Want to treat mom to a great Mothers' Day brunch? Lucky for you, in the May issue of The Washingtonian we pick some of the best brunches in Washington. Here are our top 5 picks for Mothers' Day. For tons more of our favorite brunches, pick up the May issue, on stands now.
DC
Ardeo
This Art Deco spot in DC’s Cleveland Park is offering a three-course, prix-fixe brunch from 11 to 3 for $45 per person. Chef Alex McWilliams has created a menu with such dishes as braised artichokes and spring onions with lemon-rosemary vinaigrette, peppercress, and artichoke chips; grandanina pasta cooked risotto style with foraged mushrooms and fresh garbanzo beans; and a fennel-sausage frittata with broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, and mozzarella. All moms are treated to a complimentary cocktail. For reservations, call 202-244-6750.
Art and Soul
Housed inside the Liaison Capitol Hill, Art Smith's Southern comfort restaurant is offering brunch-bound moms a complimentary Champagne cocktail and a box of chocolates, starting at 11 AM. In addition to the regular à la carte menu, the restaurant will whip up heart-shaped pancakes with fresh berries and whipped cream. Prices range from $8 to $19. Call 202-393-7777 for reservations.
Bangkok Joe's
Chef Aulie Bunyarataphan will serve up some of her mom's favorite dishes for Mother's Day, including crispy-fried spring trout with mango-lime sauce, seared sea scallops with Asian fruit salsa, and maple leaf duck breast with red curry. All entrees are $16. Moms can also enjoy a free glass of tropical Mimosa flavored with a choice of mint, jasmine, rose water, lychee, and more. Desserts ($7 each) include banana split brûlée and crêpes suzette with honey-ginger ice cream. For reservations, call 202-333-4422.
Blue Duck Tavern
The three-course Mother’s Day brunch at this seasonal-minded hotel restaurant, which is served from 10:30 to 3:45, starts with salad, bread, meat, and fish stations set throughout the open kitchen. Diners then choose a made-to-order entrée and sides and finish with dessert in the pastry pantry. Brunch is $85 for adults and $42 for kids ages 6 to 12; kids 5 and under are free. Call 202-419-6755 for reservations.
Bombay Club
This downtown DC Indian dining room, which just got an extensive makeover, offers a $28 Champagne brunch buffet as well as live piano music. From 11:30 to 2:30, choose from items such as chaat, seafood curry, paneer jalfrezi, chicken tikka makhani, traditional Indian breads, and fruit salad. For reservations, call 202-659-3727.
Café Promenade at the Renaissance Mayflower
The brunch buffet includes made-to-order omelets and pancakes; a seafood table with sushi, cocktail shrimp, crab claws, and oysters; a carving station with prime rib, leg of lamb, and organic chicken; and a dessert station featuring a chocolate fountain. Mom will go home with a loaf of banana bread as a gift. Brunch hours are 11 to 3, and it's $75 for adults, and $35 for kids under 13. Reservations are required; call 202-347-2233.
Michel Richard's vaunted Georgetown flagship is offering a buffet brunch. The spread will include crab cole slaw; cold-poached shrimp; potato-crusted salmon; halibut with saffron cream; rack of lamb; roasted lemon chicken; baked beans; macaroni and cheese; chocolate cake; poached-pear tart; apple tart; and napoleons. Brunch hours are 11 to 2:30, and it's $75 for adults, $37 for children under 12. Call 202-625-2150 for reservations.
The Colonnade at the Fairmont
The Mother’s Day brunch includes cooked-to-order omelets, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and entrées such as beef tenderloin, Maine lobster, lamb chops, and crepes. The meal is a tad pricey—$75 for adults and $37.50 for kids under 12—but the over-21 set can enjoy unlimited pours of mimosas and sparkling wine. Brunch is from 10:30 to 2. Call 202-457-5020 for reservations.
CommonWealth
The three-course Mother's Day menu at this British-inspired gastropub includes menu items such as pickled mackerel with English cucumbers, minted pea soup, spring lamb loin, and pan-seared wild salmon. The menu ranges from $22 to $32, depending on which entrée you choose. Brunch will be served from 11 to 4. Call 202-265-1400 to make reservations.
D’Acqua Ristorante
At this seafood haven, chef Enzo Febbraro is whipping up an à la carte Mother’s Day brunch menu that includes omelets, platters of cheese and cured meat, roasted monkfish, and Italian chocolate cake. Mothers will also be treated to a complementary mimosa. The menu is available from 11 to 3:30. For reservations, call 202-783-7717.
