Fishing for Easter dining tips? The boquerones at Costera
It's Easter Sunday this, er, Sunday, and if you're heading out to see the parades, you're going to need some fuel. We rounded up some of the best -looking Easter feasts for pre- or post-parade pampering. Check out these hoppingly good restaurant holiday specials;
Costera
Costera will offer a three-course tasting menu on Sunday, March 31st, for $55 per person in addition to the regular a la carte menu. Savor the bold flavors of coastal Spanish cuisine by indulging in citrus and Vermouth Marinated Olives; griddled sourdough with Boquerones and Green Olive Tapenade; charred romaine with Summer Vegetables and buttermilk dressing; 24 oz boneless Ribeye with charred onion salsa verde; seared Gulf Fish a la plancha with blistered tomato, fennel, and hazelnuts; Louisiana Blue Crab Salad with charred Creole tomato, olive, and crispy Garlic; papas bravas with aioli and Piquillo Puree; and a selection of house-made desserts. Cocktails run the gamut from light spritzes to boozy concoctions, and the wine program highlights Old World Spanish and French selections! Reservations can be made on Resy or by calling (504) 302-2332. http://www.costerarestaurant.com/
Alma Cafe
The award-winning Honduran restaurant by Executive Chef/Owner Melissa Araujo, who was recently named semifinalist for James Beard: Best Chef South 2024, invites visitors to delight in an a la carte brunch on Sunday, March 31st. Paying tribute to her grandmother’s cooking with hearty dishes, enjoy creations such as Fritas Hodureñas with homemade flour tortillas, fried refried beans, crema, and queso; Huevos Rancheros with sunny-side up egg, black beans, housemade salsa, salsa macha, homemade crema, and queso cojita served on a homemade corn tortilla; Alma Breakfast with eggs, refried beans, sweet plantains, avocado, queso fresco, and homemade crema; Baleadas Sencilla with eggs, refried beans, homemade crema, queso, and avocado served on a homemade flour tortilla; and the Charlotte Bowl with housemade yogurt, granola, locally sourced berries, roasted carrots, seasonal marmalade, lemon zest, and rose petals. The restaurant also offers a variety of house cocktails, classic cocktails, beer, dessert cocktails, and red and white wines. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 381-5877. https://eatalmanola.com/
Tujague’s
Tujague’s invites guests to relish in a delicious three-course Easter brunch, priced from $46 - $64 (depending on entree), from Executive Chef Gus Martin. Starter options include the choice of: Wedge Salad with buttermilk dressing, applewood smoked bacon, onions, tomato, and crumbled bleu cheese; Tujague’s House Salad with mixed baby lettuce, red onion, cucumber, feta, and sugar cane vinaigrette; Boudin Balls served with pepper jelly; Shrimp & Goat Cheese Crepes filled with herb goat cheese, gulf shrimp in a rich béchamel sauce, Seafood Gumbo and Turtle Soup. Entree options include BBQ Shrimp and Grits; Crab Cakes and Eggs with two pan-seared Louisiana crab cakes, poached eggs, roasted corn sauce, and sauce choron; Gulf Fish Almondine with sauteed filet of fish, haricot vert, toasted almonds, and citrus butter; Herb crusted Lamb Chops with celery root mash, roasted vegetables, and rosemary demi glace; or Grilled Filet Mignon - a 6 ounce filet of beef served with potato mash, haricot vert, and chasseur sauce. End your brunch with dessert options, including Tujague’s famed Bread Pudding, Creme Brulee, and Louisiana Strawberry Shortcake. Don’t forget to try specialty cocktails like the Hugo Spritz with St. Germain and Blanc de Blanc; Pimms Punch with Pimms No. 1 and lemonade; Spiced Cider Moscow Mule with Tito’s Vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, and lemon juice; and The Coffee Break with vodka, coffee liqueur, vanilla, and cream. Easter Brunch will take place on Sunday, March 31st, from 10AM - 2:30PM. For the full menu and to make reservations, please visit tujaguesrestaurant.com
Beggars Banquet
