Whether your mom likes a lavish buffet or a plate of bacon and eggs, you’re bound to find just the right place to take her on May 13th. Tallahassee is blessed with an abundance of restaurants offering myriad choices. We’ve got deviled eggs and dim sum, rib-eye and huevos rancheros, bourbon chicken and bagels and lox. And lots of bubbly.
A couple things: You’ll need reservations at many of these spots. Check on prices and kids’ deals. And act soon. To help you navigate, here’s a look at some prime picks.
– Joe Rondone, Tallahassee Democrat
A La Provence: Treat mom to a refined, white tablecloth setting at A La Provence, combining genteel service with French-Mediterranean cuisine. The Mother’s Day lineup includes deviled eggs, lobster bisque, eggs Benedict, omelets and beignets. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1415 Timberlane Rd.; 850-329-6870.
Andrews Capital Grill & Bar: A downtown mainstay since 1972, Andrews will be offering a Mother’s Day buffet with omelet and carving stations plus individual brunch items like banana pecan French toast and kimchi salmon burger. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 228 S. Adams St.; 850-222-3444.
Avenue Eat & Drink: The Southern-inspired brunch features an ambitious selection, with charcuterie, several Benedicts (including lobster and spinach, pork belly, filet mignon), eggs and chorizo and bananas Foster French toast. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 115 E. Park Ave.; 850-224-0115.
Azu’s Lucy Ho’s: If your mom would prefer sushi or sweet-and-sour chicken instead of sausage and eggs, check out Azu’s popular Mother’s Day lunch buffet. Among the highlights: tuna tartare, salmon nigiri, steamed pork dumplings and soy ginger fish. 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. 3220 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-893-4112.
– Blu Halo
Blu Halo: The upscale space presents a lavish Mother’s Day brunch with a carving station and omelet and waffle stations, seafood bar and free mimosas for mom. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3431 Bannerman Rd. #102; 850-999-1696.
Cabo’s Island Grill & Bar: A longtime locals’ destination, Cabo’s serves bagels, pancakes, omelets and Benedicts plus items like huevos rancheros, a tofu/vegan breakfast plate and assorted tequitas (a rolled taco) topped off with fruity mimosas. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1221 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-878-7707.
Cafe Taverna: The restaurant touts “Southern American cuisine with a Latin twist” so you’ll find a range of dishes, with a brunch burrito as well as shrimp and grits, fajitas and French toast. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1019 N. Monroe St.; 850-999-8203.
Canopy Road: A local chain with four sites, Canopy Road is known for its signature sweet potato pancakes and skillets. Look for Sunday brunch specials of pork chops and eggs, chipotle chicken sandwich and fiesta omelet. 6:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. 1913 N. Monroe St., 850-668-6600; 2202 NE Capital Circle, 850-893-0466; 1779 Apalachee Pkwy., 850-727-0263; 3196 Merchants Row Blvd., 850-329-2827.
Capital City Country Club: The country club, which was founded in 1908, opens its restaurant to nonmembers for its classic Mother’s Day brunch. Expect rib-eye and turkey carving stations, chilled seafood and traditional items from Southern Catering & Events, part of the For the Table group (Madison Social). Reservations required. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1601 Golf Terrace Dr.; 850-222-0419.
Cypress Restaurant: Chef/owners David and Elizabeth Gwynn will be featuring their Southern-inspired cuisine (think pecan-crusted red grouper, braised short ribs, Southern Benedict) and several drink specials, with Bloody Mary garnishes of blackened andouille stuffed olives and housemade pickled okra. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 320 E Tennessee St.; 850-513-1100.
The Edison: Sip a mimosa or Bloody Mary while savoring a brunch of stuffed French toast, Southern-style Benedict, biscuits and gravy or a lighter açaí parfait. The backdrop: a lovely view of Cascades Park. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 470 Suwannee St.; 850-765-9771.
The Egg Cafe & Eatery: There’s bound to be something for everyone in the family on this menu. Popular picks include the Croque Madame, Ultimate Seafood Omelet, Lox, Stock and Bagel Benny and Bayou cakes. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3740 Austin Davis Ave., 850-765-0703.
