From casual to extravagant brunches and dinners, to cruises, spa days and more, see our list of 30+ top places to celebrate Mother’s Day in Orange County.
Edited by Laura Okey
Vaca
Take Mom on a culinary journey to Spain with Vaca’s Mother’s Day specials including huevos al horno; pescado fritto with garlic aioli and smoked paprika chimichurri; ostiones with rosé champagne mignonette and yuzu cucumber sorbet; and ceviches mistos, among other items. Vaca’s full à la carte dinner menu, innovative cocktails and extensive wine list will also be available. A limited menu at the bar and charcuterie will be served from 2:30-5 p.m. Mother’s Day specials 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 695 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.463.6060. vacarestaurant.com
Habana Brunch
Give this Mother’s Day a latin twist and Indulge on a Cuban-inspired brunch menu at Habana. Choose from unique items like plantain pancakes and breakfast empanadas. The brunch menu boasts of unique spices and sauces on every plate to complement traditional Cuban proteins such as roasted pork and more. See full menu online. Su 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Habana, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.556.0176. habanacostamesa.com
Back Bay Bistro
Crepes, dessert, antipasti and “hot off the skillet” are just a few of the stations at Back Bay Bistro’s Mother’s Day brunch affair. Let mom get creative as she builds her own pancakes with toppings like blueberries, banana slices, whipped cream and M&Ms, or savor a cooked-to-order omelet with choices like bay shrimp, bacon, mushrooms and fresh cut peppers. Don’t forget the bottomless mimosas! 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $75 for adults (includes bottomless champagne and mimosas), children 12 and under $35. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144. newportdunes.com
Skyloft
Chef Arthur Ortiz of Skyloft presents a decadent Mother’s Day menu to enjoy on the rooftop overlooking Main Beach. For breakfast, mom can enjoy loaded French toast with warm chocolate and caramel sauces on the side, Machaca made with in-house smoked brisket, and Chef Arthur’s famed Loco Okimoto (you’ve got to see it to believe it). Other fresh offerings include corn chowder, spiced chop salad, a super-fresh shrimp sandy sandwich, or Chef Arthur’s “Best of O.C.” cheeseburger. Larger entrées include a succulent lobster bake, new mahi fish & chips, fall-off-the-bone ribs and more. Live music begins at 6:30 p.m. with regional favorite entertainers, Honey County. Open at 9 a.m. Call for reservations. 422 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.1550. skyloftoc.com
Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink
Enjoy a flavorful, comforting three-course meal with items like avocado toast (crab, radish, herb, tomato, pancetta and cheddar), crab Benedict and toasted strawberry cake. A special kids platter is available for children ages 12 and under, which includes items like fruit salad with mixed berries, scrambled eggs, French toast, breakfast potatoes, bacon and sausage with chocolate chip cookies for dessert. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $48/pp, $5 for Sunday specialty drinks. 370 Glenneyre, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8686. 370common.com
Mother’s Day Brunch at Oak Grill
Indulge in bountiful food stations and dine on the sun-filled outdoor deck at Oak Grill. From carving stations and omelet stations to an oyster bar and a dessert station, Oak Grill has everything mom desires. Top off Mother’s Day brunch with bottomless mimosas. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $90 for adults, $25 for children ages 5-12. Island Hotel, Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails
Take mom to Andrei’s this Mother’s Day where she can elevate her bottomless mimosas with a mimosa fruit cart. Along with bottomless mimosas, enjoy a delicious three-course prix-fixe brunch menu on the rooftop terrace. Brunch highlights include crème brûlée French toast, New York steak and eggs and Maine lobster bisque. For sweet endings, choose between flourless chocolate cake, peach cheesecake or pina colada carrot cake. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $45 adults, $15 children 12 and under. Bottomless mimosa cart $12. Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, 2607 Main Street, Irvine, 949.387.8887. andreisrestaurant.com
Fig & Olive