Owned by the Dilonno family and named after the famous Rolling Stones album, Beggars Banquet will offer patrons a lovely a la carte Easter brunch on Sunday, March 31st, from 10:30AM - 3PM. Feast on dishes including Bananas Foster French Toast with sliced bananas, dark rum, and banana liquor; Get Shorty - boneless short ribs, poached eggs, English muffin, hollandaise sauce, and potato hash; Pear Toast with sweet ricotta, roasted pears, hot honey and pecans; and the Crispy Chicken sandwich with Key lime aioli, hot honey, and Boston lettuce to name a few. Looking for dinner options instead? The restaurant is open from 5PM - 9PM, and visitors can enjoy new menu items, including Pork Schnitzel with shaved Brussels, pear, red onion, crispy bacon, toasted pecan, and cider mustard; and Fresh Gulf Fish with potato crust, oyster mushroom and leeks, and white wine garlic sauce. For reservation, visit Resy or by calling (504) 766-6711. www.beggarsbanquetneworleans.com
Birdy’s
This Easter, Birdy’s invites locals and visitors to indulge in the restaurant's famed brunch offerings like the Bruleed Bananas Foster Waffle with vanilla ice cream, and powdered sugar; Pulled Pork Benedict - citrus braised pork, poached eggs, hollandaise atop an English muffin; Louisiana Crawfish Melt with pepper jack cheese and caramelized trinity on a brioche bun; and the Birdy’s signature Brunch Board - a decadent spread fit for kings with donuts, granola, slab bacon, hot coppa, bubble waffle, fruit, seasonal jam, mini cookies, mini pancakes, house syrup, triple cream cheese, and soft boiled eggs. Birdy’s is open for Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 31st, from 8AM-3PM. www.birdysnola.com
Commons Club
Celebrate Easter all weekend long at Commons Club! Executive Chef Chris Borges invites visitors to enjoy two incredible brunches during the Easter weekend. On Saturday, March 30th, from 9AM—2PM, take part in the one-of-a-kind Chris Owens - A Drag and Burlesque Tribute Brunch. Immerse yourself in all the fun while savoring the unique dishes from Chef Borges. On Sunday, March 31st, Commons Club will host a Bottomless Bubbles Easter Brunch featuring tunes from DJ Lady Li from 11AM—2PM. Enjoy a boozy brunch complete with delectable dishes such as Mushroom Frittata with roasted assorted mushrooms, tomato, truffle essence, farmer’s cheese, and herbs; Avocado Toast with sunflower seed tahini, shaved vegetable salad, sprouts and seeds, on toasted sourdough; Gulf Shrimp & Bayou Cora Grits with New Orleans-style BBQ gulf shrimp, Bayou Cora heirloom grits, corn, and Worcestershire sauce; Fried Egg Sandwich with English muffin, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, fermented chili aioli, and a side salad; and Sweet Potato Buttermilk Drop Doughnut with marshmallow fluff brulee, and toasted pecans maple glaze. Sip and savor a handcrafted selection of floral-inspired cocktails from Lead Bartender Heather Blanchard. For reservations, visit OpenTable or call (504) 603-8000. www.virginhotels.com/new-orleans
BABs
The casually sophisticated culinary haven of nationally acclaimed Chef Nina Compton and husband/partner Larry Miller invites visitors to delight in a three-course a la carte brunch menu full of Chef Compton's signature favorites. Starters include options like the Chopped Salad with crispy chicken skins and jammy egg; Tuna Carpaccio with olives and fried bread; Spicy Pork Meatballs with whipped ricotta and basil; Whipped Ricotta with melted tomatoes and grilled bread. Entrees include Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata with arugula; Goat Bolognese with ricotta gnocchi; Bistecca with rosemary roasted potatoes and sunny side egg; Spaghetti Carbonara with black truffle; and Shrimp Fra Diavolo with polenta (extra charge of $20). There’s always room for dessert! Options include Cannoli with whipped ricotta and spiced nuts; Affogato with brown butter biscotti, and a selection of ice cream and sorbets. The menu is subject to change. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 605-3827.
