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. Some restaurants put together special Easter menus to celebrate the occasion, but you can keep things rather more relaxed by heading out for one of London's excellent Sunday roast spots.
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? We've rounded up the best Easter menus in London this year to entice you to put away your pots and pans and give you delicious things to do Easter weekend.
Best Easter menus in London
Whether it's special Easter set menus over the weekend or a la cartes that are perfect for a celebration, these are the restaurants we would book in a heartbeat if we were going all out on a celebration for Easter weekend.
Theo Randall at the InterContinental, Mayfair
![lamb dish at theo randall]()
What: You can always rely on Theo Randall for rock solid seasonal Italian cooking, and lovely menus to celebrate special occasions. Theo Randall at the InterContinental runs a new seasonal set menu every month, delving into dishes from a new region of Italy. In April, attention turns to Friuli, home of dumplings, strudel and San Daniele ham, so you can expect a treat that is just as adventurous as it is delicious.
Where: 1 Hamilton Place, W1J 7QY
Book now: Theo Randall at the InterContinental
The George, Fitzrovia
![chocolate desserts at the george]()
What: Like sister pubs The Hound in Chiswick and The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, The George is serving the ultimate sharing roast chicken for two with all the trimmings for Easter this year, though the usual outstanding roasts are all still available. The George is the only place you can get this particular dessert collab though - a FATSO chocolate, mint, pistachio and soft serve sundae, or an ultra-indulgent FATSO chocolate tart with cherries, almond praline and Chantilly cream. Book or risk missing out on choc-heaven.
Where: 55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
Book now: The George
Wild Honey St James, St James’s
![wild honey venison dish]()
What: When it comes to special occasions, there aren’t many more delicious and dependable restaurants that we’d go to over Wild Honey St James. Anthony Demetre is a truly outstanding chef, and he translates Britain’s seasonal bounty into an array of wonderful menus. Over Easter, that means peak spring time ingredients, as well as the iconic signature wild honey ice cream with raw Bermondsey honey.
Where: 8 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NG
Book now: Wild Honey St James
Nobu, Mayfair, Marylebone and Shoreditch
![cocktail making at nobu]()
What: If you’re determined to make Easter a bit different this year and go off-piste from the usual roast lamb, why not go all out on a big lunch at Nobu? With a mammoth menu of utterly delicious Japanese dishes, there really is something for everyone here, and all the London locations are suitably luxurious and special to make this a real occasion.
Where: COMO Metropolitan London, 19 Old Park Lane, W1K 1LB; 22 Portman Square, W1H 7BG; 10-50 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH
Book now: Nobu London Old Park Lane; Nobu London Portman Square; Nobu London Shoreditch
OXO Tower Brasserie & Bar, Southwark
![menu at oxo tower]()
What: There’s a reason why OXO Tower remains ever-popular in London’s dining scene - it just gets the important stuff right. We love the Restaurant and the Brasserie equally (they’re separate restaurants so bear that in mind) but we can’t get over the exceptional value of the cooking at the Brasserie & Bar. Aside from the excellent seasonal set menus, the Sunday roast is also ideal for an Easter celebration, especially as it comes with that high-rise view of London from the South Bank.
Where: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
Book now: OXO Tower Brasserie & Bar
Yasmin, Soho
![terrace in sunshine at yasmin]()
What: Easter is right when Yasmin - found upstairs on the rooftop of 1 Warwick in Soho - comes into its own. If you’re very lucky then good weather will precipitate the opening of Yasmin’s gorgeous terrace, but either way, the outstanding Middle Eastern feasting menu is perfect for sharing with a group of family or friends. Yasmin also does a great plant-based feasting menu, where chef Tom Cenci digs deep into his bag of tricks to deliver some genuinely delicious vegetarian cooking.
Where: 1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR
Book now: Yasmin
Mistress of Mayfair, St. James's
![mistress of mayfair interiors]()
What: Mistress of Mayfair is going all out for Easter this year, with food that matches the brash, opulent style of the interiors. The restaurant majors in classic French dishes, albeit with a few modern twists here and there, and the Easter menu includes roast lamb shoulder with truffled roast potatoes, and truffle and snail tagliatelle with garlic butter and fresh black truffle. Is there more truffle on the menu, you ask? Yes there is, with a side helping of lobster, Wagyu beef, and Oscietra caviar for good measure.
Where: 48-49 St. James's Street, SW1A 1JT
Book now: Mistress of Mayfair
The Hound, Chiswick
![roast chicken at the hound]()
What: The Hound has a serious Easter roast in store come the bank holiday weekend, serving a special Fosse Meadow chicken to share between two, complete with asparagus and radish salad, barbecued spring cabbage, Jersey Royal potatoes and a rather nice jus gras to tie it all together. The fanciest of fancy roasts, basically. You don’t have long to grab it though, as it’s only available from Good Friday to Easter Monday. You'll find the same excellent menu going on at other sister pubs like The George and The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea.
