Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Guide 2023: OC Restaurant Specials

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — It's that time: Roll out the red carpet, and treat Mom like the queen she is!

Mother's Day falls this year on Sunday, May 14.

Patch has compiled our annual Mom's Day dining guide to Orange County restaurant standouts, steals and deals — with entries for all tastes and budget. Peruse the list to see what appeals, and get going on reservations.

Need visual inspiration? See the photo slideshow at the top of this post.

And to all mothers, grandmas, stepmoms, foster moms and aunties, too, Happy Mother's Day from Patch!

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ACAPULCO RESTAURANT & CANTINA: Celebrate Mother's Day, May 14, with all-you-can-eat brunch 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy ham & tri-tip carving station, Mexican favorites, made-to-order omelettes, soups, salads, desserts & unlimited champagne. $36/adults & $12/kids. Reservations. Site here in Costa Mesa.

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BALBOA BAY RESORT: Spoil Mom with Mother's Day brunch buffet at acclaimed, waterfront hotel's Grand Ballroom & Terrace — May 14 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Feast features seafood, meats, charcuterie, breakfast favorites, pastries & more. $143/adults & $75/children. Plus, new this year, locally owned Penelope Pots will host pop-up shop with flower bouquets. Valet & self-parking offered. Reservations. At 1221 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach.

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BAR LOUIE: Gift-card promo alert for Mother's Day! For every $25 spent on eatery gift card, receive $5 bonus. Or purchase $100 gift card & receive additional $10 bonus. Locale in Tustin.

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BRUNOS ITALIAN KITCHEN: Three-course, Mother's Day feast — $35 per person — will be served from May 12-14 with soul-satisfying Italian fare. Menu features choice of arancini or winter salad, followed by entreés selections for marsala pork chop, swordfish or linguine alla capesante, with scallops, asparagus, lobster sauce & lemon ricotta; & dessert. Book here. At 210 W. Birch Street, Brea.

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BUCA DI BEPPO: Mama Mia! Mother's Day weekend takeout packages offered for pick-up or delivery May 12-14. To-go special, serving five ($65) or 10 ($110), includes bread and choice of salad & pasta, plus dessert. Another version ($75 for five or $130 for 10) includes same, but with added entree. See here for details & order links. On-site dining also available. Location finder for Anaheim/Garden Grove & Brea.

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CALACA MAMAS CANTINA: Day of the Dead-themed eatery across from Disneyland, founded by sister duo, will toast Mother’s Day with tantilizing menu, including breakfast burritos, "Wish I Was A Churro Waffle" & "Brunch Board" with conchas, bunuelos, vanilla sweet cream, berry compote, veggie frittata, potato taquitos, salsa, pickled veggies, fruit, chicken chorizo & beer bacon. Pair with such handcrafted cocktails as Churro on Ice, Mora Mora or Tipsy Pomelo. Reservations. At 1550 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim.
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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Show Mama the love with a heart-shaped crispy thin crust pizza — a Mother's Day dine-in-only special May 14. Or take advantage of new seasonal menu featuring such dishes as California Fields Salad with watermelon & strawberries, Dynamite Shrimp tossed in sweet & spicy sriracha sauce & strawberry shortcake. Info. Locations throughout OC.

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CHA CHA'S LATIN KITCHEN: Two-course, Mother's Day champagne brunch, plus option for bottomless mimosas, to be served May 14 at both OC sites — with live Latin music in Irvine. Begin with homemade chips, salsa & chile con queso, followed by starter & entree choice of enchiladas, fresh corn taco, or carne asada con huevo (grilled marinated skirt steak with potatoes, egg & ranchero sauce). Reservations. Locales in Brea & Irvine.

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CHILI'S GRILL & BAR: Treat Mom to a $6 "1800 Stay-Cay Rita" — May margarita of month & "island getaway in a glass." Made with 1800 Reposado Tequila, Chili’s fresh sour, coconut syrup, pineapple juice & grenadine. Available all month. Fajitas, chicken crispers, Big Mouth Burgers & more on expansive menu for true Mother’s Day feast. Website. Locales statewide.

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CLAIM JUMPER STEAKHOUSE & BAR: Mother’s Day brunch buffet is back May 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., with carving station, omelet bar, breakfast classics, pastas, pizzas, desserts & more. $45 for adults & $19.50 for 12 and under. Plus, bottomless mimosas for $17 until 3 p.m. Details/reservations. (Not available at site in Costa Mesa.) Location here at 7971 Beach Blvd., Buena Park.

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DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: Have a BBQ-lovin' mama? Make her proud & enter "Best Motherly Advice" contest for chance to win $150 Dickey's gift card. Share her words of wisdom here through May 14. Winner notified May 15. And don’t forget: kids eat free Sundays with $10 minimum purchase — and Mother's Day is on a Sunday. Contest details here. Locations statewide.

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EDDIE V'S PRIME SEAFOOD: Dazzle Mom with prix-fixe, three-course brunch, served Mother’s Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Adults $52/children $16.) Entree selections: lobster quiche Florentine; avocado & jumbo lump crab on brioche toast; or steak & eggs with potatoes au gratin & red-eye gravy. Dinner menu offered all day. Live music begins 4 p.m. Reservations here. Location in Newport Beach.

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EL POLLO LOCO: Mother’s Day deal for Loco Rewards members: Score 12-piece Leg & Thigh Family Meal for $25. Offer will be sent to member accounts & redeemable May 10-16 in-store, via app & online. Also, eGift Card promotion May 10-14: Purchase $50 eGift card & receive free, eight-piece Leg & Thigh sent as coupon code. Details here. Eateries throughout Orange County.

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EL TORITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT: Celebrate Mother's Day with all-you-can-eat brunch served May 14 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy tri-tip & ham carving station, Mexican favorites, made-to-order omelettes, soups, salads, desserts, unlimited champagne & more. $36 adults & $12 for kids. (Marina Del Rey location excluded.) Reservations. See sites in OC.
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FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR: Luxe, three-course menu will be served Saturday & Sunday, May 13-14, starting at $85, with filet mignon & choice of crab-stuffed shrimp or lobster tail scampi. Locations open 11 a.m. both days, plus dinner & children’s menus also available. Takeout offered, too. And special sip for Mom: a "Scarlet Clover" cocktail, with Gray Whale Gin, Fino Sherry, lemon juice & strawberry ($16). Info/bookings. See sites in Anaheim, Newport Beach.

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GELSON'S MARKETS: Take stress of cooking off Mom’s plate with ready-to-heat meals for Mother’s Day. Among offerings are to-go brunch favorites (such as salmon, crab cake or quiche options with pixie tangerine salad, fruit, baguette & Pie Hole Nutella chocolate pastry bites), cheese & charcuterie boxes, shrimp platters, Angus beef, flowers, hand-dipped, chocolate-covered strawberries & candy assortments. Online orders due May 12 for May 13-14 pick-up. Order links here. Locations throughout OC.

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JW MARRIOTT ANAHEIM RESORT: Mommy & Me Tea Party planned May 14 in garden setting with assortment of tea sandwiches (PB&J, BLT, cucumber & cream cheese and more!) macaroons, pastries & desserts. Reservations. 1775 South Clementine St., Anaheim.

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KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN: Through May 14, families will receive free 12-piece KFC Nuggets & downloadable Mother’s Day card with online purchase of KFC Nuggets of Appreciation meal. Meal includes chicken or tenders, sides, biscuits & dipping sauces. Order via KFC mobile app or kfc.com. Card, available in both English & Spanish, will be emailed to customers' email address provided when ordering. Details. Stores statewide.