Firefly
On Mother’s Day, chef Danny Bortnick will serve an à la carte brunch from 9 to 2 that includes some items from his new spring menu, such as “snake eyes,” two soft-cooked eggs baked into a bread basket with country sausage, redeye gravy, and potatoes ($14); and a hog roll, grilled Italian sausage with three fried oysters and sautéed peppers and onions on a baguette ($15). Call 202-861-1310 for reservations.
Hank's Oyster Bar
Hank's Dupont Circle and Alexandria outposts will serve an à la carte Mother's Day brunch from 11 to 4. Special entrée items, which range from $18 to $24, include spring lamb, salmon atop potato latkes, and cornmeal-crusted softshell crab. For reservations at the DC restaurant, call 202-462-4265; for Alexandria, call 703-739-4265.
Ici Urban Bistro
At this arty French restaurant, chef Olivier Perret is serving a pan-European à la carte menu that includes brioche French toast, Nutella crêpes, prosciutto bruschetta, and paella risotto. Appetizers are $11 to $15, breakfast entrées are $15 to $18, and heartier entrées are $11 to $26. There will also be special Mother’s Day cocktails, such as the Mojito Royal and the Mango Bellini. For reservations, call 202-730-8700.
The Jockey Club at the Fairfax
The à la carte brunch at this hotel restaurant includes Belgian waffles with whipped cream and berries, Mediterranean seafood soup, and spicy manjari-chocolate mousse. The restaurant will have a photographer on hand to capture Mother’s Day memories free of charge, and moms can enjoy a complimentary mimosa and take home a rose. Brunch is from 11 to 3. Kids ages 5 to 12 eat at half price. For reservations, call 202-835-2100.
The Oval Room
For a brunch near the White House, take your mom to this innovative downtown DC spot where executive chef Tony Conte has crafted a three-course, prix-fixe menu available from 11 to 3. The menu, which is $50, includes dishes such as foie-gras terrine brûlée with Meyer lemon and lavender; crispy salmon with anise, sugar-snap peas, and licorice dressing; and Snake River Farms pork with green apple, red cabbage, and crunchy hazelnuts. For reservations, call 202-463-8700.
Potenza
The à la carte brunch menu at this brand-new Italian restaurant includes family-style portions designed for sharing. From 10 to 3, try such rustic fare as house-smoked salmon bruschetta with artichokes, frisée, and caper berries; corned veal hash with fried eggs and bell-pepper ketchup; Italian brunch toast with strawberries zabaglione; and a breakfast pizza with prosciutto, eggs, arugula, and balsamic vinegar. For reservations, call 202-638-4444.
Rasika
From 11:30 to 2:30, this swank Penn Quarter Indian restaurant will offer a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $40 per person. Dishes include shrimp puffs with shrimp balchao, puff pastry, and hollandaise sauce; a thali with sampling-size portions of four dishes; and an apple jallebi with cardamom ice cream for dessert. The restaurant will serve its regular à la carte menu from 5 to 10. For reservations, call 202-637-1222.
Roof Terrace Restaurant at the Kennedy Center
At this sky-high restaurant, the Dixie Senators will perform during brunch to celebrate moms and families. The performance is part of the restaurant’s regular jazz-brunch program, and the ensemble coincides with the musical Ragtime’s run at the Kennedy Center. Special for Mother’s Day, chef de cuisine Vatche Benguian is cooking up his mom’s favorite dish, soft-shell crabs. The meal is an all-you-can-eat buffet, and adults receive a complimentary glass of Champagne. Brunch, which starts at 11, is $39.95 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and younger. Call 202-416-8555 for reservations.
701
This Modern American restaurant in Penn Quarter offers views of the Navy Memorial from its patio and live jazz in its dining room. On Mother’s Day, chef Bobby Varua will offer customers a $45 three-course brunch from 11 to 4. The menu includes dishes such as lobster crepes with avocado crème, fennel, pickled raisins, and baby greens; French toast stuffed with duck confit and topped with robiola cheese, green onions, fava beans, and spiced maple syrup; and seared lamb loin with a horseradish-and-sundried-tomato crust, white-bean cassoulet, and yellow-squash pearls. For reservations, call 202-393-0701.
