Where To Dine For Mother's Day Across The Country

We owe our moms a lot, so of course they deserve a holiday all to themselves! Show your mother how much you appreciate her this Mother's Day with a meal at one of these delicious restaurants on Sunday, May 11.

Boston

Nothing says "appreciation" like a trip to Clio to indulge in what pastry chef Monica Glass has created for Mother's Day weekend. Mother's Day is especially close to chef Glass' heart, and to honor her mother, while allowing others to celebrate theirs, she has prepared special elegant desserts. Options include: a passion fruit mousse with hibiscus, coconut ash, linden blossom, and sour cream; and Chocolat à la Menthe, which features frozen mint tea and chocolate.  You can enjoy these treats after a lovely dinner, as snacks at the bar, or just by themselves. Thirty percent of proceeds will go toward The Women's Lunch Place — a nonprofit supporting local women and children struggling with poverty.

Chef Josh Lewin honors moms around town like no other with his Mother's Day brunch at Beacon Hill Bistro. For $39 a person, you can indulge in options like roasted asparagus salad, Faroe Island salmon, and brioche French toast. Finish the meal off with a tasty treat from their dessert cart and you will all be ready to seize the day — or spend the rest of it perusing the antique and boutique stores along Charles Street or strolling through the Commons. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As per usual, Beat Hotel has something up their sleeve for both brunch and dinner for Mother's Day and it involves more than just food and drink. In addition to their wonderful menus, live jazz tunes will fill this Harvard Square spot from 10 a.m to 3:30 p.m. this Mother's Day. À la carte brunch will also be offered and include some great dishes like wild flower honey and lemon pancakes. Specially crafted cocktails will be featured in addition to Beat's roster of 24 American wines. It's a win-win-win for you, mom, and your tummies!

So maybe you can't go to Paris for Mother's Day, but the next best thing is a full-blown brunch overlooking the Boston Public Gardens at Bistro du Midi. Chef Robert Sisca offers a selection of starters such as a classic Caesar with anchovies, tuna tartare, and smoked white asparagus soup. Main dishes include poached egg with cured salmon and American caviar, heirloom beet gnocchi, pan-roasted hake, or a grilled Colorado rack of lamb. Dessert features options like espresso ice cream and lemon pistachio tart. Enjoy all this and an exquisite view for $50 a person.

Chef Chris Coombs plans to shake things up at Boston Chops for the mom's in town with a three-course prix fixe menu. Start with a few items perfect for sharing, including a basket of freshly baked croissants, sticky buns and scones, or fresh fruit plate. Move on to a choice between a duck confit omelette, huevos rancheros, or blue crab grits. You can finish off with signature desserts like apple cobbler or chocolate pistachio cake. The prix fixe menu is $49 per person and will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended.

Perhaps you want to pull out all the stops for your mother this year. How about breakfast in bed, made especially for your mother in your very own home? Kitchensurfing has just what you need. Choose from a collection of incredibly talented chefs from around Greater Boston, your desired food style, and create the menu of your dreams. Ahem, mom's dreams. Oh, did we mention clean-up is included too?

This year, The Sinclair in Harvard Square will be hosting special Mother's Day brunch. Start with some oysters (and some bubbly, naturally), order some doughnuts for the table, share spicy eggs Benedict with jalapeño corn cakes, and go big with their waffle burger. Breakfast hash, brunch tacos, and tater tots will be available as well.

Shojo, located in Chinatown, is another great Mother's Day option. On the 11th, this Asian bar and bistro will hold its first ever brunch event. From noon to 7:30 p.m., you can saunter in for whatever meets your fancy. On top of the diverse and interesting menu, mothers will receive flowers and dessert on the house

Chef Mark Allen knows just what his mother would like for Mother's Day and you can forget a one-day celebration. At Towne Stove and Spirits this year, Mother's Day will be made into a weekend of activities and pampering. On May 10th, get your mother over to Towne to enjoy their outdoor patio. Think hairstyling, massages, and makeup, as well as wine and appetizers served indoors throughout the day. There will also be a card station for kids (and the kid in all of us). On the 11th, Towne will be serving a traditional à la carte brunch as well as a special three-course prix fix.

