Mother's Day Brunch on the Westside

1. Inn of the Seventh Ray — Topanga

Book early if you think you're heading to this little corner of heaven in Topanga because you won't be the only one with the idea. (Call, rather than reserving online, to request a creek-side table when dining with kids.) Enjoy the fresh air and serene ambiance. 

The special Mother's Day brunch buffet menu includes a granola bar, bagel bar, waffle bar, pastry bar, salads,and a selection of entrees. The buffet includes one glass of champagne per adult and charges $4 per child per year old for children ages four to 12 (for example, a five-year-old costs $20).  

2. Geoffrey's Malibu — Malibu

We all do it—drive up PCH, spy Geoffrey's sign, and think, "One of these days..." Well, what better day than Mother's Day? While the views can't be beaten, the food comes close. It's a fancier restaurant for kids, but a staircase leading down to the beach makes for a fun treat after dining. 

Posh at the very height of poshness at The Rooftop by JG. Photo courtesy of The Waldorf Astoria

3. The Rooftop by JG — Beverly Hills 

Mom deserves something special, and this is something special! Take Mom for brunch on the top of the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. The rooftop restaurant has a garden-like setting and sweeping views of the hills and the city. Of course, it’s not cheap. But it’s so spectacular that it had to be on this list. A mom can dream, right? 

4. The Rose — Venice 

Brunch is best on the massive patio at The Rose in Venice when dining with kids, making it a natural place to celebrate Mother's Day. The pastries are out of this world. Sit in the sunshine and share (or not share) some of the most tempting options with a cup of coffee. Brunch reservations are available online. 

5. Huckleberry Cafe — Santa Monica 

You can tell that the owners/chefs at Huckleberry are parents themselves; this place frequently gets kids (and parents!). The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere makes it feel like you’re dining with extended family. 

6. Ms Chi Cafe — Culver City 

Brunch at Ms Chi Cafe in downtown Culver City offers a delightful fusion of Chinese and American flavors. This casual, family-friendly spot has mouthwatering brunch specials like pork belly tots and scallion pancakes. Don't miss the mochi donuts. 

7. Malibu Farm — Malibu 

It doesn't get more picturesque for a Mother's Day brunch than Malibu Farm. Nosh on fresh, organic ingredients from local farms while admiring the ocean waves from the Malibu Pier. If you've got little ones who don't like to sit still, you could grab some bites at the more casual cafe instead. 

8. Elephante — Santa Monica 

Mom deserves a gorgeous rooftop view for Mother's Day brunch, and Elephante delivers those Pacific Ocean scenes from its rooftop setting. Savor Mediterranean flavors with delectable brunch dishes, like prosciutto scramble or ricotta hotcakes. 

9. Alta Adams — West Adams 

If mom prefers a later brunch time on a beautiful outdoor patio, then Alta Adams might be the perfect spot. Enjoy a more casual, soulful culinary experience with the renowned fried chicken, cornmeal pancakes, and other delicious Southern staples. 

10. Back on the Beach — Santa Monica

Mother's Day brunch on the beach? Yes, please. The cafe next to the Annenberg Beach House has unpretentious fare on the shoreline. Wiggly kids can play in the sand until the food arrives. Sometimes burgers on the beach with happy kids top a decadent brunch on a rooftop.

Make a reservation well in advance. Back on the Beach does not take same-day bookings (though it does accept walk-ups) and only seats complete parties. The restaurant will only take a reservation for up to eight people. 

RELATED: DIY Mother's Day Cards That Kids Can Make

 
She celebrates special occasions by the seashore. Photo courtesy of Shutters

11. One Pico at Shutters on the Beach — Santa Monica 

Speaking of dining at the beach, when was the last time you dined at Shutters? The answer is probably "not recently enough." The food is terrific, the service is everything a mother deserves, and the location—could you get any closer to the beach? Order from the special Mother's Day brunch menu well into the afternoon. 

