hoppy easter

Hop into spring with these 9 picks for Easter brunch in Austin

Juniper is hosting one of its special brunches that only come around a handful of times per year.

Photo courtesy of Consumable Content

Spring quickly snuck up on us this year, and now Easter is around the corner. It's reminding us to come together and celebrate a new season of rebirth and regrowing, and nothing is more reminiscent of new beginnings than our favorite meal of the day: brunch! There are plenty of options for Easter brunch in Austin on March 31, and we have a handy list for the ones you won’t want to miss.

From charming local spots serving up classic brunch fare to upscale eateries offering lavish buffets, Austin's culinary scene once again hops to the occasion with an abundance of options for everyone.

Stella San Jac
Stella is celebrating Easter with brunch all weekend long starting on Friday, March 29. The specials include a Southwestern Benedict, brisket hash, and themed cocktails like the Raspberry Peep (raspberry lemonade, wild berry vodka, lemon) or the Cottontail Martini (pineapple juice, cream of coconut, Malibu Rum, Absolut Vanilla). Save room for dessert; Specials include strawberry shortcake and carrot cake. Reservations are available through OpenTable.

Juniper Austin
For a more unique brunch experience head over to this Italian eatery in East Austin. It only offers brunch a few times a year, and Easter brunch is one of them. The prix fixe menu ($55 per person) offers classics with an Italian twist like pork belly Benedict and Italian French toast, plus other mouthwatering entrees like crab bucatini. Brunch is offered from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Reservations can be made online through OpenTable.

Laurel Restaurant
Let the beautiful Hill Country be the backdrop of your Eater brunch at Laurel Restaurant at Hotel Viata. Enjoy the view, bottomless mimosas, duck breast brined in star anise and blood orange, and herb-crusted LHA prime rib. More brunch favorites like biscuits and gravy and French toast will also be on the menu. The prix fixe brunch ($100 per adult, $50 per child) is available from 11 am to 3 pm. Reservations are available through OpenTable.

Eddie V’s Steakhouse
Eddie V’s is a luxe option for brunch favorites this Easter. The two-course prix fixe ($55 per adult, $17 per child) features warm apple cinnamon scones, butter-poached Maine lobster, quiche Florentine with roasted avocado, fuji apple salad, and pan-seared steak with mushroom and white cheddar frittata among many other mouthwatering options. Brunch will be served from 10 am to 2 pm. Reservations are available at EddieV.com.

La Piscina Easter Brunch
For a more casual yet equally delicious take on Easter brunch visit La Piscina at Proper Hotel. This poolside restaurant and bar known for its modern Mexican flavors will be featuring a crab Benedict with guajillo hollandaise sauce, corn tetelas (corn masa stuffed with beans and cheese), and torta de papa, along with spring- and Easter-themed cocktails. Reservations are available through OpenTable.

Aba Austin
This South Austin staple is bringing its Mediterranean flair to Easter brunch. Some of the options include short rib shakshuka, kefta (kebab) and eggs, a Jerusalem bagel and smoked salmon spread, Harrisa Bloody Mary, and a spring vegetable frittata. Its signature mezze options will also be available to share. Brunch is available from 10 am to 3 pm. Reservations are available through OpenTable.

Ciclo at Four Seasons
This upscale restaurant known for its Latin-inspired dishes is serving an Easter brunch buffet with plenty of family-friendly fun, like an egg hunt and petting zoo. The food options include made-to-order omelets, a seafood paella station, a carving station with ham and beef Wellington, plus a kids' station. The brunch buffet ($145 per adult, $50 per child) is available from 11 am to 3 pm. To make a reservation call 512-478-4500.

Onion Creek Club
For a change of scenery, the Onion Creek Golf Club is hosting an Easter brunch with all the beloved brunch staples, like honey glazed ham, bacon, potato hash, scrambled eggs, a salad bar, and a bagel station. A professional photographer will also be onsite with photo ops for the entire family. Brunch is served from 10 am to 2 pm. Reservations ($55 per person, $25 per child) are available by calling 512-282-2150.

