Fancy-Pants Mother
If your mother is regal and oh so put together, she’ll feel right at home at the newly opened NoMad. Surroundings are decidedly opulent (red velvet, high ceilings, chandeliers) and food by Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park doesn’t disappoint either (think tagliatelle with king crab and Meyer lemon; whole-roasted truffle chicken for two).
Details: While the restaurant is normally closed Sundays, it will be open for the occasion, serving the dinner menu from 12 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.
1170 Broadway, at 28th St.; 347-472-5660
Meat-Is-Murder Mother
Maybe Mom’s a vegetarian from way back, or perhaps she’s studied at the Michael Pollan school of responsible flesh eating. Either way, she’ll appreciate the creative fare at Cafe Blossom’s new West Village location. With dishes like trumpet mushroom “scallops” with onion jam, or mushroom risotto with cashew cream and fried leeks, nobody will miss the meat.
Details: Open for brunch and dinner.
41 Carmine St., nr. Bedford St.; 646-438-9939
Locavore Mother
If your mama tills her own vegetable garden, shops the farmers’ market, and cans her own peaches, give her the day off with a meal at Back Forty West. The veg-centric options are delicious here, but she can also splurge on meaty bites like the green chili pork face nuggets or a grass-fed steak.
Details: Open for brunch and dinner.
70 Prince St., at Crosby St.; 212-219-8570
Hot Mama Mother
If mom’s up on the trends, why not take her to the moment’s sceniest spot, Acme. (At the very least, she might spot a celebrity or two.) This is one scenester restaurant where the food stands up: Danish chef Mads Refslund will have rolled out his spring menu by May; the full bounty of the Greenmarket should be so colorful, you can skip buying flowers.
Details: Dinner only. Make your reservation now.
9 Great Jones St., nr. Lafayette St.; 212-203-2121
Sauce-y Mother
If Mom likes wine, take her somewhere for a decent pour. Newish Corkbuzz Wine Studio has you covered for both bites and drinks (owner Laura Maniec is a master sommelier). Foodwise, find eclectic nibbles like lamb falafel with house-made pita, burrata with spring peas and prosciutto, and more.
Details: Open from 5 p.m. onward
13 E. 13th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 646-873-6071
Outer-Borough-Friendly Mother
A mom who truly loves you will schlep to Brooklyn, right? Better tempt her with a decent meal first. Luckily, Gwynnett Street is one Brooklyn eatery that’s received enough praise, it’s on its way to destination status. The refined fare (cheese dumplings with grape must and smoked macadamias; prime rib-eye cap with pickled bone marrow and parsley root) is great, but your happiest moment might occur when the bill arrives.
Details: Brunch only.
312 Graham Ave., nr. Ainslie St., Williamsburg; 347-889-7002