Hop over to 12 family-friendly Easter brunches at metro Phoenix restaurants and resorts

Georgann Yara

March 29, 2023 at 5:07 PM·9 min read

Bounding bunnies. Colorful candies. Hunting for treasure-filled eggs. Easter has all the accouterments of a holiday made for young fans.

So when it comes to savoring a hearty brunch, why not enjoy it at a venue that gives all ages something to get excited about?

These restaurants and resorts promise to do just that with special activities geared toward kids from egg hunts and caricatures to encounters with nature and the Easter Bunny, while the adults can enjoy a fabulous brunch spread and mimosas. With something for everyone, it's sure to make Easter a day and meal everyone will remember.

All menus are available exclusively on April 9, except where noted. Reservations are highly recommended, and in some cases required, so it’s best to book ahead.

Dining to-do list: 100 essential restaurants in metro Phoenix

Lon’s, The Hermosa Inn

On April 8 and 9, a special three-course brunch menu ($90, $25 for ages 4-12) will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and kids can spend their downtime searching for candy-filled Easter eggs around the patio.

The brunch menu will include a complimentary glass of rose bubbles and cinnamon rolls for table. Starter options include: chilled Patagonian shrimp; watermelon gazpacho with crispy prosciutto and blue corn waffles with nutella-mascarpone whip. For the main course, choose from the following: smashed avocado toast on Noble ciabatta with heirloom cherry tomato, pickled onion and two over-easy eggs; lump crab cake benedict with LGO English muffin, buttered spinach, poached eggs and Lon’s potatoes; fried chicken tenders with green tomato, sweet potato, corn and scrambled egg hash and peppercorn gravy; roasted halibut spring peas with wild mushrooms and spring onion risotto and beurre rouge; lamb leg “lambchetta” with celeriac puree, rapini, fava beans, asparagus, and natural jus; grilled beef tenderloin with crisp confit potato, creamed greens, smashed heirloom carrot and red wine jus. End your feast with chocolate crepe cake, blueberry cheesecake or key lime mousse

Details: 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. 602-955-7878, lons.com.

Arizona Biltmore

The kids will work up an appetite creating Easter floral crowns, posing for caricatures and participating in lawn games. Brunch ($195, $85 for ages 5-12) will be served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Gold Room and includes a special kids' station with favorites like ants on a log, mini tuna and turkey sandwiches, PB&J scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, a mini-cupcake display and more. The Alice in Wonderland display will be true to its theme with offerings such as: Queen of Hearts raspberry tarts; white chocolate shrinking potion; triple chocolate mushroom forest tarts; coffee éclair caterpillars; Wonderland sugar cookies and Mad Hatter’s earl grey mousse bread.

Adults can indulge with a pancake station, breakfast dishes, raw bar and salad station. Entrees include sea bass with braised baby fennel, lemon-marinated roasted chicken and spinach ricotta ravioli. The carving station features rosemary and garlic roasted prime rib with bourbon veal demi and horseradish crema and herb crusted rack of lamb with cilantro-poblano pesto.

Parties of four or more receive a bottle of Arizona Biltmore sparkling wine. Prepaid reservations are required for parties of one to 20. A $3 historical preservation fund charge per reservation will apply.

Details: 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. 602-955-6600, arizonabiltmore.com.

14 spots we can't wait to try: The most anticipated new restaurants of 2023:

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Easter egg hunts await eager explorers as do Alice in Wonderland-themed activities and decor. Hunts start every 15 minutes starting at 9 a.m. and guests who attend Easter brunch will receive one complimentary family photo with the Easter Bunny in the Palomino Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also in the ballroom, a lavish brunch ($124, $59 for ages 5-12) will be served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring omelets, waffles, bacon and sausage, eggs benedict, smoked salmon, shellfish on ice, fresh fruit and fruit juice. The spread will also showcase specials from the resort's signature restaurants like artisan pastas, Queen Creek Olive Oil roasted chicken and rosemary-rubbed lamb leg from Ironwood American Kitchen; horseradish crusted prime NY strip from Bourbon Steak; barbacoa de res with homemade corn tortillas from La Hacienda and a hand-rolled sushi station from Toro.

Special children's dishes include chicken tenders and shell pasta in marinara. The desert lineup includes a strawberry shortcake action station.

Reservations are required. Cancellations require 72-hour notice to avoid a 50% cancellation fee.

Details: 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. 480-585-2694, scottsdaleprincess.com.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

The entrance to the Royal Palms Resort & Spa.

Two property-wide Easter egg hunts will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., which will complement two brunch options ($175, $75 for ages 6-12) served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that include a glass of sparkling wine and one Royal Palms mimosa.