Towne Stove and Spirits (credit: Marlo Marketing)

If you live out in Medfield, or are looking to plan a nice day trip, keep Zebra's Bistro and Wine Bar in mind. Chef Brendan Pelley will be concocting meals any mother could love. A simple but inspired two-course brunch menu awaits with options like steel cut oatmeal with apple sauce and bourbon caramel (no ordinary gruel), and smoked salmon with pickled red onion and crème fraîche for starters. Second courses include options like their spaghetti carbonara, house corned beef hash and challah French toast. The cost is $28 per person.

If mom is in the mood to sleep in, treat her to a three-course dinner instead! For $45 a person, choose from skillet roasted Bar Harbor mussels, pan-seared Atlantic pollock and carrot cake, or vanilla bean panna cotta.  With a menu like that, who doesn't want to celebrate Mother's Day in the hands of a chef fresh from the James Beard House dinner series?

Chicago

Roka Akor will be offering a prix-fixe dinner this Mother's Day for $85 per person. The menu will include wagyu beef and kimchi dumplings, prime rib with wafu dressing, and a yuzu soufflé. Mothers will also get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and $25 gift certificate.

Treat mom to brunch at Bites Asian Tapas. Enjoy unique dishes from their brunch menu such as green tea pancakes and pulled pork waffle. Mothers will receive a free mimosa with a choice of orange, lychee, or mango juice, as well as a $10 gift certificate. 

mK The Restaurant is really making sure mothers feel special this Mother's Day. Along with a complimentary champagne toast, all mothers will receive a gift bag full of treats including gift certificates to mK, boutique p.45, and Michael & Michael Salon, as well as a take-home dessert from pastry chef Lisa Bonjour.

mK the Restaurant (credit: Isabelli Media Relations)

Chef Ryan McCaskey will give moms a special sneak peek of his new brunch service at Acadia on Mother's Day. Starting with a selection of complimentary pastries from pastry chef Thomas Raquel, the new menu will include dishes like country-fried pork neck and eggs, Scotch eggs with violet mustard and wild watercress, and morel mushroom and leek tart. See the entire menu here.

Indulge with your mom at Bistronomic this holiday with an extensive, locally-sourced menu. The three-course brunch is $39 per adult, with bottomless mimosas for an extra $15. Look forward to dishes such as asparagus velouté, eggs Benedict meurette, and the Bistronomic Napoleon. 

Weber Grill will be offering both brunch and dinner on Mother's Day with special dishes available at each meal. Brunch will feature delicious dishes like chocolate cherry pretzel bread French toast and iron skillet hash, while dinner diners can order plank grilled Alaskan halibut and Parmesan truffle crusted New York strip. Reservations can be made here.

Take your mom out on a trip back in time with Untitled's Big Band Brunch. Chef Jospeh Heppe will present a farm-to-table menu featuring red wine braised short rib hash and lemon curd ricotta pancakes. A 1940s-style swing band will set the mood for a celebration of the best lady around. Brunch is $40 for adults and $20 for children.

New spring dishes will be featured at The Florentine's Mother's Day brunch. Try the chocolate Belgian waffle or the veal skirt steak with French beans and marinated tomatoes. Mothers can also enter into a raffle to win a dinner for two at the restaurant and a spa day at JW Marriot's Valeo Spa.

Your mom deserves the best, so why not treat her to Mother's Day brunch at Sixteen? With indulgent offerings such as a raw bar featuring Alaskan king crab and a buffet complete with made-to-order pancakes, omelettes, and risotto, it's a sure way to show your appreciation. All mothers will leave with a sweet treat from pastry chef Aya Fukai as well. 

Give your mother delicious food and breath-taking views at the Signature Room. Their Mother's Day brunch includes an expansive buffet and decadent à la carte options, such as strawberry basil French toast and pan seared snapper. Mothers will enjoy a complimentary mimosa upon being seated.

Denver

The Brown Palace, a historic hotel dating back to 1892, has seen many famous guests including "The "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, Queen Marie of Romania, the Beatles, and President Theodore Roosevelt. Aside from its historical significance, the Brown is known for its special holiday events. Treat mom to a traditional afternoon tea or the Dom PerignonChampagne Brunch at Ellyngton's, the hotel restaurant. Prices range from $31 to $50.

Ellyngton's at the Brown Palace (credit: Brown Palace)

For a family friendly and upscale experience, head over to the Inverness Hotel for an elaborate brunch buffet. Fun activities for the kids include a face painter and balloon artist. The cost is $55.95 for adults and $25.95 for children ages six through 10.

