It’s time for Mom to be celebrated. Whether that translates to your grandma, aunt, mother-in-law or sister, taking the mother figure in your life out to brunch is a wonderful (and tasty) way to give thanks. With Mother’s Day around the corner (May 14) we’ve got these exceptional South Florida destinations for you to choose from. Reservations are highly recommended.
Café Boulud
Mom will love having brunch at the historic Brazilian Court Hotel Palm Beach, and Café Boulud’s classy interior and delightful backyard surely delivers! The restaurant, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, offers a spring-inspired Mother’s Day menu by Executive Chef Dieter Samijn and Executive Pastry Chef Julie Franceschini. Open your appetite with Sweet Petite Oysters and Antonius Oscietra Gold Caviar, followed by starters like the Green Gazpacho, Pea & Mint Salad or the Hand Cut Steak Tartare and entrées like French Toast, Seared Diver Scallops and Prime Beef Striploin. For a sweet ending, order the Lemon Cheesecake or decadent Chocolate Cake.
Where: 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach
For more information, visit cafeboulud.com.
Photo by AJ Woomer
Fiola
A meal at one of the most celebrated Italian restaurants in town is always a smart choice. For Mother’s Day, Fiola offers a brunch menu featuring Cobia Ceviche (Leche de Tigre, Habanero, crispy chickpeas), Ricotta & Lemon Pancake (Florida strawberry compote, whipped mascarpone), Swordfish Milanese (Meyer lemon, capers, Jimmy Nardello peppers, cucumber, fried egg) and Delmonico Steak & Eggs (pancetta, ossobuco sauce, wild ramps Zabaglione). Finish on a sweet note with Florida Key Lime Pie, Profiteroles, Fior di Latte Gelato or Marchesi Valrhona Chocolate Terrine.
Where: 1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables
For more information, visit fiolamiami.com.
Photo courtesy of Ricardo Mejia
Leku
This buzzed-about restaurant will whisk Mom straight to Basque Country in Spain. Housed in the Rubell Museum, its indoor and outdoor setting is adorned with artistic masterpieces, adding to the elevated ambiance. Newly appointed Chef Carlos Garcia (from Obra) showcases a flavor-packed menu. Food items include Lechuga, Mojama y Aliño De Pimientos y Tomate (Salanova green butter lettuce mixed with red pepper and tomato dressing topped with in-house dry-aged tuna belly), Cochinillo Crujiente con Piperade Ahumada (crispy confit suckling pig with smoked piperade), Bacalao Confitado Con Acelgas y Pil Pil De Cebollino (cod confit wrapped in Swiss Chard and Chive Pil Pil) and Arroz Negro a la Basa (Mussel and Clam Back rice). All moms will enjoy a Gâtau Basque tart, a traditional dessert from the Southern Basque region of Spain that has legendary status here.
Where: 1100 N.W. 23rd St., Miami
For more information, visit lekumiami.com.
Photo courtesy of Leku
LoLa 41
Head to the luxurious White Elephant Palm Beach and savor coastal cuisine, local seafood and Asian and Mediterranean-inspired creations. This vibrant venue is hosting a special three-part menu on May 14 in honor of Mom. Among entrée choices are Lump Crab Benedict (with potato latkes, poached egg, hollandaise and spinach salad), Lobster Ravioli (with squash blossom, topped with pesto and toasted pine nuts) and Apple Granola Turnover (with berries and brown butter rum semifreddo) for dessert. Regular menu items will also be available, so leave room for signature offerings of steak, sushi, pasta, salads and bar libations.
Where: 290 Sunset Ave., Palm Beach
For more information, visit lola41.com.
Photo courtesy of LoLa 41
La Boulangerie Boul’Mich
At La Boulangerie Boul’Mich, an artisan bakery with multiple locations including Boca Raton, the coffee and freshly baked goodies will leave Mom in a state of bliss. The menu includes all-day breakfast options like Traditional Egg Benedicts, Greek Avocado Toast and Latin and European pastries like empanadas, quiches, Venezuelan tequeños or Argentinian alfajores, plus out-of-this-world desserts like Key Lime Pie, Nutella Mousse and Tiramisu all served in a jar.