The brunch buffet will be held in the ballroom with traditional breakfast options, a charcuterie and cheese spread, soup, salad and pasta bar, a selection of seasonal sides, a chilled seafood and sushi display, carved meats station and a variety of sweet treats. At T. Cook’s, a three-course brunch with starters like quiche-pancetta and bourbon glazed pork belly, will be followed by main course options like braised short rib and pan-roasted salmon and dessert.

Details: 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-283-1234, royalpalmshotel.com.

The Farm at South Mountain

Sprawl out with a picnic amid the lush environs with the Easter Bunny hopping by to greet guests throughout the day. All picnic packages ($125 for 2, $225 for 4, plus 20% production fee) come with a blanket and bottled water along with: The Farm cheese board; build-your-own bruschetta; curry hummus with dipping veggies; artisan layered Italian or grilled chicken sandwiches; The Farm salad; a jumbo chocolate chip cookie and lemon ricotta bundt cake.

Add on a kids Easter bag with a special treat ($16.95) or, for the adults, a bottle of champagne ($30), red or white wine ($35).

Pick-up times are every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prepaid online reservations are required. No cancellations accepted after April 3.

Details: 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix. 480-682-7674, thefarmatsouthmountain.com.

'We graduated:' How this couple went from 'Restaurant Impossible' to a new bar in Scottsdale:

Carcara, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

Bring the family for face painting, a caricature artist, live music and photos with the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and brunch ($78, $30 for ages 4-12) that includes carving stations, a raw bar, Sonoran Caesar, Belgium waffles, herb-roasted fingerling potatoes and a chef's selection of sweets along with unlimited mimosas and unlimited Huss Urban Sunset Mexican Lager from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A kid's corner will serve scrambled eggs, mini corn dogs and more.

Details: 340 N. Third St, Phoenix. 602-817-5429, carcararestaurant.com.

Mavrix

Families can enjoy a scratch-made brunch ($40, $25 for ages 12 and younger) at the Bunny Buffet, featuring a brunch taco and tostada bar, french toast, corned beef hash, a build-your-own sundae bar and more. Adults can enjoy half off mimosas until 2 p.m., while kids get free photos with the Easter Bunny and can embark on an Easter Egg Hunt with more than 1,000 stuffed eggs and enjoy a $10 game card per person to play in the arcade.

Seating times are 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 1:30 p.m.

Details: 9139 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale. 480-291-7500, mavrix.com

Hotel Valley Ho

The popular annual Easter egg hunt commences on the ZuZu patio at 8:30 a.m., which will give the youngsters a reason to rise early. Afterward, head to the Sands for a brunch buffet ($72, $27 for ages 12 and younger) served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that features a fresh seafood bar, salad station, Southwestern omelets made to order, a chef carving station, hot mains like soy honey glazed salmon and seared airline chicken with cippolini onion jus and desserts like macarons and dulce de leche strawberry panna cotta.

Details: 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480-421-7997, hotelvalleyho.com

More egg hunts in metro Phoenix: 11 events with hunts, rides, Easter Bunnies

Palo Verde Restaurant, Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale

A bunny on the golf course at the Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale.

In addition to visiting with the Easter Bunny, kids can soak in the outdoors and spot an abundance of friendly wildlife like desert cottontails, families of Gamble’s quail, ducks and mule deer darting through the golf course.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch ($105, $50 for ages 6-12) will feature an extravagant seafood display, omelets and build-your-own waffles, slow-roasted prime rib, beef tenderloin, striped bass, artisan cheeses, fresh fruits, salads, antipasti, warm breads and a display of decadent pastries.

Details: 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Scottsdale. 480-595-1668, theboulders.com.

More mimosas: This glitzy Glendale town center is a great place for brunch

The Wigwam

In the Wigwam Ballroom, a brunch buffet ($85, $30 ages 4-12) will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features fresh salad assortments, savory carving stations, decadent desserts and visits from the Easter Bunny with photo opportunities.

Details: 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. 623-935-3811, wigwamarizona.com.

Maple & Ash

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Easter Bunny will roam and pose for photos and guests can hunt for prize-bearing golden Easter eggs. The brunch special is a hearth-roasted lamb shoulder with charred greens, dill yogurt and crispy sunchokes that will be offered as part of the regular brunch menu that includes accompaniments for the table of beignets, maple-glazed bacon, scones, crispy baked potatoes and fire roasted filet mignon ($75).

Details: 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480-400-8888, mapleandash.com.

Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits, The Westin Tempe

The spicy chicken & waffles at Thirsty Lion Gastropub.

