Mother’s Day is only a couple of days away, falling on Sunday May 14, but don’t fret if you haven’t planned the special day just yet. The city is packed with options sure to impress the special woman in your life from lavish brunches to picturesque gardens. We’ve rounded up some perfect last minute options you can do with mom this year. Check out our list below of places to eat & things to do. Happy Mother’s Day!
Mom will definitely have an unforgettable dining experience at Manhatta. Situated on the 60th floor of a high-rise building in the Financial District, the restaurant provides panoramic and breathtaking views of Manhattan, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center. The menu features contemporary American cuisine with a French twist, including dishes like venison loin and foie gras torchon.
For a Mother’s Day celebration filled with art, culture, and exceptional Italian cuisine, head to Lincoln Ristorante at Lincoln Center. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the rich flavors of Italy and features a selection of handmade pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood. The sleek and contemporary interior design creates a stylish and elegant ambiance that complements the restaurant’s location in the heart of Lincoln Center. After your meal, take a stroll through the iconic performing arts center and enjoy the beautiful fountains and public art installations.
For the water-loving mom, head to Mezze on the River for scenic waterfront views of the Hudson River. This riverside restaurant offers a menu featuring authentic Greek and Turkish dishes, including classic mezze plates and fresh seafood options. Enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio, with stunning skyline views as the backdrop. Mezze on the River is also conveniently located near several outdoor attractions, such as the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the South Street Seaport, making it a great spot to start or end your Mother’s Day adventure.
The Crosby Bar, located in the trendy SoHo neighborhood, offers a stylish and relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual yet sophisticated Mother’s Day celebration. The restaurant’s menu features classic American dishes with a contemporary twist, such as their famous truffle mac and cheese and juicy burgers. The chic interior design, with its eclectic mix of vintage and modern décor, creates a cozy and intimate ambiance that’s ideal for a family gathering. After your meal, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of SoHo and explore the neighborhood’s trendy boutiques and art galleries.
If your mom is a foodie who appreciates exquisite French-American cuisine, Perrine restaurant at The Pierre Hotel is a superb destination. The restaurant is most well known for its stunning rotunda room that is available for private events, but open for photos when you’re dining. Enjoy beautiful views overlooking Central Park for their Prix Fixe brunch.
The Avra Rockefeller Center is the ideal destination for fresh seafood and a sophisticated ambiance. Located in the iconic Rockefeller Plaza, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers an extensive selection of seafood, including whole grilled fish and raw bar options. The chic and modern interior design, with its dramatic high ceilings and sleek décor, creates an upscale and luxurious atmosphere that’s perfect for a special occasion. Plus, the restaurant’s prime location means you can easily combine your meal with a visit to the Top of the Rock observation deck or a shopping trip in nearby Fifth Avenue.
Le District, located in Battery Park City, offers an authentic French dining experience, complete with fresh bread and pastries, imported cheeses, and a wide selection of wines. The restaurant is part of a larger French-inspired marketplace, which also includes a bakery, a seafood market, and a cheese shop; a great place to walk around before or after your meal. After your meal, take a stroll along the scenic Hudson River Park and enjoy the stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
For a classic Italian dining experience in a charming and historic setting, Barbetta is a beautiful choice. This family-owned restaurant has been a beloved fixture of the Manhattan dining scene since 1906 and offers an extensive menu of authentic Italian dishes. The restaurant’s lush garden, complete with ivy-covered walls and a fountain, provides a romantic and picturesque ambiance that’s perfect for a special occasion. The interior design is equally stunning, featuring antique furnishings and elegant décor that transport you to another era. After your meal, take a stroll through nearby Central Park and enjoy the beauty of the city’s iconic green space.
Il Fiotista is a fun option for the floral loving mama. This plant-based restaurant located in NoMad offers a menu inspired by the beauty and flavors of flowers. Il Fiorista will make a special bouquet of flowers for your table for Mother’s Day. The restaurant has a bright and colorful interior design with floral accents and cozy seating areas. The menu features a variety of creative plant-based dishes, such as the popular flower pot dessert, which features chocolate mousse and edible flowers. After your meal, check out the restaurant’s flower market and take home a bouquet as a lovely keepsake of your Mother’s Day celebration.
