In case you forgot, Mother’s Day is on Sunday May 12 (don’t worry, we won’t tell). Want to spoil your Mum? Here’s where to take her in Canberra (and seats are limited, so don’t leave it too long to book).
Contentious Character – Mother’s Day Lunch
Take Mum out for a beautiful lunch amongst the vines at Contentious Character – she’ll even get a complimentary glass of vino. The winery is putting on a special three course lunch, with sittings at 12pm and 2pm. On the menu you can choose from dishes like cauliflower fritti with tahini and honey, duck liver pate with marmalade and toast, Humpty Doo Barramundi fillet, macadamia crumbed eggplant, smoked Dewsbury pork ham hock and pea risotto, and their very own version of a Mint Slice for dessert. Lunch is $95 with matched wines or $65 without, and $30 for the kids. Click here for bookings.
The Conservatory Restaurant, National Arboretum – Breakfast or Lunch
Head up to the Arboretum with Mum for breakfast or lunch at The Conservatory Restaurant. For the earlier risers, breakfast will be served from 8-11am, and is $29 per person. Choose from smashed avo, Belgian waffles, sweet corn fritters, or the ‘mad Woman’s breakfast’ with all the trimmings. Price includes tea, coffee or juice. Lunch is a three course a la carte menu – see the full menu here – for $59, which includes a glass of prosecco, and is on from midday-2pm. For bookings phone 02 6130 0173 or email theconservatory@gingercatering.com.au.
The Duxton – Bottomless Rose Brunch or Lunch
If the words “bottomless rose” are music to your mum’s ears, you’ll be in the good books if you take her to The Duxton. After being greeted by a Chandon Rose Spritz on arrival, you’ll sit down for your choice of brunch dish and two hour free-flowing Chandon NV Rose, plus entertainment, It’s on from 10.30am, and tickets are $55 per person. From noon, they’re also hosting a special three course lunch menu, where mums get a free glass of bubbly on arrival. Lunch is $69, for an entree, main, sides and desserts to share. See the menu and book here.
Really want Mum to think you’re the sweetest? Book her in for an Eat Canberra Sweet Tooth Tour Food Tour (and you can go along with her)! Over two hours you get to visit a handmade chocolate shop, a dessert laboratory, a luxury patisserie and more, tasting plenty of treats along the way. There are even more sweet treats to take home. And you’ll be walking from place to place, so you can burn off some of that sugar along the way. Tickets are $80 per person (get $5 off when you book online). There are still spaces for the tour on Saturday May 11 at 10.30am, which falls on Mother’s Day weekend, or you can grab her a gift voucher so she can choose the date or a different tour.
The Howling Moon – Mother’s Day High Tea
Take Mother’s Day High Tea to new heights at The Howling Moon rooftop bar. There will be sweet and savoury bites, with a glass of sparkling on arrival – not to mention those views. There are sittings at 9.30am, 12.00pm and 2.30pm, or 5pm for a sunset session. There are also two sittings at the Swan and King, one level below, at 11am and 1.30pm. Adults are $55, children 12-18 $40, under 12 $30, and under 3 free – book your spot here.
Marble & Grain – Mother’s Day Lunch
Celebrate Mum with a three course feed me menu at Braddon steakhouse Marble & Grain. Starting with a glass of sparkling on arrival, on the menu you’ll find dishes like truffle and parmesan arancini, slow roast local lamb shoulder with chimmichurri, baked kingfish with angel hair pastry, and a luscious dark chocolate and Bailey’s cheesecake. There’s even a whole menu for the kids in the group. There are sittings at midday or 1pm. Lunch is $89 per person – book here.
Mercure Canberra – Mutts and Mums
Don’t forget about the dog mums! Whether they’re a mum to a fur baby, or just love dogs, The Social Dog Company is holding the first ever Mutts and Mums event this Mother’s Day. Set in the dog-friendly private courtyard at Mercure Canberra, the afternoon includes sparkling wine or juice on arrival, savory and sweet platters, plenty of fun for the humans and treats and more for the dogs (yes, they’re invited too). Adults $45, kids over 10 $15, and pooches are $5. Click here for tickets.
Don’t think Mum should have to pay on her special day? Neither does modern Chinese restaurant and bar Momoda. The city eatery is doing a special Mother’s Day banquet, and Mums eat free. On the day you can feast on Chinese doughnuts with chili kewpie mayo, beef short ribs, Grandma’s sticky pork belly, soft shell crab and plenty more, with fried ice cream to finish. Bookings must be for a minimum of four people, with adults $69 per person and kids $29 per person, and mum gets hers free. Bookings essential on 02 6262 9814 or info@momodacbr.com.au.
Monster Kitchen – High Tea, Breakfast of Lunch
Does your Mum fancy an afternoon delight? Wow her with high tea at Monster Kitchen. This is no ordinary high tea – think confit ocean trout with beetroot jam, horseradish and creme fraiche on a black brioche slider, or BoxGum Grazing beef tartare, and bespoke tea blends made just for Monster by locals Tea Garden Co. Feast on sweet and savoury creations like those, while relaxing in the stylish Monster Kitchen space, complete with hand-crafted furniture and bespoke artwork. There are sittings – midday and 2pm, and tickets start from $70. On Mother’s Day, they’re also running breakfast from 6.30am-11am, with a special photo booth service kicking off from 10am and running all day, or light lunch will be served Monster’s Mosaic Lounge from midday. To book call (02) 6287 6287 or visit monsterkitchen.com.au.
Pialligo Estate – Sunset Drinks
Enjoy drinks and live music, graze on delicious food and lap up spectacular views as the sun sets at Pialligo Estate. The Garden Pavilions will be hosting sunset drinks just for Mother’s Day from 3-7pm. The regular cocktail menu, wine list, grazing and bar food menus will be available to order. You can also get a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board for $60 for two people. To book, call 02 6247 6060 or email reservations@pialligo.estate.
Head up to the 15th floor at QT Canberra for an indulgent brunch at the private QT Lounge. Mums will be greeted with a complimentary glass of G.H. Mumm champagne and a special gift, then dig into a decadent buffet brunch specially designed by Chef Josh Smith-Thirkell, with impressive lakeside and city views as the backdrop. Tickets $75 per person – book here.
Realm Precinct – Breakfast on the Terrace or Indulgent Brunch
Take Mum to Buvette Bistro at Hotel Realm for an indulgent brunch of charcuterie, cheeses, savouries and decadent desserts plus a glass of sparkling – you can add bottomless mimosas or cocktail to complete the experience. It’s $65 per person – add $20 for bottomless mimosas or $14 for cocktails. Book on buvette@domahotels.com.au or call 02 6163 1818. Or treat Mum to brunch on the rooftop at the Burbury Terrace across the road, with views over the lake and leafy Barton. For $25 each you’ll get a full buffet breakfast, with a mimosa on arrival. For bookings contact hightea@burburyhotel.com.au.
All images belong to Eat Canberra unless stated.