Where: 210 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PD
Book now: The Hound
Humble Grape, Various locations
![wines and charcuterie at humble grape]()
What: Head to Humble Grape if your idea of a good Easter is sampling a collection of over 400 outstanding wines, sourced from around the world. With sites all over London, you’re unlikely to be very far from one of these excellent wine bars, and the menu lays on a perfect selection of companion food, from cheese croquettes and juicy Gordal olives to blistered padron peppers with whipped tahini, and lamb carpaccio with smoked maple dressing and mint yoghurt, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Humble Grape Battersea, Humble Grape Canary Wharf, Humble Grape Fleet Street, Humble Grape Islington
Nipotina, Mayfair
![fiorentina steak to share at nipotina]()
What: We love everything about Nipotina, from the soft, inviting colour palette to the cooking, which has a touch of luxury about it without being overbearing. This makes it an excellent choice for Easter, if you just want to feel looked after and well fed - head chef Somaia Hammad weaves her own Tunisian flair into hearty Italian cooking, and Nipotina offers great value set menus as well as a large a la carte. You can even come in for a wholesome Easter breakfast!
Where: 49 South Audley Street, W1K 2QD
Book now: Nipotina
Quo Vadis, Soho
![quo vadis dining room]()
What: We don’t need an excuse to plonk ourselves onto a Quo Vadis red leather banquette, but Easter provides a good reason for a visit, especially when you know there’s bound to be a lovely slice of pink lamb on the menu (or one of those excellent pies). It'd be a shame not to also explore some excellent Quo Vadis staples too, like the famous eel sandwich, or baked salsify sticks buried under a mountain of Parmesan. It's not open on Sundays but the rest of Easter weekend is fair game.
Where: 26-29 Dean Street, W1D 3LL
Book now: Quo Vadis
Upstairs at Trinity, Clapham
![upstairs at trinity on a sunny day]()
What: The Michelin-starred downstairs restaurant at Trinity grabs most of the headlines, but Upstairs at Trinity is low-key just as brilliant. Trinity chef patron Adam Byatt can often be found manning the stoves upstairs, cooking easy-going delicious Mediterranean food. Upstairs at Trinity hosts well-priced set menus for occasions throughout the year, so we expect Easter dinner to be similarly superb.
Where: 4 The Polygon, SW4 0JG
Book now: Upstairs at Trinity
Hawksmoor, Various locations
![roast meats at hawksmoor]()
What: Sue us for being obvious, but why wouldn’t you consider Hawksmoor if you want a great big celebration feed up? Easter, Christmas, Father’s Day… whatever the occasion, Hawksmoor delivers the goods. In this case, huge sharing beef roasts, grilled scallops, cheesy Tunworth mash, and a big slab of sticky toffee pudding drowned in cream.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Hawksmoor Borough, Hawksmoor Air Street, Hawksmoor Wood Wharf, Hawksmoor Spitalfields, Hawksmoor Seven Dials, Hawksmoor Guildhall, Hawksmoor Knightbridge,
Kahani, Belgravia
![tandoori lamb kahani]()
What: For Easter with a little bit of a difference, head over to Peter Joseph’s Kahani in Chelsea. Another restaurant that regularly throws together interesting menus for special occasions throughout the year, Easter seems the perfect excuse to tuck into tandoori lamb chops with charred edges and plenty more besides. Plus, Kahani’s vegetarian menus make it extremely flexible for those veggies and vegans among you.
Where: 1 Wilbraham Place, SW1X 9AE
Book now: Kahani
Spring, Strand
![pink dining room at spring]()
Why: Unsurprisingly this restaurant really comes into its own at this time of year, and Spring always makes a beautiful space for a celebration. 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. That said, if you're heading here over the weekend, you'll only find the a la carte on offer.
Where: Lancaster Place, WC2R 1LA
Book now: Spring
Easter Sunday lunch in London
If there is ever a good excuse to go out for a quality Sunday lunch, it's Easter Sunday. You can expect top class roasts at all the restaurants below, often with a bit of tableside theatre thrown in for good measure.
Estiatorio Milos, St. James's
![lamb at estiatorio milos]()
What: This chic Greek spot in St. James’s is the height of dining sophistication, housed in a grand old white stone building just off Waterloo Place. The restaurant hosts a special one of dinner for Easter Sunday, in true Greek style - expect traditional, luxurious Greek cooking that includes an Easter salad with crumbled feta and dill dressing, Easter ‘Tsoureki’ bread, and a gorgeous spit-roasted lamb, which is roasted over an outdoor spit, then served at the table.
