We are firmly of the belief there are too many great spots to wait until Mother’s Day to spoil the queen in your life. Not to mention, all the reasons she deserves to be celebrated.
A shared meal is always a great way to reconnect with your mother or a mother figure in your life.
However if you do decide to take her out this Sunday, plenty of our favourite bars and restaurants are going the extra mile to make sure it will be an occasion to remember.
Delicate and delicious high teas, lavish lunches and set menus with inventive and surprising flavours abound.
Booking one will go a lot further than that ‘I love you, Mum,” card you usually buy – but don’t forget to bring that too! Better yet, if there’s siblings to rally or a spouse to remind, save a seat for them too.
Here are some highlights for 2026:
Aarth Mother’s Day lunch
A surprising and delightful fine dining take on Indian flavours is what Aarth is building a name for. The restaurant, led by experienced chef Vicky Shah, is opening during the day for the first time for its Mother’s Day lunch this Sunday 10 May from 11am–3pm.
A $79 menu includes a glass of bubbles, pumpkin sev puri and Aarth’s take on “butter chicken,” (It’s a dish you’ll be talking about!) a choice of market fish, paneer or lamb and a divine mango dessert. Or if you really want to treat her, upgrade to the full tasting menu. Book here
Forum Mother’s Day high tea
We love the way a classic high tea takes the pressure off, no decisions to make, no menus to pore over. JW Marriott Auckland is offering a sweet twist on this tradition with a special $69 Mother’s Day high tea available at Forum bar.
The classic bite-sized sandwiches and pastries have been given a contemporary refresh, with the adorable, relaxed-but-delicious sharing platter including everything from from dreamy Opera Cake to decadent Fromage Blanc open sandwiches. Book here
Saint Alice’s Mother’s Day set menu
Stunning on a sunny day but just as memorable if not, at the always buzzing waterside eatery Mother’s Day is celebrated with a special set menu from 11am, including a glass of proseco or wine on arrival for $65 per person.
It includes an entree, main (the market fish is always a winner) and sides to share. Add a house cocktail (seen above, additional to set menu) if the mood takes you! The afternoon will also feature live piano performances from 12-2pm, followed by DJs and special surprises. Book here
Onemata Mother’s Day lunch
Enjoy a Mother’s Day lunch at the elegant restaurant within the Viaduct’s Park Hyatt and then enjoy a harbourside wander to finish off the afternoon. At $120 per person, the experience includes a glass of No.1 Family Cuvee, No.1 Brut or a mocktail on arrival as well as a starter, main and dessert. Sweet tooths, we’re flagging the chocolate caramel flan! Book here
Bivaco Mother’s Day lunch
Did someone say dessert buffet? Bivaco is the place to go if you’ve got a group, as the restaurant’s stylish take on shared Italian food will include a selection of fresh seafood, handcrafted antipasto and gourmet mains from the carvery, alongside seasonal salads, wood-fired pizzas and Bivacco’s iconic pasta wheel. Then there’s that dessert buffet, including classic favourites, handcrafted sweets and a flowing chocolate fountain, perfectly complemented by champagne specials, cocktails and live entertainment. Book here
Somm Mother’s Day lunch
If she’s a wine love her, impress her with a visit to Somm Wine Bar & Bistro on Princes Wharf in Auckland. The waterfront cellar door and bistro is offering a three-course set menu of entrée, main & dessert for $80 per person, with the option of adding G.H.Mumm Marlborough Brut Cuvée at a special price of $13 per glass. Book here
Metita Toana’i Sunday Lunch
Metita is named after Chef Michael Meredith’s mother, so its no surprise he’s cooking up something special this Mother’s Day in her honour.
The Toana’i Sunday Lunch, $110 per person, invites guests to enjoy a Pacific tradition celebrated all over the world, with a family-style menu designed for sharing, dishes including kingfish oka, slow braised lamb shanks, roasted carrots and so’e with burnt orange. Book here
Miann desserts
Finally, if she’s a ‘dessert for dinner’ kind of mum (relatable!) or you want to end lunch or dinner on a high, there are plenty of great reasons to take her to Miann. The dessert restaurant, patisserie, and chocolate factory has relaxed, cafe-style locations in Britomart and Ponsonby Central with plenty of wow-worthy specials. The new Matcha Mont Blanc sundae is a showstopper, with matcha, raspberry, vanilla sponge and white chocolate, or try a specialty hot chocolate that’s rich and delicious.
