Easter Eaters

Hop on into one of these Easter brunch spots

Whether you're looking for a simple stack of pancakes or an elaborate presentation of spring's finest bounty, there is no shortage of places to find scrumptious Easter Sunday brunch.

The Willard Hotel is a good choice for families with children. The Ballroom will host a buffet brunch with piano music and it will cater to children with videos, a cookie-decorating station and a visit from Peter Cottontail. Adults can opt for a more grown-up brunch in the Willard Room with live piano music. (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; $75 in the Ballroom; $85 in the Willard Room; $35 for children in the Ballroom; $40 for children in the Willard Room; 202-637-7450)

Across the river, families are also the focus at the Ballroom of the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City. The lavish champagne buffet will feature piano music and plenty of brunch items to suit mature taste buds and a mini-buffet for children. After the meal, the Easter Bunny and face painters will greet the littlest guests. After brunch, children can play in a petting zoo. (10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $75; $37 for children ages 3-12; 703-415-5000)

Early birds can dig into Easter-related specialties in addition to the standard Sunday brunch menu at Poste Brasserie. Specials will include rabbit, a lamb chop and wild bass. (9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 202-783-6060)

Those looking to celebrate through their stomachs should look no further than Seasons for Easter brunch. Considered by many to host one of the city's finest Sunday brunches, the restaurant's extensive offerings range from the standard (eggs and a carving station) to the extravagant (a tapas bar and full raw bar). Dessert is like a glimpse into Willy Wonka's factory with a chocolate fountain and many different types of pastries. The Easter Bunny will make the rounds for photos with the children. (10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; $95 per person; $47.50 for children ages 5-12; 202-944-2000)

The Roof Terrace Restaurant and Bar at the Kennedy Center offers a buffet brunch with sweeping views. With three seatings beginning at 10 a.m., families can look forward to a visit from the Easter Bunny while munching on standard brunch fare. (10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $33.95; $17 for children under 12; 202-416-8555)

For a French feast in a quaint setting, venture out to the romantic L'Auberge Chez Francois for a five-course prix fixe meal of fine French fare. (1-7:30 p.m.; $58 per person; 703-759-3800)

Within the city, Marcel's invites Easter feasters to enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu of spring flavors, including crab flan with pea shoots, seared halibut, pork tenderloin, raspberry milk chocolate mousse and a crepe suzette. (11 a.m.-4 p.m.; $65 per person; $32 for children under 12; 202-296-1166)

For diners not interested in a big buffet, Ardeo offers a three-course prix fixe menu with items such as house-cured gravlax, a shellfish platter, grilled salmon, leg of lamb, a Belgian waffle and desserts of strawberry shortcake and buttermilk panna cotta. (11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $32 per person; 202-244-6750)

Staples of the Sunday brunch scene will also be offering Easter specials. Tabard Inn, a favorite at brunch for its rustic atmosphere and homemade donuts, will offer extended hours for its standard brunch menu plus a few specials such as a ham dish and an egg special. The restaurant frequently changes the brunch menu and will not have the Easter menu finalized until that weekend. (10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; 202-833-2668)

If you're a last minute bruncher, head out to Perry's, where reservations are not accepted. Known for its drag queen brunch, the restaurant's food offerings shouldn't be ignored with plenty of brunch-time favorites and more interesting things like sushi and Southern food, to keep diners satisfied. (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; 202-234-6218)

The Corcoran Gallery of Art expands its traditional gospel brunch for Easter Sunday. Savor an array of standard buffet items to the tunes of Gospel music in the museum's spacious atrium. (10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; $32.95; $13.95 for children under 12; 202-639-1786)

Cafe MoZU celebrates Easter with Asian flair and kid-friendly offerings. The buffet features a sushi and tempura station, dim sum, waffles and pancakes, a la carte dishes that include beef tenderloin, lobster omelette, a kids' table with chicken fingers and dessert stations for kids and adults. (Noon-2:30 p.m.; $70; $35 for children under 12; 202-787-6868)

Aquarelle Restaurant in the Watergate Hotel will cook up a grand holiday feast. It expands the typical champagne Sunday brunch with serving stations that include shellfish on ice, pasta and risotto at the Mediterranean station, carvings of ham and Easter-themed desserts. (11 a.m.-6 p.m.; $59 per person; $36 for children under 12; 202-298-4455)