Where: 6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton
For more information, visit laboulangerie.com.
Photo courtesy of La Boulangerie
La Mar by Gastón Acurio
For a Peruvian-style Mother’s Day, La Mar by Gaston Acurio offers a menu curated by Chef Diego Oka that will instantly transport you to The City of Kings. Specials include Peruvian classic Lomo Saltado, Arroz con Pato, Pan con Chicharron, Shrimp Cocktails and regular offerings like cebiches, causas, tiraditos, sushi and salads, as well as juicy anticuchos, fried whole fish, empanadas and other traditional dishes. Expect specialty cocktails, beer and wine while overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Where: 500 Brickell Key Drive
For more information, visit sevenrooms.com.
Photo by Miami Chef
La Fuga
Say cheers to all the moms in the family with one of Fort Lauderdale’s best mimosas followed by an Italian feast by Chef Michael Mayer. On Mother’s Day, try the Formaggi e Salumi (an assortment of cured meats and cheeses with oven-roasted tomatoes and fresh sourdough bread) and a bruschetta bar with three different variations like the Traditional Bruschetta, Tartare di Tonno (with yellowfin tuna) or Carpaccio. Of course, pizza and pasta are a must in every Italian restaurant, so order the Prosciutto e Fichi (topped with pesto, parma ham, fresh fig, pine nuts and goat cheese) or hand-made pasta like the Tagliatelle al Ragú Bolognese. Don’t leave without trying the pistachio and chocolate chip cannoli or creamy tiramisu.
Where: 2900 Riomar St., Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit shorebreakfortlauderdale.com.
Photo courtesy of The Dana Agency
Joliet
This South Miami Beach staple, acclaimed for its charming seafood bistro, invites moms to celebrate with brunch specials on May 14. On the menu: Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Grilled Asparagus, Salmon Almondine, Carolina Gold Rice, Summer Squash and a Strawberry Shortcake. Take this meal to the next level with rosé and champagne to toast Mom or sample some of Miami’s best cocktails (if you like spicy, go for the Red Snapper!)
Where: 1209 17th St., Miami Beach
For more information, visit jolietmiamibeach.com.
Serena Pastificio
To feel like you’re in pasta heaven, head to Serena Pastificio for Mother’s Day. Pastificio, which means pasta factory in Italian, is the core concept of this Boca Raton spot. Beyond the wide assortment of hand-made pasta, enjoy a lavish offering of assorted meats, cheeses, bread, salads, side dishes and Italian desserts. To name a few: Gnocchi Al Pepe Nero, Fondutelli Al Tartufo, Ravioli Di Falso Magro, Salmone e Lenticchie and Pollo Al Mattone. With over five different options for dessert – like Panna Cotta, Cioccolato Fondente and Gelato e Sorbetto – it’s impossible not to leave happy.
Where: 301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
For more information, visit serena-pastificio.com.
Photo courtesy of In House Creative
The Hampton Social
Celebrate Mom with the beloved “Rosé All Day” concept at this Delray Beach favorite. Besides indulging in its coastal-inspired cuisine, the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere will make you feel like summer has already knocked on the door. Begin with a complimentary glass of the restaurant’s signature rosé and enjoy dishes like Bananas Foster French Toast, Crab Cake Benedict or Lobster Roll.
Where: 40 N.E. 7th Ave., Delray Beach
For more information, visit thehamptonsocial.com.
Photo by Brian Adams
Lightkeepers
If you want to wow Mom on her day, take her to Lightkeepers at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami for a delicious indulgence with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic. This prime beachfront location is hosting a Mother's Day brunch with caviar, sushi and seafood, three carving stations, a kids’ buffet and a selection of more than 12 desserts, including Choco Moist (double dark and milk chocolate from Valrhona, crunchy almond tips, vanilla ice cream) or the Exotic Pavlova (soft passion fruit mousseline, crunchy meringue, basil, berries). No doubt this will be a Mother's Day for the books.
Where: 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com.
Photo courtesy of Lightkeepers at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami