Brunch, buffets, dinner, desserts and prepared meals all possible this year
You can sip a pineapple mimosa while listening to live music. Enjoy a home cooked Southern breakfast or pick dishes from lavish serving stations. Decorate cookies or cakes with kits from local bakers. Devour lots of delicious chocolate bunnies. Or meet the Easter bunny.
After a few years of closings and cautious dining, there are a lot of holiday options for Easter this spring. The buffet has even emerged at some spots. And you can still find places offering prepared meals or pick up delicious desserts before April 17, Easter Sunday.
Passover begins at sundown April 15 and if you want to cut down on time in the kitchen, you’ll find a full dinner, seder plate and sides from a local, kosher restaurant.
Here’s a list of several choices for your holiday meal. Some places have early cutoffs for reservations or orders so our advice: Hop to it.
Aaru’s: Dive into a multicultural buffet specializing in Indian, Indochinese and South Indian cuisine. Seating inside or on the outdoor deck. Sunday hours are 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1108 S. Magnolia Dr.; 850-350-0129.
Andrews Downtown: Dine inside or on the sprawling patio just steps from the Capitol. Andrews will be offering Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 228 S. Adams St.; 850-222-3444.
Blu Halo: The Northeast destination will be offering a special brunch with six stations and outdoor dining. Sunday brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults: $33, kids’ brunch $15 for ages 6 to 13. Bannerman Crossings, 3431 Bannerman Road; 850-999-1696.
Catering with Care or CWC Cafe: You’ll find Southern comfort fare (and possibly the best pork chop in town) from owners Joe and Teresa Nix for breakfast or at the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Sunday hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1431 S. Monroe St.; 850-765-0127.
Coosh’s Bayou Rouge: The Northeast branch is offering an all-you-can-eat buffet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Easter Sunday. 6267 Old Water Oak Rd.; 850-894-4110.
The Edison: The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance at the restaurant, which overlooks Cascades Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Edison opens for brunch at 10 a.m. Sunday. Indoor-outdoor dining. 470 Suwannee Street; 850-765-9771.
The Egg Cafe and Eatery: The breakfast destination offers brunch and cocktails at two locations. Outdoor seating available. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at 740 Austin Davis Dr., 850-765-0703; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at its downtown site at 300 S. Duval Street; 850-907-3447.
El Cocinero: The restaurant won’t be open for brunch but you can stop by for tacos and tequila and other Mexican-inspired items for dinner. The wrap-around deck adds festive, outside dining. Open from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday. 1303 Thomasville Rd.; 850-329-6591.
Essence of India: The Indian restaurant, cousin to Aaru’s, presents its Sunday lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1105 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-656-7200.
Food Glorious Food: The varied menu at FGF, celebrating its 40th anniversary, showcases an array of tempting dishes — and don’t forget dessert. Sunday brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1950 Thomasville Rd., Suite C; 850-224-9974.
The Four Points Tallahassee: The hotel will be hosting its ninth annual Easter Brunch Buffet, with outdoor patio games, kids’ activities, an Easter egg hunt and photos with the Easter bunny, at its chic adjacent venue, Bricks & Brass. There will be two seatings, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It’s $35, $15 for kids 12 and under. Reservations are a must. Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/4rkbfyhr
Grove Market Cafe: Culinary power couple David and Elizabeth Gwynn, owners of Vertigo Burgers & Fries and the former Cypress Restaurant, offer a large patio area and varied breakfast and lunch menu with mimosas available from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 1370 Market Street; 850-894-5060.
The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery: Have a breakfast sandwich, French toast or a slice of quiche with coffee, mimosas, spritzers or a local beer. Breakfast served from 9 to 11 a.m. 1307 N. Monroe St. (adjacent to Liberty Bar & Grill); 850-354-8275.
Horizons Bar and Grille: Sunday brunch and cocktails will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Shaded patio and inside seating. Bannerman Crossings, 3427 Bannerman Road, Suite 104; 850-329-2371.
House of Music: The music club formerly known as Junction at Monroe is offering brunch with live music every Sunday, including Easter Sunday with dishes from chef Michael Humble. Bottomless mimosas are made with either mango, orange, pineapple or cranberry juice. Sunday brunch hours 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2011 S. Monroe St.; 850-629-9526.
Kool Beanz Cafe: Look for classics like blackened shrimp and grits, a full English breakfast and chicken and waffles on the menu but keep in mind that dishes change daily. Don’t miss desserts from James Beard semifinalist and pastry chef Sylvia Gould. Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.. 921 Thomasville Rd.; 850-224-2466.
Liberty Bar & Restaurant: The menu is a big attraction at the lively venue with traditional breakfast fare and some twists. Brunch drink specials are available. Sunday brunch hours are 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1307 N. Monroe St.; 850-354-8277.
Little Paris: Chefs and brothers Herve and Loic Alcesilas are preparing a three-course, Easter menu available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 17. The French restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining. The cost is $42. 1355 Market St.; 850-765-7457.
Lofty Pursuits: You can have breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert on Easter Sunday at the ice cream parlor and restaurant. All kinds of ice cream specialties and homemade candy are another draw. Patio dining, takeout available. Open Sunday from 7 a.m.-9 p.m.1355 Market St.; 850-521-0091.
Lucilla: The cozy restaurant from chef/owner Joe Richardson and partner Lara Hooper is doing something different this Easter. Instead of brunch, the owners are serving a late lunch-early dinner menu. It’s available from 3 to 7 p.m. April 17. 1241 E. Lafayette St.; 850-900-5117.
