Mother's Day Brunch on the Westside

1. Inn of the Seventh Ray — Topanga

Book early if you think you're heading to this little corner of heaven in Topanga because you won't be the only one with the idea. (Call, rather than reserving online, to request a creek-side table when dining with kids.) Send the kids to skip stones and hunt for tadpoles while you drink in the fresh air, healthy food, relaxing music, and spiritually renewing ambiance. As the wind chimes tinkle and the wind whispers, you'll find your cares melting away. 

The special Mother's Day buffet menu includes a granola bar, bagel bar, waffle bar, pastry bar, dessert bar, salads, soups, and a selection of entrees including a mouthwatering eggs Benedict, free range chicken, wild pacific yellowtail, roasted rack of lamb, and more. The buffet includes one glass of champagne per adult, and charges $4 per child per year old for children ages 4-12 (example: a 5-year-old costs $20).  

2. Geoffrey's Malibu — Malibu

We all do it—drive up PCH from time to time, spy the Geoffrey's sign, and think, "One of these days..." Well, what better day than Mother's Day? While the views can't be beat, the food tries hard to come close. Geoffrey's offers a three-course prix fixe menu with a discounted rate for children ages 12 and younger. It's a fancier restaurant for kids, but a staircase leading down to the beach makes for a fun treat after dining. 

RELATED: 50 Mother's Day Gifts Moms *Actually* Want 

Posh at the very height of poshness at The Rooftop by JG. Photo courtesy of The Waldorf Astoria

3. The Rooftop by JG — Beverly Hills

Mom deserves something special, and this is something special! Take Mom for brunch on the top of the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. The rooftop restaurant has a garden-like setting and sweeping views of the hills and the city. Of course, it’s not cheap. But it’s so spectacular and special that we just had to include it. A mom can dream, right? 

4. Back on the Beach — Santa Monica

To answer the rhetorical question above, the only way to get closer to the beach than Shutters is to go to Back on the Beach. The cafe at the Annenberg Beach House has yummy, healthy, unpretentious fare right on the shoreline. Wiggly kids can play in the sand and climb all over the beach playground until the food arrives. Sometimes burgers on the beach with happy kids top a decadent brunch on a rooftop.

If you want to make a reservation, you'll need to call well in advance. Back on the Beach does not take same-day bookings (though it does accept walk-ups) and only seats complete parties. The restaurant will only take a reservation for up to eight people. 

RELATED: DIY Mother's Day Cards That Kids Can Make

 
She celebrates special occasions by the seashore. Photo courtesy of Shutters

5. One Pico at Shutters on the Beach — Santa Monica

Speaking of special occasions at the beach, when was the last time you sat down and ordered some food at Shutters? The answer is probably "not recently enough." The food is terrific, the service is everything a mother deserves, and the location—could you get any closer to the beach? Order from the special Mother's Day Brunch menu well into the afternoon. 

6. The Rose Venice — Venice

While dinner is delicious, brunch is best on the massive patio at The Rose in Venice when dining with kids, making it a natural place to celebrate Mother's Day. The pastries are out of this world, and it’s a perfect time to sit in the sunshine and share some of the most tempting options with a never-ending cup of coffee. Brunch reservations are available online.

7. Huckleberry Cafe — Santa Monica

You can tell that the owner/chefs at Huckleberry are parents themselves; this place gets kids (and parents!). The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere makes it feel like you’re dining with extended family.

One of the great options that Huckleberry offers is a Mother's Day Breakfast in Bed option to-go (there's a mimosa kit too). No muss, no fuss, no dishes, and fabulous food, eaten at home where kids have their toys to occupy themselves. Mom might get to finish a cup of coffee or a mimosa. 

Mother's Day Brunch from Hollywood to Downtown

8. Republique — Mid-City

This temple to gastronomy guarantees a happy mom. Breakfast is served until 2pm, and the restaurant doesn't take reservations until dinner service. Luckily, parents have a secret weapon—kids who double as roosters, waking parents up at the crack of dawn. Put this to work for you, and feast on the ever-changing seasonal menu before kid-less hipsters are even awake. 

Republique also has a bakery where you can purchase treats to take home for later—grab some food to-go and bring it home to surprise mom for a mess-free breakfast in bed. 

RELATED: Best Restaurants with Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles: Kid-Friendly Patios and More

Enjoy the gorgeous Hollywood views at Mama Shelter. Photo courtesy of Mama Shelter, Los Angeles

9. Mama Shelter — Hollywood

It seems like a natural fit for Mom to dine at a restaurant called Mama Shelter on Mother's Day. Enjoy eats on top of this Hollywood hotel with gorgeous city and Hollywood sign views. Mom can indulge while lounging on comfy couches, sipping a cocktail, and enjoying the view.

10. Fred 62 — Los Feliz

Is Fred 62 popular among hipsters and celebs? Well, yes, it is. But it's also family-friendly and affordable. Brunch is a treat of comfort foods, healthy foods, and interesting twists on both of the above, and well worth a visit on Mother's Day. It's a perfect stop before or after a hike in Griffith Park.

If the mom in your life is more into takeout pizzas for celebrations, try Fred's new pizza joint downtown, Pi^LA. Divine.

11. Home - Los Feliz 

You can have a "home-cooked" brunch without making it in your house. This stunning craftsman-style house turned restaurant in Los Feliz has a dreamy patio with gurgling fountains, generous portions, and flavorful fare for all ages. 

