Where to eat this Mother’s Day in Canberra
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Whether you’re celebrating your mum, stepmum, grandmother, aunt, mentor, or mother figure, here’s how to make this Mother’s Day in Canberra extra special.
They say that way to the heart is through the stomach, so why not treat mum to an unforgettable meal this Mother’s Day?
From luxe brunches and dinners suggestions to decadent high teas, there’s sure to be something she’ll love on this list. Just make sure to pop Sunday 10 May into your calendar – this is one date you don’t want to forget.
Clover Dining
Treat the mother figure in your life to an unforgettable meal this Mother’s Day. Priced at $110 per person, Clover Dining is serving up a set menu that she’ll be thinking about long after it’s over.
Starting with a cocktail designed especially for her, the meal includes three starters (Agrodolce Burrata, Royal Red Prawn Carpaccio and Shiitake Ravioli) followed by her choice of main – Confit Duck Maryland or Swordfish with Sicilian Caponata, served alongside Sage Mashed Potato and Furikake Caesar Salad.
The meal finishes on a sweet note with a chocolate hazelnut profiterole. The best part? It’s available for both lunch and dinner.
197 London Circuit, City | Book here.
The Boat House
Lake views and a three-course set menu – hard to argue with that combination. The Boat House’s Mother’s Day lunch opens with Abrolhos scallop alongside braised pork cheek, baby turnip and corn, before a choice of main: White Pyrenees lamb with smoked eggplant, kefir and rocket, or Humpty Doo barramundi with mussels, prawn bisque and gai lan.
Sides of slow-roasted agave carrot with labneh and rosemary potatoes with pecorino round things out, and dessert is a pumpkin honeycomb cheesecake with cardamom caramel ice cream and peach.
Priced at $120 per person ($60 for children, who get chicken tenders or spaghetti followed by ice cream with iced magic – so they’ll be happy too).
Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton | Book here.
Louis Dining
Two reasons to book Louis this Mother’s Day. On Saturday, their High Tea rolls out delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, and a parade of pastries and desserts – all for $90 per person.
Then on Sunday, things step up a notch with an elegant three-course lunch. She’ll choose from a curated menu of entrée, main and dessert, with a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival to kick things off properly.
Priced at $110 per person ($55 for kids under 12), it’s a polished way to spoil her in Barton’s Hotel Realm precinct.
Ground Floor, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
OHNO!
Yum cha meets Mumm Champagne – yes, really. OHNO!’s Mother’s Day event, aptly named Mumm Cha, pairs their yum cha–inspired set menu with bottomless Mumm Champagne, house wines, tap beers and spritz for $119 per person. Not into bottomless? The set menu on its own is $79 per person. Either way, mum goes home with a little gift.
Three sittings are available at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm – and if past years are anything to go by, this one will fill fast.
13–15 Flinders Way, Manuka | Book here.
Med
Gather the family around a generous spread of eastern Mediterranean favourites this Mother’s Day. Med’s $89 per person banquet is built for sharing – fresh seafood, house-baked pide with hummus, falafel with herb tahini, saganaki, BBQ calamari with nduja, pilaf and grilled broccolini.
À la carte dining is also available as normal, along with food and drink specials for the occasion. A relaxed, flavour-packed way to celebrate mum.
1 Burbury Close, Barton | Book here.
Eightysix
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like Modern Australian share plates in a popular Canberra restaurant. On Mother’s Day, eightysix is holding two sittings – one at 11.30 am for those who don’t mind a drink before midday, and one at 1.30 pm for those who prefer to linger.
Including a glass of Prosecco on arrival, she’ll have her choice of a menu full of the classics. Rather do something at home? Pre-order an XL of their iconic Banoffee Pie before Friday 8 May to make mum very, very happy.
Corner of Eloura and, Mode 3 Building, Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Book here.
Dada
With seven courses priced at $80 per person, Dada is doing all the hard work this Mother’s Day.
Serving up all their most iconic dishes – including rice bread with ghee butter, Vietnamese coffee banoffee pie and udon noodles – mum will leave this meal feeling very full and happy.