Compere Lapin
Chef Nina Compton is inviting guests to celebrate Easter with a memorable brunch at her flagship restaurant, Compère Lapin. On offer will be an à la carte Easter Brunch menu with some of Compton’s favorite dishes, like Buttermilk Biscuits with strawberry jam and whipped ricotta; Fried Chicken with biscuits and hot honey; Beef Bolognese with ricotta gnocchi and arugula; and Croque Madame with pimento cheese, ham, and eggs. Don’t forget to order the Jamaican Easter Buns and also enjoy an array of boozy brunch cocktails! The restaurant will serve Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 31st, from 10:30AM - 2PM. Reservations can be made on Resy or by calling (504) 599-2119. www.comperelapin.com
Osteria Lupo
Osteria Lupo - the Northern Italian hotspot, invites visitors to indulge in a delectable four-course lunch and dinner tasting menu for Easter from 11AM - 9PM. Priced at $65 per person, relish in a selection of antipasti, pastas, and desserts, which includes Burrata con Panna with pistachio, aged balsamic, and grilled focaccia; Pesce Crudo with red snapper, tomato-walnut pesto, and fried capers; Black Truffle Arancini with fresh Umbrian Truffle, and Val D'Aosta Fonduta; Radiatori with Louisiana Blue crab, basil, and parmesan; Bucatini Carbonara with guanciale, egg, pecorino and parmesan; Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka with crispy garlic, and Calabrian chili; Grilled Lamb Rack with wood-fired zucchini, pistachio, and mint; Yellowfin Tuna with fennel, charred cipollini, olive, and chilies; Crispy Potatoes with lemon, garlic, and parmesan; Charred Radicchio and Broccoli with Bagna càuda, and a selection of house-made desserts. Don’t forget the specialty cocktails such as the Black Manhattan with Rittenhouse 100 rye, Averna amaro, bittercube orange, and angostura, and il Volta with Satsuma, ginger, and sparkling wine. For reservations, visit Resy or by calling (504) 273-1268. https://www.osterialupo.com
Costera
Costera will offer a three-course tasting menu on Sunday, March 31st, for $55 per person in addition to the regular a la carte menu. Savor the bold flavors of coastal Spanish cuisine by indulging in citrus and Vermouth Marinated Olives; griddled sourdough with Boquerones and Green Olive Tapenade; charred romaine with Summer Vegetables and buttermilk dressing; 24 oz boneless Ribeye with charred onion salsa verde; seared Gulf Fish a la plancha with blistered tomato, fennel, and hazelnuts; Louisiana Blue Crab Salad with charred Creole tomato, olive, and crispy Garlic; papas bravas with aioli and Piquillo Puree; and a selection of house-made desserts. Cocktails run the gamut from light spritzes to boozy concoctions, and the wine program highlights Old World Spanish and French selections! Reservations can be made on Resy or by calling (504) 302-2332. http://www.costerarestaurant.com/
Alma Cafe
The award-winning Honduran restaurant by Executive Chef/Owner Melissa Araujo, who was recently named semifinalist for James Beard: Best Chef South 2024, invites visitors to delight in an a la carte brunch on Sunday, March 31st. Paying tribute to her grandmother’s cooking with hearty dishes, enjoy creations such as Fritas Hodureñas with homemade flour tortillas, fried refried beans, crema, and queso; Huevos Rancheros with sunny-side up egg, black beans, housemade salsa, salsa macha, homemade crema, and queso cojita served on a homemade corn tortilla; Alma Breakfast with eggs, refried beans, sweet plantains, avocado, queso fresco, and homemade crema; Baleadas Sencilla with eggs, refried beans, homemade crema, queso, and avocado served on a homemade flour tortilla; and the Charlotte Bowl with housemade yogurt, granola, locally sourced berries, roasted carrots, seasonal marmalade, lemon zest, and rose petals. The restaurant also offers a variety of house cocktails, classic cocktails, beer, dessert cocktails, and red and white wines. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 381-5877. https://eatalmanola.com/