12. Manuela — Arts District, DTLA

Manuela serves seasonal and locally sourced food in the Hauser & Wirth art gallery. The space is as gorgeous as the food, and be sure to make a reservation as it books up fast. While there isn't a kids' menu, the French toast, beignets, biscuits, and fresh cornbread platter keeps kids very happy. 

13. Perch LA - Pershing Square, DTLA 

It's hard to beat this rooftop view of Los Angeles, especially with a hot coffee, a slice of avocado toast, and a plate of French toast. This spot is best for families with older kids (I wouldn't bring a toddler along), but the stunning scenery from the top of this Hill St. skyrise makes it a great destination to celebrate Mom. 

Mother's Day Brunch Options in the South Bay

14. The Rockefeller — Hermosa, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo

Dine by the shore, or pick it up to bring it home—this is one fabulous South Bay brunch and the only one that we know of where you can have good old-fashioned chicken 'n' waffles with mimosas. You won't need to travel far because there are locations in each of the South Bay Beach Cities—Hermosa, Manhattan, and Redondo! The casual vibes make it an easy place to bring your kids along. 

15. MB Post — Manhattan Beach

If kicking your day off with a Bloody Mary by the beach sounds appealing, this is the spot for your family! Brunch is served until 4pm, though the menu changes a bit in the afternoon. The famous bacon cheddar biscuits are available all day (and so are the Bloody Marys). Just make sure to leave room for dessert. 

Mother's Day Brunch in the Valleys

RELATED: 23 Best Breakfasts in Los Angeles at Kid-Friendly Restaurants  

 
Enjoy being treated like the First Lady at this annual celebration of mothers. Photo courtesy of The Reagan Library

16. The Reagan Library — Simi Valley

Head here for brunch if Grandma misses the Reagan years; she can reminisce about the '80s while being treated like the First Lady. It's not every day that you eat your breakfast under the wing of Air Force One. After brunch, you'll be able to tour the museum, included in the brunch cost. 

17. Ca' Del Sole - Toluca Lake 

Step out onto the spacious patio with private cabanas at Ca' Del Sole to enjoy a relaxing and delectable brunch. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at this Italian spot, and the kids won't disrupt other diners since many of the tables are spread out and separated by drapes.   

18. Joe's Cafe - Granada Hills 

Experience bold flavors, creative twists on breakfast classics, the best dang oatmeal you've ever had in your life, and free-flowing coffee at this casual brunch spot. The large booths have plenty of room for squirmy kids or dine at the picnic tables out back so kids can move about as they, please. Joe's will celebrate moms from 11am - 3pm on Mother's Day. 

19. Green Street Restaurant — Pasadena

Pasadena's favorite brunch spot knows how to treat Mom right. The champagne cocktails have guava, ginger, and rose petals; need we say more?

20. Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery — Pasadena

This relatively new fine-dining experience in Pasadena is perfect for moms who appreciate the finer (and cheesier) things. The menu is designed around the cheesery's many different types of fromage, and of course, there's an extensive wine menu. If this sounds too fancy for your kiddos, it's not; the brunch menu features plain toast, loads of pastries, and buttermilk ice cream. 

21. Old Town Junction - Santa Clarita 

Choose an omelet your way, biscuits and gravy, churro french toast, or another filling breakfast item at this gourmet spot in Newhall. Kids are welcome, and there is limited outdoor seating for families that want some wiggle room. 

22. Aroma Coffee and Tea - Studio City 

You'll have to wait in line to order at this casual brunch, coffee, and tea fixture in Studio City, but the food is well worth it. The spacious patio behind Aroma is the perfect place for kids to squirm while waiting for their meal, but once brunch arrives, you better believe everyone will be happy to sit and enjoy. 

RELATED: Mother's Day Brunch Recipes Kids Can Make

Dine outside on the beautiful patio. Photo courtesy of Gracias Madre Newport

Mother's Day Brunch at Restaurants with Multiple Locations

23. Truxton's — Westchester and Torrance

The buffet is fabulous, and kids' prices are less than a third of the adult's prices. Champagne and Bloody Marys flow, and there's plenty of organic food for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Mother's Day specials include eggs Benedict and banana Foster French Toast. 

24. Marmalade Cafe — Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Malibu, Calabasas, El Segundo, Westlake Village, Los Angeles

Enjoy an indulgent brunch with cocktails at one of Marmalade Cafe’s seven locations around the LA area. The extensive menu has something for even the pickiest person at your party, and the charming ambiance will please any mama. 

25. Gracias Madre — West Hollywood and Newport Beach

Is there any better spot to say thank you to Mom than at a place that is literally called, “Thank you, Mother”? Come for the incredible plant-based food, and stay for the gorgeous patio. Oh, also stay for the tequila and mezcal-based cocktails. And the nachos. And the hearts of palm crab cake. 

26. Joan's on Third - Studio City and Downtown 

If Mom is still wrangling toddlers or restless little kids, then a sit-down brunch may feel impossible. Joan's on Third is a market-place style order-at-the-counter spot with quality food for the whole family. The menu changes daily, and food can be ordered to-go or eaten inside. If you want to treat the mom in your life to an excellent breakfast without having to bribe the kids to sit still (or surrender your phone for a showing of Cocomelon at the table), this is a great spot. 

27. The Butcher's Daughter - Venice and West Hollywood 

Lemon lavender waffles, whipped goat cheese, and a spring mimosa? The Butcher's Daughter will require a photo shoot before devouring the food. This very "Instagrammable" spot is perfect for young moms who want a fun morning out and has a great kids' menu for the littles. 

Originally published April 27, 2012