Easter at VEA Newport Beach

Spring arrives in Newport Beach with a full lineup of Easter celebrations at VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa. From a morning brunch overlooking the coast to family-friendly festivities and a relaxing spa escape, the resort offers a thoughtful way to spend the holiday.

Easter Brunch at VIEW | Sunday, April 5
Brunch is served at VIEW Restaurant & Lounge with a menu from Executive Chef Adam Haverland. Highlights include a signature breakfast burrito, lobster benedict, avocado toast and fresh fruit parfait. Guests 21 and older can add mimosas or Bloody Marys. Seating is available from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with reservations offered on OpenTable, including firepit and ocean-view options.

Easter Egg Hunt at Sunset Lawn | Sunday, April 5
Families can head to Sunset Lawn for a festive egg hunt with sweet treats, Easter Bunny appearances and photo moments. The experience is complimentary for resort guests and those dining at VIEW, with hunt times at 9 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

In-Room Easter Baskets
Guests can add an Easter basket to their stay, delivered directly to their room. Each includes bunny ears, a coloring book and puzzle, toys and seasonal treats. Orders must be placed one day in advance here.

Spring Awakening Ritual at SPA VEA
At SPA VEA, the seasonal Spring Awakening Ritual is available through June in 80- or 100-minute treatments. The experience begins with a jasmine and hibiscus body buff, followed by a floral aromatherapy massage designed to ease tension and restore balance. The spa’s ocean-view setting, along with its steam room, sauna and relaxation areas, completes the experience.

Treatments can be reserved online.  

900 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach. (949) 640-4000

Easter Dining at South Coast Plaza

Dining options are plentiful at South Coast Plaza on Sunday, April 5. A dozen restaurants will offer brunch and dinner, with menus ranging from contemporary cuisine and steakhouse classics to Asian favorites. The center’s retail boutiques will be closed in observance of the holiday.

At Seasons 52, brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with dinner available all day. Guests can choose from individually priced brunch dishes or opt for the Easter Green Box to go. VIEW MENU. MAKE RESERVATIONS. 714.437.5252.

The Capital Grille will offer a two-course menu featuring chef-created selections, along with classic brunch cocktails and Champagne. The dinner menu will also be available all day. VIEW MENU. MAKE RESERVATIONS. 714.432.1140.

Morton’s The Steakhouse will serve an Easter three-course dinner from April 1 through April 5, with Easter Sunday hours from noon to 8 p.m. VIEW MENU. MAKE RESERVATIONS. 714.444.4834.

Several South Coast Plaza restaurants will also be open with à la carte menus throughout the day.

Outpost Kitchen will offer its popular Aussie-inspired weekend brunch with Easter specials, along with a full bar featuring creative cocktails and coffee beverages. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are available by calling 714.852.3044 or visiting OpenTable.

At Vaca, Chef Amar Santana presents a Spanish-inspired menu of tapas, paellas and wood-grilled steaks, along with Easter specials, craft cocktails and a Spanish-focused wine list. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Reservations are available through Resy or by calling 714.463.6060.

Water Grill will feature a wide selection of fresh seafood, including seasonal specialties such as live wild Dungeness crab, local spiny lobster and California spot prawns. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 949.208.7060.

Caló Kitchen + Tequila will serve Mexican classics and contemporary dishes made with high-quality ingredients, along with a curated selection of tequilas and cocktails. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are available on Yelp or by calling 714.462.1445.

Anqi Bistro will offer seasonal Easter specials alongside signature dishes from the House of An. Hours are noon to 8 p.m., with an à la carte menu. Reservations are available by calling 714.557.5679 or visiting OpenTable.

Din Tai Fung, known for its handmade soup dumplings, wontons and noodles, will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are available on Yelp or by calling 714.549.3388.

Paradise Dynasty will present bold flavors from eight regions of China, with hours from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 714.617.4630.

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, a Singapore concept inspired by Japanese noodle soups, will serve its signature ramen and other savory dishes from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 714.884.4693 for more information.

Darya Fine Persian Cuisine will offer an upscale dining experience with authentic Persian dishes in a spacious dining room and patio setting. Hours are noon to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 714.557.6600.

Easter Brunch and Dining in Orange County

Easter Sunday falls on April 5, and restaurants across Orange County are offering everything from coastal brunch buffets to refined tea service and dinner experiences. Here is a look at where to celebrate the holiday this year.

Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach hosts its annual seaside Easter brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Chef Rainer Schwarz’s menu includes made-to-order omelets, fresh seafood, carving stations and desserts. The experience is priced at $135 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under, with younger children dining free.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar will offer a two-course prix-fixe Easter brunch at both its Newport Beach and Tustin locations from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The $65 menu features seasonal dishes, with optional add-ons such as seafood towers and champagne.

In Costa Mesa, Knife Pleat celebrates Easter weekend with an afternoon tea service on Saturday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The experience includes tea sandwiches, pastries and premium teas, with optional caviar and champagne. Reservations, here. 

The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach presents a festive Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The coastal celebration includes a buffet, bottomless champagne, live entertainment and family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo and Easter Bunny visits. Pricing is $125 for adults and $50 for children ages 5 to 12.

For dinner, ILYA offers a Mediterranean-inspired Easter evening from 4 to 9 p.m. The menu highlights wood-fired dishes, fresh seafood and house-made breads in a light, coastal setting.

Georgia’s Restaurant serves a Southern-style Easter brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring favorites such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and cinnamon-apple waffles, along with brunch cocktails.

In Newport Beach, Sushi Roku offers a different take on Easter with its Japanese menu featuring fresh fish and globally inspired dishes, paired with sake and craft cocktails.

Finally, Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar in Old Towne Orange will serve Easter brunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with seasonal specials and house favorites alongside mimosas, Irish coffee and its signature Bloody Mary.

Reservations are recommended at most locations, as Easter brunch remains one of the busiest dining days of the year.