Tujague’s
Tujague’s invites guests to relish in a delicious three-course Easter brunch, priced from $46 - $64 (depending on entree), from Executive Chef Gus Martin. Starter options include the choice of: Wedge Salad with buttermilk dressing, applewood smoked bacon, onions, tomato, and crumbled bleu cheese; Tujague’s House Salad with mixed baby lettuce, red onion, cucumber, feta, and sugar cane vinaigrette; Boudin Balls served with pepper jelly; Shrimp & Goat Cheese Crepes filled with herb goat cheese, gulf shrimp in a rich béchamel sauce, Seafood Gumbo and Turtle Soup. Entree options include BBQ Shrimp and Grits; Crab Cakes and Eggs with two pan-seared Louisiana crab cakes, poached eggs, roasted corn sauce, and sauce choron; Gulf Fish Almondine with sauteed filet of fish, haricot vert, toasted almonds, and citrus butter; Herb crusted Lamb Chops with celery root mash, roasted vegetables, and rosemary demi glace; or Grilled Filet Mignon - a 6 ounce filet of beef served with potato mash, haricot vert, and chasseur sauce. End your brunch with dessert options, including Tujague’s famed Bread Pudding, Creme Brulee, and Louisiana Strawberry Shortcake. Don’t forget to try specialty cocktails like the Hugo Spritz with St. Germain and Blanc de Blanc; Pimms Punch with Pimms No. 1 and lemonade; Spiced Cider Moscow Mule with Tito’s Vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, and lemon juice; and The Coffee Break with vodka, coffee liqueur, vanilla, and cream. Easter Brunch will take place on Sunday, March 31st, from 10AM - 2:30PM. For the full menu and to make reservations, please visit tujaguesrestaurant.com
Beggars Banquet
Owned by the Dilonno family and named after the famous Rolling Stones album, Beggars Banquet will offer patrons a lovely a la carte Easter brunch on Sunday, March 31st, from 10:30AM - 3PM. Feast on dishes including Bananas Foster French Toast with sliced bananas, dark rum, and banana liquor; Get Shorty - boneless short ribs, poached eggs, English muffin, hollandaise sauce, and potato hash; Pear Toast with sweet ricotta, roasted pears, hot honey and pecans; and the Crispy Chicken sandwich with Key lime aioli, hot honey, and Boston lettuce to name a few. Looking for dinner options instead? The restaurant is open from 5PM - 9PM, and visitors can enjoy new menu items, including Pork Schnitzel with shaved Brussels, pear, red onion, crispy bacon, toasted pecan, and cider mustard; and Fresh Gulf Fish with potato crust, oyster mushroom and leeks, and white wine garlic sauce. For reservation, visit Resy or by calling (504) 766-6711. www.beggarsbanquetneworleans.com
Birdy’s
This Easter, Birdy’s invites locals and visitors to indulge in the restaurant's famed brunch offerings like the Bruleed Bananas Foster Waffle with vanilla ice cream, and powdered sugar; Pulled Pork Benedict - citrus braised pork, poached eggs, hollandaise atop an English muffin; Louisiana Crawfish Melt with pepper jack cheese and caramelized trinity on a brioche bun; and the Birdy’s signature Brunch Board - a decadent spread fit for kings with donuts, granola, slab bacon, hot coppa, bubble waffle, fruit, seasonal jam, mini cookies, mini pancakes, house syrup, triple cream cheese, and soft boiled eggs. Birdy’s is open for Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 31st, from 8AM-3PM. www.birdysnola.com
Commons Club
