Still need to make a plan for Mother’s Day on 10 May? Our Gauteng contributors share their restaurant recommendations for every kind of mom, whether she’s a mother of young children (who need room to roam), has ‘kids’ in their forties, is more of a French toast and bubbly kind of person, or a craft beer and fry-up type.

Johannesburg

Chaplin’s Grill (Sandton)

This establishment offer a kiddies station with some creative, stimulating games. All items on the à la carte menu are homely and made in-house, including dessert. Spoil mom wiith a platter of fresh oysters and bubbly to enjoy before lunchtime begins at around 11.30am. Other starters will include salmon terrine and fresh figs with parma ham and gorgonzola. Main course options are fresh Indian Ocean emperor line-fish or oryx (gemsbok) venison, and possibly a wild mushroom vegetarian option.

Eat (Northcliff)

Chef Philippe Wagenführer has devised an elegant Mother’s Day brunch that offers excellent value for money. Arrive a little earlier to sample a glass of MCC on the patio while the sound of water tinkles in the background. Order individual dishes or go for the set menu at R325 per person. You can expect lemon panna cotta with gorgonzola soil and quince jelly; salmon fish cake with poached egg; and beef fillet with béarnaise, wild mushrooms and lyonnaise potatoes. Finish off with savoury chocolate mousse with roasted fig, gorgonzola crumble, and beetroot ice cream, or a croissant and coffee.

Level Four at 54 on Bath (Rosebank)

This hotel in the heart of Rosebank is running a Mother’s Day dinner, bed and breakfast special, so if it’s a lazy late breakfast-brunch that you’re after, this is the place. They hit the right notes for autumn with a warming apple, cinnamon and sherry drink to start; then, an amuse bouche and a choice between prawn and lemon risotto or beetroot textures with goats cheese, apple and walnut. For main course, choose between 30-day matured beef fillet, classic sole Colbert, pan-fried duck breast with roasted duck leg, or the vegetarian option of mixed mushrooms, roasted pumpkin, hand-made gnocchi and porcini cream. For dessert, you will have a hard time choosing between a Malva pudding, milk tart espuma, amaretto crumble and tonka bean ice cream, and apple and rhubarb crumble with salted caramel ice cream and cream liquor anglaise.

Level Four at 54 on Bath. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Maximillien (Sandton)

Why not send mom off to experience the special Mother’s Day package at the Da Vinci Spa, and then on to the restaurant for their special Mother’s Day luncheon? Enjoy a glass of bubbly until 12 noon, when the buffet (R350 per person with under 12s paying half-price) opens up. Starters include a choice of two soups or a gourmet ‘make your own’ salad. Main options include line fish with tomato and red onion salsa, braised lamb potjie in red wine, seafood paella, and more. A berry panna cotta with fresh fruit and meringue ends the meal.

Maximillien. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Stanley Beer Yard (Milpark)

While this might not immediately appear the most traditional thing to do, who’s to say one can’t take mum to a beer yard? (They do also have bubbly available.) Brunch options include mussels served in a white wine and tomato-based sauce with shoestring fries (R105); and marinated halloumi and mushroom prego in fresh ciabatta (R85). There’s also an artisanal cheese board with sweet olive chutney and homemade bread to share between two people (R135); a cured meat board with olives, sundried tomato, basil pesto, tapenade and homemade bread (R135); and, for dessert, Lindt chocolate brownies and homemade halva ice cream (R45) or fridge cheesecake with raspberry coulis (R45).

Stanley Beer Yard. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Pretoria

Al Fiume (Hennops River Valley)

This restaurant offers a unique out-of town escape from the city, on wooden decks overlooking the water. Although they only start lunch from 12 onwards, you might do well to arrive a little earlier to enjoy a coffee or glass of bubbly and savour the natural beauty of the countryside while awaiting the live entertainment. The set menu at R395 per person includes a starter of a trio of blue cheese and fig preserve, smoked salmon chipotle and a quail egg and pancetta salad. Mains include a choice of tandoori chicken, confit of duck with orange, a fillet option, or linguine with mushrooms, truffle oil and parmesan. Dessert will be a combination plate of caramelised nectarine, chocolate mousse and lemon cheesecake. The buffet (R275 per person) at the River Lapa will consist of a hot section, cold section and desserts, and will include items such as spicy oriental calamari salad, ox tongue with mustard and onion relish, classic chicken chasseur, leg of lamb, and malva pudding.

Al Fiume. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Barn at Irene Dairy Farm (Irene)

If you’re spending your Mother’s day with little ones, give yourself a break and spend your morning at the beautiful Irene Dairy Farm where you can enjoy a cappucino in peace while they explore the beautiful gardens and watch the cows being milked. The Barn serves a buffet-style breakfast (R129.95 per person), which includes everything from muesli and yoghurt, fresh fruit salad, carved cold meats and cheese to a hot selection with eggs, sausages, bacon, grilled tomatoes, baked beans and mushrooms. Finish with the flapjacks drenched in syrup and the farm’s own cream.

The Barn at Irene Dairy Farm. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Blos (Olympus)

This beautiful eatery offers breakfasts and lunches that will impress mom and gran, and this Mother’s Day they’re offering a chef’s special. If you go for breakfast, don’t miss their Banting Benedict (R59) with mushrooms, poached eggs and creamy hollandaise sauce. For a heartier appetite, the Big Blos Breakfast (R78) comes with eggs, bacon and cranberry frikkadel, sweetcorn muffin and beef strips in a spicy apricot sauce. For lunch, the lamb and prune potjie (R120) and bobotie burger (R75) will satisfy heartier appetites.

Blos. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Life Grand Cafe (Hazelwood)

When it comes to swish, chic breakfast options, you can’t overlook Life Grand Cafe. Order the delicious Green Eggs Benedict (R68) or go for the full house with their lazy breakfast (R70) which comes with eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and potato wedges. Choose from the well-considered list of bubbly or authentic French Champagne to add some sparkle.

Life Grand Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Rosemary Hill (Boschkop)

This picturesque venue offers a lovely range of breakfasts and lunches which are perfect for any informal celebration. The Plaas Brêkfis (R65) comes with eggs, sausage, pap dumplings and relish and will please anyone with a mighty appetite. For something a little more special, try the French toast (R45), which is either served with a spiced chai syrup and ice cream or with crispy bacon and syrup.

Rosemary Hill. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Spiced Coffee @ Ludwig’s Roses (Pretoria North)

Though Spiced Coffee might be a little out of the way, it is a must for any flower enthusiasts. The aroma of exquisite roses along with good food and a lovely play area for the kids will make for a wonderful Mother’s Day. Try the Poached Egg Delight (R60) which includes poached eggs, black forest ham and rye bread spread with labneh cream cheese. For something a little more traditional, the Farm Breakfast (R60) with creamy, scrambled eggs with fresh chives, sausage, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and toast served with their homemade rose preserve is a must-try.

tashas (Design Square, Brooklyn)

If you’re looking for a classic restaurant with excellent food and good service to visit on Mother’s Day, tashas is a good bet. You are guaranteed to find something for every palate at this chic eatery. The salmon omelette (R102) with chives, smoked salmon, cottage cheese and avo is sublime, while the French Toast (R66) with mascarpone and mixed berries or Italian cherry preserves is a must for those with a sweet tooth.

While we take care to ensure the accuracy of all our information, please note that prices and menu items might change without our knowledge.