Thanking our leading ladies for all they’ve done is no easy feat. But we can try, one gesture at a time. No mum is going to refuse the chance to put her feet up and enjoy an exquisite meal with a glass of champagne, so why not treat her to one of Sydney's best Mother's Day lunches, dinners, high teas, or treats this year?
Everyone’s Mother’s Day is going to look a little different, but whether you’ve got a big crowd to entertain, feel like splashing the cash on Mum, or are simply looking for a low-key lunch—we’ve got you covered for the big day. Check out Sydney's best Mother's Day lunches and more below.
Capella Sydney
CBD
If the woman who raised you is a fan of the sweeter things in life, then high tea is a must-do Mother’s Day experience. The team at the newly opened Capella Sydney hotel seems to agree, as they are hosting a specially curated afternoon tea series in their lush green, light-filled foyer. Sip tea and nibble on scones as you sit amidst a collection of contemporary sculptures and installations. The menu is brimming with reimagined high tea classics, like salmon roe tartlet with lemon burrata, and salted caramel and wattleseed mascarpone eclair. The afternoon tea is held over two sittings, 12.30pm, and 3pm, and costs $105 pp. Book here.
Mode Kitchen & Bar
CBD
If you want to celebrate in style, head to Mode Kitchen & Bar in the Four Seasons for a lavish three-course buffet extravaganza. For $120pp, you can graze on the impressive antipasto buffet, while enjoying a hearty main like duck ragu gnocchi, or pan-roasted kingfish with Jarvis Bay mussels. Complete the meal with an iconic purple pavlova that will leave you wanting more. The deal also includes a purse for Mum designed by Camilla, and of course, a glass of bubbles to toast to the lady of the hour. Book yourself a table here. And if you want to pull out all the stops, why not make a staycation of it and head upstairs for a luxurious night at the Four Seasons? You’ll be in the good books after that one.
Crown Sydney
Barangaroo
If Mum loves beautiful jewellery, she'll love this decadent high tea. Hosted at TWR at Crown Sydney, this special, one-off Paspaley High Tea is inspired by the beauty of Australian South Sea Pearls. The famous jewellery house has dreamt up a number of pearl-themed sweet and savouries for you and Mum to enjoy, alongside a complimentary glass of champagne too ($135pp). Bookings can be made here. If you're ready to indulge even further, we recommend heading up to the stunning Crown Spa for a 90-minute La Prairie Facial and more complimentary champagne, just for Mother's Day of course. Bookings for the spa are available here.
Penfolds Degustation Dinner Cruise
Sydney Harbour
Get away from the action of the city and spend some quality mum time with this six-course degustation cruise for two. Enjoy dinner on the water while the Sydney lights slip by, complete with personalised service, live music, and of course, Penfolds wine flowing all night long. Sure, it’ll set you back a cool $538, but if there’s one way to spoil Mum, this has got to be it. The cruise operates on Friday and Saturday, letting Mum have her prized Mother’s Day sleep-in on the day. More details and booking information can be found here.
Chin Chin
Surry Hills
If your mum is an enjoyer of all things vibrant and energetic, she’s going to love the Mother’s Day spread that Chin Chin has planned. Filled with bold, fresh, and flavourful South East Asian dishes, choose your own adventure from their four set menus, ranging from $88 - $150pp. Expect all the Chin Chin classics, from kingfish sashimi to barbecue prawns, as well as some Mother’s Day specials like crispy duck with chilli jam. Keep the celebrations going and treat Mum to one of Chin Chin’s bespoke Mother’s Day cocktails. And make sure she grabs her complimentary gift on the way out! Book here.
Bistro Moncur
Woollahra
For a decadent French moment, head to Bistro Moncur to indulge in a three-course lunch that Mum will be sure to remember. Situated in the heart of Woollahra, the bright and cozy space is perfect to sit back with a wine and catch up with Mum. For $140pp, you guys can enjoy three courses from their A La Carte menu curated by head chef Tom Deadman. Expect a classic French fare with the best of Australia’s seasonal produce, available from 11.30am-3pm. Book here.
Odd Culture
Newtown
Shake things up a little and take your mum to Odd Culture for a one-of-a-kind dining and drinking experience. The Inner West restaurant and bar is dedicated to all things fermented - from the beer to the food, and this Mother’s Day, the team has curated an exciting set menu. Grab your spritz on arrival and settle in to enjoy items such as beetroot kombucha vinaigrette, koji roasted chicken, and of course classic favourite, tiramisu bianco. The Mother’s Day spread is $95pp and $30pp for children, so get the whole family together for an afternoon in the town. Make sure you book here.
The Old Fitz
Woolloomolloo
Not sure what vibe to go for? Whether you want to bask in the sunshine with the dogs, or impress with a sit-down meal in the upstairs bistro, The Old Fitz can be as casual or as indulgent as Mum sees fit. Tuck into a Sunday roast, or simply enjoy some oysters and a salad over a glass of bubbles. With kids’ and veggie options available too, there’s something for everyone. Get in quick and book now.
