Best Places to Treat Mom to Mother's Day Brunch in Manhattan, New York

Treat mom to Mother's Day brunch at one of these seven popular New York City restaurants, and you're sure to find something that she'll love. I called these restaurants to find out what you need to know to plan Mother's Day brunch.

Personally, I've had the pleasure of dining at some of these restaurants, such as the Carlyle Café at the Carlyle Hotel and Balthazar. The others are next on my list as the top spots I'd hit for brunch. She deserves the best so whatever mom wants, serve it up in style with one of these NYC restaurants for Mother's Day brunch (listed in no particular order).

Mother's Day Brunch: Top 7 NYC Restaurants

1. Balthazar 80 Spring St. (212) 965-1785

This elegant restaurant is known for its exceptional design, its delicious French menu, and for being featured in Sex and the City. Also, it's located in trendy Soho, which offers great shopping after Mother's Day brunch.

You can make reservations starting on April 11^th at 9:30 am. There is a casual Mother's Day brunch from 10-4pm. Brunch entrees are about $15-30. Kids are okay, as well as groups of less than 8 people. Like many places, a gratuity will be added automatically to your bill (always check) for groups over six.

2. Agave 140 7th Ave South (212) 989-2100

The inviting restaurant offers creative Southwestern food and spacious dining that's good for groups and kids. The price range is $15-$30. Agave has a pre-fix Mother's Day brunch menu for $15.

It's especially important to call early for reservations if you have a large group. The space is roomy and ideal for big groups so it tends to fill up for larger reservations. Brunch starts at 11:30. Casual attire.

3. Eatery 798 9th Ave (212) 765-7080

The Eatery is a trendy restaurant that offers delicious new American dishes at a reasonable price. No reservations are accepted but the wait time is typically about 20 minutes. Mother's Day brunch is served from 9am to 3:45pm. Entrées are priced at about $9 - $16. Casual attire, groups, and kids are welcome.

4. Aquavit 65 E 55th St. (212) 307-7311

This popular fine dining restaurant will open both the Dining Room and the Café for Mother's Day Brunch. The draws include celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson's creative, elegant dishes and the restaurant's luxury modern style.

The Mother's Day brunch buffet is $60 per person. Recently Aquavit was featured in New York Magazine in its Best of NY issue for its Sunday brunch because it packs an excellent gourmet value, and you can indulge in the ultimate fine dining fare.

It's casual attire, and good for groups and kids. If you have the choice, the restaurant recommends that you go for the more casual Café seating - it's a nice bright space with large windows.

5. Pastis 9 9th Ave (212) 929-4844

Want a fun Mother's Day brunch for the ladies? Pastis is a trendy, spacious and airy French café that offers great value for brunch. It's known for its celebrity spotting and for being featured several times in Sex and the City. Citysearch claims that while it's a trendy scene, Pastis is also good for families. Most of the user reviews online are overwhelmingly positive.

You can make reservations starting 30 days in advance. Brunch is served from 10:00 to 5:00, and the pricing is reasonable at around $8-16 for brunch entrees. You can also opt for larger entrees in the $15-28 range.

6. Carlyle Café 35 E 76th Street (212) 570-7189

This elegant, conservative café is a pricey New York tradition for brunch. At the Carlyle Café, located in the grand Carlyle Hotel, you can treat mom like royalty for Mother's Day brunch. In this pristine setting, when I dined there for Easter brunch, I felt like Princess Di. By the way, I found out later that when we went there, we had just missed Scarlett Johanneson who had the seating after us.

The café offers a buffet-style Mother's Day brunch and entertainment. Groups and kids are acceptable. The price is $130 per person, and you can choose from a 12:30 or 3:30 seating. The dress code is elegant casual. Jackets are not required (but don't show up in jeans!).

If you'd like to treat your mother to the luxe Carlyle café, you should call as soon as possible. According to the restaurant, they tend to get booked a month in advance for Mother's Day brunch.

7. Angelica's Kitchen 300 E 12th St (212) 228-2909

Does your mom love her veggies? This vegan restaurant offers a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. Mother's Day brunch can be filled with healthy options, too. The same menu is available all day from 11:30am to 10:30pm. No reservations are accepted and the wait is about 30 minutes. It's good for groups and kids (and even non-vegetarians). Entrees are $8-$10 and specials are $16.

Mother's Day Brunch...NYC Style

With these seven popular New York City restaurants, you're sure to find the perfect place for Mother's Day brunch that your mom and family will love. Just make your reservations and/or get there early. Buon appetite!