A fantastic choice for anyone with dietary requirements.
G4/12 Furzer Street, Phillip | Book here.
Water’s Edge
Five courses by the lake for $110 per person – Water’s Edge is pulling out the stops this Mother’s Day. The menu opens with chef’s choice amuse-bouche and breads before moving into pan-seared Japanese scallops with Berkshire pork jowl and celeriac velouté nduja.
The main event is an Angus beef fillet MB2+ (chef’s recommendation: medium rare) with mustard and mushroom duxelles, chestnut purée, baby carrot and shiraz jus, followed by a palate cleanser and molten chocolate cake with homemade vanilla ice cream.
Prefer something lighter? Their Mother’s Day High Tea is $99 per person and includes a glass of sparkling on arrival, with sittings at 11.30 am and 2 pm.
Bookings are limited, so don’t sit on this one.
Parkes Place, Barrine Drive, Parkes | Book here.
Beltana Farm
For mums who’d rather be surrounded by paddocks than place settings, Beltana Farm in Pialligo is serving their signature Unearthed Tasting Menu – seasonal produce, generous shared plates passed across the table, and all the warmth of a proper farm lunch.
Two sittings are available at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm, each with a two-hour window to settle in and let mum enjoy a meal she didn’t have to cook. Priced at $132 per person ($55 for children, two courses), inclusive of the weekend surcharge. Gluten-free and vegetarian requests are welcome.
14 Beltana Road, Pialligo | Book here.
The Inn
The Inn is opening for a special Mother’s Day lunch built around their ‘Feed Me’ menus. You choose the level, and they will take care of everything else.
Priced at $120 per person, it will be generous, it will be considered and it will feel like an occasion from the moment you sit down. Think: freshly shucked oysters, house-made flat bread and more.
If you’re planning to take her somewhere, this is the moment to lock it in.
Level 1/1 Edgar Street, Ainslie | Book here.
Agostinis
Whether you’re celebrating mum or Nonna, Agostinis is the perfect place to go. Serving a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival for all mothers and a menu designed for sharing, this Mother’s Day, they’re hosting breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Book mum a table and enjoy celebrating with her the Italian way.
East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | Book here.
COMPA
Let the team from COMPA do the hard work this Mother’s Day. Priced at $95 per person, here she’ll enjoy a three-course Italian feast showcasing some of their most comforting dishes – from stone baked bread, zucchini flowers and burrata to ossobuco, ocean trout and classic COMPA tiramisu.
Available for both lunch and dinner, it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate Mother’s Day over good food and even better company.
148 Bunda Street, City | Book here.
The Promenade Cafe
Here she’ll enjoy a lavish seafood buffet lunch paired with chilled rosé – and what else could she want?
Priced at $150 per person and $75 per child (aged six to 12 years), freshly shucked oysters, prawns and an array of refined seasonal dishes will make Mother’s Day an extra elegant affair.
120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Dolly’s
Did someone say ‘bottomless cocktails’? Dolly’s is holding two very special sips and snacks sessions on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Priced at $75 per person and hosted across three sessions (4 pm, 6 pm and 8 pm), share some drinks and snacks with mum as you claim the title of ‘favourite child’.
The ticket also includes dips, skewers and a mezze plate!
50 Bunda Street, City | Book here.
Bloom Room CBR
Promising an “elegant, earthy dining experience”, Bloom Room CBR is hosting a three-course dining experience this Mother’s Day.
Available for lunch and dinner with sittings available from 1 pm and 5.30 pm, sit back and relax as mum is served a curated cheese selection, Barramundi Fillet and pancakes to share.
34 Northbourne Avenue, City | Book here.
Hotel Kurrajong
Hotel Kurrajong is going all out this Mother’s Day with two ways to celebrate. Head in for their elegant sit-down affair – a thoughtfully curated menu with live ambient music and dedicated children’s activities, plus a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or fresh juice on arrival. She’ll enjoy an arrival buffet featuring savoury delicacies, artisan sweets and a live chef station serving freshly prepared gourmet risotto. Priced at $199 per adult and $69 per child (12 years and under).
