Finding the Perfect Easter Restaurant

Easter Sunday is a time for cherished gatherings and delicious meals. Deciding where to celebrate can be tricky, so Eat This, Not That! consulted chef and recipe developer Melanie Portman of Droolrecipes.com to identify the best restaurant chains for the holiday. These six establishments offer everything from Italian feasts to Southern comfort food, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable Easter experience.

1. Buca di Beppo: Family-Style Italian

Buca di Beppo is known for its lively atmosphere, quirky décor, and generous portions of Southern Italian cuisine. It’s an ideal choice for a family Easter brunch, offering bold flavors and dishes designed for sharing. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Easter and features a new spring menu.

Chef Melanie’s Picks

“Buca di Beppo is the kind of Easter restaurant my family would have chosen — loud, generous, and built around the table,” says Chef Melanie. She recommends the Shrimp Scampi Linguini and the Garlic Roasted Chicken, noting the Italian comfort food is “the real deal” for a holiday meal.

2. Cracker Barrel: Comfort Food & Convenience

Cracker Barrel offers both dine-in options with traditional ham or turkey meals and convenient Heat n’ Serve dinners. These fully prepared meals, starting at $99.99, feed up to 10 people and are ready in under three hours.

A Blend of Dining Options

“Cracker Barrel on Easter just makes sense — the entire restaurant is built around the kind of comfort food families want on a holiday,” explains Chef Melanie. The Heat n’ Serve option provides a solution for families wanting the convenience of a home-cooked meal without the extensive preparation.

3. Golden Corral: Something for Everyone

Golden Corral’s buffet-style dining is perfect for large groups with diverse tastes, especially on a holiday. They will offer Easter specials and meals to go serving 6 to 8 people, available for pickup starting March 30.

Value and Variety

“If you’re feeding a big family with picky eaters of all ages, Golden Corral on Easter is the smartest play,” Chef Melanie states. The buffet opens at 8 a.m. and offers a dinner buffet around $18.99 per adult, with children under 3 eating free.

4. Bonefish Grill: Upscale Brunch

Bonefish Grill provides a relaxed yet upscale dining experience with a quality menu. It’s a great option for an Easter brunch, opening an hour early at 10 a.m. for brunch service.

Brunch Highlights

“This is my pick for families who want Easter to feel like an occasion without the white-tablecloth price tag,” says Chef Melanie. She particularly recommends the Bang Bang Shrimp Eggs Benedict and the Grand Marnier French Toast.

5. The Cheesecake Factory: Extensive Menu Choices

The Cheesecake Factory has added 20 new menu items in time for Easter, adding to its already expansive selection. With such a wide variety, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

A Menu for All Tastes

“The Cheesecake Factory on Easter is almost unfairly convenient because the menu is so massive that literally everyone at the table will find something they love,” Chef Melanie explains. Brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with most plates under $13, and a slice of cheesecake is the perfect finishing touch.

6. Bob Evans: Homestyle Comfort

Bob Evans is known for its hearty, country-style meals, offering both dine-in options and complete take-home meals for Easter. The Farmhouse Feast, starting at $89.99, feeds up to 8 people.

Take-Home Feast Options

“Bob Evans is the underrated Easter pick, especially for families who lean toward homestyle comfort food,” says Chef Melanie. Options include hickory-smoked ham or slow-roasted turkey, sides, rolls, and a whole pie. Pre-orders are being accepted for pickup through Easter Sunday.