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Gorgeous views and delicious food make Ophelia a lovely spot for Mother's Day brunch in Midtown East.

Mother's Day Brunch 2024 in Manhattan

1. Ophelia – Midtown East

Mother's Day brunch with a view is on the menu at Ophelia, the 26th-floor Art Deco-inspired cocktail lounge at the Beekman Tower, which offers sweeping East River views. Executive chef Antelmo Amrosio serves a delectable brunch on a three-tiered tower, with treats like burrata, mini-scones, curried lamb meatballs on pita, zucchini-quinoa fritters, and more. Make sure to wash it all down with a signature cocktail.

2. City Cruises Mother's Day Brunch – Chelsea

Enjoy amazing views of the Manhattan skyline as you sail along the Hudson and East Rivers, noshing on a lavish Mother's Day brunch buffet. The two-hour excursion includes stunning views of the skyline, a live DJ, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and mimosas for the adults. Looking for a more formal seated experience? Consider booking City Cruises plated Mother's Day brunch cruise aboard Bateaux New York.

3. Virgin Hotels NYC – NoMad

Treat mom and get a peek at the Virgin Hotels' newest event space, the Conservatory. Located on the third-floor terrace of Everdene, this space is a treat for lovers of the great outdoors. Mom can enjoy selections like a shrimp omelet, quattro formaggi agnolotti, and grilled Faroe Island salmon while surrounded by greenery. For an extra treat, stop by the interactive Sangria and Spritz Bar, or stick around for the post-brunch floral arranging class (for an extra fee).

4. Forgtmenot – Lower East Side

This casual, cool hot spot is intimate (read small) but homey and delicious with seriously yummy dishes presented simply. At Forgtmenot, try a breakfast burrito with chorizo; hootsla, its version of French toast in nugget form with cinnamon and honey; or its delicious Greek shoestring french fries, doused with oregano and feta cheese. A cool fruit margarita served in a jar makes for an extra delightful Mother's Day brunch. High chairs are available, with more room in the back of the restaurant for a rowdier crew.

5. The Blue Dog Cook House and Bar – Midtown West

This charming dining spot in Midtown offers an eclectic but carefully crafted Mother's Day brunch menu that includes tailored omelets, a variety of eggs Benedict (including a delicious crab cake Benedict), salads, quesadillas, buffalo cauliflower, vegan shiitake bacon, lox, burgers, croque madame (and croque monsieur), chocolate chip pancakes, Oreo waffles, chicken and waffles, and more. It generally doesn't take reservations for its brunches so this option is first-come, first-served.

6. Red Rooster Harlem – Harlem

Harlem's dining renaissance began years ago with chef Marcus Samuelsson's Red Rooster, and his uptown hot spot is still dishing out its elevated soul-food favorites for Mother's Day brunch—and every other meal. Treat the moms in your life to a Mother's Day brunch of fantastic eats, served with a side of live jazz curated by resident artist Nate Lucas. And, if you time it right, you can catch a performance of the Gospel Experience by the Sing Harlem Choir Collective.

7. Le Pavillon – Midtown East

The classy Michelin-starred restaurant Le Pavillon presents special brunch (and dinner) menus for Mother's Day this year. Created by chef Daniel Boulud, this brunch is a treat for the senses, with luxurious options like soft scrambled eggs with caviar, poached lobster, wasabi-glazed ribeye, and more. All this is enjoyed in an oasis from the city, with live olive trees and plants throughout the restaurant.

8. The Roxy Hotel – Tribeca

The vibe at The Roxy Hotel's Roxy Bar and Lounge is decidedly laid-back, with comfy couches enveloping diners in an area more reminiscent of a plush living room than a sit-down establishment. Live jazz accompanies its Mother's Day brunch menu, which recently received an update. Menu highlights include a variety of Benedicts—one features lobster—exciting eggs and entrees, and a very Roxy twist on a Bloody Mary featuring horseradish.

9. Friend of a Farmer – Gramercy Park, Upper West Side

With a brunch menu that's served until 4pm, this farm-to-table favorite is perfect for a leisurely start to the day or even a second breakfast. The healthy menu includes favorites like blueberry, apple, and lemon ricotta pancakes, plus heartier options like the southwestern omelet, avocado tartare, and shepherd's pie. The outdoor seating area is super cozy and equipped with heaters in case it gets chilly.

10. Chez Nick – Upper East Side

This neighborhood staple celebrates Mother's Day brunch with a selection of spring-inspired specials in addition to its regular brunch menu. Mom can tuck into a biscuit breakfast sandwich with maple sausage and a fried egg, while the kids go crazy for the double-stack buttermilk pancakes. There are also cocktails, beers, and wines galore—and even a few mocktail options for the non-drinkers in your party.

11. The Regency Bar & Grill – Upper East Side

In addition to the regular brunch menu served at this Loews Regency Hotel restaurant, moms can enjoy Mother's Day brunch specials from executive chef Manjit Manohar, like baked eggs with plum tomatoes, peppers and sourdough toast, or Maine lobster Benedict with hollandaise and home fries. Also on the menu is a floral show in the hotel's lobby, where visitors can browse and buy flowers, and enjoy a spring pop-up shopping experience in partnership with Bloomingdale's.

