This year, Mother’s Day in New York City invites something richer—experiences rooted in meaning, memory, and moments made to be felt, not just photographed.

There is something about New York City in May—it exhales. Tulips take root, the sun lingers a little longer, and the breeze finally decides to be kind. It is the kind of shift that invites us to pause—to look up, reach out, and gather around a table with the women who held us together through quieter seasons.

Mother’s Day in New York was never meant to be one-size-fits-all. This year, we set out to find luminous, layered experiences—like the women we are honoring. From a ten-year culinary milestone in NoMad to a rooftop ride in bloom, this is your invitation to go deeper, not just bigger.

Already explored our signature Mother’s Day NYC Guide? Think of this as your curated companion. An editorial layer of what is new, meaningful, and made with care.

BLACKBARN, NoMad: A Brunch That Tells a Story

This autumn marks ten years of BLACKBARN [19 East 26th Street]—a milestone for the beloved NoMad restaurant from award-winning Chef John Doherty. But before the anniversary candles are lit, they are setting the table for something more immediate: a Mother’s Day celebration crafted with intention.

For $65 per guest [available for tables of two or more], BLACKBARN’s family-style brunch menu offers a warm, elegant approach to honoring the women who hold it all together. Each guest is welcomed with a complimentary mimosa, followed by three thoughtful openers. A buttery Maine Lobster Roll, Burratina with Prosciutto San Daniele atop house-baked sourdough, and a crisp Gem Lettuce Caesar—each one rooted in simplicity, elevated by care.

The main course moves seamlessly from savory to sweet. Grilled Filet Steak Frites, a classic Eggs Benedict, and Cornflake-Crusted French Toast that walks the line between indulgence and nostalgia.

To close, a trio of desserts feels both generous and celebratory: the signature Apple Cider Doughnuts, a rich Chocolate Caramel Pudding, and a delicate Pavlova with fresh berries.

It is a brunch built not to impress, but to connect—one thoughtful dish at a time, in celebration of presence over performance.

Reservations via Resy or OpenTable.

The Stand, Gramercy: Where Brunch Ends in Laughter

At The Stand [116 E 16th Street], brunch is not for the faint of palate—or the humorless. Equal parts Northern Italian taverna and sharp-witted stage, it turns Mother’s Day into something a little looser, a little louder, and a whole lot more fun.

The kitchen leans savory, starting with a Carbonara Eggs Benedict served on house-made focaccia and crowned with speck and a silky cacio e pepe hollandaise. For something sweeter, try the Orange-Ricotta Pancakes, stacked with market berries and finished in a citrus maple glaze. And if you know, you know—their B.E.C. Pizza, fired fresh in the brick oven, is a brunch sleeper hit.

Spritzes arrive in waves. A classic Aperol, tart Blood Orange, juicy Watermelon, and the house favorite, the Sorrento Spritz—a limoncello-inspired ode to sunshine. Then, as the afternoon shifts, so does the mood. At 3:00 PM, the lights dim and the comedy begins. Moms get in free to a special set hosted by Bonnie McFarlane, featuring Tim Dillon and a lineup of razor-sharp surprise guests.

It is brunch with punchlines—and dessert is on the house.

Reservations via OpenTable.

Oases NYC: A Two-Part Journey Rooted in Balance

When brunch feels too loud and flowers too expected, Oases NYC offers something quieter, deeper, a reverent kind of nourishment grounded in Ayurvedic principles of harmony, seasonality, and intention. Located at 101B West 14th Street, this wellness collective reimagines the dining experience through two distinct offerings. One high, one grounded—both immersive.

Begin with High Tea in the Café & Bazaar [$135 per person], where a three-tier tower arrives like a still life. Savory bites—Smoked Salmon, Haldi Avocado, Figs Truffle Crostini are layered with miniatures like Deviled Eggs, Mini Scones, and Mini Bagels. Followed by Matcha Cookies, Pistachio Éclairs, and Lemon Strawberry Meringue.

Next door, the newly opened restaurant offers a three-course prix-fixe brunch [$95 per person] that reads like a seasonal meditation. First courses range from Burrata Salad with heirloom tomatoes and a citrus-pomegranate glaze, to Chilled Hamachi with macerated Muscat grapes and cucumber lemon granita, to Grilled Asparagus with smoked salmon roe and tarragon beurre blanc. Or Seared Scallops in morel sauce with bitter chicories.

