From brunch in a lush garden, to locally made sweet treats, to unique gifts, we’ve rounded up some fun ways to spoil Mom this Mother’s Day in San Diego.
DINING
Cafe Sevilla | Dine-In
May 9. Treat Mom to brunch or dinner at this popular Gaslamp outpost. Brunch includes a complimentary glass of Champagne and dishes such as the breakfast meat paella—pork tenderloin, grilled sausage, chicken and flat-iron steak served over saffron-bomba rice and topped with two fried eggs. On the dinner menu (which is also available during brunch), try the empanada trio and the seafood paella with black rice. The fun also includes live music all day, featuring rumba music by Richy, bohemian and rumba music by Sergio Estrada, and Santana cover band Santana Pa Ti. Reservations recommended. Br 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; D beginning at 4:30 p.m. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979.
Carruth Cellars Wine Garden | Dine-In, Takeout
May 9. If Mom is a wine lover, this charming urban oasis is the place. Sip selections by the bottle, glass or flight in the lounge or on the outdoor garden patio; while sampling cheese, charcuterie and woodfired pizzas. We suggest the Get Figgy With It pizza with prosciutto, mozzarella, fig spread, goat cheese and arugula; paired with Carruth’s Willamette Valley pinot noir. Reservations recommended. 3-9 p.m. 2215 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 858.847.9463.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa | Dine-In
May 9. Enjoy Mother’s Day brunch while relaxing amid the property’s lush gardens—where moms each will receive a complimentary rose and can enjoy bubbly and bottomless rosé. Guests can partake in gourmet buffet offerings—including a carving station, made-to-order omelets, a “MOM-osa” and bloody mary bar, desserts and more. Reservations required. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $85 per person. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 855.430.7503.
Farmer’s Bottega | Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery
May 9. Mother’s Day dinner at this farm-to-fork eatery includes specialty dishes such as lobster ravioli, classic surf ‘n’ turf, and Alaskan halibut with mango-lime relish and grilled veggies. Pair with wine or a specialty cocktail such as the signature Bottega Lemonade with Absolut Citron vodka, lemonade, blackberries and basil. Moms also will receive complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries. Reservations recommended. 4-9 p.m. 860 W. Washington St., Mission Hills, 619.458.9929.
The Gluten Free Baking Company | Takeout
Preorder by May 3. The bakery is offering a special Mother’s Day menu full of themed treats and specials—including mini cakes, cookie cakes, cream puffs and scones. Patrons can also order specialty bagels, such as cinnamon-raisin, garlic-rosemary and jalapeño-cheddar. In addition, the shop’s general offerings—including doughnuts, cupcakes, muffins, cookies, cinnamon rolls and coffee cake—will be offered with a Mother’s Day twist. Select items will also be available first come, first serve, on Mother’s Day. Tu-Su beginning at 11 a.m. 4594 30th St., North Park, 858.270.9863.
Scuderie Italia | Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery
May 9. The quaint Italian ristorante is celebrating “Festa Della Mamma” with a featured dish, available exclusively on Mother’s Day—lobster ravioli filled with ricotta, parsley and lemon, topped with asparagus, pancetta and saffron butter cream sauce. Guests can also choose from antipasti, handmade pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas; plus entrees such as a roasted half chicken and oven-baked salmon. The decor is fun, too—a nod to Italian racing culture with blow-up art showcasing Ferraris, motorcycles and more lining the walls. Noon-9:30 p.m. 1525 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.352.6912.
STK San Diego | Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery
Preorder by May 7. The swanky steakhouse has offerings for every speed. Preorder the Mother’s Day Basket for two for curbside pickup—filled with two surf ‘n’ turf entrees with grilled prawns, cheesecake and a bottle of wine. Or dine in and choose the Rose & Rosé brunch, featuring specialty dishes such as lobster-and-eggs Benedict and cinnamon French toast; or the Mom’s Night Out dinner service, with full menu options available. Reservations required. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.354.5988.
GIFTS
Communal
Flowers, coffee and cocktails are the way to Mom’s heart. The community-oriented coffee shop, eatery and retailer is offering small, medium and large floral bouquets for Mother’s Day; along with buy-one-get-one-free drinks all day at its two locations—complete with open-air patio seating at both. Also available for purchase: jewelry, clothing, books, homewares, beauty and wellness products, stationery and more. Open daily at 7 a.m. 2335 University Ave., North Park, 619.363.7737; 2221 Fern St., South Park, 619.313.0679.
Love & Aesthetics
This charming lifestyle boutique offers something for every mom. Shop for distinctive home furnishings, lighting and tabletop accessories, artwork, books, baby clothes, jewelry, fragrances, bath and body products and unusual gift items—all of which are hard to find elsewhere in San Diego. It’s a treasure trove of eclectic, romantic finds with an edge—mostly handmade by emerging artisans. And it’s shopping made as safe as possible here; order online or via phone—with curbside pickup and store appointments also available. See website for hours. 621 W. Fir St., Little Italy, 619.546.6143.
Moniker General
Calling all cool moms (and those on the hunt for worthy gifts for them). You’ll find casual women’s apparel, homewares and everything in between at this urban-industrial retail haven with a hipster vibe. With a focus on Southern California labels, the store stocks hand-poured candles from Craft + Foster, apothecary from YIELD Design Co., and conscientious fashion pieces by Outerknown and RicherPoorer; plus custom furniture, locally handmade bags, leather accessories and more. It’s the kind of shop where you’ll want to linger and hang out … which is why there’s a lounge serving coffee, craft beer and cocktails inside. Open daily (see website for hours). 2860 Sims Road, Liberty Station, 619.255.8772.
Photo credits: The Gluten Free Baking Company by John Dole (opener) and Lindsay Kreighbaum (second photo). All other images are courtesy of the businesses featured.
