The Best Mother's Day Brunches

Procrastinator's Guide to Mother's Day brunch: Top dining-out options mom will love

Taking mom out for Mother's Day? According to the National Restaurant Association, over 80 million American adults are expected to do just that. However, just like mom, not all Mother's Day menus are created equal. Here are some of our favorites:

AMERICAN

BISTRO ALEX
Highlights: Bistro Alex at CityCentre will feature a three-course, prix-fixe menu this Mother's Day — plus live jazz by Henry Darragh. Hum along to the music as you dine on items like strawberry salad, cornflakes-crusted chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, grilled steak migas, and strawberry shortcake. Bloody Mary’s and mimosas are just $3 each.
Available: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: Prix-fixe menu is$32
Reservations: 713-827-3545

CULLEN'S AMERICAN GRILL
Highlights: If a raw seafood bar, breakfast station and an array of desserts aren't enough to make mom swoon, there's also a carving station. For that extra special touch, chocolates and fresh flowers can be delivered to your table by special arrangement.
Available: The brunch buffet is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last seating at 4 p.m. Dinner service starts at 5 p.m. with the full menu available.
Cost per person: Brunch is$49.95 per adult, and children under 12 are $14.95.
Reservations: 281-991-2000

LINE & LARIAT
Highlights: You had me at free mimosas, and also buttermilk fried chicken and gruyere mac n cheese, poached Scottish salmon, and roast beef sirloin. But Hotel Icon’s Line & Lariat isn't stopping there, brunch also features waffle and omelet stations, assorted pastries and desserts, and a cold station with items like a raw oyster bar and gulf shrimp remoulade.
Available: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $58 for adults, $25 for children ages 6 to 11, free for children ages 5 and under
Reservations: 832-667-4470

TRINITI RESTAURANT + BAR
Highlights: This hot spot's Mother's Day brunch menu, four-course and prix-fixe, offers delectable items such as corn and lobster bisque, monkey bread french toast, frittatas (an Italian dish made with fried beaten eggs), Guinea hen, and pistachio Genoise (a rich and delicate Italian sponge cake).
Available: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: Brunch menu is $65
Reservations: 713-527-9090

LUCILLE'S
Highlights: Lucille's a la carte brunch includes such Southern favorites as chili biscuits, pork belly and waffles, fried green tomatoes, oxtail skillet, shrimp and grits. Enjoy Bottomless mimosas or sangria for $15 per person.
Available: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-568-2505

RDG + BAR ANNIE
Highlights: So many choices on the a la carte menu, including bacon-wrapped quail, bbq gulf crab meat, scrambled egg crepes with house smoked salmon and creamy avocado salsa, and, for dessert, chocolate bread pudding, pecan pie and fresh berry cobbler.
Available: Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-840-1111

TREVISIO
Highlights: This Texas Medical Center favorite features gigantic cold and hot buffet tables featuring smoked salmon, antipasti, cinnamon raisin French toast, Romano-crusted chicken and butternut squash risotto as well as an omelet station, roast tenderloin carving station and huge dessert table.
Available: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $45 for adults; $16 per child 7 and above
Reservations: 713-749-0400

CAJUN/CREOLE

BRENNAN'S OF HOUSTON
Highlights: Show mom some southern hospitality at Brennan’s. Turtle soup au sherry, Gulf Coast seafood cakes & eggs, pecan-crusted mahi mahi, Breaux Bridge crawfish omelette, and Brennan's white chocolate bread pudding are all options on the Texas Creole, three-course, prix-fixe menu.
Available: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $55 per adult and $15.95 per child
Reservations: 713-522-9711

FRENCH

L’OLIVIER RESTAURANT + BAR
Highlights: Pamper Mom this Mother’s Day with brunch at L’Olivier. On the four-course, prix-fixe menu: Butternut squash panzoti, crab cake Benedict, chicken crepes, and chocolate mousse.
Available: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $55
Reservations: 713-360-6313

PHILIPPE RESTAURANT + LOUNGE
Highlights: You can't go wrong taking mom to Philippe where savory brunch menu highlights include chorizo scrambled eggs for $15 and eggs Benedict with bacon or smoked salmon plus hollandaise for $16. A second menu of Chef Specials offers a roasted half lobster with crab bisque, crab meat, asparagus and arugula salad for $25 and surf and turf with braised beef short ribs, prawns a la plancha and soft potato pancakes for $36. The $9 Fraisier tart is one of several dessert options.
Available: The brunch special is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Chef Special is from 3 p.m to 8 p.m. The regular dinner menu is available all day.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-439-1000

INTERNATIONAL

ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL
Highlights: Mother’s Day at the Royal Sonesta Hotel is triple the fun with complimentary mimosas, live music and a special brunch menu. Enjoy fare like chilled melon gazpacho, Peruvian ceviche copa, tuna tartar on wasabi seaweed, cinnamon raisin pecan brioche French toast with blueberry compote, lobster ravioli with cognac butter sauce, tomato-crusted barramundi fillet, and crème brulee to order.
Available: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost per person: $55 for adults, $45 for seniors (65+), $25 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.
Reservations: 713-627-7600