Mayuri Indian Restaurant: The Indian restaurant offers its buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.on Easter Sunday. Indoor/outdoor seating available. 1324 Simpson Ave.; 850-402-9993.
Proof Brewery Company: The brewpub is presenting its pop-up Easter all-you-can-eat buffet from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s $35, $15 for children 10 and younger. Advance tickets required. 1320 S. Monroe St.; 850-577-0517.
Railroad Square Craft House: The bar and restaurant has a covered patio and huge outdoor setting where you can order brunch, classic cocktails and bottomless mimosas or bellinis from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 644 McDonnell Dr.; 850-296-3496.
RedEye Coffee: You can order goodies for Easter from the coffee shop. Options include charcuterie boxes, coffee and tea to go jugs and muffins. April 13 is the last day to order to get your items delivered before Easter. Use this link bit.ly/redeyecatering RedEye has locations at 1122 Thomasville Rd. in Midtown; 850-425-5701 Capital Regional Medical Center and at 1196 Capital Circle NE; 850-999-8278.
Table 23: The laid-back restaurant, with its attractive outdoor eating spaces, offers Sunday brunch along with Bloody Marys, mimosas and other cocktails. Brunch hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1233 Thomasville Road; 850-329-2261.
Tally Fish House & Oyster Bar: Diners can stop by for brunch and seafood items from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. There’s a covered outdoor patio. 6800 Thomasville Rd.; 850-900-5075.
Uptown Cafe and Catering: The longtime spot will be offering its apricot-glazed smoked salmon, which is smoked on premises, along with traditional breakfast fare, craft beer and mimosas. Outdoor space available. Brunch is served from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Takeout offered. 1325 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-219-9800.
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs: Spend a lovely day in Wakulla with a traditional Easter buffet in the genteel Edward Ball Dining Room, offered from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 17. Limited space available. 550 Wakulla Park Dr., Wakulla Springs; 850-421-2000.
Other options for dining in or takeout include Applebee’s, Bonefish Grill, Boston Market, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carrabba’s, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, IHOP and Outback Steakhouse. Call to check hours for Easter Sunday.
Passover
Cafe Yerushalmi: You can order a kosher meal or supplement your own with catering from Magi Mekaiess, who was born in Jerusalem. She will be offering brisket, roasted chicken, Moroccan meatballs, a seder plate, sides, soup and salad. Customers can place orders until April 13 and pick up dishes at the restaurant on April 14 and 15. 910 Lake Bradford Rd.; 850-329-0293.
Catering choices, sweet treats
Here are some spots offering prepared meals and/or desserts. Also check your favorite bakery for Easter goodies.
Artistic Confections: Here’s an easier way to have the kids decorate cookies for Easter. You can buy Easter-themed cookie kits from Artistic Confections. Cinnamon rolls for the holidays are also available. Order by April 12 to pick up April 16. 1712 Thomasville Rd.; 850-577-3000.
Au Peche Mignon: Load up on goodies like chocolate bunnies, praline and cream eggs and Easter-themed almond cakes. 220 N. Duval St.; 850-668-5533.
Black Fig: The catering service and gourmet togo shop will have small sides at the shop but you can order family-size sides for eight to 10. The deadline for ordering is April 14 with pickup April 15 or 16. 1400 Village Square Blvd.; 850-727-0016
4Rivers: You can pick up your barbecue meal on April 16 and reheat on Sunday. The menu includes smoked meats and sides and a bunny cake. The deadline for orders is April 13. 1817 Thomasville Rd.; 844-474-8377.
La Florida Coffee & Wine: The cafe is accepting pre-Easter orders for cinnamon rolls, challah, cookies, mimosas and other holiday items. Pre-order until April 12. Pickup 9 to 11 a.m. April 16. Kleman Plaza, 350 S. Duval St.; 850-296-0110.
Macarons by Amanda: Order a box of six Easter-themed cookies for $20. Message Amanda Watson Howe on Facebook or Instagram. Orders close April 10, with pickup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 16 at Tallahassee Nurseries, 2911 Thomasville Rd., but Howe will also have extra macarons to sell at the nursery. Tip: Arrive early before they’re gone.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier: The shop features chocolate bunnies, Easter baskets and other treats plus there’s Peterbrooke’s “Wonder Egg,” a hollowed-out egg filled with popcorn. One Wonder Egg in each shop contains a silver certificate inside worth $100. If purchased, it can be redeemed for other products. Call to check on availability. Miracle Plaza, 1817 Thomasville Road; 850-577-3111.
Tasty Pastry: You’ll find an array of Easter-themed cupcakes, cookies and cakes along with casseroles, quiche, rolls and breakfast items. For special Easter goodies, order by April 12. 1355 Market St.; 850-893-3752.
TC Bakery: Kids and adults can decorate their own cakes for Easter with these kit boxes from the bakery. Kits include icing, sprinkles and other decorative items. You can order through April 12. Kits may also be available during pickup on the 12th. 614 Eugenia St.; 850-577-1776.
Treva’s Pastries & Fine Foods: Chef-owner Treva Pasquarelli will be offering sweet Easter specials including a lamb-shaped vanilla pound cake, Easter bread, carrot cheesecake and raspberry jam bunny and lemon curd deviled egg cookies. The deadline for ordering is 6 p.m. April 14 with pickup April 16. 2766 Capital Circle NE; 850-765-0811.