Stone’s Throw Restaurant at the Marriott Wardman Park
From 11:30 to 4 on Mother’s Day, Stone’s Throw will host a buffet brunch with made-to-order omelets and waffles, mahi mahi with pineapple salsa, tomato-and-mozzarella salad, and a dessert display with cakes, pies, pudding, mousses, and more. It’s $34.95 for adults and $17.50 for kids under 13. Moms will get a rose to take home. For reservations, call 202-745-6920.
Sweetgreen
Casual Mother’s Day diners might like this salad eatery, which is mixing fresh, edible flowers with organic greens for a special salad to celebrate the day. The $9 entrée-size Mother’s Day salad includes baby arugula, carrots, beets, green apples, mild goat cheese, cilantro, and chive blossoms or edible orchids. The salad is dressed with a lime-cilantro vinaigrette. Sweetgreen’s three area locations are offering the dish: Georgetown (3333 M St., NW), Dupont Circle (1512 Connecticut Ave.), and Bethesda (4831 Bethesda Ave.).
Taberna del Alabardero
In celebration of its 20th anniversary year, Taberna will host its first-ever Mother's Day brunch from 12:30 to 5, featuring the restaurant's signature Spanish cuisine and a complimentary glass of Cava and a rose for mom upon arrival. For reservations, call 202-429-2200.
>> Next page: Virginia and Maryland brunch spots
VIRGINIA
Bastille
This Old Town restaurant is pairing Mother’s Day with the opening of its patio. To celebrate, chef Christophe Poteaux has designed two prix-fixe brunch menus. For $29, adults can enjoy a three-course menu that includes a choice of soup or salad, entrées such as eggs Benedict and seared scallops, and crème brûlée or chocolate pot de crème for dessert; add a cheese course for an additional $9. For $16, the three-course, kid-friendly menu includes house salad, organic chicken fingers, and a choice of dessert. Bastille will serve brunch from 11:30 to 2:30. Call 703-519-3776 for reservations.
Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier
Chef/owner Robert Wiedmaier’s new Belgian-inspired restaurant in Old Town will serve an à la carte menu that includes both breakfast options—such as a Belgian waffle with crème fraîche, lemon zest, and apple butter—and lunch items including steamed mussels with frites and roasted Scottish salmon. There will also be a create-your-own Bloody Mary bar and mimosas with several fruit-juice mixes. For reservations, call 703-894-3440.
Capital View Ballroom at the Key Bridge Marriott
Take in a lovely view of Washington from across the Potomac while you dine on an all-you-can-eat brunch with roast turkey, grilled pork tenderloin, omelets, waffles, and lots of desserts. One glass of Champagne is complimentary. Brunch is $49 for adults, $24.50 for kids ages 5 to 12, free for kids under 5. Seating times are 11, 1, and 3. To make a reservation, call 703-524-6400.
Clifton
If a day trip with mom is more your bag, head to quaint Charlottesville, a 2½-hour drive from Washington, where the Clifton Inn will serve brunch ($48 for adults and $18 for kids). Chef Dean Maupin is designing a to-be-announced three-course menu for the occasion. Seating will be offered every half hour from 1 to 4:30. Call 434-971-1800 to make reservations.
Evening Star Cafe
Chef Will Artley is dishing up some of his favorite childhood foods in honor of his mom. During brunch (10 to 3), the chef will serve a three-cheese chicken enchilada with green chilies, scrambled eggs, and smoked-tomato sauce ($10) as well as a chorizo hash with roasted potatoes, peppers, and onions ($7.50). Make reservations by calling 703-549-5051.
The Grille at Morrison House
This quaint hotel restaurant in Old Town has three-course menus for adults and kids. The adult menu ($50 a person) includes a choice of appetizers such as scallops or crabcakes; entrées including steak and eggs, grilled wild salmon, and eggs Benedict; and sorbet, pot de crème, or a trio of ice cream for dessert. Adults also have a choice of mimosas or juice. The $20 kids menu includes a fruit cup for an appetizer; a choice of banana pancakes, cheese-and-egg scramble, or grilled cheese for the main course; and two scoops of ice cream for dessert. Brunch is served from 11 to 3. Call 703-838-8000 for reservations.
Inox
From 11 to 7, this McLean restaurant will serve a four-course, prix-fixe menu for $77 per person. Items include pan-seared soft-shell crab, sautéed diver scallop, red snapper, and dark-chocolate bread pudding. For children under 13, the restaurant has a three-course menu ($22) that includes potato-chip-crusted chicken with French fries and a mint-chocolate-chip ice-cream sandwich. Call 703-790-4669 to make reservations.
