Where to Have a Celebratory Easter Lunch in Melbourne this Weekend

A long lunch sounds amazing at the best of times, but over the Easter long weekend, it's just about mandatory.

If you're taking a day off from preparations, why not head to one of these fantastic family-friendly eateries for your sustenance instead? 

Easter at Pizzini

Pizzini winery has an Easter/Autumn harvest celebration happening over the whole Easter break from 10am - 5pm daily.

Pack your family and friends into the car and head to the King Valley for great food, wines, live music and fun for all of the family.

On Easter Saturday (31 March 2018) you'll find antipasto, cheese plates, lunch dishes and dessert ($12-29) as well as coffee, 7 flavours of ice cream, entertainment by Maurice Milani and The Rumour from 11am, circus demonstrations, workshops for the kids, giant games and sports areas.

Entry is $10 which includes your take home Pizzini wine glass. Kids are free

Easter Sunday (1 April, 2018) will serve up more of the same as well as a lunch, and also children's activities (running races with cash prizes even!) will begin around 1.30pm. There will be a sports area, giant jenga, giant connect four and the little kids will love the giant sandpit! 

Entry for Sunday is $15, which includes your take home Pizzini wine glass. Kids free

You can look forward to chowing down on Mixed Cheese Plate - Jacks english cheddar, Gorganzola Dolce, Enterprise double brie served with Jam Lady Jam fig chutney and mixed crackers;
House made potato gnocchi with choice of Katrina's bolognese or Napoletana, served with mixed leaf salad, Slow roasted pork, coriander aioli slaw and apple sauce roll served with sweet potato chips (Sunday only), and Herb and chilli marinaded grilled calamari served on a mixed garden salad and topped with aioli and roasted mixed seeds.

Selection of Katrina's delicious desserts plus 7 flavours of ice-cream to choose from.

Roaming Poppy will be at cellar door serving up coffee, tea and hot chocolates.

No BYO pets, alcohol or food.

What you need to know

• Where: 175 King Valley Rd, Whitfield
• When: 10am - 5pm daily.
• To book: Bookings not required
• More info: Head to the website

The Great Northern Hotel

Sunday is Roast Day at The Great Northern hotel in Carlton North, which changes its offerings weekly (I mean, check out the above slow-roasted porchetta with kipfler chips, brussel sprouts and bacon, and plum ketchup, that's a roast and a half!), so a perfect spot for a celebratory Sunday Lunch.

For the kiddies, they also serve up penne napoli, beer-battered fish, chips & salad, chicken nuggets, chips & salad; a gluten-free chicken salad, and all kids meals come with a complimentary dessert.

What you need to know

• Where: 644 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
• When: noon - 11pm
• To book: Online here, or phone: (03) 9380 9569
• More info: Head to the website

Little Collins Kitchen Sheraton Melbourne

Gather your family and friends and enjoy a seafood buffet this Easter at Little Collins St Kitchen. Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood, signature salad dishes, a selection of hot dishes and a dessert buffet. WE REPEAT: DESSERT BUFFET!

Even better, all kids (and grownups) are invited to join in on a post-lunch Easter Egg hunt. 

Cost is $105 per person (inclusive of coffee and juices, and $52.50 per child (aged between 4-12)

What you need to know

• Where: Sheraton Melbourne Hotel, 27 Little Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 
• When: Sunday, 1 April 2018, from 12pm to 3pm
• To book: Book Now at 03 9290 1056 or [email protected], or online here.
• More info: Head to the website

Arbory Bar and Eatery

The Arbory is an awesome choice if you're hosting out-of-towners, as it offers up such a specific Melbourne vibe - and amazing Melbourne views!

For something a little different, turn your Easter feast to Roasted Salmon, Jerusalem Artichoke & Kale Pesto, Pappardelle, Braised Lamb Ragu & Mint Gremolata, a side of Crinkle Cut Chips & Truffle Pecorino, and top it off with a Mascarpone Ice Cream Sundae, Blackberry Sauce & Gingernut Crumble. They also do a killer cheese plate!

What you need to know

• Where: Flinders Walk, Melbourne
• When: From 7.30am til late
• To book: Primarily a walk-in venue, you can try for a booking here.
• More info: Head to the website

Hellenic Republic Restaurant

You can't go too far wrong with Greek on Easter, and Hellenic Republic has got family-style lunch celebrations down pat. They do lamb in serveral different ways, seafood in classic Taverna style (pick the seafood you want and they'll cook it for you), with delicious baklava or loukoumades for dessert just the beginning.

What you need to know

• Where: Brighton, Kew, Williamstown, East Brunswick
• When: 12pm - 4pm
• To book: Book via the website
• More info: Head to the website

Main image credit: Pizzini's Facebook