Mains unfold with depth: Coriander Pan-Seared Salmon paired with Maitake mushrooms, Grilled Black Bass, and Chicken L’orange. Or a richly herbaceous Mushroom Ragu Bolognese.

Dessert brings a quiet finish. Choose between the bright, textural Watermelon Panna Cotta with basil oil. Or the warm indulgence of Cinnamon Rolls with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream and Dill Pollen.

Every course is a moment—every bite is a meditation.

Reservations via Resy or OpenTable.

Mother’s Day in New York City at Hortus NYC, NoMad: When Sophistication Feels Effortless

Step off Fifth Avenue and into the quiet confidence of Hortus NYC [ 271 5th Avenue]. A jewel box of a restaurant where Southeast Asian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean influences are layered with precision and grace. Under the direction of Suhum Jang [Per Se, Daniel, Jungsik], the kitchen has crafted two prix-fixe menus for the weekend.

The four-course lunch [$50] begins with a delicate Mother’s Day amuse bouche, followed by Korean Smoked Pasta touched with subtle heat, a crisp Asian Caesar Salad, and a soft finish: Sweet Potato Cheesecake that lands somewhere between memory and surprise.

The five-course dinner [$70] expands the journey, adding a bold, briny Seafood K-Paella, a creamy Black Galice Cacio e Pepe, tender Steak Frites, and a showstopping finale: Thai Tea Monaka Ice Cream, plated like a sculpture and as nuanced as the meal that came before it.

Enhance either experience with a curated wine pairing [$20 for lunch, $40 for dinner]. The list is global but grounded, echoing the restaurant’s quiet brilliance.

Mother’s Day Weekend: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 | 11:30 AM – 3 PM and 5 PM – 11 PM | View the full menu here | Make Reservations here.

Mission Ceviche: A Peruvian Celebration in Full Color

Chef José Luis Chavez does not just cook. He composes. At Mission Ceviche, Mother’s Day becomes a sensory journey through Peru’s vibrant culinary traditions, infused with the precision of Nikkei technique. Both the Upper East Side [1400 2nd Avenue] and Union Square [ 7 East 17th Street] locations offer an expanded à la carte menu designed to surprise, satisfy, and linger.

Start with the Ceviche Clásico, dressed in bright, briny tiger’s milk and softened by Peruvian corn and sweet potato. Or try the Tuna & Watermelon Ceviche, where ají amarillo and yuzu add zip to each bite. The Lomo Saltado—a soulful stir-fry of filet mignon, red onion, and tomato—lands boldly on the table with fries and white rice in tow.

Seafood lovers will find richness in the Pulpo al Olivo, with its velvety botija olive tiger’s milk, and heat in the Shrimp Tempura, served with fiery rocoto mayo and katsuobushi. Even the plant-based offering—a Watermelon Ceviche layered with pickled daikon, ginger tiger’s milk, and crispy quinoa furikake—feels like a revelation.

Every dish sings in texture and color. This is not just a meal. It is a celebration of roots, reimagined.

Both locations are accepting reservations [Upper East Side], with Union Square offering a bit more room for those celebrating the day in full color.

Mother’s Day in New York City at ippudo V, DUMBO: A Ramen Ritual Reimagined

Seventeen years after ippudo’s first arrival in New York City, founder Shigemi Kawahara introduces a new chapter: ippudo V, the sixth NYC outpost and the brand’s first fully plant-based concept. Tucked beneath the Brooklyn Bridge [117 Adams Street] in DUMBO. The loft-like space is softened by natural light pouring through floor-to-ceiling garage windows—open wide when the weather allows.

The experience honors the legacy of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, reinterpreted with a focus on wellness and balance. ippudo V pairs its signature plant-based ramen bowls with an impressive lineup of vegan appetizers, sushi rolls, sandwiches, and desserts. And a thoughtful beverage menu that includes innovative cocktails, sake sips, and classic mocktails—each crafted with the same precision as the broth.

For Mother’s Day, ippudo V keeps things intimate. Guests dining à la carte can order one of two specialty drinks. The Mikan Kiss or the Mikan Colada, both citrus-forward and gently tropical. In return, moms receive a complimentary mini floral bouquet, a simple gesture with elegant intention.

No fixed menus. No theatrics. Just depth, light, and the kind of care that lingers.

A Brunch of Her Own: Three Spots That Speak to Her Style

Mother’s Day in New York City at Café Maud: Where Brunch is a Quiet Conversation

Set along the rhythm of St. Mark’s, Café Maud is made for mothers who savor a gentle start, where sunlight slants through soft curtains and the morning unfolds at its own pace. Here, brunch is less about spectacle and more about presence.

The menu reads like a love letter to modern comfort. Try the Braised Short Rib Eggs Benedict, layered with poblano dust and bearnaise over a toasted English muffin. Or the Elote Avocado Toast, brightened by roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, queso fresco, and a whisper of lime zest. For something sweet, the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes arrive crowned with whipped cream and just enough Vermont maple syrup to linger.

Pair it with a glass of Maud’s Greens juice. Apple, pineapple, spinach, cucumber, and celery—or take a Matcha Latte to go from their street-facing window, a charming detail that feels like a secret shared only with you.

Brunch here is not rushed. It is remembered.

[View the full menu here.] | Reservations via Resy.

The Rhymers’ Club: Brunch with a Wink and a Prosecco Twist

Just a few doors down from Café Maud, tucked behind an unassuming entrance at 37 ½ St. Marks Place, The Rhymers’ Club channels the mystique of W.B. Yeats’s secret society—reimagined with dim lights, velvet banquettes, and a healthy pour of irreverence. Here, brunch is not just served—it is staged.

Plates lean, playful, but precise. The Bacon, Egg & Cheese Pizza is a cheeky nod to New York tradition, reworked with intention. The Breakfast Bowl—a warm tumble of whipped ricotta, prosciutto di Parma, edamame, poached eggs, and rustic sourdough—offers balance without losing comfort.

But the heart of it lives in the drinks. Build-your-own spritzes arrive with the TRC Prosecco Brunch Kit. Or let the bar guide you with signatures like the Margarita Picante, where spice meets citrus and restraint takes the afternoon off.

It is brunch for the bold, the poetic, and the slightly mischievous—and you are never quite sure what’s behind the next door.

[View the full menu here.] | Reservations via Resy.

Odd Sister: A Vintage Reverie in SoHo

Tucked into a quiet stretch of Mercer Street, Odd Sister [45 Mercer Street] is where vintage charm meets modern poise. The walls bloom with florals, the playlist leans moody and cinematic. And the entire space feels designed for those who linger, not rush.

The menu leans indulgent, but never overstated. The Odd Sister Pancakes, layered with fresh berries, granola, and a house-made vanilla bean and brandy ice cream, are unapologetically decadent. For something savory, the French Omelet—folded with caramelized onions and gruyère—arrives with crispy home fries and a delicate side salad that balances the richness.

Drinks are as composed as the space. A classic Espresso Martini sets the tone, while The Dunes [a smoky, bright mix of tequila, mezcal, pineapple, and bell pepper] plays with contrast. The Margarita Picante, sharpened with Thai chili and rimmed with Tajín, finishes the table with a little fire.

This is not the kind of brunch you post about in the moment—it is the one you find yourself thinking about days later.

Explore the full brunch and cocktail offerings [on the menu here]

Reservations via Resy.

The Flatiron Room: A Whiskey Class for the Women Who Know Their Spirits

There are tastings, and then there are moments like this.

On Sunday, May 11, at 5:30 PM, The Flatiron Room—known for its dim lighting, velvet-backed chairs, soft echo of live jazz, and its curated monthly classes—is hosting a Mother’s Day whiskey class that does more than just pour. It honors the women behind the bottles and the women in the room.

Led by the venue’s all-female bartending team, this one-night experience is a deep dive into female-founded whiskies, each one with a story—and a legacy—worth sipping slowly. Among the highlights: the smooth depth of Glenglassaugh 12-Year Single Malt, the complexity of Maker’s Mark 46, the quiet boldness of George Dickel Bottled in Bond, the unexpected elegance of Brenne French Single Malt, and the oak-kissed warmth of both Milam & Greene and The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year Scotch.

