Where to Eat on Easter Sunday

With Easter this Sunday, I thought it'd be helpful to provide some dining options in case you aren't feasting at home. The restaurant offerings below sound tasty and some are even cost effective, as not everything is a prix-fixe.

Prix-Fixes:

Beer Garden - Visit the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden this Sunday for their Easter celebration. In addition to the authentic Czech food for $19.95 per person, they'll have an Easter egg hunt and live music. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.274.4925

Trattoria L'Incontro - In true Trattoria fashion, they'll be featuring a $60/person 3-course prix-fixe menu. While expensive, you'll get your money's worth with all the delicious, quality food that Trattoria is known for. Entrees will consist of meats such as lamb and filet mignon, and reservations are still available. 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532

Bistro Les Minots - A new French eatery in Astoria, they're having a $25 prix-fixe on Sunday with traditional Easter dishes such as a leg of lamb with mashed potatoes and classic French desserts such as chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries. Yum! 47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.606.2535

Special Menu/Daily Specials:

Vesta - Their Easter menu features selections from brunch and dinner. My favorite item is the braised lamb shank (pictured above), and I guarantee that if you get it, you won't be disappointed. Vesta's signature dessert, the Baby Jesus cake is delicious and quite appropriate for Sunday's holiday. Everything is priced a-la-carte. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

718 - Another Frenchie spot, 718 is known for their tarte flambees, which resemble thin crust pizza. They'll have these along with their regular dinner menu all day on Easter. Brunch however, will not be available that day. 35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.204.5553

Locale - Similarly to Vesta, Locale is offering a fusion of brunch and dinner on Easter. Special dishes include an Italian-style fritatta, steak marinated with peppers and avocado relish and fancy French toast. The atmosphere is very cool, contemporary and relaxing. 33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.729.9080

Tournesol - This LIC French bistro will have a couple of daily specials on Easter but their menu offering will remain a-la-carte. They make a killer French onion soup and some really yummy desserts such as bread pudding with luscious Creme Anglaise sauce. 50-12 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101. 718.472.4355

Akti - Even though this place is Greek and they don't celebrate Easter until next weekend, it'll be fully open on Sunday, featuring a couple of daily specials. I'd recommend their catch of the day (grilled) and the zucchini croquettes. 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.3530

Regular Menu:

Piccola Venezia - Although they won't be featuring a special menu, they're known for fresh pasta and hearty meat dishes. Like Trattoria L'Incontro, Venezia is on the upscale side and the prices reflect that. 42-01 28th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.8470

Mojave - In the mood for a non-traditional Easter dinner? Try Mojave and enjoy a plethora of Southwestern dishes. Prices are moderate and the atmosphere is lovely and celebratory. Everything will be offered a-la-carte on Sunday. 22-36 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.4100

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday, full of beautiful dishes--and chocolate Easter eggs!