From waterfront cruises to rooftop views, the city’s restaurants prepare special menus for the holiday weekend.
As Mother’s Day approaches this Sunday, restaurants throughout New York City are preparing special menus and experiences for families celebrating maternal figures in their lives.
The holiday presents a culinary opportunity for chefs to showcase seasonal offerings, with many venues creating prix fixe menus specifically for the occasion. At Bottino in Chelsea, guests can enjoy a three-course Italian-style brunch featuring bavette cacio pepe and brioche French toast while overlooking the restaurant’s garden. Prices begin at $95 for adults and $50 for children.
Those seeking waterfront dining options might consider Bateaux’s Mother’s Day cruise departing from Chelsea Piers, which combines fine dining with live entertainment as boats travel along the Hudson and East Rivers. The experience, starting at $120 per person, offers waterfront views alongside brunch fare.
For families preferring Middle Eastern flavors, Cafe Mogador on St. Marks Place serves Moroccan eggs and halloumi eggs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-run establishment has become a neighborhood institution for its authentic cuisine.
Several upscale hotels are also participating in the Mother’s Day dining tradition. The Peninsula New York on Fifth Avenue offers a specialized buffet including a raw bar and spring-inspired dishes such as wild mushroom risotto and carved ribeye roast. This luxury option begins at $265 per guest, including a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne.
For a more theatrical dining experience, Ellen’s Stardust Diner on Broadway presents a “Mamma Mia” themed brunch where singing staff perform alongside themed menu items like “Gimme Gimme Chicken & Waffles” and “Super Trouper Short Stack.” Themed cocktails include “Our Last Summer Sangria” and “Mamma Mia Mimosa.” Tickets start at $50 per person.
Queens and Brooklyn restaurants are also preparing special menus. The Rockaway Hotel + Spa offers a sun-filled brunch in its Harbor Room, featuring a seafood bar and gluten-free options at $75 for adults. In Brooklyn, Yellow Magnolia Cafe provides garden views from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden alongside a three-course dinner with dishes such as goat cheese bruschetta and wild mushroom risotto.
Health-conscious mothers might appreciate Industry Kitchen near South Street Seaport, where the pre-fixe menu includes lighter options like Hiramasa Sashimi alongside heartier fare such as Maine lobster mac and cheese for $55 per person.
Several venues strongly recommend reservations, as Mother’s Day traditionally ranks among the busiest restaurant days of the year. Most special menus will be available only on Sunday, May 11.