Food Glorious Food: Fried green tomato Benedict, FGF “Mackin” Cheese and maple and rosemary glazed pork chops are among the many brunch choices at the contemporary restaurant showcasing vivid artwork.10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1950 Thomasville Rd.; 850-224-9974.
Georgio’s: The restaurant is opening early for Mother’s Day, offering seafood, steak, drink and dessert staples, specials and don’t forget the Greek classics. Noon to 7 p.m. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-877-3211.
The Hawthorn: Chef Jesse Edmunds specializes in dishes from the American South and the south of Europe in a white-tablecloth space. Count on fresh-juiced mimosas and champagne cocktails. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1307 North Monroe St.; 850-354-8275.
The Hideaway: Who can resist waffles stuffed with chocolate? The sweet treat is just one option at this retro charmer, located by Waterworks. Dishes include frittatas, eggs Benedict and bagels and lox, with coffee specialties from Jason Card. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1133 Thomasville Rd.; 850-224-1887.
Hotel Duval: Moms can show off their Sunday finery at this coastal-themed buffet in the hotel’s eighth floor ballroom. The feast features omelets, seafood, prime rib and lots of salads and sides. Kids have their own buffet and crafts to make Mother’s Day cards. All to make mom happy. 10:30 to 1 p.m. 415 N. Monroe St.; 850-224-6136.
Kool Beanz: Kool Beanz is known for its laid-back atmosphere, colorful artwork and its frequently changing menu of fun, eclectic fare. Winners include fried chicken and sweet potato-pecan waffles, breakfast poutine and a full English breakfast. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 921 Thomasville Road; 850-224-2466.
Lucilla: Chef Joe Richardson said he’ll be cooking up a “number of fun specials” to complement brunch choices like crab cake Benedict, fried oysters and shrimp and grits at the cozy nook. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1241 East Lafayette St.; 850-900-5117.
Madison Social: Herb-Parmesan tossed Tater Tots, hot cocoa pancakes and spiced honey chicken and waffles are some of the dishes bound to please a multigenerational crowd at this lively restaurant and bar. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 705 S. Woodward Ave.; 850-894-6276.
Nefetari’s Fine Cuisine & Spirits: Mom can feel like royalty at the exotic space, known for its Egyptian-African artwork and eclectic cuisine, with vegan options on the brunch menu. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 812 S. Macomb St.; 850-210-0548.
– Paisley Cafe
Paisley Cafe: The restaurant’s courtyard oasis is a prime spot for a conversation with mom. Chat over dishes like shrimp and grits and grilled cheese plus there will be “brunch specials and lots of Prosecco” said owner Kiersten Lee. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1123 Thomasville Rd., 850-385-7268.
– Joe Rondone, Tallahassee Democrat
Sage: Crab cakes, chicken and mushroom crepes and brioche French toast are some of the dishes on the sophisticated brunch menu from executive chef-owner Terry White. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 3534 Maclay Boulevard South; 850-270-9396.
– Whitney Fletcher Photography
Table 23: Sit under spinning fans on the porch and revel in dishes like biscuits and homemade apple butter, sweet potato pancakes, bagels and lox and crab cake Benedict. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1215 Thomasville Rd.; 850-329-2261.
319 Wine & Cheese: Lynne Edwards is cooking up a homey Mother’s Day spread featuring stuffed French Toast; breakfast casserole and anf Gruyere cheese bread pudding. Stop back Sunday evening for wine, chocolate and cheese boards and desserts. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. 6265 Old Water Oak Dr., Suite 104; 850-765-7053.
+39 Fine Dining: The Urban Food Market’s upscale restaurant presents a bountiful brunch with a mix of Italian specialties and classic breakfast items. Diners can also order a la carte. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Centre of Tallahassee, 2415 N Monroe St.; 850-536-6843.
Uptown Café and Catering: Pancakes, omelets and smoked salmon are some of the faves on the extensive menu. Toast mom with a mimosa (classic or blood orange) or a peach bellini. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1325 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-219-9800.
