An underrated occasion on the culinary calendar, Easter promises so much for gourmands to get excited about. For chocoholics and those with a sweet-tooth it almost surpasses Christmas with the plethora of treats that ensue. Here at SquareMeal we believe firmly that from the arrival of Mini Eggs on shop shelves it becomes acceptable to indulge in a daily hot cross bun (lathered in butter of course) and a helping of chocolate – just so long as it’s egg or bunny shaped – at every meal. Of course for those in the midst of a chocolate ban for Lent the temptation is even stronger, but rest assured the satisfaction will be even sweeter when Good Friday comes around and the Easter bunny delivers.
It’s at this time of year that we breathe a sigh of relief as the weather starts to takes a turn for the better and London restaurants start boasting a profusion of springtime ingredients. Roast lamb is offered in various guises on just about every menu and British produce is arguably at its finest with the arrival of early asparagus, brassicas, artichokes, beets, rhubarb and Jersey Royals. Lighter, fresher dishes start to usurp the heartier winter stews and comfort food classics that got us through the winter months and our beige diets are replaced by a welcome splash of colour and an abundance of green.
Compared to Christmas there’s thankfully less pressure on Easter Day to be the perfect family occasion but it takes planning nonetheless and often it creeps up on us before we know it. Rather than a mad dash around the supermarket to pull together a crowd-pleasing feast, why not eat out this year and let a restaurant do the hard work for you. There’s a whole host of great places to choose from in London with some very enticing Easter specials. To help you decide, here’s our pick of the best!
The Ritz
What: What could be more of a treat this Easter than a Michelin-starred meal with family and friends at The Ritz. This four-course Sunday lunch celebrates the finest British seasonal ingredients, and what’s more each table will receive a handmade Ritz chocolate Easter egg! If you’re dining with kids be sure not to miss the annual egg hunt in the garden at 2pm.
How much: £135
Where: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
The Betterment
What: The Betterment is the latest restaurant in Jason Atherton’s portfolio, situated in the The Biltmore hotel. Exclusively for Easter head chef Paul Walsh has created an exquisite five-course tasting menu that will showcase the best new spring produce. Dishes will include the likes of a Clarence Court hen’s egg, with creamed potatoes and roasted spring girolles; and Herdwick rack of lamb with wild garlic pesto, braised morels, fondant potatoes and English pea cassoulet.
How much: £65
Where: 39-44 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HP
Les 110 de Taillevent
What: It may be best known for its wine, but come Easter and it’s the food that will take centre stage at Les 110 de Taillevent. The Easter Menu promises a chilled Kentish pea soup with Gambero rosso and citrus crème fraiche, followed by roasted milk fed lamb with Jersey potatoes, aubergine caviar and minted courgettes. For dessert guests can look forward to a beautiful strawberry and pistachio dacquoise served with basil ash meringue and Champagne sorbet.
How much: £55
Where: 16 Cavendish Square, W1G 9DD
Chiltern Firehouse
What: Who said it has to be Easter lunch – why not a decadent Easter brunch instead? And where better for decadence than Chiltern Firehouse? We recommend getting a selection of sharing dishes for the table that might include their signature crab donuts; black truffle steak tartare; fried chicken with bacon and ranch dip; tuna sashimi with yogurt, lime, onion and herbs; and bacon cornbread with maple butter. If that doesn’t’ keep all the family happy, we’re not sure what will…
How much: Black truffle steak tartare for the table, £20
Where: 1 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PA
Bocca di Lupo
Why: Italians do Easter very well, and Bocca di Lupo has some Easter specials planned to prove it. Torta Pasqualina is a traditional pie filled with baby chard, spinach, artichoke, sheep’s rictotta and quail eggs; whilst a rather darkly entitled ‘Easter Bunny’ dish sees a chilled poached rabbit served with broad beans and salsa tonnata. For a true taste of spring ‘Baby Chick’ is a classic spring chicken dish with tropea onions served with a fresh asparagus and almond salad.
