Chocolate bunnies and egg hunts aside, the best part about Easter Sunday is gathering around the table to break bread with loved ones. From classic dishes like eggs benedict and honey-glazed ham to more creative spins including heirloom confit salmon and Asian barbecue pork tenderloin, local restaurants are offering plenty of seasonal options if you’re hoping to ditch the oven mitts and dine out for the holiday. So gather the family, throw on your Sunday best, and celebrate spring at any one of these local restaurants on April 16.

SPRINGTIME SPECIALS

Aldo’s: Snap along to live jazz tunes while browsing the brunch menu at this staple in Little Italy. The restaurant is wishing guests a “Buona Pasqua” by offering dishes like dulce de leche-stuffed French toast, Italian poutine with sausage hash, and a lobster benedict topped with truffle hollandaise. Finish on a sweet note with desserts including strawberry tiramisu and limoncello cheesecake. 306 S. High St., 410-727-0700

Cask & Grain: This Canton Square newbie is debuting brunch service just in time for Easter Sunday. The brand new menu, which will be served for the first time April 9, highlights s’mores French toast, skillet potatoes with house kielbasa, cinnamon roll pancakes, and a classic Croque Madame with tomato-cognac spread. On Easter Sunday, sample the a la carte menu with specials including leg of lamb and roasted rabbit. 2823 O’Donnell St., 443-948-9576

Cosima: This Sicilian hotspot in Hampden’s Mill No. 1 complex is hosting its first-ever brunch service on Easter Sunday. Head there to enjoy executive chef Donna Crivello’s special menu featuring grilled asparagus with crispy capicola, beet and orange kale salad, smoked mozzarella pizza, and traditional savory Easter pie with Italian ham, egg, and a blend of cheeses. 3000 Falls Road, 443-708-7352

The Elephant: This
swanky spot inside a refurbished Mt. Vernon mansion is continuing its recently
debuted brunch service with a special Easter menu. Dishes to look forward to
include Jerusalem artichoke and onion soup, stuffed pork loin with sweet
potato stuffing, and cedar plank cod with candied orange Brussels sprouts. Plus, because Easter just so happens to
overlap with Passover this year, The Elephant will also be serving house made
matzah from its woodstone oven. 924 N.
Charles St., 443-447-7878

Gnocco: Pair mid-morning Prosecco and amaretto espressos with the Mediterranean-inspired fare at this Highlandtown hangout. The spot is celebrating accordingly with dishes including ricotta donuts, blood orange mascarpone pancakes, benedicts topped with braised boar and lemon hollandaise, and rabbit porchetta. 3734 Fleet St., 443-449-6540

Modern Cook Shop: Snag a table in the bright dining room at this Fells Point eatery to enjoy fan-favorites like cereal-crusted French toast and breakfast burgers, as well as holiday specials such as Kookoo Sabzi—a Mediterranean vegetable dish with yogurt-dill sauce and braised radishes. The restaurant will also serve a springtime supper complete with rosemary ham, herb-crusted lamb shoulder, and butternut squash and parsnip soup. 901 S. Wolfe St., 443-627-8032

The Nickel Taphouse: At
this Mt. Washington staple, start your meal off right by taking advantage of a
$15 deal on bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Evolution Craft Brewing
drafts. Other Easter Sunday specials of note include authentic scotch eggs,
oyster stew with sherry cream, and a Monte Cristo burger topped with gruyere and
fig jam. In Hampden, The Nickel’s sister-spot Birroteca will also be serving a special brunch with dishes such as
cannoli-flavored French toast, crab minestrone, and a signature brunch pizza. 1604 Kelly Ave.,443-869-6240

Parts & Labor: If you’re in search of takeaway dishes to perfect your Easter celebration at home, this Remington restaurant has got you covered. Parts & Labor’s in-house butcher shop will be accepting to-go orders for fresh-baked breads, rack of lamb, and smoked ham. Its sister-restaurant Woodberry Kitchen will be open early on April 16, offering complimentary pastries and coffee, holiday specials, and plenty of festive crafts for kids in honor of the holiday. 2600 N. Howard St., 443-873-8887

Petit Louis Bistro: Both locations of this French outpost in Roland Park and Columbia will be celebrating with authentic delicacies inspired by the season. You can’t go wrong with plates like classic pain au chocolat, savory crepes, grilled steak and eggs with frites, and braised rabbit leg with a carrot puree. Multiple locations including 10215 Wincopin Circle., Columbia, 410-964-9999

BRUNCH BUFFETS

B&O American Brasserie: At this modern spot inside downtown’s Hotel Monaco, enjoy a spread featuring muffins, veggie quiche, build-your-own yogurt parfaits, crab deviled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. Head bartender Brendan Dorr will also craft holiday cocktails including the “Honey Bunny” (cognac, crème de peche, lemon, egg white, and mint) and the “Shaddock 75,” made with gin, grapefruit, aperol, sugar and Prosecco. 2 N. Charles St., 443-692-6172, $10-40