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KHAN SAAB DESI CRAFT KITCHEN: The Michelin-rated, 100% Halal restaurant, with cuisine from India, Pakistan & Afghanistan, is prepping Mother's Day menu featuring such fan-fave dishes as bone-in tomahawk steak of Australian wagyu beef, pomegranate bhel puri & chili roast cheese kulcha with butter sauce & shrimp masala curry. Reservations here or call 714-853-1081. At 229 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton.
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KRISPY KREME: For mamas with a sweet tooth: A 16-count box of "Minis for Mom" doughnuts is available at participating shops for in-store pick-up or delivery through May 14. Among selections: Chocolate Iced Rose Doughnut; Mini Strawberry Iced Heart; Mini Cookies & Kreme; plus four Original Glazed doughnuts.And May 12-13, get $0 delivery fee for any orders placed online or via app. Details. Find shops in OC.
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MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH: Two options to bask in sunlight & relax with Mom! Outdoor, multi-station brunch buffet will be served on Pacific Lawn, accompanied by live music, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ($235 per adult/$65 per child.) Or dine at The Loft, 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., with three-course menu featuring shared appetizers, a la carte entrée, buffet dessert & choice of Champagne, mimosa or Bloody Mary. ($165 per adult/$55 per child.) Details/bookings. At 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

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MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: Bring on the opulence Mother's Day weekend — May 12-14 —with featured dinner of filet mignon, jumbo lump crab, spices & béarnaise sauce. Specialty cocktail, "Radiant Charm," also on menus —blend of vodka, Aperol, strawberry rose syrup, lime juice, prosecco & mint. Reservations. See locales in Anaheim & Santa Ana.

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MOUNTAIN MIKE'S PIZZA: Nothing says "I love you, Mom," like a heart-shaped pizza. Ordwr with her fave toppings. Available Mom's Day weekend, May 11-14, at the chain. Available in-store, online, via Mountain Rewards app & via third-party delivery. Website. Locations throughout Orange County.

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NORMS: The legendary diner marks Día de las Madres & Mother’s Day with scratch-off tickets — where every mom is a winner! From May 10-14, diners receive scratcher cards with prizes including: chance to win $500 shopping spree; $200 NORMS certificate; $100 spa day gift card; or other restaurant freebies. Details. See sites throughout Orange County.

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OEB BREAKFAST CO.: Brunch hotspot celebrates Mom with Mom’osa special — tropical twist on traditional sip with pineapple juice, bubbly & coconut rim. Pair with brunch menu featuring such dishes as Croque Madame, French toast trifle, pierogies & duck, gnocchi breakfast carbonara, Benedict selections, bowls, scrambles & more. Website. At 1104 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

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ORANGE HILL: Venue with panoramic views provides setting for four-course, Mother's Day brunch, May 14 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Adults: $89/Children: $35/Mimosas: $30. Among menu highlights: lobster Benedict; steak & eggs Benedict; fried chicken & waffle; plus, one-of-a-kind mimosas with fresh cucumber mint or dragon fruit & watermelon. Dinner service: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Reservations. At 6410 East Chapman Ave., Orange.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Mother's Day menu features filet & lobster, grilled shrimp on the barbie, prime rib, plus specialty cocktails & desserts, including the limited-time, guest favorite— the Peach Bellini. Info. Find restaurants in OC.

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P.F. CHANG'S: Book soon to enjoy Mother's Day special — four-course meal with appetizer, soup, entree & dessert, plus optional toast. To-go options also offered. Details/reservations. See restaurants statewide in Anaheim, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach.

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POLLY'S PIES: California-founded bakery is taking Mom's Day orders for handmade pies — shipped frozen to bake at home. Buy one pie & get one 50% off using code mombogo through May 15. Flavors: apple, apple (no added sugar), cherry (no added sugar), peach, apricot, rhubarb, blueberry, boysenberry & cherry. Coffee, jams,& deep-dish quiches also offered. For free shipping deal through May 8: Use code FREESHIP on orders over $50. Info.

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RANDY'S DONUTS: MOM Donut alert! Get your Mother’s Day "MOM donuts" (Bavarian cream-filled with pink icing) May 10-14 at all locations. Store finder here for SoCal.

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RED LOBSTER: Limited-time coupon deal offered Mother's Day weekend. Diners from Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 14 will receive bonus coupon for 10% off next meal between May 15-June 29. Coupons can be used for such seafood offerings as $20 Ultimate Endless Shrimp ( 5/8 – 5/28 for dine-in only) or Shrimp Trios & valid for dine-in or to-go with code LOBSTAR15. Details. See restaurants in OC.