KIRAN'S
Highlights: The Indian-Latin brunch includes a migas and waffle station, an eclectic mix of entrees ranging from free-range chili tamales to chicken tika masala and desserts including tres leches, mango mousse and brioche bread pudding. The brunch also includes bottomless mimosas.
Available: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost per person: $55 per person; $25 under 12
Reservations: 713-960-8472

PESCA WORLD SEAFOOD
Highlights: Two prix-fixe menus include shrimp bisque, paella and flourless chocolate cake (brunch) and empandas de carne, crab cakes Benedict and Venezuela-style flan (breakfast). There is also an a la carte menu.
Available: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost per person: $25 per person prix-fixe breakfast, $35 per person prix-fixe brunch. A la carte varies.
Reservations: 713-522-1330

JAPANESE/ASIAN

RA SUSHI
Highlights: Keep mom happy all day with a happy hour that goes from morning till close and offers a selection of more than 35 sushi, appetizer, and tapas items ranging from $2.25 to $7.25. For $3 to $7, choose from a variety of beer, wine, sake, and signature cocktails like Sake Sangria.
Available: 11 a.m. to close at both Houston locations
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: RA Sushi does not accept reservations. For more information, call 713-621-5800 (Highland Village) or 713-331-2792 (CityCentre).

STRAITS ASIAN BISTRO
Highlights: It's hard to pass on the Mother's Day specials at this upscale Singaporean restaurant at CityCentre. Divine dishes ranging from $10 to $28 include ahi tuna ceviche, blue crabmeat and mango spring roll and Asian pesto-seared sea scallops with Chinese pork belly sticky rice and spicy red jalapeno curry sauce.
Available: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-365-9922

LATIN

LATIN BITES
Highlights: Start your brunch off right with a Rocoto Porton Bloody Mary, then try items like Venezuelan cachapas (a traditional Venezuelan dish made from corn) and arepas (bread made of corn). Your mom and your wallet will enjoy the complimentary dessert of mil hojas (meaning “a thousand layers”) pastry.
Available: Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The regular menu is available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-229-8369

STEAKHOUSE

DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAK HOUSE
Highlights: Banana and mascarpone stuffed French toast for $18 and steak & eggs for $26 are two of the items on Del Frisco’s festive Mother's Day brunch menu. There's also a choice of $10 kid-friendly plates like crispy chicken fingers, French toast and mini cheeseburgers.
Available: Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The regular dinner menu is available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost per person: Varies
Reservations: 713-355-2600

A frittata at Triniti

Mother's Day dining May 2013 Triniti-Frittata

Photo by Debora Smail RealityPhotography

A frittata at Triniti

unspecified

Where to Eat Brunch Now

10 Houston restaurants spicing up brunch with fresh new flavors

Smoked Salmon Latke Kirsten Gilliam Okto Brunch

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

Okto's newly launched brunch features fresh dishes like this smoked salmon latke.

Houston’s weekend routine just got a jolt of new flavors. From a Peruvian-Vietnamese mash-up to a Mediterranean feast in Montrose and a seafood-driven spread in Autry Park, a wave of both new and established Houston restaurants are rolling out fresh takes on everyone's favorite weekend indulgence. Whether it’s four riffs on eggs Benedict or savoring a foie-gras macaron while being serenaded by a violin, these 10 new options are delivering bold brunches with global influences and tipsy tinctures.

Alora Restaurant and Bar
Located in the former Kau Ba space in Montrose, this restaurant touts itself as Houston's only Peruvian-Vietnamese restaurant. For brunch, chefs and married couple Diego Ponce and Makala Ponce have created a menu that fuses the two cuisines — think Lima Hot Chicken and Pandan French Toast ($19) with aji limo pepper balanced by the sweetness of pandan. The Bò Né ($28) is a Vietnamese twist on steak and eggs alongside Comté cheese, pate, and tomatoes, while the salmon on crispy toast ($22) is crowned with guacamole, pickled vegetables, and a passion fruit vinaigrette. Beverages include the Alora Bloody Mary ($15) with pickled quail eggs and green mango. Alora serves brunch 11 am-3 pm on weekends.

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

Okto's newly launched brunch features fresh dishes like this smoked salmon latke.

Chardon
The Thompson Hotel's fine dining restaurant launched in February, transporting both guests and diners to France with its fare. Chardon has become a destination in its own right, and the addition of weekend brunch makes it even more appealing. Classics like Quiche Lorraine ($18) and Croque Monsieur ($32) sit on the menu alongside creations of delicate Lox et Crêpe with dill crème fraîche ($26) and the Avocado and Haricot Vert Tartine topped with a jammy soft-boiled egg ($17). The Bisous Tower ($23/person) proffers a selection of savory pastries and small bites like foie gras macarons and Texas cornbread madeleines. A violinist sets a soft soundtrack while patrons dine. Brunch is 11 am–3 pm on weekends.

