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

SAN DIEGO 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 San Diego-area 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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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. Locations in Carlsbad, Mira Mesa.

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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 San Diego County.

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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 San Diego Harbor. Location here in La Mesa.

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COCO MAYA: Treat Mama to Caribbean-inspired brunch with such fan-faves as "Very Berry French Toast" on kolache bread with fruits & mascarpone cream, or "Breakfast Bokit," scrambled egg, hash-brown, cheese sauce & jerk bacon. Top off her day with a “Momosa.” Book here. At 1660 India St., San Diego.

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CUSP DINING & DRINKS AT HOTEL LA JOLLA: Mother's Day brunch & dinner planned May 14 at the 11th floor restaurant. Brunch (7 a.m. - 2 p.m.) offers such dishes as: goat cheese toast with grapes, walnuts & honey; salmon in potato rosti with egg & caviar hollandaise; smoked salmon egg white frittata; avocado toast; & more — ranging from $14 to $41. Dinner service runs 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Reservations recommended via OpenTable. At 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla.

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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. Locations in La Jolla & San Diego.

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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 San Diego 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 site in La Mesa.

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FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR: A Mother’s Day afternoon tea & lavish, pre-fixe, three-course brunch planned at Amaya restaurant. Tea is 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. with live entertainment ($125 per adult; $60 per child, 4-11; children 3 & under complimentary with paid adult.) Brunch with unlimited MOMosas is 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ($175/adult; $87/child 4-11; Under 3 free with paid adult.) Bookings/info. At 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego.

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FISH SHOP: The family-friendly spot is treating seafood-loving moms & mother figures on Mother's Day, May 14, to gift card offering either 10% off next purchase, $5 off next purchase, or $1 off pint of beer or glass of wine. Website. Find locations in Encinitas, Pacific Beach & Point Loma.

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FLAGSHIP CRUISES: Set sail May14 with Mother's Day brunch cruise. Enjoy waterfront views & decadent, all-you-can-eat spread of made-to-order omelets, seafood, chef-attended carving station & more. Live music & bottomless champagne, too. Starting at $56.70/person. 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. departures. Info/bookings. At 990 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego.

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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 La Jolla & San Diego.

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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 Southern California.

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GEORGE'S AT THE COVE: Special Mother's Day brunch planned 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Ocean View Room. Executive Chef Masa Kojima's classic menu offers a la carte selections of eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros, brioche French toast, steak & eggs & more. George’s Ocean Terrace & Level 2 also will be open beginning 11 a.m. with breakfast items & lunch menu. Info/reservations. At 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla.

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GIAOLA ITALIAN KITCHEN: The Bressi Ranch eatery will serve three-course, prix-fixe Mother’s Day brunch May 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Among menu selections: smoked salmon bruschetta; strawberry salad; eggs Benedict; spring pea fettuccine; sausage & sunnyside egg pizza; tiramisu & more. Adults/$55. For kids 12 & younger: $25. Dinner service: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Reservations. At 2668 Gateway Road, Carlsbad.

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HOTEL DEL CORONADO: The legendary resort's Southpointe Ballroom is setting for Mother's Day brunch, May 14, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Highlights include live music, chilled seafood bar, regionally inspired dishes, international cuisine, carving stations & dessert bar. Includes glass of champagne for those 21+. Adults: $185; Children (4-12): $95; Children (under 3): Complimentary. Reservations. At 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado.

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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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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 San Diego region.
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MARINE ROOM: The iconic, dining experience by the sea is prepping extravagant, four-course prix-fixe menu, for Mother's Day 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. with appetizers, entrees, desserts & special Amuse Bouche from Executive Chef Mike Minor. Plus, moms will leave with box of handcrafted chocolates. Bookings. At 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla.

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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 locale in San Diego.

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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 California.

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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 San Diego County.

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PARK 101: Treat Mama to backyard BBQ of her dreams at the relaxed, multi-level, plaza-style complex . Enjoy barbeque grub, food from Wicked Maine Lobster & $15 bottles of Cava with choice of orange, guava or cranberry juice. Kid- & dog-friendly. Sunday hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Info. At 3040 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad.

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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 in Carlsbad, Chula Vista, San Diego.

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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 newly opened store at 3737 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego.

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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 San Diego region.

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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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RUSTICUCINA: Make the day an Italian-inspired fest with prix-fixe meal ($59/person) or a la carte. Prix-fixe offers choices for antipasti, entree, sides & dessert. Or partake in pasta prepared tableside in Chef’s Cheese Wheel Pasta. Menu/reservations. At 3797 Park Blvd., San Diego.

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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 Del Mar & San Diego.

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SANDPIPER WOOD FIRED GRILL & OYSTERS: Executive Chef Marty Fay is prepping May 14th Mother’s Day Brunch, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with a la carte menu starring such dishes as lemon ricotta pancakes, smoked salmon Benedict, chilaquiles & prime rib California burrito. Mimosas $8. Plus diners get free dozen oysters with purchase of bottle of champagne. Reservations. At 2259 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla Shores.

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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 San Diego.

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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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SHORES RESTAURANT: Grab your flip-flops! The beachfront eatery to host special, Mother's Day buffet, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., featuring free-flowing champagne, brunch staples, carving station with ham & prime rib, entree options & Baja-inspired delicacies. Kids' buffet available, too. Reservations. At 8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla.

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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 San Diego County.

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THE WATERFRONT GRILL AT PIER 32 MARINA: Select outdoor dining with marina views & enjoy special Mother’s Day menu 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Options include continental breakfast staples, carving stations, seafood & $5 mimosas. Limited, a la carte brunch menu also available. Reservations: (619) 718-6240. Website. At 3201 Marina Way, National City.

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THE WESTGATE HOTEL: Lavish Mother's Day Tea — "an experience steeped in tradition" — runs Wednesdays to Sundays for two weeks in May at the iconic hotel. Info. At 1055 Second Ave., San Diego.

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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 shop in San Diego.

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20|TWENTY AT WESTIN RESORT & SPA: Enjoy buffet brunch 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with bottomless mimosas & build-your-own-bouquet flower station. Dine on patio or in dining room with brunch offerings, MOMosa station, chef-attended savory stations, cheese & charcuterie, seafood & more. $159/person. Kids 12 & under: $40. Extra perk: Brunch guests receive $30 certificate to Ocean Pearl Spa. Reservations. At 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad.

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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 San Diego County.

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VAGA RESTAURANT & BAR AT ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT: Prix-fixe Mother's Day brunch will be served May 14, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., at the blufftop eatery. Menu options include: avocado toast; stacked chilaquiles; Baja halibut “lox” toast; lobster salad; & dessert bar. $65 adults; $25 children. Details. At 2100 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas.

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