Experience a three-course prix-fixe brunch and dinner with mom this Mother’s Day. Appetizer choices include items such as a refreshing petite burrata and asparagus or avocado toast. For the main course, among brunch and dinner items are chicken paillard, Riviera salmon, primavera risotto and more. For dessert, indulge on sweet endings like strawberry vacherin or a dessert crostini. See full brunch and dinner menu online. Call to book reservations. Brunch $40/pp, dinner $49/pp. Fig & Olive, 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.877.3005. figandolive.com
Old Vine Cafe
The European-inspired concept offers seasonally driven menus, a thoughtfully curated wine list and an elegantly casual atmosphere—perfect for an elevated Mother’s Day brunch experience. Highlights of the Mother’s Day brunch menu include rabbit mole (braised rabbit, two eggs, pasilla and cashew mole and fresh-baked corn bread) and caramel apple French toast (freshly baked and garnished with a caramel and chocolate swirl). Mother’s Day will be first come, first serve, however, there will be additional outdoor seating available to cut down on wait times. 9 a.m.-3 p.m 2937 Bristol St., Suite A-102, Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411. oldvinecafe.com
Cucina Enoteca
Give brunch with mom a Cal-Italian twist at Cucina Enoteca. Choose from a menu of specials including the one-pound ricotta pancake, croissant sandwich or brunch pizza. The unlimited walk-up brunch antipasti bar will be stocked with fresh pastas, charcuterie, and house-made pastries. Exclusive to Mother’s Day, the brunch festivities include a complimentary sampling of decadent housemade macarons for all moms. (The regular dinner menu will also be available). 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fashion Isalnd, 951 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.706.1416; 532 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.861.2222. urbankitchengroup.com
Mastro’s
Make your Mother’s Day meal unforgettable this year at Mastro’s with sizzling steaks, perfectly chilled bottles of champagne, jaw-dropping seafood towers and decadent sides such as lobster mashed potatoes. Indulge in brunch favorites like Maine lobster benedict, croque madame and smoked salmon and bagel. Mom can sip on bubbly cocktails all morning, like a peach bellini and sparkling sunrise. Don’t forget the beloved signature butter cake for dessert! Reservations highly recommended. Mastro’s Costa Mesa, 633 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.546.7405; Mastro’s Ocean Club, 8112 East Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.376.6990. mastrosrestaurants.com
Mother’s Day Brunch in the Backyard
Spend this Mother’s Day enjoying the outdoors with food, festivities and fun. The backyard at Hotel Irvine will feature a farmers’ market-inspired menu with hand-tossed salads, ahi poke and ceviche stations, roasted Berkshire ham and a build-your-own mimosa bar with fresh-squeezed juices. Before you eat, shop for locally sourced gifts like jams, honeys and fresh flowers as an extra treat to show mom just how special she really is. 10 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.; 3 p.m. $65 adults, $15 children ages 5-12. Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
Coastal Kitchen
Take mom to experience something new this Mother’s Day—Coastal Kitchen—the latest addition to the Lantern District in Dana Point. Coastal Kitchen’s relaxed southern California vibe is reflected in their clean decor and from-scratch menu. This Mother’s Day, they will be offering both their signature lunch and dinner menu with dishes such as jumbo lump crabcakes, pan seared scallops and filet mignon. Most importantly, moms can sip on a selection of hand-crafted cocktails. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 34091 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.449.2822. coastalkitchendanapoint.com
Five Crowns
Five Crowns, a charming replica of one of England’s oldest country inns and a Corona del Mar landmark, offers the perfect dining setting for spring in its outdoor sunlit English garden. Mother’s Day brunch offers a selection of starters including avocado mash and lobster bisque with entrees such as whole wheat granola pancakes and grilled mahi quinoa salad. For dinner, choose from items like Colorado lamb chops, seared Icelandic salmon and shrimp, mushroom and artichoke risotto. Brunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., dinner 4-8 p.m. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331. lawrysonline.com
Bad to the Bone BBQ
