The Ultimate Mother's Day Dining List: Top 150 Restaurants Chosen by Moms

Mother’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in America - filled with flowers, heartfelt cards, and family traditions. But this year, we wanted to go a step further and find out exactly how moms would love to be treated. So, we asked the experts themselves.

We surveyed 3,014 mothers from across the country to discover which restaurant they would most like to visit this upcoming Mother’s Day. From upscale steakhouses to cozy brunch spots, their answers reveal not only a craving for great food but also a desire for atmosphere, service, and memorable experiences.

Top Ten Restaurants

1. 1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach – Santa Monica, California

Picture this: you’re celebrating Mother’s Day with the Pacific Ocean stretched out in front of you, waves crashing softly while you dig into something delicious. That’s 1 Pico, the gem tucked inside Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. It’s got that easygoing California coastal feel - think simple grilled dishes paired with whatever’s fresh and in season. The view hits you the second you walk in, and the menu’s packed with winners like Chilean Sea Bass or a dry-aged rib eye from Midwest farms. Whether it’s a long, lazy brunch or a quiet dinner, it’s the kind of spot that makes Mom feel like royalty.

2. The Middleton Place Restaurant – Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re after a Mother’s Day with a side of history and Southern charm, this Charleston spot is hard to beat. Middleton Place Restaurant sits on the grounds of a National Historic Landmark, surrounded by gardens and ancient oaks that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The food leans into Lowcountry classics—fresh, seasonal stuff that tastes like the South on a plate. Brunch here is a peaceful escape, whether you’re inside or out on the terrace soaking up the views. It’s a sweet way to treat Mom to something beautiful and delicious.

3. Harvest on Hudson – Hudson, New York

For moms who love a good view and a plate of Italian-inspired food, Harvest on Hudson delivers. It’s right on the river in the Hudson Valley, with gardens and scenery that make you want to linger. The brunch menu is a seasonal treat - local ingredients mixed with Italian flair - and there’s plenty of room to spread out inside or enjoy the breeze outside. It’s fancy without feeling stuffy, and that combo of great food and a killer setting makes it a Mother’s Day win.

4. Osteria 57 – New York City, New York

Manhattan might be all hustle, but Osteria 57 in the West Village feels like a cozy little escape. It’s got that rustic Italian charm - candlelight, warm vibes, and a menu that’s big on fresh seafood and veggie dishes. Brunch here is laid-back but polished, with handmade pastas and quality ingredients that shine. Pair it with a glass of wine, and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for slow conversations and making Mom feel extra special.

5. Honey Salt – Las Vegas, Nevada

Vegas might scream glitz, but Honey Salt keeps things grounded with a farm-to-table vibe that’s equal parts comfy and classy. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where the food feels thoughtful - seasonal dishes that hit all the right notes - and the setting’s got this airy, farmhouse charm. Brunch cocktails and fresh pastries seal the deal. It’s a place that says “let’s celebrate Mom” without trying too hard.

6. Mozelle’s – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Southern hospitality meets bold flavors at Mozelle’s, a Winston-Salem bistro that moms can’t get enough of. They take classic Southern dishes and give them a little twist - comfort food with a kick. The menu’s full of local ingredients, and the atmosphere’s got that lively, soulful feel that makes you want to settle in. It’s a Mother’s Day pick that’s all about good eats and good company.

7. Huggo’s On the Rocks – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Imagine treating Mom to dinner with her toes practically in the sand, the sun dipping below the horizon over Kailua Bay. That’s Huggo’s On the Rocks. This Hawaiian spot is all about fresh seafood - poke, grilled fish, you name it - paired with tropical drinks that scream vacation. The open-air setup and those ocean breezes make every bite feel like a little getaway. It’s pure aloha, and Mom deserves that.

8. Stone Cliff Inn – Oregon City, Oregon

Tucked up on a bluff overlooking the Clackamas River, Stone Cliff Inn feels like a hidden treasure. It’s got that log-cabin coziness with Pacific Northwest flavors - think hearty classics done right with fresh ingredients. The river views and greenery all around just add to the magic. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, eat well, and give Mom a day to remember.