Lola is known for its selection of more than 200 tequilas, but it also has a world-class Mexican-inspired brunch menu. There's also a fantastic view of downtown Denver. Enjoy a Mexican mimosa and Lola's huevos, lobster deviled eggs, or shrimp and grits Benedict. Expect to spend between $8 and $16 per entrée.

Impress Mom with brunch at Ya Ya's Bistro, a highly recognized, James Beard Foundation featured restaurant. The menu includes a combination of American, French, Italian and Greek dishes. Choose between the expansive buffet and traditional breakfast favorites à la carte. The buffet is $24.95 for adults and $13.95 for children ages six though12.

Dazzle Jazz offers an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. With a focus on home-style comfort food, everyone out celebrating Mom will be pleased with the selection. Enjoy a show from the Paris Takes Jazz Quartet while you enjoy the buffet. The cost is $18.95 for adults and $9.50 for children 10 and under. Dazzle offers bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys for an additional $10.

Le Central is an unpretentious little restaurant serving up classic French cuisineoffering both brunch and dinner on Mother's Day. Try les moles et frites (mussels and fries) — a house specialty. Don't forget to save room for one of the exceptional French desserts like macaroons or a pot de creme au chocolat, a creamy dark chocolate custard served with pecan biscotti. Prices range from $9 to $18 for brunch and $16 to $23 for dinner.

The Delectable Egg is a local chain that serves breakfast and lunch only, but what they do, they do well. Locals are huge fans of the huevos rancheros, the Denver omelette, and the stuffed French toast. Take a moment to check out the "traveler's wall" which is covered in photos of loyal customers with Delectable's menu in exotic locations. Prices range from $7 to $10.

Morton's is featuring a special steak and seafood three-course dinner for $59.99 just for Mother's Day. The meal features a single-cut filet mignon and a choice of sea scallops, jumbo shrimp Alexander, or jumbo lump crab cakes — a meal that will be sure to delight Mom. Of course, Morton's regular dinner menu will also be available.

Colorado might be landlocked but, don't discount Jax Fish House. If Mom is a seafood lover, this is the place to take her. The famed "rawbar" offers up oysters, clams, chilled crabs, and lobsters, all flown in daily. Prices range from $25 to $30 for an entrée.

One of the best restaurant chains in Denver, Maggiano's offers gigantic portions of Italian-American favorites, including homemade pastas. The best way to eat at Maggiano's is the family-style, where guests select from a wide range of dishes to form a multi-course meal, and dishes are filled up as many times as you like. The cost is $30 and under per guest depending on which family package you select.

Las Vegas

Emeril Lagasse's Table 10 at The Palazzo Resort is a great option for this coming weekend. We highly recommend the Carlsbad Aqua Farm steamed mussels to get started, and then fresh West Coast oysters. Also, you can enjoy a perfectly prepared Colorado filet mignon or the king salmon.

You also might want to check out Iron Chef Kerry Simon's Simon Restaurant and Lounge. Succulent bluefin tuna tartare, followed up by crispy, creamy rock shrimp is a great wait to start. You can also never go wrong with the citrus-braised short ribs and legendary dry-aged, 26-ounce bone-in tomahawk rib eye.

Simon Restaurant and Lounge (credit: Facebook/Simon's Restaurant)

Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Resort is a great way to celebrate in true French style. Get things going with warm brie cheese or duck confit and fingerling potatoes. We suggest the grilled salmon and spinach salad, brie and butternut squash quiche, and the legendary French classic, steak au poivre.

La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at the Wynn Resort is an excellent choice for the oenophile in your mom. Choose a great wine from their list and order up mushroom grits, Thai snapper ceviche, and bacon-wrapped dates. A beef filet or veal short rib makes a great finish on your Mom's special day.

Mother's Day is all about family and what better way to celebrate than with the Cake Boss' Buddy V's Ristorante at The Palazzo Resort. You can't go wrong bringing your mom and family to this very family-friendly venue with a view.

Vegas Uncork'd is one of the nation's premier food and wine events. This year, they'll close the four-day culinary festival with a Mother's Day brunch prepared by chef Alain Ducasse at Manadalay Bay's miX. Your mom is certain to enjoy an extravagant brunch paired with sparkling wine and classic cocktails.

Delmonico Steakhouse at the Venetian and Palazzo Resort is one of the best steakhouses in the city. This year, they'll be offering special Mother's Day dishes for lunch and dinner. Don't miss this one!

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Resort will be at its best this Mother's Day. We suggest beef Wellington and scallops but no matter what you choose, the meal will be memorable.