il Bracco
The Galleria-area Italian spot just upgraded its weekend offerings with several new bites. Housemade pastries include zeppole with orange marmalade ($10), blueberry focaccia ($9), and an artichoke and arugula scone ($12). The weekend-only bucatini carbonara is now joined by shakshuka alla verde, the restaurant's riffs on eggs in purgatory ($19); frittata with with asparagus, goat cheese, tomatoes, and arugula ($17); and a mortadela sandwich on focaccia ($16). Pair them with a mimosa, espresso martini, or a breakfast martini with a little orange marmalade. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

Maximo
The West U. restaurant's weekend brunch offers a range of masa-based dishes. Consider egg Benedict that swaps the traditional English muffin for masa cornbread or cinnamon-sugar coated masa waffles that are topped with cheesecake whipped cream, Japanese peanuts, and agave syrup. Huevos ahogados, drowned in green tomatillo salsa, are served with a side of corn tortillas to soak up every bite of the mushrooms, greens, and Oaxacan cheese. Pair them with cocktails such as the Java-Horchata Flip (sake, coffee liqueur, horchata, whole egg, peanut chili crisp) and the Sangria Tango (tomatillo, cucumber, coriander, green chili, with the guest’s choice of agave or Mexican gin). Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

Melrose
Created by CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Chef of the Year Emmanuel Chavez, the Montrose lounge serves clever riffs on enduring brunch favorites. Options include charred tomatillo chilaquiles with poached eggs, an acai bowl served in a half coconut, hanger steak with eggs and chimichurri, and a breakfast sandwich made with scrambled eggs, cheese, and brown sugar-roasted “billionaire’s bacon” on a brioche bun. The Melrose Tower channels New York's iconic Sadelle's restaurant with its house-cured lox, mini bagels, chive cream cheese, and accoutrements. Drink options include a spritz, Bloody Mary, and a michelada verde made with tomatillo juice. Brunch is served on Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

MF Lobster and Seafood
The weekend spread at this Autry Park destination aims to elevate Houston’s brunch offerings. Think Benedicts made with silky hollandaise cascading over lobster, braised bacon, pork belly, or classic Canadian bacon (yes, that’s four varieties of the dish). The indulgence continues with wagyu steak and eggs, buttery Maine lobster popovers, and bagels and lox featuring Ora King salmon and roe. For the sweet tooth, choose a brioche pain perdu with caramelized apples and whipped maple mascarpone, or end the meal with a dark chocolate pot de crème. MF Lobster and Seafood serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-2:30 pm.

Okto
Sof Hospitality’s Mediterranean restaurant kicks off Sunday with a late-morning feast of fresh flavors such as pan con tomate salad with grilled sourdough and bruleed burrata ($20) and the rich notes of the beet-cured lox atop a potato apple latke ($22). Other highlights include an omelet with blue crab and mascarpone ($24) and a crepe Suzette ($16) accentuated with Grand Marnier, candied orange, and whipped ricotta. Okto’s spot at the trendy Montrose Collective boasts a spacious patio and ample underground parking (or valet). Brunch is served Sunday from 11 am-4 pm at Okto.

Relish Restaurant and Bar
The second outpost of this River Oaks staple opened in Memorial’s Town and Country Village at the end of 2024, but only added brunch to its repertoire at the end of April. Flaky herb biscuits ($9), buttermilk pancakes topped with brandied pecans ($15), and a salmon citrus salad with champagne vinaigrette ($24) are just a few of the dishes available. The Italian baked eggs ($18) in a pomodoro sauce with Italian sausage and grilled sourdough is a highlight of the menu. Diners can take advantage of all-day happy hour deals on select cocktails, beer, and wine, with a full espresso bar for those abstaining or still recovering from the previous night’s festivities. Relish serves brunch from 10 am-3 pm on weekends.

Santé Lounge
The Upper Kirby lounge’s patio is sure to be a destination for the posh set this summer. Santé's Sunday Funday Brunch features an elevated twist on classics like Dubai chocolate croissants, the grilled-to-order Santé burger with brioche, and a platter laden with five chilled seafood preparations. Patrons can listen as a live DJ spins tunes while relaxing on the patio with its cabanas, chandeliers, and greenery. Order the deviled egg trio (Nashville hot chicken, Tobiko caviar, and ramen egg) and sangria (with white or red wine) for the table. Brunch at Santé is from 12 pm-4 pm on Sunday, with a required dress code.

Traveler’s Cart
The Street Market Brunch is an international affair with cinnamon-dusted Morning Churros ($8), Chinese breakfast dumplings ($12) paired with a sambal-oyster-soy sauce, and charming fish-shaped Japanese taiyaki waffles ($9) with yuzu custard filling. Or dig into Turkish cilibir eggs ($15) seasoned with Aleppo pepper, smoked paprika, and za’atar oil. The global tour continues at the bar with "around-the-world" mimosas, a build-your-own Bloody Mary cart, and Don’t Stop the Carnival ($13), a punchy Brazilian coffee cocktail of rum, sweetened condensed milk, and toasted coconut. Traveler’s Cart serves brunch from 10 am-3 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

where-to-eat brunch news-you-can-eat