5 Standout Mother’s Day Restaurant Experiences in New York City

If a sophisticated Sunday afternoon filled with sips and sweets is mom’s cup of tea, consider the Classic prefix service at Brooklyn High Low in Prospect Heights, a quaint afternoon tea haven with charming indoor and outdoor seating. Priced at $48 per person, the Classic runs for 75 minutes and includes a bottomless pot of house black tea with all the trimmings (milk, sugar, lemon, and/or honey), plus a three-tiered cornucopia of dainty savory and sweet morsels such as cucumber and dill finger sandwiches and fresh scones with clotted cream. For even more variety—or substitutions, though note that vegan and dairy-free options aren’t available—opt for the Vanderbilt or Heights prefix menus. But whichever Brooklyn High Low tea you choose, one thing’s for sure–mom’s going to be extremely chuffed.

For the mom in your life showing no signs of slowing down, opt for a rollicking morning or afternoon at the Essex, a Lower East Side brunch institution synonymous with bottomless bubbles and prime people-watching, thanks to heated and covered outdoor seating. Essex’s Champagne Brunch includes an hour and a half of unlimited mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers, and draft beers with entrees such as challah French toast or chilaquiles for $42.95 per person. If mama’s celebrating with a bigger brood, you’ll need more than 90 minutes for imbibing; fortunately, there’s a special two-hour package for parties of eight or more priced at $52.95 per diner.

From the team that brought the popular NYC-born chainlet Sushi by Bou, this unique 17-course omakase feast offers ultra-fresh fish for the most discerning mom. True to its name, Sushi Suite 1001 is, indeed, housed in a former hotel room at Hotel 32|32, on the cusp of Koreatown and Kips Bay. The suite was transformed into a micro-restaurant complete with a four-seat sushi counter, bar, and terrace. Whether Japan tops mom’s travel bucket list or she’s dined on Jiro’s famed delicacies already, this is an extra-special experience, sure to impress even a seasoned sushi aficionado. Priced at $149 per person (including tax and 15 percent gratuity), the omakase meal is an hour-long experience; beverages are available for an additional cost. Shellfish allergies and Kosher (or similar) dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but modifications are not available for vegetarian, vegan, or pregnant diners.

No flight to Europe is required for this lavish castle brunch, ideal for the mama who is a bonafide history buff. Tucked inside Oheka Castle in the town of Huntington, Long Island, OHK Bar & Restaurant rolls out an a la carte brunch on weekends from 11 am to 3 pm by reservation only. The staggering range of entrees, unlimited waffle station, and extensive cocktail menu are decidedly royal—because mom deserves to feel like a total queen.

Whether due to COVID cautiousness or a deep love for the great outdoors, mom may want to be alfresco for the occasion. Consider a lunch or dinner at Coach Meeting House’s Cabana and Firepit Village in Oyster Bay, Long Island, which will be open on Mother’s Day from noon onwards and is bookable in two-hour blocks. The exceedingly photogenic cabanas, decked with bluetooth speakers, can be open or closed depending on the weather and fit six to eight people comfortably. There’s also a private outdoor fire pit for each, flanked by Adirondack chairs. Get comfortable and order a drink—there’s a spiked slushie bar with ten flavors to choose from—or opt for the $40 bottomless brunch package.