Mom. Mama. Mother. Neighbor. Sister. Gladys. Whatever she’s called, call her Sunday. Pro tip: That day is Mother’s Day. And take her for a nice meal, for crying out loud. Maybe she gracefully accepted hand-turkeys and tolerated a nearly mute Goth phase back in the day, or she might be a parent who does it all on her own. Perhaps she’s a completely devoted mom to two fur-children. Whichever scenario, Dallas has some tasty options for the mother of all holidays.
Mirador
Opening Sunday just for the occasion, Mirador offers artful plates over which you can toast the lady of the table. The lunch menu will be served, as will brunch specials such as potato latke with crème fraiche and smoked trout, gem salad, Mirador burger, lobster roll and duck toast. Reservations are a must. Valet is complementary.
1608 Elm St. (downtown), 214-945-8200
Pakpao
There are four little words almost every mother wants to hear (besides “I’m not dropping out”): “poached lobster soft scramble.” Achieve that level-up at Pakpao with the three-course mom-loving menu. It’s $35 per person and features a mango toast and strawberry buckle — which is not anything required in terms of dress, but maybe wear matching socks just to avoid another argument.
1628 Oak Lawn Ave. (Design District), 214-749-7002
7859 Walnut Hill Lane (Preston Hollow), 214-484-8772
Oak
Oak is kicking out some serious brunch jams — get it? — for the breakfast-loving moms and mom-lovers. The four-course menu ($65 per person) serves up the straight carbs, the sweet, the savory and the egg-centric. Go ham (however you choose to interpret) with a croque-madame, try a stunning open-faced omelet or skew a bit more Southern with a brown sugar biscuit.
1628 Oak Lawn Ave. (Design District), 214-712-9700
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
If Mom is more of a meat lady, Del Frisco’s is tough to beat. Wine and dine her on Sunday with brunchy options like filet Benedict ($44) or prime rib ($45-$55), or go with something off the full menu — because she deserves options.
2323 Olive St. (Uptown), 972-490-9000
Del Frisco’s Grille
The meat is still fantastic, but the brunch is a bit sweeter at Del Frisco’s Grille. There are crab cake Benedict and red velvet Belgian waffles, as well as a sneak peek at the new brunch menu with Nonna’s cinnamon roll complete with a bourbon espresso caramel. Reservations are recommended, unless the idea is just to come in and carry out a roll in each fist.
3232 McKinney Ave. (Uptown; additional locations in Plano, Southlake and Fort Worth), 972-807-6152
Bullion
Need a mother of a brunch? One to really impress? Let chef Bruno Davaillon work some Michelin-starred magic with a three-course prix fixe menu including asperges mimosa (that’s asparagus), steak frites like no other and coffee opera cake even prettier than the ones on the Great British Bake-Off. It’s $64 per person, and reservations can be made online or by phone.
400 S. Record St. (downtown), 972-698-4250
Truluck's
The Mediterranean seafood salad sounds delicious with its crab, shrimp and calamari, tomato, olives and cucumber. The knife-and-fork crab melt on broiled tomato screams to be destroyed. But Truluck’s might win the “where do we eat?” fight with a cocktail: The Mother’s Daydream combines Tito’s vodka with lemon juice, aperol, orgeat, mint, strawberries and a tea rose garnish. Reservations recommended.
2401 McKinney Ave. (Uptown; additional location in Southlake), 214-220-2401
Canary by Gorji
If brunch isn’t good timing, Canary by Gorji is serving a three-course dinner starting at 5 p.m. Start with a salad before choosing prime tenderloin, cod and poached shrimp, bone-in pork chop, lamb or three-cheese spinach lasagna. It’s $69 per person with no tip required — Canary is the only restaurant in Dallas that doesn't accept tips. Reservations and prepayment are appreciated.
5100 Belt Line Road (Far North Dallas), 972-503-7080
Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck
Picture this: Okonomiyaki, Korean-fried “chicken and waffles,” dim sum trio, spring sashimi, pork belly bao and avocado toast high up in the Dallas skyline. Chef Jacob Williamson offers an Asian-inspired three-course menu ranging from $48-$58. It’s quite the bargain with such a view, but seatings will go quickly and reservations are required.
300 Reunion Blvd. E. (downtown), 972-503-7080
Princi Italia
Princi Italia thinks Mother’s Day is a bit boring, so it's ramping it up with the Festa della Mamma. Start with a lobster tortellini or Brussels sprouts salad, then carry on to citrus olive oil brioche French toast or grilled Scottish salmon. Finish with key lime torte or cinnamon gelato. Three courses are $37.50 per person, with half off for kids.
5959 Royal Lane (North Dallas; additional location in Plano), 214-739-5959
Zaytinya
Maybe Mom wants some mezze? Zaytinya offers a special Mother’s Day brunch with a prix fixe menu. Select three mezze dishes and dessert for $35. Try a spring pea tzatziki, lamb shoulder horta with poached egg, chicken skewers, crispy Brussels sprouts afelia, roasted beet salata and more.
6655 Winning Dr., Frisco (The Star), 972-324-3060
Meso Maya
Mama gets a special dish on Mother’s Day at Meso Maya. The restaurants are featuring a seared adobo-marinated chicken breast served with mashed black beans, Cerro Prieto ensalata de nopales, limas salsa verde, queso de rancho and la presa arugula. Call for availability.
Various locations
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s is opening early and starting the brunch celebrations right with bloody marys, mimosas and brandy milk punches ($4.95 each from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Or, if dinner aligns with the itinerary, treat Mom to a Sunday supper special from 4-9 p.m. It includes the famed pork chop, choice of salad and a dessert trio.
2000 McKinney Ave. (Uptown), 214-855-5151
State & Allen
Forgot flowers? State & Allen has it covered. The Uptown restaurant is hosting brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and all moms get fresh blooms. The build-you-own mimosa and bloody mary bar is also a nice draw for both parents and (adult) kids. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
2400 Allen St. (Uptown), 214-239-1990