Promenade
Bondi Beach
If your mother dearest is always on the lookout for the newest spot in town, then Promenade is your go-to this year. Recently opened and housed in the heritage Bondi Pavilion, Promenade offers sweeping ocean views, seafood platters, and an impressive selection of vino too. For $99pp, you can feast on a five-course menu which includes lemon myrtle and macadamia flatbread with whipped ricotta, charcoal roasted miso lamb neck, and peach Melba with salted white chocolate. Plus, all mums will be gifted a botanical body wash from Bondi Wash. Add in some great company and a stroll along the beach afterward, and there’s no better way to make a day of it. Promenade’s Mother’s Day menu is available for lunch and dinner and your table can be reserved here.
The Squire’s Landing
The Rocks
There’s only one thing that says "I love you, Mum" more than an exquisite three-course lunch, and that’s an exquisite three-course lunch with a gorgeous view. Treat Mum to a delightful meal against the spectacular backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, choosing from entrees and mains like kingfish ceviche and wood-fired lamb rump from their two-course menu ($80pp). Take it up a notch with the three-course set menu ($100pp) and try an exciting dessert like chai panna cotta with saffron syrup, or basil meringue with orange pearls, fig jelly, and rose. There is also a $20pp kids menu for under 12s, so if you’re after an opulent meal for the whole family that won’t break the bank, this could be a winner. Book here.
Babylon
CBD
Take a bit of a trip to the Mediterranean in the thumping heart of Sydney’s CBD (impossible, right?). Well this year, the team at Babylon are serving up a nine-dish feast featuring a medley of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes (think macadamia dukkah, harissa calamari, and Turkish coffee ice cream), in their stunning rooftop garden dining room. Sit back, watch the bustling city below, and enjoy the delectable array of share plates that come your way. The lunch is $99 per head and can be booked here.
The Dolphin
Surry Hills
If your mum’s a fan of a pub lunch, why not elevate it for the big day with the Dolphin’s Mother’s Day special, created by executive chef Danny Corbett and head chef Aldo Lara. Enjoy a saffron risotto with roasted lobster, lobster butter, XO dressing, and tarragon paired with a glass of (appropriately named) Mumm Champagne. The full a la carte menu is also available if you’re after a burger, share plates, or a classic Dolphin pizza. The extended reserve wine list is also on offer for Mum. Who said a banging lunch needed to come with a hefty price tag? Book here.
Sofia
Redfern
If you’ve got a big group to feed then check out Sofia, an airy Mediterranean grill and cocktail lounge set in a beautiful Redfern heritage building. At $110 per head, their Mother’s Day share feast is designed for the whole family to enjoy. Revel in warm sourdough with olive oil straight from their groves in Greece, or try pomegranate cured ocean trout, slow-cooked lamb ribs, and baked kataifi pastry to name a few. With generous-sized servings, vibrant seasonal produce, and European wines—what’s not to love? Bookings can be made here.
Sailmaker Restaurant
CBD
This one’s for the seafood-loving mums. Head to Sailmaker Restaurant for a succulent, unlimited seafood buffet serving up the finest fresh seafood including Sydney rock oysters, Queensland prawns, swimmer crab, octopus, and more. Follow with beef striploin, barramundi, lamb shoulder, or mac-n-cheese. Finally, end your afternoon on a sweet note (and a food coma) with a smorgasbord of 10+ desserts, from pavlova to chocolate hazelnut praline, to Eton mess. Starting at $129pp, the sheer abundance of it all makes every dollar worth it. The Mother’s Day buffet is available for lunch (12pm- 2.30pm) and dinner (6pm-10pm) on 14 May. Book here.
RAFI
North Sydney
If simple and elegant are words you’d use to describe your mum, then fresh modern Australian flavours are probably right up her alley. RAFI is a contemporary restaurant inspired by the coastal elements of Sydney, focused on seasonal and sustainably sourced produce. For time-honoured classics done well, look no further than their Mother’s Day set menu ($15opp) which features the likes of grilled lobster with cultured butter, dry-aged Black Angus sirloin, and crispy chickpea hummus with pita. There’s nothing more Sydney than sipping on sparkling in a sprawling, sunlit terrace courtyard. Book here.
Little Pearl
Manly
A sumptuous Asian-inspired menu, prime ocean views, and spritz—what else could a mum want? Manly’s Little Pearl specialises in hawker-style shared plates that pair well with bold cocktails, and this year they’ve whipped up a Mother’s Day menu showcasing their best. Garlic mushroom gyoza, crispy duck leg penang, and paw-paw salad sound tempting? The menu is available from 12pm and comes to $89pp, including a pink spritz cocktail on arrival. Head over here to book.
Botswana Butchery
CBD
In the heart of the city, Botswana Butchery is a stylish dining space known for its top-tier steak, fish, and game. For $130pp, you can indulge in a premium cut of Cape Grim sirloin, hiramasa kingfish with eggplant caviar, and a selection of artisanal cheese from around Australia. And, you’ll score a glass of Perrier Jouet Blason Rose on arrival. Reservations can be made here.
Image credit: Bistro Moncur, Capella Sydney, Crown Sydney, Chin Chin, Bistro Moncur, The Old Fitz, Promenade, Babylon, The Dolphin, RAFI, Little Pearl, Botswana Butchery
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