For a classic, classy Mother's Day head to Verandah at the Four Seasons Hotel and enjoy an array of brunch stations. Verandah will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mom will love the beautiful view and champagne.

Take mom to the newly rejuvenated downtown area and treat her to a celebration she'll never forget at the Golden Nugget Resort's Chart House. You and mom will be able to choose from fresh seafood, tender steaks, and their legendary prime rib. Afterward, enjoy a walk and explore what downtown Las Vegas has to offer.

Los Angeles

Head up the coast to Carmel for the day and enjoy a luxurious afternoon Mother's Day Brunch at Bernardus Lodge. Guests can dine indoors or outside on the terrace that surrounds the resort's manicured croquet lawn and bocce court. The spring-inspired brunch buffet prepared by chef Cal Stamenov features local organic vegetables, naturally raised meats, farmhouse cheeses, and traditional brunch favorites. $75, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The waterfront Café Del Rey is offering a three-course Mediterranean-inspired brunch including unlimited sparkling wine, mimosas, Bloody Marys, and sparkling cider to pair with rustic fare. Menu items include short rib hash, brioche French toast, grilled tiger shrimp and roasted leg of lamb. $48, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hollywood's The Churchill is offering a four-course menu for Mother's Day diners. Guests can choose between granola, fruit, Tuscan salad, mushroom bisque, eggs Benedict, short ribs, lobster frittata, and Texas style toast among other items. $40, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills is offering a prix fixe brunch at Esterel. In addition to bottomless mimosas and live music by the Miles Davis Jazz Quartet, mothers can indulge in a variety of crêpes, goose mousse, New York strip steak and eggs, porcini agnolotti pasta, and a chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut crème brûlée trio among other dishes. $55, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Langham Huntington in Pasadena is celebrating Mother's Day with a brunch, chocolate afternoon tea, spa package, and an ultimate makeover contest. On May 11, mothers can choose from enjoying brunch in the Huntington Ballroom, $95, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; the Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse, $85, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; or at The Terrace, $58, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A pink chocolate afternoon tea will be held in the Lobby Lounge and includes a selection of sandwiches, teas, and pastries, $59, noon to 3:00 p.m. The spa is offering a special Chuan harmony massage for $165. Additionally, the resort is launching a Mother's Day Makeover Contest with the winning mom receiving a two-night stay; two mani-pedis, facials, haircuts, makeup applications, make-up to take home, and massages; two $150 gift certificates to ModCloth; a glamour photo shoot; dinner for two; tea for two and daily breakfast for two. Click here to enter.

For the mom who loves her margaritas, La Sandia, located on the third floor of the Santa Monica Place, provides a lively setting for mothers to enjoy flavorful Mexican dishes and "South of the Border" inspired drinks. Items include huevos rancheros with refried beans, salsa, panela, and chilaquiles; Mexican chocolate waffles with fried plantains, whipped crema and strawberry sauce; and carnitas sopes eggs Benedict with corn cakes, mole poblano, and potato plantains. To celebrate, every mother will receive a rose. Menu prices vary, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Head south to L'Auberge Del Mar for a variety of motherly celebrations throughout the month of May. Relax with mom at their Mother's Day L'Tea by the Sea served Saturdays and Sundays (except on Mother's Day). Champagne, tea, scones, sandwiches, and bite-sized desserts are served with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. On Mother's Day, a lavish brunch will be served at the Waterfall Terrace with salads, seafood, omelettes, pasta, and an assortment of main dishes. $67, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Spa L'Auberge is offering a "May-ke it About Her" spa package, perfect for moms, aunts, grandmas, and friends. It includes a massage, facial, and bright eye treatment for $280.

For the mom who loves a soft ocean breeze overlooking the Pacific, One Pico offers a three-course menu that features chef Sven Mede's seasonal ingredients and European inspirations. Selections include organic salmon tartare with horseradish, capers, dill, and pumpernickel; lobster risotto with artichokes and Bloomsdale spinach; and a raspberry and chocolate tart with salted caramel sauce. $80, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

One Pico (credit: Shutters on the Beach)

The iconic Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel will be offering a Mother's Day brunch and dinner. Both are three courses. Diners can choose from blueberry ricotta pancakes, lobster Benedict, soft shell crab, and New York steak for brunch; or celery root quince tortellini, sweet pea agnolotti, and Dover sole for dinner. A buffet dessert will be served for both meals. Brunch is $135 for adults, $55 for children, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and dinner is $145 for adults, $55 for children, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Chef Govind Armstrong will be hosting brunches at Post & Beam in Baldwin Hills. The menu will feature a buffet with deviled eggs and grilled shrimp, grits, biscuits and sausage gravy, and apple pie. $36, two seatings, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

