Easter is just around the corner and aside from tasty brunch foods, we’re all looking forward to warmer weather and spending quality time with family and friends. If you are looking to enjoy a nice Easter meal out, we’ve compiled a guide of eateries in the Essex County area that deliver a strong brunch game. Read on for a list of spots to have Easter Sunday brunch in Montclair and Essex County.
The Brookdale | 1099 Broad Street, Bloomfield
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The Brookdale is a trendy sports bar and restaurant fit for any occasion — and that includes Easter brunch. Some highlights from the brunch menu include challah French toast, PB+J pancakes, a taco salad, a Nashville hot chicken benedict, a pastrami reuben quesadilla, and grilled salmon, among other dishes. If you’re up for it, this spot even serves a one-pound mozzarella stick that is as cheesy as it is delicious.
Read More: Montclair + Essex County Restaurants Open on Easter Sunday 2024
Calandra’s Il Vecchio Cafe | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
Located inside Calandra’s Italian Village, the open-concept dining room and elegant decor make Il Vecchio Cafe a great option for an Easter meal. The Easter brunch buffet will be served at 12PM, 2:30PM, and 5PM this year, and will include options like a prime rib carving station, deviled Easter eggs, farfalle pesto, seafood salad, and assorted mini pastries from Calandra’s Bakery, among other food items. View the full menu here.
The Highlawn | 1 Crest Drive, West Orange
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With its grand dining room, incredible view of Manhattan, and open kitchen, The Highlawn provides an ideal balance of classic, rustic, and modern — and their dishes follow suit. Brunch is served here from 11AM to 3PM every Sunday, and includes dishes like crab cake eggs benedict, doughnut French toast, egg white frittata, shrimp cocktail, avocado toast, and more.
Halcyon | 114 Walnut Street, Montclair
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This modern, upscale Walnut Street eatery serves a seafood-centered brunch menu every Sunday from 11:30AM to 3PM. For seafood lovers, Halcyon has a raw bar, sushi bar, and starters such as crab cakes, paella, and chared-grilled oysters. If you’re not a seafood lover, Halcyon provides options for everyone else, including cheeseburgers, filet mignon, and tacos.
McLoone’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange
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Located within the South Mountain Recreation Complex, McLoone’s Boathouse sits on the banks of the reservoir, which gives diners spectacular views of the water. Keeping with the tradition of owner Tim McLoone’s other locations, the menu includes tried and true American cuisine that has great choices for the entire family. Its Easter Sunday brunch buffet here is served from 10AM to 3PM, and includes complimentary mimosas, a raw bar, a hot buffet, stations from omelet to waffle, assorted desserts, and more.
Montclair Diner | 613 Valley Road, Montclair
If your family is a little more casual for the holidays, don’t sleep on Montclair Diner. With vibes similar to your run-of-the-mill, 24-hour eatery, Montclair Diner elevates the experience with a family-style dining option. Choose from a menu priced either per family or individually for breakfast or lunch. Family-style breakfast includes choices of baked souffle or scrambled eggs, meat, pancakes, or French toast, and a brunch of either chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, or yummy French toast. If you’re the kind who hears brunch and immediately thinks of lunch food, Montclair Diner’s family-style lunch menu includes a list of sandwiches and burgers to mix and match with a choice of side and soup or salad.
Porta Montclair | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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The industrial-style vintage aesthetic with raw brick walls, wines served in water glasses, and mismatched chairs are all a part of Porta’s charm. The brunch menu here includes options like almond-crusted French toast, eggplant parm, sweet potato risotto, a variety of pizzas, and more.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street, Montclair
Raymond’s bright and cheerful vibe pays homage to New Jersey’s greatest diners with a modern twist. The waitstaff is friendly, the décor is retro, and the food is on point. Make your own omelet, eat every homemade potato chip on the plate, and don’t ignore the specials — they’re always enticing.
Uncle Momo | 702 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
HG readers may be familiar with the name of this Lebanese/French spot from its sister location in Jersey City. With a brunch menu that has everything from Momo’s Breakfast (two eggs served with hummus, tabouli, labneh, pita, and mixed greens) to French toast, you can’t go wrong celebrating your holy Sunday at Uncle Momo.
See More: Where to Enjoy Easter Brunch in Hoboken + Jersey City
Village Hall Restaurant + Beer Garden | 101 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
Village Hall opened up in November of 2022 and is described as a Parisienne-style restaurant meets classic NYC Tavern. The large indoor dining room seats guests at marble tables, while the second floor is an upscale, yet vintage event space. The spot will have specials and a dedicated holiday menu for Easter Sunday from 11AM to 6PM — including dishes like a Village Hall Caesar salad, steak + eggs, porchetta, classic eggs Benedict, and more. You can view the full menu here.