Make Mother’s Day finger-lickin’ good with a barbecue brunch. Mother’s Day brunch selections include chicken and waffles (a cinnamon-nutmeg waffle topped with maple pecan butter and crispy boneless chicken topped with sausage gravy), cowboy skillet hash (crispy seasoned potatoes, bell pepper, onion, smoked beef brisket, pepper jack cheese, roasted tomatillo salsa with guacamole and topped with two fried eggs), and a breakfast frittata (Spanish-style oven baked omelet with roasted pasilla peppers, corn tortilla, smoked pork shoulder, pepper jack cheese, chipotle crema, roasted tomatillo salsa and crispy O’Brien potatoes). Homemade soups will be available for the occasion, including tomato basil and green chili lobster bisque. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.218.0227. badtothebone-bbq.com
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
Enjoy a signature Mother’s Day brunch featuring two courses at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen. Mom can choose from entrees like huevos rancheros and grilled mahi mahi to savor alongside the sounds of a live Latin jazz trio. Sip bottomless mimosas, too, of course. 9:30 a.m. 110 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1040. chachaslatinkitchen.com
Mozambique
Savor the flavors of sub-Saharan African cuisine on three levels of dining. Relax on the patio or capture the picturesque beauty of Laguna Beach on the Veranda rooftop deck. This Mother’s Day, menu highlights include peri-peri prawns, samosas with Mozambique chutney, Moroccan-style Chilean sea bass, curries and wood-fired steaks. Enjoy live music throughout the day—there will be jazz at brunch, steel drums with Einstein Brown at 5 p.m. and reggae music with Massive McGregor at 8 p.m. The garden patio and veranda rooftop are pet friendly! 10 a.m.1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7777. mozambiqueoc.com
Bayside
A champagne brunch is the perfect way to treat mom on Mother’s Day. Bayside will offer a three course menu with highlights like exotic mushroom soup, proscuitto carpaccio, shrimp scampi, Mediterranean spice-rubbed spring lamb loin and so much more. $56.75 adults, $21.75 children 12 and under. Bayside, 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222. baysiderestaurant.com
Social Costa Mesa
Plan your Mother’s Day fling at Social Costa Mesa. While you’re at it, try the exclusive Mother’s Day cocktail Social Fling—the light and refreshing libation features Brooklyn gin, blueberry, lavender, citrus and champagne. Mom can choose to dine on delicious brunch items like cinnamon French toast made with brioche, fresh summer berries and maple syrup; or the Social Benedict with pulled pork, a buttermilk biscuit, slow eggs and creole mustard hollandaise. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Social Costa Mesa, 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.2525. socialcostamesa.com
The Capital Grille
Enjoy a special Mother’s Day three-course brunch menu, which includes a starter, entree and dessert. Choices abound such as spring mushroom bisque, shrimp and white cheddar grits, The Grille’s lobster frittata, bone-in dry aged New York strip with fried egg and eight-ounce filet mignon and pan-seared salmon with citrus crab salad. Brunch 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $49 adults, $15 children 10 and under. Bottomless mimosas additional $12. The Capital Grille, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.432.1140. thecapitalgrille.com
Champagne Brunch Buffet at Laguna Cliffs
Celebrate mom with a champagne buffet brunch, live entertainment by John Troy, and a beautiful ocean view from Vue Restaurant. A photographer will be roaming the grounds ready to capture memories. Additionally, all moms will receive a rose. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $95 for adults, $40 for children ages 6-12. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000. lagunacliffs.com
True Food Kitchen
Celebrate mom with a special Mother’s Day-themed libation at True Food Kitchen—The Matriarch ($9). The cocktail features a blend of organic vodka, lavender simple syrup and lemon. Along with the regular brunch menu—featuring brunch favorites such as a garden scramble, torched avocado and huevos rancheros—each mom will receive a special Mother’s Day gift. Reservations encouraged. Fashion Island, 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.2400. truefoodkitchen.com
Bistango
Treat mom to a three-course menu at Bistango. Mom can indulge on items like blue crab meat salad for a starter, mushroom-crusted Alaskan halibut with lilies potato puree, asparagus and porcini mushroom sauce for the main course, and whiskey raisin bread pudding for dessert. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment with dinner. Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner 5-9 p.m. $65 adults, $19 children 12 and under. Bistango, 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.752.5222. bistango.com