9. The Allis – Chicago, Illinois

For a brunch that’s equal parts chic and chill, The Allis in Chicago’s Soho House is a winner. It’s got big windows, vintage vibes, and a menu that’s all about fresh pastries, smoked salmon, and killer cocktails. It feels fancy but not fussy - perfect for toasting Mom with a mimosa and some quality time in a gorgeous space.

10. Atchafalaya Restaurant – New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans knows how to throw a party, and Atchafalaya brings that energy to Mother’s Day. Tucked in the Irish Channel, this spot’s got live jazz, killer Bloody Marys, and a brunch spread that’s pure Louisiana love. The vibe’s warm and festive, the food’s packed with soul, and the service makes you feel like family. It’s a celebration Mom won’t forget.

Top Choice In Each State:

Insights:

One of the strongest themes emerging from the list is a commitment to elevated American and New American cuisine - menus that honor traditional flavors while introducing inventive twists. Restaurants like The Carillon in Austin and The Guild House in Columbus offer modern takes on comfort classics, perfect for a celebratory meal that feels both familiar and fresh.

There’s also a strong presence of farm-to-table and seasonal menus, particularly in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Restaurants like Hen of the Wood in Vermont and Waterworks Food & Drink in Winooski reflect the growing preference for locally sourced, thoughtfully prepared meals.

This year, the atmosphere is everything.

• Many of the top-rated restaurants offer scenic outdoor dining, whether it’s an oceanfront patio, a lakeview terrace, or a cozy garden nook.
• Restaurants like Huggo’s on the Rocks in Hawaii, Shearwater Restaurant in York Harbor, Maine, and Salty’s on the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon, deliver breathtaking backdrops that enhance the overall dining experience.
• Historic and unique settings also made a big impression. The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, The Milton Inn in Maryland, and The Fearrington House in North Carolina offer luxurious, storybook-like surroundings perfect for a special occasion.

While dinner remains popular, brunch reigns supreme for Mother’s Day. Many of the top spots are celebrated for their morning and midday offerings, including:

• Milk & Honey in Iowa, known for its cozy, soulful dishes
• The Allis in Chicago, with a chic, café-style ambiance
• Milktooth in Indianapolis, which brings inventive flair to morning fare

These brunch destinations combine bright flavors, refreshing cocktails, and an easygoing yet refined vibe that families love.

Big Love, Bigger Spending

Mother’s Day isn’t just a sentimental occasion - it’s a major economic event. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans planned to spend a record $33.5 billion on Mother’s Day in 2024, making it one of the largest consumer holidays in the country (Statista). That breaks down to an average of $254.04 per person, the second-highest per-person spend in the history of the holiday (NRF).

It’s not just about money - it’s about participation. A staggering 84% of U.S. adults planned to celebrate Mother’s Day in 2023 (FinanceBuzz), showing just how universally beloved the day truly is.

What Are We Gifting?

The traditional staples still reign supreme. Greeting cards and flowers topped the list, with 74% of consumers opting for these time-honored gifts (FinanceBuzz). Jewelry also remains a favorite, with $7.8 billion spent on necklaces, earrings, and other adornments in 2023 alone (Storyly).

Perhaps most telling of what mothers really want is quality time. Around 60% of people planned to celebrate with a “special outing” - usually dining out or participating in a shared activity—underscoring the importance of connection and experience over material gifts (Storyly).

The Comforts of Mom’s Kitchen

Beyond flowers and chocolates, many Americans associate Mother’s Day with the warmth of home-cooked meals and beloved recipes passed down through generations. While every family has its own traditions, a few comfort foods repeatedly emerge as favorites when it comes to “mom-made” meals.

A survey by PickFu revealed that chicken dishes and classic meatloaf top the list of meals that people most associate with their moms (PickFu). These hearty dishes carry with them nostalgia and the memory of family gatherings around the dinner table.

Blue Plate Mayo’s comfort food roundup highlights additional mom-approved dishes, including fried green tomatoes topped with garlic herb mayo, crispy BLTs, and good old-fashioned macaroni and cheese (Blue Plate Mayo). Whether it's a Southern-inspired brunch or a simple sandwich made with care, these foods reflect the love and labor that defines motherhood for so many.

Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,014 respondents based on age, gender, and geography. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. April 2025.