A guest appearance by the Easter Bunny, photo opportunities and live music will accompany special brunch dishes that will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highlights include strawberry and banana french toast made with cinnamon brioche, banana brûlée, strawberry sauce and cream cheese whip ($15), and hanger steak platano and eggs with platano maduro, black bean puree, avocado, queso fresco and choice of eggs ($27). Also, a build-your-own brunch tower ($65) gives guests the opportunity to create unique brunch towers featuring four signature dishes, including: avocado toast served on multigrain toast with mashed avocado, cotija cheese, charred kale, heirloom cherry tomatoes and poached egg ($16); lemon ricotta griddle cake with vanilla chantilly cream, macerated berries and snow sugar ($15) and serrano-cheddar biscuits with Schreiner’s sausage gravy and sunny side up egg ($18).

All Easter brunch specials will also be served April 7 and 8.

Details: 11 E. Seventh St., Tempe. 480-968-8885, terratempe.com.

Sprung: Ultimate guide to things to do in metro Phoenix and around Arizona this spring

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Easter 2023: The best family-friendly brunches in metro Phoenix

Associated Press
The Latest | Rafah's hospitals will run out of fuel in 3 days, WHO says
The World Health Organization says it has only three days of fuel for its medical operations in southern Gaza, with shortages already forcing one of three remaining hospitals in the city of Rafah to shut down. The Rafah border crossing with Egypt has been closed since Israel's military took control of the Palestinian side early Tuesday, blocking the entry of desperately needed humanitarian aid. The U.N. says northern Gaza is already in a state of “full-blown famine.”
Associated Press
Stock market today: Asian shares mixed after Wall Street's lull stretches to a 2nd day
Automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s shares dropped 4.9% after the company forecasted a 7% lower net profit in the fiscal year that will end in March 2025. Toyota Motor slipped 0.4% after it reported Wednesday that it doubled its net profit in the fiscal year that ended in March. The U.S. dollar rose to 155.72 Japanese yen from 155.52 yen, as reports in Tokyo speculated on the likelihood of further intervention by the Finance Ministry to curb the yen's slide.
Reuters
Vessel carrying aid to U.S.-built pier off Gaza leaves Cyprus
A vessel carrying aid to a pier built by the U.S. off Gaza set sail from Cyprus on Thursday, marine tracking websites showed. The U.S. flagged Sagamore left the port of Larnaca on Thursday morning. U.S. officials have said the vessel will be used to offload supplies onto a floating pier built to expedite aid into the besieged enclave.
AFP
Markets' rally stutters as traders eye rate cut outlook
Equity traders struggled to get a recent rally back on course Thursday following a tepid lead from Wall Street, but record performance in Europe highlighted optimism that central banks were on course to cut interest rates.After London's record, and gains in Paris and Frankfurt were followed by a mixed performance in New York, Asia struggled.
AFP
Spanish bank BBVA goes hostile in Sabadell takeover bid
Spain's second-largest bank BBVA announced Thursday a hostile takeover bid for Banco Sabadell, three days after its smaller rival rejected an offer that would create a European banking giant.BBVA president Carlos Torres Vila is scheduled to take part in a press conference on Thursday at noon (1000 GMT) to discuss its hostile takeover bid for Sabadell.
CNN
As officials assess damage from deadly storms in Tennessee, the Southeast is bracing for a severe weather threat Thursday
As officials in the central and southern US assess the damage from reported tornadoes and powerful storms that killed at least two people Wednesday, residents from East Texas to South Carolina are bracing themselves for a severe weather threat Thursday that could bring large hail, damaging winds and flooding.
Associated Press
Yoon rejects South Korean opposition's calls for special investigation of his wife and top officials
South Korea’s president on Thursday dismissed calls for independent investigations into allegations involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals. After his conservative ruling party suffered a heavy loss in the recent April 10 parliamentary elections, President Yoon Suk Yeol faces what appears to be his biggest political challenge yet as opposition parties would extend their control of the National Assembly to 2028. The opposition has recently stepped up its demand for an independent investigation into first lady Kim Keon Hee over various scandals, such as her alleged involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme and the release of spy camera footage showing her receiving a luxury bag from a Korean American pastor.
Reuters
Vietnam delays meeting with EU sanctions chief ahead of possible Putin visit, sources say
Vietnam's foreign affairs ministry told the European Union it was not available for a meeting next week with the bloc's top official on Russian sanctions, diplomats said, as Hanoi prepares for a possible visit from Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Vietnam has been striving to pursue a neutral foreign policy in its relations with major world powers. It has abstained from condemning Russia's attack on Ukraine, a position that Western countries see as too close to the Kremlin.
NBC News
1 dead, multiple injured as powerful storms, possible tornadoes barrel across the country