Water Grill
May 13-14. Mom will love Water Grill’s à la carte brunch menu featuring dishes such as house smoked salmon, quiche Lorraine, huevos rancheros, lemon ricotta pancakes, crab Benedict and more. The à la carte menu of fresh wood-grilled seafood, shellfish on ice, crudos, live Maine lobster, charcoal grilled steaks, craft cocktails and more, will also be available. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 949.208.7060. watergrill.com
AnQi House of An
This Mother’s Day celebrate mom with a special dim sum brunch at AnQi. The new twist on California Asian small bites will be served from carts roaming throughout the beautiful restaurant. AnQi’s full à la carte menu will be available in the evening. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679. houseofan.com
Del Frisco’s Grille
Treat mom to a meal fit for a queen at Del Frisco’s Grille Irvine with weekend-long features. Try the decadent crab stuffed lobster tail with roasted red pepper cream and broiled lemon paired perfectly with a special mimosa (a mix of crisp rosé and fresh muddled strawberries). The full lunch and brunch menu of upscale comfort foods will be available for moms to enjoy, complete with award-winning wines and house-made desserts like the signature coconut cream pie and six-layer lemon cake. Del Frisco’s Grille, Irvine Spectrum, 772 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.341.0376. delfriscosgrille.com
Mother’s Day Fashion Tea at Monarch Beach Resort
May 13. Sip on afternoon tea at 33°North while enjoying fashion vignettes, designer raffle prizes and more at Monarch Beach Resort. The resort has partnered with South Coast Plaza, Saks Fifth Avenue, Henry Bendel and Styled by SJ for a showcase of resort attire from check in to check out. Also enjoy interactive beauty presentations like a live lip demonstration by Saks Fifth Avenue. All guests will receive a beautiful gift bag upon check in. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $69/pp. Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3423. monarchbeachresort.com
Lavendar Salon Boutique & Blowdry Bar
Treat mom to a signature blow dry at brand new Lavender Salon. Mom can sip on a complimentary glass of champagne or lavender bellini while she receives a luxurious scalp massage and blow out from one of the talented stylists. Call to schedule appointment. Pricing starts at $45. Castaway Commons, 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.515.2900. lavendernb.com
Petite Retreat at Island Hotel
Through May 31. Pamper mom with a day at the spa—and pamper yourself too! During the month of May, indulge with a petite retreat that includes a 30-minute classic relaxation massage, Island Hotel signature 30-minute facial, Island Hotel signature manicure and pedicure, plus a glass of bubbles and chocolate covered strawberries after the treatment session. $275. Call for reservations. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4992. islandhotel.com
Hornblower Mother’s Day Weekend Cruises
May 12-14. Hop on board a Hornblower yacht for the perfect way to tell Mom you love her this Mother’s Day. The lavish brunch or dinner will feature traditional favorites, along with spectacular views, live entertainment and sweet treats. See website for all boarding times. $75.95-$92.95. 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Suite #101, Newport Beach, 949.631.2469. hornblower.com
Relaxing Mother’s Day Cruise
Sit back and relax with mom on a two-hour coastal cruise aboard the Ocean Adventures Catamaran. The trip will begin in Dana Point Harbor and travel up the coastline to Laguna Beach. Sip on MOMosa’s or champagne while enjoying seasonal fruit, pastries, muffins and the view. 10 a.m. $49 adults, $29 children. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603. danawharf.com
South Coast Collection
May 11. Celebrate Mother’s Day early with a champagne toast and an evening of pampering. Upon check in, receive a drink ticket and a gift bag, and for every $20 spent at SOCO, you will receive a raffle ticket for prizes from various boutiques and restaurants in the shopping center. Jump in the photo booth to capture memories from the evening, enjoy live entertainment from Riff Riff Swing Jazz Band and check out various specials at participating stores. 6-9 p.m. Free. SOCO, 3303 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. eventbrite.com