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Enjoy brunch outdoors at Havana Cafe. Photo courtesy of the cafe

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12. Havana Cafe – Schuylerville

This cozy Bronx spot offers a lively Mother's Day brunch, complete with all-you-can-drink sangria. On the menu is a variety of Cuban-inspired breakfast items. Stop by later in the brunch to catch a banging selection of beats curated by DJ Psycho. If your kids are less adventurous than you, there's a basic kids menu with child-friendly favorites such as chicken tenders, pancakes, waffles, and eggs, with a decent selection of sides.

13. Moss Cafe – Riverdale

This ethical, mom-friendly, cozy coffee shop and cafe serves a kosher, vegetarian menu embracing the farm-to-table movement. Menus change with the seasons but expect wholesome, hearty, home-cooked goodness and made-from-scratch pastries. Enjoy the cafe's delicious teas and coffees, like the turmeric latte, or indulge in a smoothie like the Chunky Monkey.

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14. Sweetwater Restaurant – Williamsburg

This French-inspired bistro delights all with its highly rated steak frites, French toast, and organic farm-raised egg dishes. High chairs are at the ready, and you can enjoy Mother's Day brunch in its beautiful garden—a lovely option, especially if little ones need to do some exploring while waiting for their meals.

15. Leuca – Willamsburg

The William Vale's southern Italian-inspired restaurant, Leuca, is sure to serve a Mother's Day brunch to remember fresh from chef Andrew Carmeillini's kitchen. Brunch fare includes house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other dishes that feel like a taste of home. The space is bright and airy, and will feel like you've stepped straight into the restaurant's namesake in the Puglia region of Italy.

16. Stone Park Cafe – Park Slope

Delicious and family-friendly, Stone Park Cafe is a solid Mother's Day brunch all-star with a variety of favorites, ranging from eggs Benedict to biscuits and gravy. The pretty dining room makes for a meal that feels a little fancy but still has plenty of high chairs to go around. Arrive early to snag a table.

17. Buttermilk Channel – Carroll Gardens

With great comfort food prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Buttermilk’s Mother's Day brunch is hearty and yummy. Highlights include eggplant lasagna with house-mae ricotta, roasted butternut squash soup, warm lamb salad, buttermilk pancakes (of course!), and more. There’s even a special kids' menu with grilled cheese and other favorites, plus a special ice cream sundae.

18. Sereneco – Greenpoint

This stylish eatery serves Mother's Day brunch with style. Bask in the bright and airy space and delight in Catsmo smoked salmon croissant, buttermilk pancakes with a dark chocolate-tahini spread, or a classic shakshuka with a nutty twist.

19. Five Leaves – Greenpoint

If the weather outlook is good, treat mom to an outdoor Mother's Day brunch just steps from McCarren Park at this unique Australian bar and restaurant. The setting is perfect for new walkers to explore while waiting for food. The menu includes kid-friendly options, from egg sandwiches and ricotta pancakes to avocado toast, as well as some adult-favorite options like oysters and house-cured Norwegian salmon.

20. Superfine – Dumbo

This organic, spacious loft-style restaurant is woman-owned and a long-time local favorite. It's nestled under the Manhattan Bridge and serves brunch classics plus some south-of-the-border-style dishes. Brunch is accompanied by the band, The Lounge Leader, who takes you back in time with its swinging renditions of American standards.

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21. Mom’s Kitchen & Bar – Astoria

What better choice for Mother’s Day brunch than an all-day breakfast spot named Mom’s? Mom's fun menu has dishes like chicken and bacon waffles, shrimp and cheesy grits, and “Bedrock pancakes” made with Fruity Pebbles and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Partake in one of Mom's indulgent adult beverages, like the Hot Girl Summer (jalapeno-infused tequila, orange liqueur, blackberry, lime, and an inflatable flamingo topper) or a Duckie Slide (gin, elderflower, cucumber, lemon, and club soda) or opt for the classic mimosa, served in a 12-ounce goblet. Mom's is also known for the fanciest (alcohol-free) milkshakes, with salty, savory, and sweet flavors blended into one intensely caloric glass.

22. Dinerbar – Rego Park

Dinerbar is a modern take on that good ol' diner we all grew up with. Its regular brunch menu is hard to beat. Kids will have a hard time resisting the French toast tower, and the savory grilled shrimp omelets (called "The Docks") come highly recommended. There's also a "boozy brunch" add-on. Kids, of course, are welcome, and high chairs are available.

23. Victory Garden Cafe Restaurant – Astoria

Mother's Day brunch at the Greek-influenced Victory Garden is just that: Brunch in a garden. Finger-licking good options and a prix fixe menu leave you with plenty to choose from, from spinach pies, egg dishes with a green twist, and other traditional picks. There are also plenty of options to keep picky little ones satisfied and bottomless brunch drinks for the adults.

24. The Rockaway Hotel + Spa – Rockaway

Treat mom to a day at the beach with the sumptuous Mother's Day brunch buffet at this seaside hotel. This year's brunch is served in the Pool House for parties of five and under, while larger groups can book a spot in the Harbor Room. Plus, mom can indulge in a spa treatment post-meal while you entertain the kids in the sand nearby.

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25. Pastavino – Stapleton Heights

While not exclusively brunch, Pastavino serves its full menu on Mother's Day. This includes pasta and wine, as the name implies, but also plenty of other options for a meal that's as light or heavy as you want. For a light brunch-like fare, head to its antipasti section for appetizers like the Tartare di Tonno, which is a sashimi-style tuna with balsamic strawberries, jalapeños, and cucumber succo.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the restaurants

Originally published in April 2011.