12. The Butcher's Daughter — Venice & West Hollywood 

Lemon lavender waffles, whipped goat cheese, and a spring mimosa? The Butcher's Daughter will require a photo shoot before devouring the food. This very "Instagrammable" spot is perfect for young moms who want a fun morning out and has a great kids' menu for the littles. 

Mother's Day Brunch from Hollywood to DTLA 

13. Republique — Mid-City 

This temple to gastronomy guarantees a happy mom. Breakfast is served until 2pm in the cafe and bakery. The restaurant doesn't take reservations until dinner service. Luckily, parents have a secret weapon—kids who double as roosters, waking parents up at the crack of dawn. Use this to your advantage and feast on the ever-changing seasonal menu. 

Republique also has a bakery where you can purchase treats to take home for later—grab some food to-go and bring it home to surprise mom for a mess-free breakfast in bed. 

14. Openaire — Koreatown 

Mom will feel like she's having brunch inside a gorgeous greenhouse at Openaire. Enjoy a refreshing twist on traditional brunch fare, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. In addition to the a la carte brunch menu, there's a prix fixe brunch option. 

15. Fred 62 — Los Feliz 

Is Fred 62 popular among hipsters and celebs? Well, yes, it is. But it's also family-friendly and affordable. Brunch is a treat of comfort foods, healthy foods, and twists on both of the above, and well worth a visit on Mother's Day. It's a perfect stop before or after a hike in Griffith Park. 

16. Home — Los Feliz 

You can have a "home-cooked" brunch without making it in your house. This stunning craftsman-style house turned restaurant in Los Feliz has a dreamy patio with gurgling fountains, generous portions, and flavorful fare for all ages. 

17. Girl & the Goat — Arts District, DTLA 

You no longer have to travel to Chicago with kids to dine at the acclaimed Girl & the Goat restaurant. This airy outpost in the Arts District makes for an indulgent Mother's Day brunch option with bold flavors and creative flair. 

18. Manuela — Arts District, DTLA

Manuela serves seasonal and locally sourced food in the Hauser & Wirth art gallery. The space is as gorgeous as the food, and be sure to make a reservation as it books up fast. While there isn't a kids' menu, the French toast, beignets, biscuits, and fresh cornbread platter keeps kids happy. 

19. Perch LA — Pershing Square, DTLA 

It's hard to beat this rooftop view of Los Angeles, especially with a hot coffee, a slice of avocado toast, and a plate of French toast. This spot is best for families with older kids (I wouldn't bring a toddler along), but the stunning scenery from the top of this Hill Street skyrise makes it a great destination to celebrate mom. 

Mother's Day Brunch in the South Bay

20. MB Post — Manhattan Beach

If kicking your day off with a Bloody Mary by the beach sounds appealing, this is the spot for your family! The famous bacon cheddar biscuits are available all day (and so are the Bloody Marys). Just make sure to leave room for dessert. 

21. Claire's at the Museum — Long Beach 

Brunch at Claire's at the Museum offers a delightful culinary experience amid the artistic ambiance of the Long Beach Museum of Art. They'll have a Mother's Day buffet this year. Savor picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean on the stunning patio while enjoying culture and cuisine. 

22. Playa Provisions — Playa Del Rey 

For a coastal-inspired dining experience in Playa del Rey, consider Playa Provisions for Mother's Day brunch. The lobster rolls are a favorite here, and the laid-back atmosphere isn't too bad, either. There's also a cafe for more casual fare. 

23. Terranea Resort — Palos Verdes 

Mom deserves nothing but the extraordinary, so take her to an exquisite coastal dining experience at Terranea Resort. There will be a Mother's Day Ballroom Brunch with house-made sweets and culinary stations. 

24. Ryla — Hermosa Beach 

If mom loves Japanese food, Ryla in Hermosa Beach will be the perfect spot to treat her for Mother's Day brunch. She'll talk about how good the Japanese and seasonal California fusion cuisine is for weeks. 

25. The Rockefeller — Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, & Redondo Beach 

Dine by the shore, or pick it up to bring it home—this is one fabulous South Bay brunch. You won't need to travel far because there are locations in Hermosa, Manhattan, and Redondo! The casual vibes make it an easy place to bring your kids along. 

