A single day is really not enough to thank Mom for being the one who helped you with your homework, dried your tears after crash-landing off your tricycle, and ferried you between parties in her mom-taxi. From cheering you on at your sports day to cheering you on as you go through life, your Mom is your single biggest fan (apart from Dad, but it’s not about him this time). So spoil her, even if it’s just one day.
Update: click here for things to do for Mother’s Day 2017
Here are some ideas (30 to be exact) for places to take Mom on Mother’s Day this year. You will need to book, so don’t delay!
Mother’s Day in Cape Town
Azure Restaurant at The 12 Apostles
Treat Mom to a decadent lunch where she will be spoilt for choice with the tasty delights of the generous lunch buffet. As a special gift, each Mom will be presented with a bottle of their chef’s handmade preserves, along with a ‘spa taster’ gift voucher from The Spa. One lucky Mom could also win a bottle of Moët & Chandon Brut French Champagne in their lucky draw! Tel 021-437-9052 or [email protected].
Bistro 126 at the Hilton Hotel
This contemporary Halaal eatery will be serving lunch that includes a mouthwatering array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including an extensive buffet with a carvery, curries, fish, salads, soup and desserts. R225 per person. Tel 021-481-3700 or email [email protected].
Bodega Restaurant at Dornier Wine Estate
Take a drive to Stellenbosch and treat Mom to a decadent lunch in a historic barn on a beautiful wine estate. They have a special set menu, including trout salad and Karan steak, ending with dessert, coffee and truffles. R280 per person or R360 per person with wine. The à la carte menu is also available on the day. Tel 021-880-0557 or visit www.dornier.co.za.
Chez Shiraz at Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate
Another delicious option in Stellenbosch is a sumptuous lunch on this golf and wine estate at the newly refurbished Chez Shiraz restaurant. After a welcome drink enjoy a three-course buffet-style meal including soups and seafood to slow-roasted beef and vegetarian dishes. Don’t forget to leave room for decadent desserts! R215 per person for adults, R85 per kid between five and 15 years and free for littlies under five. Tel 021-888-4736 or email [email protected].
Also Read: The 20 BEST Restaurants in Centurion
Dish Restaurant at Inn on the Square
Head into the heart of the Mother City where a sumptuous buffet awaits with soups, salads, roast beef and roast pork, vegetable lasagne and more. R185 per person for adults (includes a small gift for mom) and R92.50 for kids between seven and 14, while under seven’s eat for free. Tel 021-423-2050 or email [email protected].
The Eatery at Durbanville Hills Wines
With the spectacular Table Mountain and Table Bay as back-drop, raise a toast to Mom over lunch with a complimentary glass of Durbanville Hills Merlot Rosé and chocolates. A buffet with herb roasted leg of lamb, roasted garlic-and-thyme chicken, flash-fried seasonal vegetables and rustic potato wedges will be served along with a selection of sweet treats. R169 per person and R80 for the kiddies menu. Tel 021-558-1337 or email [email protected].
Five Flies Restaurant
Tuck into a four-course menu fit for a queen at this inner-city eatery, including soup, a seafood starter and Karoo lamb shanks along with a rice and hazelnut dessert. You also get a complimentary glass of sherry and there will be lucky draws held on the day. R325 per person. Tel 012-424 4442 or email [email protected].
Geelbek Restaurant
Situated in a Cape Dutch building on the lagoon in the West Coast National Park, Geelbek has built up a reputation for fine dining in a beautiful setting. Enjoy birds, and (hopefully) sunshine while tucking into a delicious lunch accompanied by live entertainment. R175 per person for adults (includes a Mother’s Day gift) and half price for children under 12. Tel 022-772-2134 or email [email protected].
Glen Carlou Wine Cellar
Relax with Mom and enjoy a glass of wine under the high wooden beams of the tasting arena or take in the panoramic view over vineyards and Simonsberg Mountain from the terrace. They are offering a sumptuous 3-course set menu for R320 per person, which includes a glass of Glen Carlou wine as well as a gift for Mom. There is also a kiddies set menu (under 13’s) for R120 per person. Tel 021-875-5528 or email [email protected].
Moyo in Blouberg
While the Marabi singers set the tone for a relaxing day, get stuck into Moyo’s buffet offering, including soups with homemade breads, salads, lamb and chicken tagines. Vegetarians can enjoy dishes like aubergine bakes and lentil bobotie. All Mom’s will get treated to a free express massage at the table (head, hands or feet) and everyone gets to enjoy the view of the ocean. R175 per person for adults, R95 per kid under 12 and free for littlies under five. Tel 021-554-9671 or email [email protected].
Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore
Hit the Sunroof Terrace and enjoy panoramic views over the city and Table Mountain while scoffing tasty treats like prawn skewers, sticky wings, gypsy ham and Cajun-fried calamari. R225 for a platter for two (includes two glasses of sparkling wine) or R350 for a platter for four (includes four glasses of sparkling wine). Tel 021-427-4800 or email [email protected].
Reuben’s and Nobu at The One&Only
Treat Mom to lunch or dinner at One&Only Cape Town this Mother’s Day and she stands a chance to win a beautiful Pearl and Silver Pendant from Uwe Koetter Jewellers as well as a return transfer from home for the family in the fantastic Mercedes Maybach Zeppelin. Reuben’s have a lavish Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch while Nobu has their a la carte menu and Mother’s Day Bento Boxes. R295 per person for Reuben’s buffet lunch (R150 for 4-12 year olds and free under 3 years) and from R275 for a Bento Box. All Moms will get complimentary petit fours. Tel 021-431-4511 or email [email protected].
Mother’s Day in Gauteng
Al Fiume
Treat Mom to a gourmet lunch accompanied by live jazz in a beautiful setting on a shady wooden deck on the banks of the Hennops River. There will also be children’s activities, which will keep them occupied while she relaxes. R325 per adult and R125 per child. Tel 071-862-9750 or email [email protected].
The Blades
This restaurant on the banks of the Roodeplaat Dam is offering not only an a la carte lunch with dessert menu for Moms, but also has a buffet and entertainment especially for the kids (including a jumping castle, petting zoo and magic show). So Mom can truly enjoy a break while tucking into lunch accompanied by the soothing sounds of a sax player and get treated to a Mini Nomadic Spa Treatment. R295 per adult and R125 for kids. Tel 012-808-9943 or email [email protected].
Chapters Restaurant at Leriba Hotel and Spa
Tucked away in the lush indigenous gardens of this award-winning hotel in Centurion, Chapters Restaurant offers unparalleled garden vistas, whether you opt for the airy indoors or the sunny terrace. Take Mom here for a buffet lunch, especially if she likes beautiful gardens. R195 per person. Tel 012-660-3300 or email [email protected].
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel
Beautiful linen, crockery and silver cutlery are an integral part of the experience at this boutique hotel and they have a range of treats for Mother’s Day including a champagne breakfast, a special Mother’s Day lunch menu and afternoon tea. R225 per person for the champagne breakfast, R245 per person for lunch and R200 per person for afternoon tea. Tel 011-804-2540 or email [email protected].
Freshlyground at Johannesburg Zoo
If Mom’s a bit of a muso, Freshlyground are headlining the 702 Mother’s Day Concert at the Zoo and will be joined by the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra with soloists Tim Moloi and Naz Holland. Enjoy a picnic on the lawns while listening to popular classics. R65 per person, R40 for pensioners and children under 13. Under 3’s for free. Get your tickets from Webtickets (you could also win a R1 000 SPAR shopping voucher).
Mother’s Day Vintage Train to Cullinan
No matter how old you are, steam trains steal everyone’s heart! Relive the romance of old time railway travel and take Mom for a trip on a vintage steam train from Pretoria to Cullinan. Explore the historic diamond village of Cullinan and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the restaurants, or take a picnic to enjoy on the train. R200 per adult, pensioners R175, 13-18 years R150, 7 to 12 years R125, 2 to 6 years R100 and under two’s go for free. Tel 012-767-7913 or visit www.friendsoftherail.com.
Moyo at Zoo Lake
It’s all about celebrating and honouring Moms at this tranquil retreat from the urban hustle and bustle of the city. Depending on your budget, choose from a delicious breakfast buffet or a decadent lunch buffet (with prawns, potjies, curries, koeksisters, milk tart and more). The breakfast buffet is R85 per person and the lunch buffet is R275 per person including live entertainment and a pamper session from Mangwanani Spa. Tel 011-646-0058 or email [email protected].
Ora Bella Restaurant
The Ora Bella is one of the more popular restaurants in Boksburg. It has a warm and relaxed atmosphere that has families returning time and time again. They are hosting a buffet lunch with live music on Mother’s Day for R175 per person. Tel 011-917-3057 or email [email protected].