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ROMANO'S MACARONI GRILL: Restaurants open 11 a.m. Mother's Day serving Italian classics. Or for dining at home, there's "Feast for Five" ($30 & serves five), with entrée, Caesar salad, Rosemary Peasant Bread & chocolate chip cookies. Available for takeout or delivery. Go here for ordering links or reservations. Location in Tustin.

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ROUND TABLE PIZZA: Show love to Mama with heart-shaped pizza through May 31. Any large pizza can be made in heart shape. Order online & choose "heart-shaped option" when selecting crust type. Availability may vary by site. Details. Location finder statewide.

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RUBIO'S COASTAL GRILL: For fish taco-loving Mamas, gift cards are available with deal for Mother's Day: $5 bonus card received with every $25 gift card purchase. Valid through June 25, while supplies last & valid online & in-restaurant. Details. Locales statewide.

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RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: Mother' Day brunch and a three-course, prix-fixe dinner offered for the weekend, May 13-14. Brunch options include: filet & spicy crab; sea bass; burger, blackened chicken Caesar salad & more. Dinner selections: salads; lobster bisque; steak & shrimp; steak & lobster; fish; sides; & desserts. See here for info/reservations. Locations in Anaheim, Irvine.

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SEASONS 52: Dine on-site or celebrate at home! Mother’s Day brunch (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) features crab and cheddar quiche, Upright French Toast with applewood bacon and shrimp & grits. Dinner menu highlights apricot-glazed ham with sweet potato mash & maple-pecan streusel. "Green Box To Go" takeout serves four to six with three courses & choice of ham, salmon or beef tenderloin, plus salad, sides & dessert. Reservations & order details. See site in Costa Mesa.

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7-ELEVEN: On Mother's Day, 7Rewards members can score whole pizza for $5 from participating stores. Options include cheese, pepperoni or breakfast pizza. Website.
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THE BLIND PIG: It's cheers to moms with special brunch & dinner menus offered Mother's Day at both OC sites. Among brunch highlights: crustless quiche; crab cake Benedict & shrimp Po’ Boy. Dinner features include: yellowtail aguachile & cilantro chicken milanese, along with signature cocktails like the Banana Grasshopper, with vodka, coconut, banana, sherry & menthe. Reservations. Locales in Rancho Santa Margarita & Yorba Linda.
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THE CAPITAL GRILLE: Moms are treated to a rose & such brunch specials as lobster frittata, blueberry bread, steak & eggs or — new this year — smoked salmon & caviar. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A la carte dinner options available all day. Bookings here. In Costa Mesa.

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THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY: For cheesecake-loving mothers ... purchase $50 gift card online & receive $10 bonus card. Redeemable May 15- June 7. Ordering info. Locations throughout OC.

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TOCCA FERRO ITALIAN CHOPHOUSE AT JW MARRIOTT ANAHEIM RESORT: Treat Mom to Mother’s Day buffet Sunday, May 14, 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. with omelet station, fruit, pastries, eggs, protein, potatoes & more. ($120 for adults; $35 for children.) An a-la-carte menu offers petite filet & eggs, lobster Benedict, lox bagel & more. Or book Mommy & Me Tea Party planned 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the serenity garden. ($50/each.) Reservations. At 1775 South Clementine St., Anaheim.

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TOUS LES JOURS: The French-Asian bakery cafe offers its Happy Mother’s Day dessert collection May 4-14. Among options: Pink Lady (strawberry cake & cream cheese icing), Berry Pistachio (pistachio sponge cake, strawberry buttercream & compote)& for coffee-loving moms, Chocolate Espresso (chocolate sponge cake & mocha buttercream). Ordering info. Find shops in Fullerton, Garden Grove & Irvine.

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URBAN PLATES: Say, "Thanks, Mom," with sweet freebie at this chef-driven chain. The first 150 moms who dine in Mother’s Day receive complimentary, house-made chocolate dessert & the first 100 moms also get roses. Scratch-made lunches & dinners also include the “13 under $13” everyday value menu, with such dishes as Chili Glaze Grilled Tofu Bowl & Moroccan Chicken Braise. Website. Find locales in Orange County.

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