The rosy Hallmark stands are out to signal the lead-up to Mother’s Day, and if you’re keen to take the merrymaking beyond breakfast in bed this year, we’ve rounded up some of the top spots around the country to raise a toast to that great lady in your life. Words by Mariam Digges.
Chase Kojima’s Japanese fine diner is a treat on any given day, so the Mother’s Day set lunch will no doubt feature some of the best seafood in town prepared with plenty of Japanese twists. Mum can expect kingfish miso ceviche, lobster tempura with spicy mayo and a pomelo and papaya salad, and a sweet rice granita with a special boozy sake ice-cream. $130pp. Bookings: star.com.au/sydney/eat-and-drink/signature-dining/sokyo
Enjoy a harbourside lunch with Mum, feasting on Turkish flavours curated by Somer Sivrioglu. Celebrate the special day with crab köfte with walnut muhammara, Jerusalem artichoke soup with pastirma, and tahini helva with turmeric yoghurt ice-cream. Finish with a stroll along the promenade and maybe a little shop at one of Barangaroo’s retail offerings. $95pp. Bookings: anason.com.au
If fanfare isn’t Mum’s thing, head to the Paddo Inn for a relaxed Sunday roast with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire pudding, red wine jus, and kale and honey-mustard root vegetables. Or choose dishes from the a la carte menu, such as a king salmon fillet with herb gnocchi, soybeans and a mushroom broth. Bookings can be made for lunch or dinner, Mum gets a chocolate gift set and you get a gold star. Bookings: paddoinn.com.au/mothers-day
Let Mum get in touch with her artistic side with a flower origami workshop at Watsons Bay Hotel. The class runs from 10am-11:30am and you get to take home your floral decoration. Then head over to the swing installation surrounded by seasonal blooms in the Beach Club where you can take a ride and a Polaroid keepsake of the day. The kitchen will serve up a share-style menu for the whole family, finishing with a decadent dessert platter. Florigami workshop is $49pp and lunch starts from $125pp including a complimentary glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Bookings: https://watsonsbayhotel.com.au/mothers-day/
When it comes to long lunches, this seaside favourite is tough to beat. Nab a table on the terrace and settle in for executive chef Guillaume Zika’s tropics-inspired Mother’s Day banquet. Highlights include kingfish tartare, seared barramundi, and a wood-fired pineapple with vanilla rice pudding. Bookings can be made for lunch or dinner. $95pp including a complimentary glass of Pelorus rosé sparkling. Bookings: (07) 5661 9050; burleighpavilion.com/
Treat Mum to a beautiful lunch by the river at Stokehouse Q. Head Chef Marcel Nogaski has created a special family-geared lunch menu that celebrates Australian produce. From $82pp for two courses. Children up to 12 years old pay $45. Bookings: info@stokehouseq.com.au
Mum will love perching over the Brisbane River at Otto with her loved ones. Choose from a two- or three-course lunch featuring all of Otto’s signature dishes, including Rangers Valley beef carpaccio, Champagne lobster spaghettini and salted white chocolate and mascarpone mousse with buffalo yoghurt gelato and strawberries. Mum will also have a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne planted firmly in her hand on arrival. From $85pp Bookings: ottoristorante.com.au/brisbane/mothers-day-at-otto/
Mum will be greeted with a glass of Mumm champagne on arrival at Pascale Bar & Grill, guaranteed to earn you instant brownie points. Then, settle into a three-course a la carte menu that includes cured kingfish, Kurobuta pork belly and a wood-fired John Dory. Desserts won’t disappoint, either. $95pp, $45 for kids, and under 10s eat for free. Bookings: (03) 8636 8800.
Cake for breakfast is always a great idea, and Mum will love Bibelot’s selection of bite-sized canapés, miniature desserts and scones with house-made jam. It’s all served with a glass of French sparkling wine on arrival followed by espresso coffee and loose-leaf tea. From $99pp Bookings: nick@bibelot.com.au
Make Mum feel like the queen she is, with an afternoon tea fit for royalty. Free-flowing French sparkling wine and a dessert buffet spread featuring Hotel Windsor’s famous milk and dark chocolate fountain will do just fine, thank you. The signature scones, pastries, crepes and ribbon sandwiches will also be on offer, and Mum gets to take home a special gift. Available May 11 and 12. From $119pp Bookings: T: +61 3 9633 6004; reservations@thw.com.au
Although there’s no set Mother’s Day menu as such, a round-up of delicious dining destinations on this special day couldn’t leave out A Mother’s Milk. Coffee is by Single Origin so you can bet it’s top-notch, and Mum won’t mind one bit when a pan of chorizo baked eggs or raspberry French toast with white chocolate mascarpone hits the table. amothersmilk.com.au
Renowned pastry chef Anna Polyviou is hosting an exclusive Mother’s Day high tea featuring a specially curated menu, a demonstration from Anna and Angelique Sparkling Premium Cuvee NV for the duration of the event. $95pp Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/e/mothers-day-high-tea-with-anna-polyviou-tickets-59807051501
If a trip to Paris this Mother’s Day is out of the question, then a meal at Bistro Guillaume might just be the next best thing. Treat Mum to a Champagne or cocktail on the stunning terrace before sitting down to an a la carte meal of French classics in the French provincial dining room. Bookings: crownperth.com.au/mothers-day/whats-on/dining/bistro-guillaume; 1800 556 688
Treat mum to a bottomless brunch or lunch at the gorgeous Tiisch cafe. Start with a macadamia nut granola and move onto a hot dish: matcha pancakes, confit salmon, eggs Benedict, breakfast gnocchi or a wagyu beef burger are among the options. $65pp including bottlomess bubbles, Bloody Marys, wine and beer or $40pp sans booze. Bookings: tiisch.com.au/mothers-day-breakfast-mothers-day-lunch/
A banquet at PM is the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day. Menu highlights include saganaki with honey and sesame and Freemantle octopus with potato puree and aioli and smoked paprika. From $60pp pmeatdrink.com/