Parc Fermé Restaurant
Treat Mom to French and Mauritian cuisine in an elite yet inviting atmosphere. They are offering a special 5-course Mother’s Day menu including soup, warm chicken salad, roast beef or salmon and Amarula tiramisu for dessert. There’s also a kids’ menu. R295 per person and under 10’s eat for free. Tel 011-245-4846 or email [email protected].
Stonehaven on Vaal
Take Mom for a day out at this charming 10 acre river estate with over 1000 rose bushes. There’s a two hour cruising breakfast or 3-course luncheon buffet on the luxurious river cruiser or you can have lunch on land and enjoy a cruise afterwards. The Breakfast Buffet Cruise costs R239 per adult and the Mother’s Day Luncheon Buffet Cruise costs R300 per adult with kids under 12 for R82.50. The 5-course luncheon buffet at the Pool Terrace is R195 per adult and R49.95 for the kiddies buffet. A 45-minute river cruise costs R45 per adult and R35 for under 12’s. If you really want to treat Mom, book in and spend the weekend! Tel 016-982-2951 or email [email protected].
Tribes African Grill at Emperor’s Palace
With their modern ethnic African theme and traditional fusion cuisine with a unique Tribal touch, this is the place to take Mom if she prefers things with an African flavor (and if she enjoys a flutter at the casino!) They are offering a set menu with a choice of dishes from mussels in white wine and garlic sauce to honey mustard steak and red velvet cheesecake. R260 per person. Tel 011-397-6512 or email [email protected].
Before we go on, this venue also has more places to enjoy a meal. Check out this guide featuring the top Emperors Palace restaurants.
But let’s continue.
Mother’s Day in KwaZulu-Natal
Capers Restaurant
This relaxed and homely eatery in Morningside is hosting live music by Les Dolley complemented by a roast lunch and dessert for only R60 per person. So there are no excuses for not being to afford to take your Mom out for lunch. The menu includes roast beef and roast chicken, savoury rice, roast potatoes and vegetables. Tel 031-303-9238 or email [email protected].
Moyo at uShaka
Treat Mom to lunch 150 metres into the sea with live entertainment, a special Mangwanani Spa treat and a magnificent buffet with hot and cold salads, lamb leg curry, seafood curry, roast chicken, a range of vegetables and of course desserts. R250 per person. Tel 031-332-0606 or email [email protected].
The Oysterbox Hotel
This opulent colonial-style hotel has a host of delicious delights to choose from, including a decadent High Tea, a sumptuous buffet lunch and a relaxing spa treatment. R250 per person for High Tea and R390 per person for the buffet lunch at The Ocean Terrace. Tel 031-514-5018 or email [email protected]. The 105-minute spa treatment costs R750 and includes a steam session, a back, neck and shoulder massage and mini manicure or pedicure. Mom can also enjoy the plunge pool, the Spa buffet area and tranquillity lounge. Offer valid for the month of May. Tel 031-514-5072 or email [email protected].
The Parolotones at the Durban Botanic Gardens
The Parolotones are set to play at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Mother’s Day as part of the Old Mutual Music at the Lake series. Gates open for pre-sold tickets at 13:00 and for on-the-day sales at 13:30. The show starts at 14:30. Tickets are available online from Webtickets and cost R150 online or R180 at the gate on the day. R50 for children between 8 and 12 and under 8 ‘sget in for free. All children are welcome at the KidZone for some extra fun and games and drinks, cooler boxes and picnic baskets are welcome. Tel 031-322-4021 or visit www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za.
Plaka in Umhlanga
Surround yourself with splashes of Mediterranean blues and cool white while enjoying a 3-course Mediterranean-style menu with your Mom. There’ll be Meze to share (with pita breads, grilled calamari and Haloumi cheese), prawns, Souvlaka, line fish, Kleftico and dessert platters with Baklava, Halva ice cream and Tiramisu. R200 per person. Tel 031-566-7456 or visit www.plaka.co.za.
Ralphy’s Restaurant at Emakhosini Boutique Hotel
The Zulu name eMakhosini translates as ‘place of the kings’. Treat your Mom like a queen with a buffet lunch at this elegant restaurant with its classic French colonial design and rich antique furnishings. R185 per person. Tel 031-203-4500 or visit www.emakhosinigroup.com.
Saffron Restaurant at Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel
This swish restaurant with beautiful views over Umhlanga Beach is offering a Mothers Day menu for R230 per person. They will also have a kiddies’ buffet menu on the day. Tel 031-514-6500, or visit www.coastlands.co.za.