For the mom who enjoys people-watching at the beach, Shutters' Coast Beach Café & Bar has a three-course prix-fixe menu that consists of market greens with candied hazelnuts, radishes, and lemon-honey vinaigrette; roasted Alaskan halibut with corn succotash and English peas; and marscapone cheesecake with market strawberries and pistachio streusel. $42, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mom's will love the interchangeable mimosa bar and brunch at Vertical Wine Bistro in Pasadena. The menu includes blueberries and banana French toast, smoked salmon Benedict, sea bass, and short ribs among other dishes. $39, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Take mom away from it all at Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel Air for a three-course brunch. Menu options include old fashioned ricotta-lemon blintzes, Maryland blue crab cakes, hand cut English pea tortelloni, huevos rancheros, the HBA Benedict, pan roasted organic Jidori chicken, or a mesquite grilled black Angus beef burger. A buffet dessert and choice of mimosa, Bloody Mary, or champagne to start are also available. Each mom will receive a surprise gift from La Prairie courtesy of the Hotel Bel Air spa. $130, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

New York

Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court at The Plaza. Known as the heart and soul of The Plaza, The Palm Court's vast, airy landmark space is bordered by mirrored doors, fleur-de-peche marble columns and is crowned with a domed yellow and green skylight. Afternoon Tea, a famous tradition at The Plaza, blends an innovative menu with a formal tea service to create an experience that is indulgent, exquisite and truly unforgettable. Beginning at 1 p.m., A Very Special Mother's Day Tea will be offered in The Palm Court for $75/person featuring sandwiches and savories such as seared ahi tuna, smoked salmon grissini, and preserved lemon-crème fraîche & basil. For $95/ person, guests also receive a choice of a glass of Champagne. 

Lincoln Ristorante, the Michelin-starred modern Italian restaurant located on the Lincoln Center plaza, features Chef Jonathan Benno's sophisticated interpretation of dishes from the Veneto region of Italy. Meals here will be light, fresh, and perfect for a relaxing afternoon with mom. The restaurant's stunning floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Henry Moore Sculpture Pool add the perfect backdrop. For dessert, mothers are treated to one of pastry chef Richard Capizzi's four beautiful tortes, each paired with a distinct house made gelato. A four-course prix fixe menu consists of anitpasti, primi, pesce or carne, and dolci. There will be choices for all four courses so that guests have the opportunity to customize their experience. $70/person.

Newly opened Upper West Side Indian restaurant Savoury will serve a special prix fixe brunch on Mother's Day. The menu will include three courses, with dishes like lasuni gobi (crispy cauliflower tossed in tangy garlic tomato sauces), daal savoury (black lentils simmered overnight on a slow fire, tempered with cumin and ginger), and chicken ginger kebab (white meat chicken marinated with fresh ginger, herbs and spices). Mothers will also receive a complimentary mango lassi. $20/person.

Empire Steak House (237 West 54th Street) will offer a delicious assortment of menu items and a complimentary glass of mimosa or bellini for all mothers. The menu includes appetizers such as fried calamari, baked clams, and Caesar salad. For an entrée, diners have their choice of prime sirloin steak, prime rib eye, filet mignon, lamb chops, chicken parmigiana, pasta primavera, surf & turf, and much more. For dessert, the restaurant offers a choice of tiramisu, carrot cake, cheesecake, or chocolate mousse cake with coffee or tea. $79.95/person.

For New Yorkers who can't splurge on a new Birkin bag or pair of Louboutin pumps for mom this Mother's Day, Jacques Torres has sweet alternatives – chocolate purses, heels, hats, and more! Jacques' hand-crafted Mother's Day collection includes dark, milk, and colored chocolates that can help celebrate both the fashionista and foodie mom without breaking the bank. All products are available at Jacques Torres Chocolate New York City locations.

Philadelphia

The first restaurant is Philadelphia's best kept secret: Café La Maude. La Maude is a French-Lebanese café that is decorated in a quaint, vintage manner, and serves some of the best plates in the area. Try the Berrylicious Pain Perdu: a decadently stuffed brioche with mascarpone cheese or Nutella. If your sweet tooth can't handle that buttery brioche, then go for the chicken and waffles Café La Maude style, featuring chicken cordon bleu: a waffle stuffed with breaded chicken, French ham, Gruyére and Fontina cheese, topped with a sunny-side up egg and a white Dijon cream sauce.