Where: 1 Regent Street, SW1Y 4NR
Book now: Estiatorio Milos
The Princess of Shoreditch, Shoreditch
![princess of shoreditch dining room and lamb dish]()
What: This Shoreditch pub has long had an outstanding food reputation, and it remains one of the best places for a roast in East London. If you were hoping for something a little more civilised than the buzzy downstairs boozer, the dining room upstairs is a lovely place to while away an afternoon.
Where: 76-78 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE
Book now: The Princess of Shoreditch
Jamie Oliver Catherine St, Covent Garden
![chicken dish jamie oliver]()
What: Smack bang in the middle of Covent Garden theatreland, Jamie Oliver Catherine Street is in the perfect spot for anyone taking in an Easter show. Jamie has built a career on the back of accessible, seasonal British cooking, so where better to spend Easter with your loved ones? Jamie Oliver Catherine Street does brilliant, well-priced roasts as well if you’re planning on getting out of the house for Easter Sunday, including a stunning 35-day dry-aged Porterhouse for two to share with all the trimmings.
Where: 6 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JY
Book now: Jamie Oliver Catherine St
Charlie’s at Brown’s, Mayfair
![carvery trolley at charlie's at brown's]()
What: Nab a plush corner banquette and recline in the wood-panelled glory of Charlie’s at Brown’s Hotel. Trinity chef patron Adam Byatt oversees the menu here, which is packed full of honest British cooking, albeit with a hefty dose of luxury (and a carvery trolley) thrown in.
Where: Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
Book now: Charlie’s at Brown’s
The George, Fitzrovia
![roast lamb at the george]()
What: A cosy Fitzrovia pub with an absolutely cracking menu, no-one could ever be anything but happy to get a Sunday invite to The George. Get started with some warm Parker House rolls and red curry-dusted pork scratchings, but save room for humongous plates of Cumbrian beef rump, pork belly or a very Easter appropriate lamb shoulder to share, slow roasted and served with garlic and herb sauce. Desserts are excellent too, or you can opt for one of The George's life changing Irish coffees.
Where: 55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
Book now: The George
Butler's Restaurant at the Chesterfield Mayfair
![dining room at butlers restaurant]()
What: There’s something about grand Regency-style hotel dining that really suits Easter, and Butler’s feels grand without being glitzy or stuffy. The cooking is classic, gutsy stuff, using fantastic producers across a menu of traditional British dishes. Butler's has a special Easter Sunday menu on this year, with a three-course roast on offer for just £75 a head, or £95 with a couple of glasses of wine included.
Where: Chesterfield Mayfair, 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB
Book now: Butler's Restaurant at the Chesterfield Mayfair
The Game Bird at The Stafford, Mayfair
![carving trolley game bird 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 grilled mackerel or a Cobb salad, followed by classic roast lamb carved table side from the signature silver trolley and served with all the trimmings.
Where: 16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ
Book now: The Game Bird at The Stafford
Origin, City and Kensington
![sunday roast at origin]()
Why: We're big fans of Origin's pasture-to-plate ethos and dedication to top quality produce, led by the 40 day-aged beef that comes from the group's own farm in Scotland. Hearty, no-frills cooking, with attentive service and an excellent wine list - Origin ticks all the boxes if you're looking for a great Sunday roast in London.
Where: 12 West Smithfield, EC1A 9JR; Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT
Book now: Origin City, Origin Kensington
Wildflowers, Pimlico
![Wildflowers dining area]()
What: This cosy Mediterranean spot made it into the SquareMeal Top 100 London Restaurants in its debut year, thanks to outstanding cookery and brilliant friendly service. Just in time for some Easter sunshine, Wildflowers has opened its courtyard terrace for people to enjoy their lunch under warm sunshine. Open seven days a week, this is a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed Easter lunch or a spot of dinner - the signature calamari sandwich is as good a reason as any to make the journey to Pimlico.
Where: Unit 2/3 Newson's Yard, Pimlico, London, SW1W 8NE
Book now: Wildflowers
Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell
![dining table at quality chop house]()
What: Do you have a meaty Easter lined up? Dreaming of a juicy lamb joint to share with a pal, and some sort of crispy potato? Look no further than the beloved Quality Chop House, home to some of the best meat cookery in London, as well as one of the capital’s most iconic potato dishes. One helping of potato terrine and a lovely Suffolk lamb shoulder for two with mint sauce - that’ll do us nicely thanks.