How much: Easter Bunny, £22
Where: 12 Archer Street, W1D 7BB
The Game Bird at The Stafford
Why: For the traditionalists among you, the Sunday Roast at The Game Bird at The Stafford is sure to tick all the boxes. Served in the beautiful plush interiors you can look forward to starters such as smoke ham hock terrine and piccalilli, followed by classic roast lamb carved table side from their signature silver trolley and served with all the trimmings.
How much: 2 courses £35, 3 courses £40
Where: The Stafford London, 16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ
Elystan Street
Why: The swish modern interiors of this longstanding Chelsea favourite lend themselves perfectly to spring time which combined with an enticing Sunday set menu make Elystan Street an appealing option for Easter Day in West London. Choose from the likes of steak tartare with shaved mushrooms and chargrilled sourdough; a mighty fine fish pie with British prawns, mussels, spring onions, white wine and herbs; and an indulgent warm chocolate pudding with milk ice cream.
How much: 3 courses £50
Where: 43 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT
Blacklock
Why: It’s a bold assertion for a restaurant to claim it serves a roast that’s “almost as good as your Mum’s” but anyone who’s experienced Sunday lunch at Blacklock will know that it’s a justified one. Its Cornish lamb leg, roasted over open coals and English Oak, comes served with Yorkshire puddings, duck fat roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and an inimitable gravy that will have you scraping the plate.
How much: Roast lamb, £18
Where: The Basement, 24 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LG
Rotunda
Why: We reckon Rotunda’s Beef Club is a great way to spend any Sunday but if that seems too extravagant for your average weekend then why not make it an Easter treat. Start with chef’s choice of canapes and a glass of fizz to toast to the occasion then choose a starter and dessert to sandwich roast Corneyside Farm sirloin with unlimited duck fat potatoes and all the trimmings.
How much: £65 with drinks pairings or £45 without
Where: Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG
Spring
Why: Unsurprisingly this restaurant really comes into its own at this time of year. With Skye Gyngell at the helm, guests at Spring can rest assured that whatever they eat will be ethically sourced, sustainably produced, and downright delicious. The set lunch menu is undoubtedly the most affordable way to experience her food and evolves with the seasons to showcase ingredients at their absolute best.
How much: 2 courses £28.50 / 3 courses £31.50
Where: Somerset House, Lancaster Place, WC2R 1LA
Orasay
Why: This elegant neighbourhood restaurant tucked away in Notting Hill is a must visit for seafood fans but on Easter day we reckon Orasay’s Shorthorn Wing Rib with grilled roscoff anion and anchovy Hollandaise would make a delightful centrepiece. Save room for the puds – blood orange curd doughnuts are irresistible as is the chocolate cru Virunga with hazelnuts and caramel.
How much: Beef for 2-3 people £80
Where: 31 Kensington Park Road, W11 2EU
Oblix at The Shard
Why: For a truly memorable Easter, Oblix at The Shard is sure to hit the spot. High in the sky above the sweeping London landscape it boasts stunning views of the capital, but its Sunday roast is also a big draw. A choice of mains includes crisp suckling pig with caramelized endive and quince; free range chicken with charred leeks and truffle; spiced rump of lamb with pumpkin, cumin and feta; or rib of beef with caramelized shallots and thyme – and all come served with Yorkshire puddings and beef fat potatoes.
How much: £45 for a starter and main
Where: Level 32, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Margot
Why: Swish interiors and super slick service are what make Margot stand out from the crowd. The affordable Sunday Roast menu which sees porchetta or corn-fed chicken served with seasonal vegetables Yorkshire puddings and gravy is a hit with locals, but if you want to stick to lamb for Easter the set menu includes Agnello Brastato – braised lamb with roasted aubergine, olives and gravy. We also love the sound of Craquelin choux puffs filled with custard and amarene for an indulgent dessert.
How much: Sunday Roast £35 / 2 course set menu £25
Where: 45 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5AA
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