Fact: Mom deserves a nice meal. Also fact: Mom probably needs a drink more than she needs flowers. So where does a loving son or daughter take Mom to make her special day better than ever? One of the best Mother’s Day brunches that New York City has to offer.
But where do you even start sifting through all the options? That’s where Yelp comes in. They combed through not only their review and rating data but also the average number of brunch parties seated to find you the best Mother’s Day brunches. That means the food is tested by eager brunchers just like you, and you have a pretty good chance of snagging a reservation.
Plus, have you seen how brutal Yelp reviews get? If these spots for Mother’s Day brunch in NYC earned high marks from those dagger-tongued diners, you can be confident they’ll live up to Mom’s high expectations. So what are you waiting for? Check out their menus and the dishes diners rave about below, then get going on booking that reservation.
Meet the best Mother’s Day brunches in NYC
Carroll Place
157 Bleecker St
(212) 260-1700
carrollplacenyc.com
See their brunch menu
This wine bar and gastropub is perfect for the mom who’s always telling you to “Mangia!” Italian appetizers to share should be in your order, and you’ll have trouble deciding between the main dishes — they have eggs for days. Even better, order the “Buon Giorno Pizza,” that boasts toast-worthy toppings like truffle cream and speck without feeling too stuffy. Still looking for the wow factor? Two words: Nutella calzone.
Tanner Smiths
204 W 55th St
(646) 590-2034
tannersmiths.com
See their brunch menu
All the classic brunch offerings are accounted for on this menu — and they even have a “Feed Your Hangover” section in case you were out late the night before Mom got into town. Get in the speakeasy spirit, the whole place is decorated to match, and order a “Speakeasy Tea,” a cocktail made for two served in a teapot, to enjoy together.
Pisticci
125 La Salle St
(212) 932-3500
pisticcinyc.com
See their brunch menu
Choose this charming spot if you’re looking to introduce Mom to the farm-to-table trend. (Also bookmark this under best Mother’s Day brunches if you’re currently attending Columbia since it’s in your neighborhood.) Pisticci boasts fresh veggies from their own garden at Pisticci Full Circle Farm, 30 miles north of the city. That’s undoubtedly the reason why the salads look so good and every egg dish comes with fresh veg. Yelp reviewers raved about the homemade mozzarella, which you’ll find in several of the brunch menu items.
Gelso & Grand
186 Grand St
(212) 226-1600
gelsoandgrand.com
See their bunch menu
Setting aside the mouth-water menu for just one moment, this place clearly makes the list of best Mother’s Day brunches for ambiance. Think huge banks of factory windows, exposed brick and rustic wooden tables your mom will want to take home. And then there’s the food. Whether you’re going sweet (Espresso French Toast with tiramisu cream) or savory (Grilled Skirt Steak with Eggs featuring truffled potatoes), you’ll see how they took a brunch classic and elevated (read: made it worthy of your amazing mom).
Bea
403 W 43rd St
(212) 602-1910
beanyc.com
See their brunch menu
If your mom’s idea of a treat for dinner is tapas and wine, bring her to Bea where you can spring for the brunch equivalent, the bottomless brunch. They’re not just talking drinks here. Of course you’ll get the standard free-flowing brunch cocktails for 2 hours, but you’ll also get a steady stream of small plates so you and your mom can try just about everything on the menu. Come hungry.
Distilled
211 W Broadway
(646) 809-9490
distilledny.com
See their brunch menu
Diners rave about the “dangerous addictive” complimentary popcorn this place dishes up, even at brunch o’clock, but try to restrain yourself. You’re going to have to decide between, and save room for, super satisfying dishes like “Country Fried Duck & Waffle” or the bougey-sounding but completely delicious “Brunch by Distilled.” The later might be your best bet if you want the kitchen to take care of everything while you and your mom catch up. You tell them how you like your eggs, and they take care of the rest.
BLVD Bistro
239 Lenox Ave
(212) 678-6200
boulevardbistrony.com
See their brunch menu
Searching for soul food? Look no further down the list of best Mother’s Day brunches because BLVD Bistro is what you’ve been waiting for. If the five-star reviews from diners like you don’t do it justice, maybe you’ll trust the Food Network, which voted this spot the #1 Soul Food Restaurant In America. You could fill up on the starts alone, but be sure to save room for one the comforting mains, from crab cakes to chicken and biscuits. And of course your brunch wouldn’t be complete without a boozy sweet tea.
PMF Pardon My French
103 Ave B
(212) 358-9683
pmf.nyc
See their brunch menu
Mom always dreaming of France? Pretend you’re dining in Provence together with PMF’s menu feature plenty of French specialties like crepes, brioche and plenty of fromage. They offer combos — one for cocktail lovers, another for coffee drinkers — or you can order a la carte. Unlike a trip to France, you’ll be able to pick up the check without a second thought since even the combo with bottomless cocktails comes in under $30 per person.
Lilly’s Craft and Kitchen
675 9th Ave
(212) 757-0373
lillyscraftandkitchennyc.com
See their brunch menu
You can’t go wrong with the classics, and that’s what this gastropub is dishing up. The decor screams Americana, so it’s only fitting that American favorites like a juicy brunch burger, steak and eggs and banana-chocolate pancakes make up the menu. Diners gave the home fries especially high marks, so make sure to double down and get an extra side and try to get the seats right under the American flag hanging on the exposed brick wall for the full experience.
Timna
109 St Marks Pl
(646) 964-5181
timna.nyc
File this one under best Mother’s Day brunches if your mom’s not much of a meat eater. This Mediterranean menu offers countless options that let her veg out without sacrificing flavor or suffering through a plate of bland carbs (we’re looking at you, pasta alternative). Meat eaters don’t need to look any further than the beef burger that comes slathered in sinful paprika aioli with a hunk of grilled avocado. Adding the fried egg? A no-brainer.
Best Mother’s Day brunches list and map
Use our easy list here and map below to find the best Mother’s Day brunches in New York City, check out the atmosphere and menus and scope how close it is to where mom is staying.
