A Procrastinator’s Guide to Mother’s Day Dining

Sparrow Italia at Hotel Figueroa. Photo credit: Noble 33.

This Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day. If your mom lives in LA, why not show her your appreciation by treating her to brunch or dinner? Make it a Mother’s Day to remember with the help of our list below.

DTLA’s Redbird is more than a culinary treasure. Housed in what was the rectory of the 19th century St. Vibiana’s Cathedral, it’s also one of LA’s architectural gems. This Mother’s Day, Redbird’s Chef Neal Fraser and his team will serve up dishes like Cinnamon Crunch French Toast with creme fraiche ice cream and maple syrup; Ricotta Cavatelli with English peas, maitake mushrooms, black truffle, and pecorino; and Basque Baked Eggs with Short Rib. Brunch is $65 for adults, while the special children’s menu is $21 for kids ten and under. Dinner is also available ($75 for adults, $21 for kids), with options like Bacon Wrapped Saddle of Rabbit and Green Gazpacho. More information.

Recently recognized by “Food & Wine” as one of The 15 Best Hotels for Food in the U.S., DTLA’s gorgeously restored Hotel Figueroa is a relaxing, resort-like getaway. Opened in 1926, Hotel Figueroa is home to Sparrow Italia, which offers a unique, decadent, Italian-inspired dining experience. Sparrow Italia’s Mother’s Day brunch menu includes Caprese Frittata, Spring Pea & Fava Toast, and the Amore Di Mamma Cocktail Special (mezcal, ocho reposado, cocchi americano, Luxardo maraschino, Giffard Peche, lemon, strawberry cordial, and strawberry gold dust). Mom can enjoy this same cocktail special at dinner, along with options including Spring Risotto, Pistachio & Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, and Spaghetti All Ubriaco (with crispy duck prosciutto). While you’re there, explore the hotel’s famous coffin-shaped swimming pool and “In Her Image,” a world-class artistic showcase from artist Erica Everage. You can make reservations here.

If you’re thinking about a local getaway for Mother’s Day, why not head to the historic Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs? Its restaurant, The Colony Club, is helmed by Executive Chef Michael Hung (Faith & Flower, Viviane). Dine al fresco while enjoying views of the swimming pool and the San Jacinto Mountains or in the glamorous, Art Deco-inspired dining room.  The Mother’s Day brunch menu includes dishes like Brioche French Toast, Avocado Toast, Baked Cage-Free Eggs, Egg White Scramble, East Coast Breakfast Sandwich, and more. Sip on a brunch cocktail such as the Prickly Pear Bellini, a Mimosa, or a Bloody Mary. More about the venue here.

The Colony Club at the Colony Palms Hotel. Photo credit: Wonho Photo.

A creative new Spanish dining destination that began in Barcelona, then spread to the Bay Area, Teleferic Barcelona, recently opened in Brentwood, is known for its authentic tapas and paellas. For moms who’d like to enjoy an exquisite culinary experience at home, Teleferic’s Mother’s Day Packs (serves two; $99) are a great option. In addition to an authentic paella (negra, mixta, or veggie) and small dishes like  Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, tuna taquitos, and crab croquettes with tuna sashimi and spicy aioli, you’ll get a stunning dessert: creamy puffs filled with crema catalana a nd served with passion fruit toffee. Order through Teleferic’s online marketplace, El Merkat, and pick up at the Brentwood location. More info here.

Like the idea of a Mother’s Day brunch with panoramic views of the Pacific? The Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach is hosting brunch in its Bayside Ballroom. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, this gorgeous room is usually reserved for extravagant weddings. Mother’s Day brunch highlights include delicious seafood, a variety of fresh salads, savory entrees, and a decadent dessert display. More info here.

Evoke the feeling of the Spanish city of Cordoba – including courtyard walls decorated with blue pots of vibrant geraniums – at Casa Cordoba in Montrose. Housed in a classic Spanish building, this authentic Spanish restaurant is offering a Mother’s Day “Taste of Spain” celebration this Sunday. You’ll find a variety of tapas, paellas, soup, salads, charcuterie, pasta, and entrées. There’s also an extensive wine list, with wines from many regions of Spain, along with a full bar featuring Spanish-inspired cocktails. More info here

Burbank’s Castaway restaurant offers stunning, expansive views of Downtown LA and the San Fernando Valley. It’s been a favorite for decades, particularly since its $10 million overhaul a while back. This Mother’s Day, visit Castaway for a four-course brunch with options like Lobster Benedict and Fried Chicken & Waffles. Mother’s Day brunch is $92, or $35 for kids. $30 bottomless mimosas are a festive add-on! A seasonal dinner menu will also be offered from 5 to 9 p.m. More information

Pressed Flower Cake. Photo credit: Hotcakes Bakes.

Indulge in a High Tea-style Mother’s Day brunch or lunch while taking in coastal views at La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates. Made by Meg Catering will serve a variety of gourmet dishes. Brunch, served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include fresh assorted pastries, mini quiche, strawberry fields salad, an omelet bar, fruit, and more. Lunch, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., includes tea sandwiches, fresh assorted pastries, fruit, flank steak, Big Sur date Salad, and more. Beverages on offer include table-side teas, as well as signature mocktails and cocktails. There is also a custom flower bouquet arranging station and kids’ card-making station. More info here

Interstellar in Santa Monica is known for its unique fusion of Korean and American ingredients merged with the flavors of Japan and Italy. On Mother’s Day, Interstellar will offer its regular brunch menu, along with specials like a Strawberry Banana Waffle (made with Harry’s Berries, housemade whipped cream, berry compote, and maple honey butter) paired with a Soju Strawberry Mint Cocktail. Other brunch highlights include Chicken & Belgian Waffle with Japanese panko fried chicken breast; Breakfast Club Croissant with D.O.P Parma Cotto ham, arugula and citrus honey vinaigrette; and Japanese-Style Sandos made with internationally acclaimed Ginza Nishikawa milk bread. Reservations

Century City’s Eataly is always worth a visit, particularly when you visit Terra, Eataly’s beautiful rooftop restaurant. Dining at this sunny, airy urban oasis with sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills feels like you’re on vacation. Terra’s Mother’s Day brunch menu includes Frittata Con Zucchine e Funghi (made with oyster mushrooms and 18-Month Parmigiano Reggiano), Tonnarelli alla Carbonara (hand-cut spaghetti, housemade guanciale, farm eggs, and Pecorino Romano Fulvi), and special brunch cocktails. More about Eataly

Enjoy a glam Mother’s Day beneath swaying palm trees and near the swimming pool at Sugar Palm, the restaurant/lounge/bar at Viceroy Santa Monica. You’ll find numerous options, including special shareable platters: Sweet includes waffles, french toast, and strawberries, while Savory features eggs, applewood smoked bacon, chicken apple sausage, and potatoes. Brunch bites served by the half dozen include Avocado Toast, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Chicken & Waffle Bites, and more. Other choices include high tea sandwiches (Cucumber and Avocado, Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, and Smoked Salmon Salad) served by the half dozen, along with assorted plant-based options. You can make reservations on Open Table.

With several locations around LA, scratch kitchen Eureka! is celebrating Mother’s Day all weekend long (May 12-14) with a $40 three-course, prix-fixe menu. You’ll get to choose from one of three cocktails, followed by your choice of starters (Crispy Glazed Brussels Sprouts or Mac N’ Cheese Balls), then an entree (Fresno Fig Burger, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Barbeque Pork Ribs, Fish & Chips, or Seared Ahi Salad. More about Eureka!

Triple Berry Cake. Photo credit: Sweet Lady Jane.

Poppy & Seed’s Executive Chef Michael is a recent James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in California. Undeniably destination-worthy, Poppy & Seed offers an elevated culinary experience in Anaheim’s revitalized Packing District.  Lushly housed in a glass greenhouse and with a large patio and garden, Poppy & Seed is striking. Focused on small plates and local ingredients, Poppy & Seed is offering a Grand Buffet Brunch on Mother’s Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that will include a complimentary welcome champagne for moms, a raw bar, an omelette station, and much more. You can make reservations here.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an extravagant surf and turf buffet at BOA Steakhouse in Manhattan Beach. Savor never-ending brunch classics such as pastries, sausage and eggs, a Seafood Bar, Turf Carving Station, and signature BOA items. Highlights include Lobster Avocado Toast, BOA Caesar Salad Action Station, Whole Roasted New York Strip, Sous Vide Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and much more! The bountiful dessert station will include Layered Nutella Mousse, S’mores Terrines, Layered Cheesecake Trifle, Cookies, and Macarons. Priced at $105 per person, you can secure a reservation online, or call the restaurant at 310-683-4080.

On the other hand, if Mom would rather be presented with a special cake, Hotcake Bakes has a variety of Mother’s Day cakes available to order, including their gorgeous Pressed Flower Cake. Sweet Lady Jane has a special  Mother’s Day bundle this year. Their famous Triple Berry Cake (vanilla sponge cake, whipped cream frosting, and fresh berries both on top and folded between each layer) can be paired with a bouquet from local florist Matriarch. Available at all Los Angeles Sweet Lady Jane Stores, the cake is $72, while the optional Matriarch bouquet add-on is $40.

Karin E. Baker

About Karin E. Baker

Karin E. Baker is a native Angeleno who loves the eateries, history, nature, architecture, and art of her hometown. When not exploring poke shacks in Kona, tascas in Córdoba, and konditoris in Malmö, she writes about food, culture, lifestyle and travel. She obsesses over comma usage and classic films and is always happy to find an excuse to open a bottle of champagne.
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