens to be perfect if you’d like to follow brunch with a scenic walk. But the reason Jams makes our list is because we love the way they celebrate the holiday – with a brunch buffet ($60 per person) that sounds like fun for the whole family.
Restaurants open for family Easter 2023 brunch and dinner in NYC: Jams. Courtesy Photo.
You can expect house-made pastries, French toast skewers, chocolate buttermilk pancakes, grilled steak, and more – a little something for everyone. If you’re looking for a relaxed, communal brunch experience this Easter, this is the place to go.
6. Marea
The Michelin-starred Marea will be serving a special Easter menu ($145 per person) from noon to 2:45 on April 17th. The Italian restaurant kicks off their three-course pre-fixe with a choice between grilled octopus, nova scotia lobster, mushroom consommé, and white asparagus, and then continues with ten amazing choices of main course (our eyes are on the ribeye… or maybe the roast lamb and artichoke). And finally, dessert: pick between a lemon crostata, a tiramisu, and a vanilla cardamom panna cotta. Make your reservation today.
Restaurants open for family Easter 2023 brunch in NYC: Marea. Courtesy Photo.
7. Casa Limone
Michelin-starred chef Antonio Salvatore will transport you straight from NYC to Southern Italy. This Easter Sunday, the team will offer a prix-fixe menu for $75, featuring Zucca e Burrata or Carpaccio di Salmone, Margherita Pizza, Tagliata e Uovo, or Lobster Benedict.
8. Aquavit
We love Nordic restaurant Aquavit, and we especially love their commitment to the holidays. And to excellent cuisine. This Easter, they’ll be serving a three-course tasting menu ($155 per person), with cold seafoods, and a surprise Easter entrée and dessert. Book now on Tock.
The best restaurants open for family Easter 2023 brunch in NYC: Aquavit. Courtesy Photo.
9. Celestine
In need of a Brooklyn recommendation? How about this waterfront DUMBO spot, where you’ll have to decide what you like more – the views, or the food? Celestine serves an excellent Mediterranean brunch all year long, and we’d all be lucky to enjoy their smoked whitefish toast, brioche donuts, and hummus platter this Easter. Reservations are available a few weeks out, so check back soon for the April 9th date.
Restaurants opened for family Easter brunch in NYC this year 2023: Celestine. Courtesy Photo.
10. Ai Fiori
Ai Fiori is already taking reservations for their special Easter brunch. The pre-fixe is $85 per person, and includes lobster soup, lobster benedict, steak and eggs, chocolate mousse, citrus olive oil cake, and other enticing options. And, of course, a special Easter cocktail. And we may we suggest that you order a special pastry basket for the table? We know you don’t want to miss out.
Restaurants opened for family Easter brunch in NYC of where to eat this year 2023: Ai Fiori. Courtesy Photo.
11. Benoit
Benoit serves a French feast on Easter Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Itwill offer a special Easter brunch for $95/person. Choose from a selection of 4 appetizers, four mains, and three desserts, including celebrated dishes such as our Amberjack crudo, stuffed lamb, or Chocolate composition.
12. Craft
There is something magical about Craft, the bar, the layout, the food, the service … plus the bronze decor. It has a reputation as one of the class-act restaurants in NYC, and it pretty much always comes across. They will offer a special brunch from 11 am to 5 pm, featuring a selection of family-style starters & sides to surround your choice of a sweet or savory main course. Easter Brunch starts at $105pp.
14. Portale
This Chelsea gem from longtime Gotham Bar & Grill chef Alfred Portale neatly treads the line between neighborhood favorite and special occasion spot with an Italian-focused menu filled. Easter Sunday at Portale offers a 3- course pre-fixe menu from 12 pm to 7 pm for $110. Menu items include burrata and bruschetta to start, pasta, fish, French toast, and lobster Benedict for the main, and sweet treats like ricotta cheesecake and semifreddo.
15. Tavern on the green
Naturally, Tavern on the Green in Central Park comes to mind when it comes to brunching in New York City. And with spring in the air, this location is perfect for spending time with friends and family over a delightful meal! On Easter Sunday, April 9th, Tavern will feature a 4-Course lunch and dinner menu selection with an array of fresh creations that will not only fill your appetite but exceed expectations by executive chef Bill Peet $125 p/p.
best restaurants open on Easter Sunday 2023 in New York City (NYC)
So, if you’re spending Easter Sunday 2023 in New York City, now you have informed recommendations from a local about where should you go to eat, and what the best restaurants are that are open for brunch and family meals in NYC?
There are plenty from which to choose – just don’t wait too long to make your reservations. Added benefit of eating out on Easter Sunday in New York? Since no one has to cook or clean up, there’ll be extra time to prepare your hat for the Fifth Avenue Easter parade. Or an Easter egg hunt with friends in Central Park. Or just strolling the city and people-watching as a brilliant city welcomes the spring.