Cinnamon Tree Restaurant: Equipped with dark woods, velvety dining chairs, and glass chandeliers, this dining destination inside the Hunt Valley Inn exudes ambience. Bring the entire family to enjoy a buffet-style brunch featuring eats such as crab claws on ice, herb-roasted prime rib, and the spot’s signature cinnamon rolls. Plus, the restaurant will set up a special knee-high buffet with its own cupcake-decorating station for the little ones. 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, 410-785-7000, $16.95-$39.95

Johnny’s: Head to this Roland Park favorite to enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread with everything from bacon and brisket to salads and scrambled eggs. Menu highlights include chicken sausages, fruit platters, and pastrami smoked salmon with capers and horseradish sauce. 4800 Roland Ave., 410-773-0777, $19-29

The Manor Tavern: Nothing says tradition like this Monkton mainstay set inside a pre-Colonial stone farmhouse. Celebrate by filling your plate with eats such as tomato and mozzarella caprese salad, mini crab cakes, macaroni and cheese, green beans almandine, and maple sausage. Plus, enjoy DIY omelets and a carving station with brown sugar-glazed ham and prime rib with red onion jus. 15819 Old York Road, Monkton, 410-771-8155, $13-39

Mt. Washington Tavern: Celebrate in style by snagging a table in the hunt cup-inspired Pimlico Room or top-floor Skybar at this multi-level neighborhood haunt. The restaurant’s holiday feast will highlight dishes such as frittatas, Grand Marnier French toast, penne alfredo, sausage links, and sliced ham. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903, $12-24

Nick’s Fish House: Soak up some sun at this dockside destination in Port Covington, which will be featuring a buffet spread with all of the classics. Dig in to bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, and hand-carved roast beef while also sampling seafood specialties like jambalaya, steamed shrimp, and mahi mahi with fruit salsa.2600 Insulator Drive, 410-347-4123, $15-31.95

The Turn House: The inaugural Easter brunch buffet at this new Columbia concept will showcase the restaurant’s love for local ingredients with touches like an oyster bar and carving station with roasted lamb. The kitchen—under the helm of Howard County native Thomas Zippelli—will also churn out waffles, bacon, sausage, and an array of house-baked croissants, biscuits, tarts, and cream puffs. 11130 Willow Bottom Drive, Columbia, 410-740-2096, $20-45

Wit & Wisdom: Dress up the tykes and head to this waterfront tavern inside the Four Seasons Baltimore for some family fun. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the restaurant will be setting up a brunch spread complete with a carving station, customizable omelets and crepes, a raw bar, and roast-your-own s’mores. Adults are also invited to sip bottomless mimosas and enjoy live music while the little ones decorate their own egg-shaped cookies. 200 International Drive, 410-576-5800, $29-69

PRIX-FIXE PLATES

Blue Hill Tavern: Reserve a seat at this trendy neighborhood tavern to enjoy a three-course prix-fixe with dishes inspired by the holiday. The menu showcases options like duck empanadas, beet and arugula salad, Easter ham with pineapple, and a key lime bar with white chocolate ganache and guava caramel sauce. 938 S. Conckling St., 443-388-9363, $39.99

Cinghiale: Start your meal at this waterfront destination in Harbor East with serve-yourself salads and snacks including house-marinated artichokes and pickled golden beets. The holiday brunch continues with a two-course prix-fixe menu listing dishes such asroasted lamb leg with basil-mint pesto, poached eggs with polenta and pancetta, and traditional Italian cassata cake topped with candied fruit. 822 Lancaster, 410-547-8282, $39

Cunningham’s: Reserve
a table at this farm-to-fork favorite in Towson to enjoy a two-course prix-fixe
inspired by the season. The menu includes dishes like gazpacho with Maryland
crab, a spring pea salad, brûlée banana French toast, steak
with smashed potatoes, and a farmhouse omelet. 1 Olympic Place, Towson, 410-339-7750

Gunther & Co.: The bright dining room at this Brewers Hill restaurant—which highlights pops of pastel blue and 16-foot living green wall—screams spring. Owner/executive chef Jerry Trice will be whipping up two-course holiday menu featuring plates like leek bisque, spring avocado salad, shrimp and cheddar grits, seared scallop glass noodles, and a house quiche with ham and caramelized onions. 3650 Toone St., 443-869-6874, $28

La Cuchara: Take in views of the open kitchen at this Basque-inspired spot in Woodberry’s Meadow Mill Complex while enjoying a three-course prix-fixe menu prepared by owner/executive chef Ben Lefenfeld. Specialties to look forward to include crispy oysters with pickled cabbage, wild mushroom omelets, charred octopus with saffron aioli, flank steak with salsa verde, and a chocolate orange cake with salted caramel crème anglaise. 3600 Clipper Mill Road, 443-708-3838, $32

The Milton Inn: Flickering fireplaces, hand-painted murals, and white-linen tablecloths contribute to the classic vibe of this restaurant situated inside a centuries-old field house in Sparks. The spot is presenting a three-course menu for the occasion, which lists items including chilled watermelon gazpacho, baked half grapefruit, wild mushroom phyllo with red pepper coulis, and classic steak and eggs served with hash browns. 14833 York Road, Sparks, 410-771-4366, $24-47