26. Truxton's — Westchester & Torrance

Brunch is fabulous, and kids' prices are less than a third of the adult prices. Champagne and Bloody Marys flow, and there's plenty of organic food for vegetarians and carnivores alike. 

Mother's Day Brunch in the Valleys

27. Ca' Del Sole — Toluca Lake 

Step out onto the spacious patio with private cabanas at Ca' Del Sole to enjoy a relaxing and delectable brunch. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at this Italian spot, and the kids won't disrupt other diners since many of the tables are spread out and separated by drapes.   

28. Joe's Cafe — Granada Hills 

Experience bold flavors, creative twists on breakfast classics, the best dang oatmeal you've ever had, and free-flowing coffee at this casual brunch spot. The large booths have plenty of room for squirmy kids or dine at the picnic tables out back so kids can move about as they please. 

29. Green Street Restaurant — Pasadena

Pasadena's favorite brunch spot knows how to treat Mom right. The champagne cocktails have guava, ginger, and rose petals; need we say more?

30. Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery — Pasadena

This restaurant and cheesery in Pasadena is perfect for moms who appreciate the finer (and cheesier) things. The menu includes many types of Fromage and an extensive wine menu. If this sounds too fancy for your kiddos, it's not; the brunch menu features sourdough toast, loads of pastries, and seasonal sorbets. 

31. Old Town Junction — Santa Clarita 

Choose an omelet your way, biscuits and gravy, churro french toast, or another filling breakfast item at this gourmet spot in Newhall. Kids are welcome, and there is limited outdoor seating for families that want some wiggle room. 

32. Aroma Coffee and Tea — Studio City 

You'll have to wait in line to order at this casual brunch, coffee, and tea fixture in Studio City, but the food is well worth it. The spacious patio behind Aroma is the perfect place for kids to squirm while waiting for their meal, but once brunch arrives, you better believe everyone will be happy to sit and enjoy. If mom is an early riser, take advantage of their 7am opening time for an early Mother's Day brunch. 

33. Petit Trois Le Valley — Sherman Oaks 

This lovely French restaurant in the heart of Sherman Oaks will make mom feel like she's dining at a Parisian cafe for Mother's Day brunch. Expect delicious French fare, and there are many great options for the kiddos. 

34. The Front Yard — Studio City

Step out onto the dreamy patio at The Front Yard to dine in a garden atmosphere. This culinary gem will have a Mother's Day buffet stacked with locally sourced delights. 

RELATED: 50 Mother's Day Gifts Moms *Actually* Want 

Dine outside on the beautiful patio. Photo courtesy of Gracias Madre Newport

Mother's Day Brunch at Restaurants with Multiple Locations

35. Marmalade Cafe — Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Malibu, Calabasas, El Segundo, Westlake Village, Los Angeles

Enjoy an indulgent brunch with cocktails at one of Marmalade Cafe’s seven locations around the LA area. The extensive menu has something for even the pickiest person at your party, and the charming ambiance will please any mama. Reservations are being taken for Mother's Day. 

36. Gracias Madre — West Hollywood & Newport Beach

Is there any better spot to say thank you to Mom than at a place that is literally called, “Thank you, Mother”? Come for the incredible plant-based food, and stay for the gorgeous patio. Oh, also stay for the tequila and mezcal-based cocktails. And the nachos. And the hearts of palm crab cake. 

37. Joan's on Third — Beverly Grove & Studio City

If Mom is still wrangling toddlers or restless little kids, then a sit-down brunch may feel impossible. Joan's on Third is a market-place style order-at-the-counter spot with quality food for the whole family. The menu changes daily, and food can be ordered to-go or eaten inside. If you want to treat the mom in your life to an excellent breakfast without needing to bribe the kids to sit still (or surrender your phone for a showing of Cocomelon at the table), this is a great spot. 

Originally published April 27, 2012. Updated by Gina Ragland