Jackson 20
This all-American dining room in Old Town—named for President Andrew Jackson—is serving comfort-food favorites for Mother’s Day. The buffet-style meal includes a pancake station with berries, fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate chips; biscuits with sausage and gravy; carving stations with roasted leg of lamb and country pig leg; and cranberry bread pudding for dessert. The meal is $50 for adults, $25 for kids ages 6 to 12, and free for kids 5 and under. Add access to the Bloody Mary and mimosa bar for an extra $20. Brunch will be served from 8 to 2:30. Call 703-842-2790 for reservations.
Restaurant 3
This Clarendon dining room will feature a brunch buffet from 10 to 3 with morning options including cinnamon/brown-sugar French toast; smoked fish; artisanal cheeses; and made-to-order omelets. Lunch choices include honey-glazed ham; maple-glazed salmon; and slow-roasted prime rib. The buffet costs $25 for adults and $12 for children under 12. For reservations, call 703-524-4440.
Syrah Restaurant
The bottomless buffet at this restaurant in the Sheraton Reston Hotel includes a spread of breads and Danishes; omelet, waffle, and carving stations; and a dessert display to satisfy Mom's sweet tooth. The price is $36 for adults and $15 for kids under 13. Brunch will be served from 11 to 3. Call 703-332-3800 for reservations.
Tallula
Brunch in this creative American dining room means suckling pig with grits ($14), fried duck egg with asparagus and hollandaise ($10), and French toast with fig syrup ($9). Brunch will be served from 11 to 2:30. To make reservations, call 703-778-5051.
2941
From 11 to 9, this soaring Falls Church dining room will serve a three-course, prix-fixe menu ($68) and a six-course tasting menu ($95). Both menus feature 2941’s speciality dessert, the Chocolate Hat—chocolate mousse, strawberries, and vanilla crème. Wine pairings can be added to the tasting menu for $60. For reservations, call 703-270-1500.
Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro at the Westin Reston Heights
The à la carte Mother's Day brunch includes items such as crab cake benedict and French toast with berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup. Entrees run from $9 to $24. The restaurant will give moms a long-stem rose to celebrate the occasion. For reservations, call 703-234-3550.
MARYLAND
Mrs. K’s Toll House
The four-course, prix-fixe menu at this Silver Spring restaurant is served in a manicured two-acre garden. From 11 to 9, diners can choose from spring dishes such as cream-of-asparagus soup with crab; basil-crusted salmon; and artichoke-and-goat-cheese ravioli. This menu is also available for takeout with a 20-percent discount from the in-house $55 price tag (orders must be placed by Saturday). Mothers get a complimentary pot of herbs to take home. For reservations, call 301-589-3500.
Pienza Italian Market at Gaylord National
This National Harbor restaurant will serve a buffet-style meal from 11:30 to 8. Priced at $42 for adults and $16 for children under 13, the selection includes five stations featuring fresh bread, cheese, pasta, slow-cooked meat, and more. Strolling musicians will be on hand to serenade Mom upon request. Call 301-965-2000 to make reservations.
Redwood
The four-course prix fixe brunch menu at this sleek Bethesda wine bar includes made-to-order apple sugar doughnut holes, blueberry-and-banana pancakes, smoked salmon, and rotisserie prime rib. For dessert, the restaurant has partnered with Cacao Fine Chocolates to create a gourmet chocolate buffet. The brunch is $42 a person. Call 301-656-5515 for reservations.
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company
For an at-home meal that doesn’t require any chopping or sautéeing, get takeout from one of these wood-only barbecue joints. They’re all offering miniature crabcakes, grilled pork tenderloins, grilled salmon, and sides such as spinach salad, goat cheese and mushrooms, and wild rice. Desserts include pecan bars, lemon squares, and double-fudge cheesecake brownies. Other participating locations: DC, Arlington, and Alexandria.
→ Six Great Mothers’ Day Brunches
→ Mothers’ Day Gift Guide
→ Mother’s Day Spa Specials
→ Flowers for Mothers’ Day
→ Mother’s Day Activities
→ Mothers’ Day Brunch Menus and Specials
→ Mother’s Day Hotel Packages
→ Great Day Spas
