April is arguably one of the most pleasant months here in Tucson, making Easter our favorite sunny-weather holiday. The meals and buffets at these lavish resorts and restaurants are sure to be so delicious and satisfying that this may be the year you resist feasting on your kids’ extra Easter basket candy. Check out our picks for the best Sunday-morning spreads Tucson has to offer—you may even find yourself starting a new Easter tradition.
Elle
Tucson’s Elle is the place to be if you’re craving a good glass of wine and some French, Italian and Californian-inspired cuisine. At Elle the quality fare is just as inviting as the elegant atmosphere—making it the perfect spot to have Easter brunch. Whether out on the patio or enjoying the air-conditioned indoors, Elle’s Sunday morning menu is sure to please. Think a lavish buffet spread featuring unique choices and old favorites like leg of lamb; made-to-order omelets; penne marinara; marinated seafood salad; warm peach cobbler; and your first glass of wine, sparkling wine, mimosa or bloody mary on the house. 520.327.0500, www.ellerestaurant.com.
Acacia
Nestled in the popular shopping and dining destination, St. Philip’s Plaza, Acacia is known for offering up elegant cuisine in a relaxed and intimate setting. Acacia is a favorite Tucson venue for morning, midday and evening meals as the artistic food presentation is consistent and the live jazz music frequent and soothing. Brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday. After indulging in morning favorites like Traditional Crab Louis and Buttermilk Pancakes with Fresh Berry Compote, be sure to take a stroll around St. Philips Plaza’s high-end shops and galleries for some post-brunch browsing—or buying. 520.232.0101, www.acaciatucson.com.
Arizona Inn
Easter Brunch at the historic Arizona Inn is nothing short of charming. Built by Isabella Greenway in response to the stock market crash of 1929, the Arizona Inn has been family owned and operated ever since. Served in the Inn’s AAA Four-Diamond award-winning Main Dining room, you’ll be captivated by the room’s cathedral ceilings, courtyard and antique furniture. And let’s not forget the food: All styles of eggs and omelets, blue corn pancakes and French toast are just a few of the scrumptious options. 520.325.1541, www.arizonainn.com.
Lodge on the Desert
This historic Tucson landmark has transformed over the years from what was originally a private residence with only seven guest rooms in 1936 to the quaint hotel it is today. At the gorgeous Lodge on the Desert restaurant, seating is arranged within view of the floor-to-ceiling windows—but the secluded yet expansive patio is what keeps diners coming back again and again. The brunch buffet featuring traditional favorites like omelet, pasta and carving stations and numerous desserts pair perfectly with the priceless al fresco ambiance. 520.320.2000, www.lodgeonthedesert.com.
Canyon Café, Ventana Canyon 
In addition to a traditional Easter egg hunt to keep the kids busy, Canyon Café at Loews Ventana Canyon serves up a delicious morning brunch with views of the Catalina Mountains available from inside the dining room as well as on the sun-soaked patio. As one of Tucson’s premier resorts, Ventana Canyon’s splendid views and pristine resort grounds (including two Fazio-designed PGA golf courses, two swimming pools, hiking trails, a spa and more), embarking on an après-brunch exploration of the resort may just be as enjoyable as the delicious meal itself. 520.299.2020, www.loewshotels.com.
Desert Garden Bistro at La Paloma
One of Tucson’s most popular resorts, Westin La Paloma, will host their annual Easter brunch at the Desert Garden Bistro, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the pools, waterfall and landscape. The Easter menu will feature everything you could possibly be craving, from seafood to salads, assorted meats such as turkey, ham and beef, and of course an expansive dessert display. And, be sure to bring the kids along because the Easter bunny will be making an appearance! 520.742.6000, www.westin.com/lapaloma.
JW Marriott Starr Pass 
While some prefer a traditional breakfast of bacon and eggs, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort has other options in mind when it comes to their annual Easter brunch. Load up on molasses glazed ham; pepita crusted salmon; pastas from the ravioli station; choices from the holiday buffet like the seared porkloin and roasted chicken blackberry plum chutney; and the pastry chef’s gourmet dessert selection. Making a weekend of it? Activities fun for the whole family will be offered beginning on Friday the 10th including Easter egg painting, poolside dine-in movies and sugar cookie decorating. In addition, the Easter bunny will arrive via helicopter at the resort on Saturday morning! Special Easter resort rates will be offered. 520.792.3500, www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com.
Westward Look
For visitors and locals alike, Westward Look is always a popular Tucson getaway to spend holidays and weekends. This Easter Sunday is no different with the resort’s brunch taking place in the Sonoran ballroom. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can enjoy a full menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts or make your way to the omelet or carving stations for some custom cuisine. Sounding especially delicious are the cinnamon raison French toast, chile-garlic rubbed sirloin of beef, and the grilled salmon with citrus butter sauce. 520.297.1151, www.westwardlook.com.