Celebrate Easter all weekend long at Commons Club! Executive Chef Chris Borges invites visitors to enjoy two incredible brunches during the Easter weekend. On Saturday, March 30th, from 9AM—2PM, take part in the one-of-a-kind Chris Owens - A Drag and Burlesque Tribute Brunch. Immerse yourself in all the fun while savoring the unique dishes from Chef Borges. On Sunday, March 31st, Commons Club will host a Bottomless Bubbles Easter Brunch featuring tunes from DJ Lady Li from 11AM—2PM. Enjoy a boozy brunch complete with delectable dishes such as Mushroom Frittata with roasted assorted mushrooms, tomato, truffle essence, farmer’s cheese, and herbs; Avocado Toast with sunflower seed tahini, shaved vegetable salad, sprouts and seeds, on toasted sourdough; Gulf Shrimp & Bayou Cora Grits with New Orleans-style BBQ gulf shrimp, Bayou Cora heirloom grits, corn, and Worcestershire sauce; Fried Egg Sandwich with English muffin, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, fermented chili aioli, and a side salad; and Sweet Potato Buttermilk Drop Doughnut with marshmallow fluff brulee, and toasted pecans maple glaze. Sip and savor a handcrafted selection of floral-inspired cocktails from Lead Bartender Heather Blanchard. For reservations, visit OpenTable or call (504) 603-8000. www.virginhotels.com/new-orleans
BABs
The casually sophisticated culinary haven of nationally acclaimed Chef Nina Compton and husband/partner Larry Miller invites visitors to delight in a three-course a la carte brunch menu full of Chef Compton's signature favorites. Starters include options like the Chopped Salad with crispy chicken skins and jammy egg; Tuna Carpaccio with olives and fried bread; Spicy Pork Meatballs with whipped ricotta and basil; Whipped Ricotta with melted tomatoes and grilled bread. Entrees include Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata with arugula; Goat Bolognese with ricotta gnocchi; Bistecca with rosemary roasted potatoes and sunny side egg; Spaghetti Carbonara with black truffle; and Shrimp Fra Diavolo with polenta (extra charge of $20). There’s always room for dessert! Options include Cannoli with whipped ricotta and spiced nuts; Affogato with brown butter biscotti, and a selection of ice cream and sorbets. The menu is subject to change. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling (504) 605-3827.
Compere Lapin
Chef Nina Compton is inviting guests to celebrate Easter with a memorable brunch at her flagship restaurant, Compère Lapin. On offer will be an à la carte Easter Brunch menu with some of Compton’s favorite dishes, like Buttermilk Biscuits with strawberry jam and whipped ricotta; Fried Chicken with biscuits and hot honey; Beef Bolognese with ricotta gnocchi and arugula; and Croque Madame with pimento cheese, ham, and eggs. Don’t forget to order the Jamaican Easter Buns and also enjoy an array of boozy brunch cocktails! The restaurant will serve Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 31st, from 10:30AM - 2PM. Reservations can be made on Resy or by calling (504) 599-2119. www.comperelapin.com
Osteria Lupo
Osteria Lupo - the Northern Italian hotspot, invites visitors to indulge in a delectable four-course lunch and dinner tasting menu for Easter from 11AM - 9PM. Priced at $65 per person, relish in a selection of antipasti, pastas, and desserts, which includes Burrata con Panna with pistachio, aged balsamic, and grilled focaccia; Pesce Crudo with red snapper, tomato-walnut pesto, and fried capers; Black Truffle Arancini with fresh Umbrian Truffle, and Val D'Aosta Fonduta; Radiatori with Louisiana Blue crab, basil, and parmesan; Bucatini Carbonara with guanciale, egg, pecorino and parmesan; Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka with crispy garlic, and Calabrian chili; Grilled Lamb Rack with wood-fired zucchini, pistachio, and mint; Yellowfin Tuna with fennel, charred cipollini, olive, and chilies; Crispy Potatoes with lemon, garlic, and parmesan; Charred Radicchio and Broccoli with Bagna càuda, and a selection of house-made desserts. Don’t forget the specialty cocktails such as the Black Manhattan with Rittenhouse 100 rye, Averna amaro, bittercube orange, and angostura, and il Volta with Satsuma, ginger, and sparkling wine. For reservations, visit Resy or by calling (504) 273-1268. https://www.osterialupo.com