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 Highlawn | 1 Crest Drive, West Orange
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 – 3PM every Sunday, and includes dishes like crab cake eggs benedict, doughnut French toast, egg white frittata, shrimp cocktail, avocado toast, and more.
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Fascino | 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Named one of the 30 Best Restaurants in Jersey by NJ Monthly, Fascino serves modern and seasonal Italian cuisine in an intimate setting. All of the pasta is made in-house and proteins are sourced from local mongers and butchers. Fascino is open for brunch every Sunday and serves elevated classics like cacio de pepo scrambled eggs and Tuscan eggs Benedict. Fascino has seatings available on Easter Sunday from 2PM – 7:30PM — call 973-233-0350 to make a reservation.
Fresco da Franco | 15 Church Street, Montclair
A fine dining experience, unlike any other, Fresco da Franco, offers a weekend brunch menu that cannot be beaten. Make a reservation for your family on Easter Sunday to indulge in menu items such as crunchy croissant French toast, crispy calamari salad, Gnocchi da Franco, and more.
Halcyon | 114 Walnut Street, Montclair
This modern, upscale Walnut Street eatery offers a seafood-centered brunch menu every Sunday from 11:30AM – 3PM. For seafood lovers, Halcyon has a raw bar, sushi bar, and entrees such as Alaskan king crab risotto, paella, and cilantro-crusted cod. If you’re not a seafood lover, Halcyon provides options for everyone else, including spicy steak tacos, filet mignon, and organic pan-roasted chicken.
McLoone’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange
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. The Sunday brunch buffet here is served from 10:30AM – 3PM, and includes complimentary mimosas, a raw bar, a hot buffet, three stations (omelet, Belgium waffle, carving), assorted mini pastries, 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.
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 offers everything from Momo’s Breakfast (two eggs served with hummus, tabouli, labneh, pita, and mixed greens) to savory crepes, 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 an a la carte menu for Easter Sunday from 11AM – 6PM — including dishes like artichoke + gouda tart, steak + eggs, porchetta, classic eggs Benedict, and more. You can view the full menu here.