It won’t be easy for Mom to forget the magical views from The Fulton by Jean-Georges. This elegant and modern restaurant, located in the Seaport District, offers a menu inspired by the sea, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The interior design is sleek and contemporary, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the East River. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, from sushi and crudo to grilled fish and seafood platters. For a post-meal treat, take a walk along the nearby pier and enjoy the picturesque waterfront views.
For an extra charming brunch, head to La Mercerie in SoHo. This French-inspired café and bakery offers a delightful menu of sweet and savory dishes, with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The interior design is equally stunning, with a light and airy aesthetic that transports you to a charming Parisian café. From freshly baked croissants and pastries to savory quiches and omelets, there’s something for every palate on the menu. Step outside and you’re in the heart of SoHo’s shopping district, a perfect place to walk off that croissant which was definitely worth it.
For a fun and educational Mother’s Day outing, head to the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. This iconic museum recently opened its new Richard Gilder Center for Science, featuring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and a Butterfly Vivarium. Marvel at hundreds of colorful butterflies as they flutter and fly around you in the vivarium, and learn about their lifecycles and behaviors. Explore the various exhibits, which cover everything from biodiversity and climate change to astronomy and anthropology. And don’t forget to check out the museum’s famous dinosaur fossils, including the towering Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops skeletons.
Cruise around New York Harbor for Mother’s Day from one of the many companies offering boat tours. Whether you’re looking to dine on board, or just soak up the city skyline – you’ll have no problem finding the right cruise for mom. Pictured above is The Bateaux which offers both day and night cruising options in addition to a wonderful meal.
If you’re looking to pamper Mom, add QC Spa to the list. This tranquil oasis is just a short ferry ride away from Lower Manhattan and offers a variety of luxurious spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs. The spa also features a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, and sauna, all of which are designed to help you relax and rejuvenate. But the real highlight of QC Spa is its serene location on Governors Island, which offers stunning views of the New York City skyline and the harbor. After your spa treatment, take a leisurely stroll around the island and enjoy its picturesque gardens, historic buildings, and public art installations.
Take your mom on a movie date to the Rooftop Cinema Club. This outdoor cinema experience is sure to impress with its breathtaking views of the city skyline, comfy deck chairs, and state-of-the-art audiovisual system. The movies scheduled for Mother’s Day include Casablanca, Moulin Rouge, and Mamma Mia. Grab a popcorn and cozy up with your mom for some movie magic with big city views.
Treat your mom to a serene and cultural experience at The Met Cloisters. This museum is nestled in the beautiful Fort Tryon Park and showcases a vast collection of art and artifacts from medieval Europe. Your mom will be able to explore the stunning gardens, walk through the peaceful cloisters, and admire the intricate artwork on display. The tranquil surroundings and historic beauty of The Met Cloisters make it the perfect spot for a peaceful Mother’s Day outing. Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge while you’re there.
Surprise mom with a visit to the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a hidden gem tucked away in the Northeast corner of the park. This stunning six-acre garden features manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and enchanting fountains. Your mom will love strolling through the garden’s three distinct sections: the Italian garden, the French garden, and the English garden. With its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery, the Central Park Conservatory Garden is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing Mother’s Day afternoon.
Treat mom to a bird’s-eye view of New York City at The Edge Lookout, the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Located at Hudson Yards, this breathtaking attraction offers unparalleled views of the city skyline from 1,100 feet above ground. Your mom will be blown away by the panoramic vistas of the iconic Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the surrounding waterfront. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass floor, The Edge Lookout provides a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
If your mom is a nature lover, take her to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx for a beautiful and peaceful day. In May, the garden will be in bloom for many flowers, making it the perfect spot to sightsee and snap some beautiful pictures. For Mother’s Day the venue is throwing a Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party where you can picnic on Daffodil Hill with food served by local vendors.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful and serene oasis in the heart of Brooklyn. With over 52 acres of gardens and green space, this is the perfect spot to take your mom for a relaxing and enjoyable Mother’s Day. Stroll through the flower gardens, explore the Japanese Garden, or admire the exotic plants in the Desert Pavilion.
Wave Hill is a stunning public garden and cultural center located in the Bronx. On Mother’s Day, visitors can explore the 28-acre estate, which includes several different gardens, woodlands, and scenic spots overlooking the Hudson River. Wave Hill’s collection of flowers and plants from around the world is truly breathtaking, and there are plenty of picturesque paths and benches to take in the view. Wave Hill also offers a variety of special events and activities for Mother’s Day, such as tours, yoga, picnicking and more.