Cafe La Maude (credit: cafelamaude.com)

Tucked away on 217 West George Street, One Shot Café is an artsy, bookworm's fantasy. One Shot serves Stumptown Coffee and will feature a hearty brunch. One Shot has their everyday favorites, but if you're looking for something special, come on over Sunday and peruse the special offerings on the scroll hung directly to your right when you walk in. If you choose to go with a café favorite, try the farmhouse hash, featuring roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, spring peas, charred scallions, thick cut bacon, red Swiss chard, and two sunny side eggs. If that isn't enough, they serve an herbed rustic toast with goat cheese on the side.

Sabrina's Café is another favorite for the locals. This week, their menu has a take on everyone's favorite HBO show, Game of Thrones. If you hated King Joffrey, Sabrina's has the perfect plate for you: King Joffrey's Last Slice special pancakes. These heavenly stacks are pumpkin pancakes filled with raisins, shredded carrots, and roasted walnuts, finished with a peach-cinnamon syrup and a white chocolate vanilla butter. If you're infatuated with the charming, sarcastic Lord Tyrion, eat Sabrina's Tyrion Lannister's Halfmanwich: grilled chicken on a Sarcone's roll with Boston lettuce, tomato, grilled kielbasa, hot sauce-marinated caramelized onions, fried yucca, and a tomatillo-bell pepper relish. If you haven't heard of Game of Thrones, after dining here, you will want to watch every episode in a day.

It's been a long cold winter, so travel over to Fishtown and warm yourself up at Soup Kitchen Café. For a laid back Mother's Day meal, come dip their goat cheese sandwich, featuring roasted beet, shaved fennel, arugula, walnut pesto, and herb-lemon vinaigrette on multigrain toast, in their creamy tomato basil soup. If goat cheese isn't your favorite, you can choose their grilled cheese option with a secret three-cheese blend and pickled green tomatoes.

If you're around Center City, wander into Chinatown and eat at David's Mai Lai Wah. A staple for soups, noodles, and dumplings, this Chinese restaurant will change your outlook on the regular takeout. Mai Lai Wah is the Asian restaurant equivalent to the Cheesecake Factory in terms of their menu size. Options include a plethora of fried rice, lo mein, pan-fried noodles, and vegetarian dishes to select from.

If you really want to show your mother how well you're doing, take her to Steven Starr's Talula's Garden in Washington Square. Try a main entrée of seared scallops, leeks, and butterball potatoes, Kohlrabi (German turnip/turnip cabbage) purée, roasted carrots, carrot butter, and lemon caper mojo. You can also opt for a little vegetable dish like the creamed kale with horseradish and toasted Oreganata bread cumbs.

Craving some Italian flavor? Head over to Little Nonna's in Center City and dine in an Italian-American restaurant that has an open kitchen and an outdoor garden. Marcie Turney, owner and executive chef is brilliant in her delivery of traditional Italian dishes. Savor in the Sunday gravy with the night's macaroni choice and meats on the side. 

A few blocks away from Center City, walk over to South Philly and enjoy a meal at Royal Tavern. Located at 937 East Passyunk Ave., this pub will not disappoint. Enjoy a beer from their vast and diverse drink list and try their grilled sweet potato bánh mì, with bibb lettuce, jícama (Mexican yam), carrots, pickled daikon, jalapeños, and cilantro aioli, or their fish and chips, featuring beer-battered cod, steak fries, grilled asparagus, smoked jalapeño tartar sauce, and malt vinegar.

If pubs are not your mother's cup of tea, stroll over to Fork in old city (306 Market Street) and dine in elegancy. A nationally acclaimed contemporary American restaurant, Fork is simple-yet-sophisticated in food and in aesthetic. If you're able to reserve a table for dinner at Fork, try their hand-made pasta selections.

Lastly, Vedge is a great destination for meat lovers and vegetable lovers alike. Taste their spicy grilled tofu, with gochujang, edamame purée, smoked miso, yuba cracklin, or their wood-grilled okra, consisting of royal trumpet gumbo, and banana peppers.  

Reporting by Rachel Cossar, Lauren Knight, Michelle Sandstrom, Elaine and Scott Harris, Abby Chang, Melissa Kravitz, and Shaena Engle