Pair it with curated small bites, thoughtful company, and a jazz set that hums beneath the surface, and you have something more than a class. You have got a toast to the women shaping spirits in more ways than one.

Reservations required; $95 per person.

Belmont Park Village: A Bike Ride, A Bouquet, and A Boutique Moment

Sometimes, the most meaningful way to celebrate her isn’t over brunch—it’s in motion. This Mother’s Day weekend, Belmont Park Village and And Still We Ride offer a celebration grounded in joy, movement, and quiet power.

On Saturday, May 10, riders gather at McCarren Park in Brooklyn at 11:00 AM, setting off at noon for a scenic 15-mile ride to Elmont, where a community celebration awaits. Designed to honor Black women, mothers, and caretakers, the event culminates at Belmont Park Village with music from DJ Sunny Cheeba, shared food, and time to wander.

By 1:30 PM, non-riders can join the afternoon in full swing, whether to shop the boutiques offering seasonal edits from Missoni, Longchamp, Swarovski, and Aquazzura. Or to pause over fresh plates at Le Botaniste, where the calm is intentional. Guests who spend $175 or more between May 10–11 will receive a complimentary Belmont Bouquet, redeemable at the Village’s flower shop in the center courtyard.

There is no loud branding, no push—just a well-planned pause. One that moves, honors, and makes room for joy.

To sign up for the ride, visit @AndStillWeRide on Instagram. Discover dining options here. For their curated Gift Guide and weekend events, visit belmontparkvillage.com.

Because sometimes the most memorable traditions are the ones we create on the move.

KLEOS Mastiha: For the Mother Who’s Staying In—But Still Celebrating

Not every celebration calls for a reservation. For the mothers creating quiet magic at home, KLEOS Mastiha Spirit offers a different kind of toast—one that is intimate, intentional, and rich in heritage.

Founded by Effie Panagopoulos, the first Greek woman to launch a liquor brand, KLEOS is a low-ABV, low-calorie, and low-sugar botanical spirit distilled from mastiha. The ancient resin of the Skinos tree, grown exclusively in 24 villages on the Greek island of Chios. Protected by PDO status and double-distilled in small batches, this spirit carries centuries of tradition in each pour.

Often called the bartender’s olive oil for its versatility, KLEOS plays beautifully with nearly everything: gin, tequila, prosecco, citrus, herbs. Its aroma evokes eucalyptus and sage, while the flavor unfolds into cucumber, mint, and lemongrass. Bright, grounded, and quietly complex.

Whether she is shaking up an Ay-KLEOS Mio Margarita, pouring an Ancient Greek Spritz, or sipping it neat with a twist of lemon, KLEOS does not just elevate the drink. It elevates the moment; it is a gesture that honors who she is, not just what she does.

Try This: The Ancient Greek Aperitif

A Mediterranean twist on the classic spritz. Served in a wine glass with ice and garnished with a feta-stuffed olive, it is the cocktail version of golden hour.

INGREDIENTS 

• 2 parts KLEOS Mastiha Spirit (1 part 1 oz, or 30ml) 
• 1 bar spoon Greek olive brine 
• London Essence Rosemary Grapefruit Tonic 

METHOD 

Garnish with a Greek Olive

Pour KLEOS and Olive brine over ice 

Top with London Essence Tonic 

Get the full recipe here → The Ancient Greek Aperitif

At $37.99, KLEOS is available at DrinkKleos.com, shipping to 48 U.S. states and stocked in 16 U.S. markets, including New York, New Jersey, and California. As well as 7 countries worldwide.

Mother’s Day in New York City: Let This Be the Year It Feels Personal

Mother’s Day in New York City is not a checklist—it is a series of small, intentional choices that say: I see you, I know you, I want to celebrate you in a way that feels true.

So, whether it is laughter over brunch, a quiet tea service, a 15-mile ride into spring, or a single glass raised in candlelight—choose the experience that mirrors her spirit.

For more ideas, revisit our Mother’s Day NYC Guide—a foundation to build from. But let this companion piece guide you somewhere deeper.

Because some celebrations are meant to be remembered. And others—like this—are meant to be felt.