Where: 92-94 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3EA
Book now: Quality Chop House
Blacklock, Various locations
![roast lamb chops at 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.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Blacklock Canary Wharf, Blacklock City, Blacklock Covent Garden, Blacklock Soho, Blacklock Shoreditch
Rotunda, King's Cross
![sunday roast at rotunda]()
Why: We reckon Rotunda’s roast 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 dry-aged Texel lamb leg sirloin with unlimited duck fat potatoes and all the trimmings.
Where: 90 York Way, N1 9AG
Book now: Rotunda
The Audley, Mayfair
![dining room at the audley]()
What: Another beautiful public house, this attractive Mayfair spot doesn’t have much old boozer energy, but it’s a beautiful amalgam of dark timber, big windows and low lighting. The menu is just what you want too - banging roast dinners, a chocolate and pecan cake with whisky cream and loads of beers on tap.
Where: 41-43 Mount Street, W1K 2RX
Book now: The Audley
Easter Sunday brunch in London
Maybe you want to enjoy the Easter weekend in style without the heft of a full on roast? London's brunch gang are here to cater to your every need, from boozy afternoon brunches to sophisticated morning meet-ups over coffee and croissants.
The Wolseley, St James's
![brunch at wolseley]()
What: Where better for a big celebration brunch than this iconic breakfast spot? You can’t go wrong with the grand cafe-style menu, and the towering ceilings and famous geometric tiled floor are a sight to behold. Also an excellent choice for a spot of Easter afternoon tea in London, should you feel so inclined.
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB
Book now: The Wolseley
Art Yard Bar & Kitchen, South Bank
![brunch at art yard south bank]()
What: Bright and breezy Art Yard really backs up its name, with an impressive art collection lining the walls, and even an artist in residence, who can often be seen working in the studio next door. That makes Art Yard doubly interesting as an Easter destination, as you can visit for a browse as well as a cracking Easter brunch that includes free-flowing fizz, an excellent eggs Benedict, and perhaps the ultimate sweet brunch treat - Art Yard’s French toast tiramisu (yes, it’s literally French toast with a tiramisu on top). Plus, you’re right on the South Bank, in perfect position for a postprandial Easter stroll.
Where: 2 Blackfriars Road, SE1 9JU
Book now: Art Yard Bar & Kitchen
Smith & Wollensky, Charing Cross
![hash and eggs smith wollensky]()
What: We love Smith & Wollensky’s sophisticated emerald leather bar stools and rich chestnut banquettes. It’s a beautiful dining room with bags of 1920s decadence, and there’s a hearty brunch menu to match on weekends that includes American steak house classics like a wedge salad, big sharing steaks, maple bacon waffles and buttermilk pancakes.
Where: 1-11 John Adam Street, WC2N 6HT
Book now: Smith & Wollensky
Mallow, Borough and Canary Wharf
![banana bread at mallow]()
What: Mallow’s plant-based brunches are ideal for anyone trying to take it easy after a bit of an Easter protein overload. The menu is a whistlestop international tour of global food, and bright, airy interiors make this a nice hangout on any day of the year.
Where: 1 Cathedral Street, SE1 9DE; 12 Park Drive, Wood Wharf, E14 9ZW
Book now: Mallow Borough, Mallow Canary Wharf
Maison Francois, St. James's
![maison francois dining room]()
What: We’re always astonished by the quality and precision of the whole Maison Francois operation. Technically a breakfast menu (but who cares), Maison is the place to be for a special Easter brunch - chow down on eggs royale with caviar, the most perfect omelettes and stunning viennoiserie.
Where: 34 Duke Street, SW1Y 6DF
Book now: Maison Francois
HIDE, Mayfair
![brunch at hide]()
What: HIDE is a little more formal than the other brunch options on this list but it’s right up there with the best brunches in the city for our money. The baked goods are absolutely superb, and the rest of the menu has all based covered from seasonal fruit plates to French toast with blueberry compote, truffled scrambled eggs, crab crumpets and three types of caviar.
Where: 85 Piccadilly, W1J 7NB
Book now: HIDE
Opso, London
![Opso various foods]()
What: Consider celebrating Easter the Cretan way in this Greek restaurant. Opso really celebrates Greek culture and culinary tradition, and this Easter holiday the restaurant is offering diners a special spit-roasted lamb, cooking in charcoal ‘antikristo’ style. We highly recommend going with someone or in a group so you can feast on as much of the menu as possible, and have a go at Opso’s game of good fortune - red egg cracking.
Where: 10 Paddington Street, London, W1U 5QL
Book now: Opso
If Easter only means one thing to you - chocolate - then we don't blame you! We've got Easter eggs galore - check out our list of the best Easter eggs to buy this year, or a special list of the best kids' Easter eggs.