One person was killed and others were injured after a suspected tornado struck the Columbia, Tennessee, area south of Nashville on Wednesday, authorities said.
Reuters
Myanmar junta reiterates election plan after ex-Cambodia PM seeks Suu Kyi access
The military government has promised repeatedly to return Myanmar to democracy but has given no timeframe for when an election will happen. Hun Sen, who stepped down as Cambodia's prime minister last year after nearly four decades in charge, on Tuesday said he had asked junta leader Min Aung Hlaing if he could speak to detained Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose elected government the military deposed in a 2021 coup.
Associated Press
Fiji's ex-leader, Frank Bainimarama, sentenced to prison for interfering in police investigation
Former Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was sentenced Thursday to a year in prison for interfering in a criminal investigation while he headed the government of his South Pacific island nation. Acting High Court of Fiji Chief Justice Salesi Temo sentenced the 70-year-old in the capital Suva on a conviction for attempting to pervert the course of justice. Suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho received a 2-year prison sentence on a conviction for abuse of office, The Fiji Times newspaper reported.
Associated Press
Yemen's Houthi rebels claim 2 attacks in Gulf of Aden, another unreported in Indian Ocean
Yemen's Houthi rebels on Thursday claimed two missile attacks in the Gulf of Aden on two Panama-flagged container ships that caused no damage, while also saying they targeted a ship in the Indian Ocean in a previously unreported assault. The claims by Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree come as the tempo of the rebel attacks have waned in recent weeks as they've been targeted by repeated airstrikes launched by a U.S.-led coalition warship in waterways crucial to international trade. The Houthis insist their assaults will continue as long as Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip goes on.
Associated Press
Europe Day marks 1 month till EU elections. Rise of hard right, wilting of Green Deal are possible
The European Union marks its annual Europe Day on Thursday, but instead of the humdrum celebrations, all eyes are on the EU elections in a month's time, which portend a steep rise of the extreme right and a possible move away from the bloc's global trendsetting climate policies. After decades in which the EU elections hardly caused a ripple, the June 6-9 voting is the most important in memory. It is being held at a time of continuous crises on a continent which is experiencing a war in Ukraine, climate emergencies, a shifting of geopolitical plates and fundamental questions on the reach and purpose of the EU itself.
Reuters
Japan's Takeda Pharma to restructure after annual profit slump
TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical announced a restructuring on Thursday after annual profit slid by more than half following the loss of patent protection of major sellers. Japan's biggest drugmaker said it will incur restructuring costs of about 140 billion yen ($899 million) this fiscal year as part of a plan to optimise its workforce, cut costs and strengthen technology. Operating profit was 214.1 billion yen for the 12 months through March, versus 490.5 billion yen last year and a consensus estimate of 265.3 billion yen in an LSEG survey of 13 analysts.
AFP
S. Korea president admits 'shortcomings' in rare address
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held a rare press conference Thursday, admitting "shortcomings" after his party's recent electoral defeat, and laying out policies on issues from the country's low birthrate to Russia's war in Ukraine.- Birthrate ministry - Yoon won the 2022 presidential election by the narrowest margin in South Korean history, and his term has been hampered by a series of scandals and his party's lack of a parliamentary majority.
Associated Press
China's exports and imports return to growth in April as demand improves
China's exports and imports returned to growth in April, suggesting that demand is improving despite an uneven economic recovery, according to customs data released Thursday. China has introduced various policy support measures in recent months to support growth and boost confidence in the world’s second-largest economy. China’s trade surplus grew to $72.35 billion, up from $58.55 billion in March.
AFP
Romania opens first crowd-funded hospital
At Romania's new crowd-funded children's cancer hospital, one-year-old Eric Ivan eagerly walked up and down the corridor, his mother holding his hands to steady him.For Eric's mom, 41-year-old Ildiz Ivan, this was a "radical change" from where she had had to take Eric for treatment before.
NBC News
Colon cancer rates have been rising for decades in younger people, study finds
Colorectal cancer rates have been rising for decades among people too young for routine screening, new research finds.
CNN
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA’s resignation
Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned Wednesday, writing on Instagram that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
AFP
Stormy Daniels back in the Trump trial hot seat
Stormy Daniels is to return to the witness stand on Thursday at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial for another round of expected tough grilling by attorneys for the former president.Daniels was being aggressively cross-examined by one of Trump's attorneys, Susan Necheles, when court wrapped up on Tuesday and she will be back in the firing line on Thursday.