Nido at The Loren
Nido is offering a seasonal brunch with a delectable fusion of French, American, and Texas Hill Country influences. Lady Bird Lake is the background for unforgettable Easter photo ops. The à la carte menu offers a mimosa flight, fresh juices, Florentine frittata, smoked salmon hash, French toast, plus other freshly baked pastries among many other options. This early brunch is served from 7 am to 2:30 pm. Reservations are available online through OpenTable.

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Omakase for Everyone

New South Austin restaurant swims against current of expensive omakase

Photo courtesy of Tancho Sushi

Tancho Sushi keeps things simple.

Austin had no shortage of beautiful sushi restaurants, but a new one at Lantana Place is doing drawing the trend away from the center of the city and sticking a lower price tag on the experience. Tancho Sushi, offering "everyday omakase," is now open at 7415 Southwest Parkway.

The thought of casual omakase feels like a bit of an oxymoron in Austin, where the service style — which tasks the chef with choosing what the diner will eat — is almost synonymous with something fancy and expensive. Factor in the interior design at Tancho, which certainly doesn't look pedestrian, and it's hard to believe it's actually an everyday meal.

But all things considered, these prices seem reasonable: $29 for the lightest dinner option, and capping out at a $59 feast. Lunch is even less expensive, starting at $24.

Tancho Sushi interior The airy space takes advantage of its surroundings outside of the city.Photo courtesy of Tancho Sushi

In some omakase experiences, the chef might factor in a diner's taste, the special ingredients that are available that day, and any number of other factors to determine what hits the table. But at Tancho, these prix fixe options are predetermined, doubtlessly contributing to the more accessible pricing.

The 50-seat restaurant also uses a clever marketing angle to get diners in who aren't necessarily experienced in sushi, or might otherwise be intimidated by letting a chef choose unfamiliar foods. "With thoughtfully curated preset menus, Tancho simplifies the dining experience by eliminating the guesswork so guests can focus on enjoying their meals," a press release announcing the opening says.

The release was sent November 22, but it looks like Tancho has been serving customers in a soft opening capacity for about a month, based on its Google reviews (which are stunningly high for a new restaurant at 4.7 stars).

Offerings at Tancho are simple.Photo courtesy of Tancho Sushi

Although each menu is different, there is a shared arc. All four experiences start with sunomono salad, a cucumber-based dish with red seaweed and sesame. Then there's tuna sashimi with smoked yuzu ponzu and scallions, and the rest depends on what the diner chooses.

Some standout items across the dinner service are sea bream on the light menu; akami (very red meat along the spine of a tuna) on the standard omakase menu; a lobster open hand roll on the rolls-only menu; and a tuna flight on the grand omakase menu.

No menu item is especially complicated. The focus is on doing each ingredient right, including the temperature the fish is served at and even the flavor of house-made soy sauce and ponzu.

“We keep the focus on the ingredients,” said co-founder Brad Van Otterloo in the release. “By stripping away unnecessary flourishes, we allow the quality of our fish to take center stage. This is a Texas-born concept through and through, and we’re proud to contribute to Austin’s growing sushi reputation.”

The open hand rolls are a signature for the restaurant.Photo courtesy of Tancho Sushi

Despite all this talk of omakase, it is possible to order à la carte items: some appetizers, nigiri (sliced fish on top of rice), and rolls. There's also a carefully curated beverage program, which largely focuses on sake. That includes the Kubota Manju or “Ten Thousand Celebrations" ($79), renowned in Japan for its complex layers and smooth mouthfeel.

“As Austin continues to grow, we wanted to introduce a fresh take on the sushi experience,” said Van Otterloo. “We’re here to make sushi approachable for Austinites while honoring the integrity of this cuisine. It’s about creating a space where everyone can discover and enjoy sushi at their own pace – no pressure, no pretense.”

Tancho Sushi exterior This restaurant is meant to be approachable.Image courtesy of Tancho Sushi

Tancho Sushi is located at 7415 Southwest Parkway, Building 4, Suite 300. It's open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, offering both dine-in and takeout. There are no reservations.

omakase sushi openings south austin

hoppy easter

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