Best Easter Brunches In The Bay Area
(credit: Thinkstock)
If you are looking for either a traditional Easter brunch or something a little different, you've got plenty of attractive options around the Bay Area on Sunday, March 27. The variety of food choices usually found on most brunch menus are often supplemented on Easter with even more to choose from, including special dishes prepared solely for the occasion. This coming Easter is no exception as a number of restaurants, and in one case, a popular cruise line, will offer a special experience for brunch enthusiasts. Many venues include live musical entertainment and perhaps a surprise visit by the Easter Bunny too.
Cliff House Restaurant (credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 386-3330
www.cliffhouse.com
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco's Cliff House has long been considered the crown jewel at the western end of Golden Gate Park. Easter brunch is served in the Terrace Room, which offers amazing views of Seal Rocks and the ocean below. Diners can enjoy live harp music while sampling poached salmon and prawns, steak with mushrooms and pasta carbonara, along with a wide assortment of traditional breakfast items, salads and desserts. In addition to the current historic structure which first opened in 1909, the surrounding area offers strolls along nearby Ocean Beach or trails overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge before or after dining.
5050 Arroyo Rd.
Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 456-2450
www.wentevineyards.com
Founded more than 130 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the country's oldest, continuously-operated family-owned winery. The vineyard is located east of San Francisco in the Livermore Valley, and Wente takes pride in serving sustainable, local ingredients in their various dining facilities. Brunch is served in The Restaurant, and the menu features sparkling wine cocktails, imaginative fruit and vegetable appetizers and various fish, steak and French toast main dishes. The popular creative desserts are freshly.
210 East Main St.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-7700
www.diodeka.com
Located in the downtown village of Los Gatos, Dio Deka serves fine Greek food, for which it has earned a coveted Michelin star. Dio Deka's name comes from the restaurant's address (210), which also happens to be the area code for Athens. This restaurant only serves brunch three times a year: Mother's Day, Father's Day and Easter. The highlight of their brunch menu is mesquite-grilled lamb, but they also offer cultural favorites such as spanakotiropita-phyllo pastries with goat cheese, blistered grapes, grilled branzino and cinnamon "Greek" toast.
400 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 372-2628
www.schoonersmonterey.com
Suspended over the waters of scenic Monterey Bay, Schooners offers sustainable seafood and contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant only serves a buffet brunch on Easter, Mother's Day and Thanksgiving. Schooners is known for dishes like huevos rancheros, spicy prawns, seared scallops and butterscotch pudding. Parking can be a challenge in this part of busy Cannery Row, but the restaurant, which is located in the Monterey Plaza Hotel, will validate up to two free hours for diners.
Pier 3 on The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 788-8866
www.hornblower.com
This Bay Area-based company has been offering cruises since 1980, and the 2,200 passenger San Francisco Belle is the largest dining yacht on the West Coast. The floating Easter brunch is popular, offering four different cruise/brunch options on March 27, including one that departs from the East Bay. Participants can choose from a delicious buffet with hosted bar or a four-course meal and dancing under the stars. And don't be surprised if amid the amazing views, live music and free-flowing champagne, you find yourself shaking hands with the Easter Bunny as well.
