Easter brunch is a time-honored tradition for many families, and the festivities can be all the more enjoyable when you let someone else do the cooking. From Naples to Fort Myers, there’s no shortage of talented chefs ready to welcome you for the holiday with decadent spreads of chilled seafood buffets, treats like red velvet waffles and bountiful bloody mary bars. Hop to it!
Angelina’s Ristorante, Bonita Springs
Those of us obsessed with Angelina’s romantic vibes look forward to indulging in their à la carte brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Their French toast stuffed with blueberry and lemon finished with decadent blueberry compote is the sweetest treat.
Bar Tulia Mercato, Naples
Never one to let us down, this Mercato spot raises the bar again with its holiday specials, including a spiced brioche bread pudding with banana compote and an indulgent pour of butterscotch syrup ($24). Or, for the more savory-inclined, opt for the breakfast bucatini with scrambled egg, pancetta and Grana Padano cheese—for a touch of sweetness ($24).
The Catch of the Pelican, Naples
Kick off your day at Naples Grande Beach Resort’s restaurant, with a flight of mimosas before tucking into their three-course Easter brunch. Enjoy oysters on the half-shell or lobster bisque with touches of mango and brandy reduction before moving on to the red velvet waffles with a cheesecake glaze or prime rib with apple purée and finishing with dessert. Served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the brunch is $95 per person, $45 for kids under 12 and free for those 5 and under.
Coast at Edgewater Beach Hotel, Naples
Bask in the breeze of the Gulf at this brunch, where Champagne and mimosas are included. Guests know Coast for its seafood from around the world. For Easter, the team goes inland to deliver holiday classics, like lamb chops rubbed in cumin and coriander and pineapple-glazed ham . Running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the prix fixe brunch costs $130 per person and $50 for children 12 and under.
Edison Restaurant, Fort Myers
Head down McGregor Boulevard to this restaurant overlooking one of the region’s oldest golf courses (dating back to 1917) at the Fort Myers Country Club. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the buffet brunch is $51 per person and $17 for children 12 and under. Reservations required.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Naples
Naples’ restaurateur Paul Fleming’s namesake steakhouse extends the Easter celebration all day with a three-course menu for lunch and dinner. Expect white tablecloth service and the stellar surf-and-turf fare Fleming’s does so well. Filet mignon headlines the menu, with lobster tail or crab-stuffed shrimp for the pairing. No stress if you have fussy eaters in tow—the restaurant has a three-course children’s menu with chicken tenders, mac and cheese and cheesesteak sandwiches. Or, you can pre-order a beef tenderloin or chicken spread to-go for an at-home celebration.
Forever Fiore Tea Lounge, Naples
Visit this luxe new tea and Champagne lounge for a fabulous three-course meal. The vibes in this tea lounge are perfect to go on a traditional, elegant Easter experience—bonnets and all. (For a $35 upcharge, you can arrive to a table with a tulip arrangement waiting.) The Southern-meets-French prix fixe menu starts with offerings like caviar deviled eggs, then to smoked salmon crêpes and three-cheese egg soufflés. Grapefruit mimosas and prosecco complement as bubbly libations. Reservations required; $63 per person.
The French Brasserie Rustique, Naples
Vincenzo Betulia’s training in traditional French cuisine is exemplified in his thoughtful, rustic dishes at this Fifth Avenue gem. The Easter brunch menu is no exception. We’ll probably opt for the grilled sourdough piled with tomato, basil and luscious burrata off the à la carte menu, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Luminary, Fort Myers
The Luminary’s roster of restaurants dish out for the holiday. Head to the waterside Oxbow on the banks of the Caloosahatchee for a three-course meal, prix fixe meal (starting with a wild mushroom cappuccino and Gruyère crostini) for $68, or over to the more casual Ella Mae’s for a meal including carved leg of lamb and hummingbird cake for $24 . The new Chips Sports pub gets on the action, too, with fried chicken and sides for $16.
Marker 92 at the Westin Cape Coral Resort, Cape Coral
Expect a visit from the Easter Bunny at this brunch, complete with hickory-smoked bacon and sausage, jumbo Belgian waffles and pepper-crusted prime rib. The buffet runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $99 for adults, $45 for kids 6 to 12, and free for those 5 and under.
Ocean Prime, Naples
Start your day at the beach before you meander through the heart of Naples for this à la carte menu on Fifth Avenue South. Expect highlights like smoked salmon latkes topped with caviar, and a bloody mary with an extra capsaicin hit, thanks to its pepper-infused vodka.
Old Captiva House, Captiva Island
’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa brings back its annual Easter brunch with a considerable buffet spread. Fill up on herb-crusted salmon, roasted leg of lamb, seared duck, loaded potato au gratin and shaved brussel sprouts or hearts of romaine and smoked blue cheese salad. Housemade desserts abound, too. Running from 12 to 8 p.m., the brunch is $70 per person and $22 for children 10 and under.
Osteria Tulia, Naples
Another of Vincenzo Betulia’s restaurants on Fifth Avenue South, Osteria Tulia’s alfresco patio makes for a perfect perch to take in the city’s splendor. The à la carte brunch menu is sure to impress with upscale rustic takes on Italian cuisine. Served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Ritz Carlton Resort Naples, Tiburón, Naples
One of Naples’ premiere resorts hosts an extravagant experience for families. The Easter Grand Buffet in the Tiburón Ballroom is a masterpiece with a carving station and charcuterie. And, there’s plenty to hop to before that. The fun starts bright and early with a Duck Derby rubber duck race through the waterpark’s lazy river at 8:30 a.m. and an egg hunt on the putting green overlooking the 18th hole, with staggered times (10:15 a.m. for ages 5 and under, and 11 a.m. for ages 6 and up). Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the brunch costs $155 per person and $75 for while kids 12 and under. Wine, beer and spirits may be added for an additional $50 per person.
Sale e Pepe, Marco Island
Crispy potato and ham croquettes, artisanal cheeses, garlic rosemary lamb chops, beef filets and baked ricotta cream cake? Yes, yes, yes. Celebrate the holiday at Marco Island Italian gem, here you get a complimentary mimosa or bloody mary. Running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, brunch costs $130 per person and $65 for children 3-12 (and it’s free for tots under 3).
Tanglewood, Bonita Springs
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point’s restaurant’s Easter brunch lets you dine in coastal style. You’ll find holiday staples at this restaurant known for its Florida comfort food and tropical garden views. Served 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., cost is $125 per person; $60 for children 5 to 12 and its free for those 4 and under. Reservations highly recommended.