Prefer to celebrate at home or at her favourite picnic spot? Chifley’s Bar & Grill has also curated a special takeaway high tea package for two, complete with a premium selection of sweet and savoury delights. It’s available for collection on Sunday 10 May between 9 am and 11 am.
8 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
The Yacht Club
Make Mother’s Day memorable with a three-course menu featuring fresh Australian seafood at the Yacht Club. She’ll enjoy lakeside views and bottomless Prosecco – what’s not to love?
Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla | Book here.
Mercure Canberra
With bottomless mimosas and Aperol Spritz and a relaxed garden-view setting, the Mercure Canberra has Mother’s Day sorted. Along with a two-hour drinks package (which includes beers, wines, and soft drinks), she’ll also be treated to a buffet brunch with sweet and savoury favourites.
The celebration overlooks the Courtyard Gardens, so she can relax while the children make the most of the activity pack!
39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon | Book here.
The Marion
Home to one of Australia’s largest selections of Ronnefeldt teas, The Marion is the perfect destination for a memorable high tea. On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May, treat mum to freshly baked scones with cream and preserves, followed by sandwiches, savoury pastries and delectable petit cakes all created on site by their highly skilled chefs.
Want to make it extra special? Upgrade to the Taittinger Champagne high tea and raise a glass to the special women in your life.
Act Parks Depot, Barrine Drive, Parkes | Book here.
Old Parliament House
A historic high tea is sure to go down a treat. This Mother’s Day, book mum into a high tea at Old Parliament House where she’ll enjoy a delicious, tiered spread in the historic Members’ Dining Rooms.
Priced at $90 per adult and $30 per child, every adult ticket includes a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Choose between two sittings (10.30 am or 2.30 pm) and get ready to indulge.
18 King George Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
natural nine
This is a high tea with a twist. natural nine is serving up a menu that you won’t find anywhere else – from savouries like truffle mushroom arancini with beetroot puree to roast duck mini sausage roll with cranberry gel.
As for the sweets? Think: compressed watermelon with sour cream and seasonal berries, coconut glutinous rice balls with Nutella and homemade carrot cake.
Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | Book here.
Adore Tea
Handcrafted delicacies served alongside an exquisite range of teas is on the menu at Adore Tea this Mother’s Day.
Including quintessential sandwiches, savouries and sweets, each dish is infused with tea flavours, making it a unique (and delicious) dining experience. And with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available, it’s a meal that truly everyone can enjoy.
Unit 2/2 Dacre Street, Mitchell | Book here.
Canberra Southern Cross Club
The Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden has Mother’s Day covered whether you want to dine in or take it home. Their bubbly and brunch buffet runs from 11 am to 1 pm – a generous spread of brunch favourites paired with sparkling bubbles and the perfect excuse to sit back and let someone else do the cooking.
For something more relaxed, their takeaway high tea serves two to four people and comes packed with freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, lemon tart, strawberry cheesecake, finger sandwiches and teas. Make sure to pre-order before 9 pm on Tuesday 5 May.
92–96 Corinna Street, Phillip | Book here.
QT Canberra
This Mother’s Day, spoil your mum with a decadent sensory experience at QT Canberra. Scent and Sip: QTea High Tea blends fragrance, flavour and celebration in one indulgent sitting. Guests are guided through a curated scent and sip bar experience, pairing Mumm sparkling wine with a bespoke fragrance journey. Notes of honey, apple and delicate florals inspire your custom scent, created with guidance from a fragrance expert. Enjoy a luxurious high tea while designing a personalised perfume to take home, making it a memorable gift experience.
Looking for something even more indulgent? Settle into the award-winning restaurant for a lavish spread of savoury bites and sweet treats, paired with a glass of Mumm sparkling wine. Designed to celebrate the queens of the family, this high tea offers elegance with a playful twist, including a dedicated cake table and the option to select fresh blooms from an exclusive flower bar. It’s a relaxed yet refined way to celebrate, with generous hospitality and plenty of sparkle. Price $90 per adult.
QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Feature image: Clover Dining. Credit Ben Calvert.
