5 Standout Mother’s Day Restaurant Experiences in the Bay Area

At the Fairmont, the crown jewel atop Nob Hill, soignee moms can settle in between the columns in the extravagant lounge. They’ll feast like royalty at Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar’s Mother’s Day Celebration. Because what shows love and respect more than an elegant buffet, complete with buttery sauces and a carving station? Priced at $139 for adults and $89 for children—not including service charge and tax—the Fairmont experience offers mom and her squad two seating times to choose from.

One can never go wrong with the time-tested combo of shopping and tea. Mercifully, Neiman Marcus has reopened the Rotunda, where classy moms can sit in the spectacular glass dome overlooking Union Square. Sip on fresh brews in fine china and sample the decadent Afternoon Tea service ($45), served Thursday through Sunday, starring finger sandwiches, pastries, jams, and petite sweets. If mom’s feeling indulgent, add a glass of rosé to the spread for an additional $19. The Rotunda can accommodate special dietary restrictions, provided you call 24 hours ahead of your visit.

For the mom who prefers a serious steak, Palmetto, a tropically accented cocktail bar in Uptown Oakland, is undoubtedly the place. On a powder blue banquette under the glow of a neon pink sign, she can dig into the Sunday Supper Family Meal—four full courses, which rotate from week to week, but generally include seasonal veggies, a meaty main, and a sweet kicker like chocolate banana pie.

Earthy mamas who crave fresh air, a hike, and fine wine will want to stop at this Sonoma stunner. As part of its Estate Pairing, St. Francis pours out four different wines, including award-winning Chardonnays and Pinots, and serves them with snacks inspired by the seasons, such as chipotle-rubbed prawns and tahini brownies. To that, add vineyard and mountain views, and it’s a postcard-perfect panorama mom won’t soon forget.