Mother’s Day lands on May 10, 2026, and restaurants across The Irvine Ranch are celebrating with seasonal menus and festive atmospheres. From upscale seafood towers at Irvine Spectrum Center to hidden neighborhood gems in Newport Beach, these dining destinations offer the perfect setting for a shared family meal. Whether you are looking for a lively Sunday brunch buffet or a quiet outdoor patio, our curated list highlights the best places to toast the special lady in your life.
FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANTS
Experience the warmth of local hospitality at these neighborhood favorites where the owners are often found right in the kitchen. These establishments specialize in comfort-focused dishes like fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes and house-made brioche French toast. Choosing a family-owned spot offers a personal touch for mom, blending culinary expertise with an inviting, community-centered atmosphere.
CHAMPAGNES KITCHEN
Champagnes Kitchen at Newport North Shopping Center is a neighborhood favorite. Since opening in 1989, the family-friendly restaurant has served fluffy pancakes and French toast. In 2021, husband and wife team Matthew and Winnona Tobey took over the beloved bistro. Winnona’s culinary background elevated the menu. She attended the Culinary Institute of America and earned an associate degree from the American Culinary Federation. For Mother’s Day, the restaurant’s weekend brunch menu is available. Dishes from the griddle remain popular. But mom can also order a seasonal vegetable Benedict or a heart-healthy oat medley with toasted nuts and seeds, sweetened with dates, fruit, and a splash of almond milk. Then toast to mom with a bubbly glass of Champagne and a side of lemon ricotta beignets.
What to Order: Brioche French Toast and Cold Oats
Location: 1260 Bison Ave., Ste., D-3, Newport Beach
Learn More: champagneskitchenoc.com
BURNT CRUMBS
At Burnt Crumbs at Los Olivos Marketplace, Food Network’s “Chopped” winner Chef Paul Cao spent a month researching and developing his recipe for soufflé pancakes. As soon as Cao added the sweet fluffy stacks to the menu, they became a must-try brunch dish. The jiggly pancakes were featured in numerous media outlets including The Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, and NBC news.
The fast-casual breakfast and lunch menu also offers carne asada omelettes and breakfast burritos with bacon. Brunch dishes are served daily, so you don’t have to wait for the weekends. Drink specials for mom include mimosas made with Champagne, orange juice, and strawberry puree.
The Dish tip: Head straight for the patio to secure a table in the sun and enjoy the vibrant, open-air environment while you eat.
What to Order: Fluffy Souffle Pancakes, which come in original, blueberry, and strawberry variations.
Location: 8549 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Learn More: burntcrumbs.com
EVERYDAY EATERY
Everyday Eatery at Sand Canyon Plaza brings a piece of New Zealand to Irvine through a menu rooted in local Kiwi tradition. Owner Nasim Clark and her husband, Brian, infuse the cafe’s offerings with nostalgic flavors, such as the honeycomb-dotted butter atop their lemon ricotta pancakes, which is a direct tribute to a popular candy from Nasim’s childhood.
The beverage program centers on precision, featuring baristas trained in Stumptown espresso and Mizuba matcha. Signature drinks include Spanish lattes finished with cinnamon and cardamom, alongside rose lattes crafted with housemade syrups.
The cafe’s modern decor and fast casual vibe creates a unique neighborhood atmosphere. During the weekdays, the outdoor patio is bustling with young professionals. On the weekends, Everyday Eatery is a high-energy brunch destination.
The Dish tip: While the cafe does not take reservations, you can place an order online and surprise mom with breakfast in bed!
What to Order: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Mizuba Matcha Lattes
Location: 6634 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
Learn More: everydayeatery.com
GREAT MAPLE
Buttermilk fried chicken and hot maple doughnuts reign supreme at Great Maple. Co-owners Amanda and Wing Joe Ho opened the family-favorite comfort food restaurant at Fashion Island in 2011. Great Maple’s regulars keep returning for its generous sharable portions and made-to-order doughnuts. For May, the seasonal flavor is glazed lemon blueberry with fresh berries and lemon zest. Towering brioche French toast “logs” are drenched in warm maple syrup infused with bacon.
For Mother’s Day, moms can enjoy specials including phyllo-wrapped baked brie, mimosas and white peach bellinis, along with brunch cocktails such as Great Maple Bloody Marys and espresso martinis.
What to Order: Great Maple Fried Chicken and Seasonal Doughnuts
Location: 1133 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Learn More: thegreatmaple.com
JAVIER’S
Javier’s at Crystal Cove Shopping Center offers a festive setting for Mother’s Day. The family-owned restaurant serves its regular lunch and dinner menus specializing in upscale Mexican cuisine. At this location with its ocean view, seafood dishes such as the enchilada trio with Dungeness crab, Maine lobster, and shrimp covered in green tomatillo sauce, remain popular. Ceviches, crudo, and freshly made guacamole also entice. So do the twelve types of margaritas made with Javier’s Reserva Tequila
What to Order: Trio de Enchiladas Del Mar featuring Shrimp, Dungeness Crab, and Maine Lobster Enchiladas.
Location: 7832 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657
Learn More: javiersfinestfoods.com
SPLURGE-WORTHY BRUNCHES
For a milestone celebration, these premier destinations offer indulgent experiences that define coastal luxury. Expect showstopping presentations including multi-tier seafood towers, carving stations with premium meats, and tableside flambé desserts. These upscale buffets and refined grills provide an opulent setting for families to gather and enjoy a sophisticated afternoon in Orange County.
MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB
Mastro’s Ocean Club recently joined the dining scene at Irvine Spectrum Center, bringing its signature decadent experience to the heart of Irvine. For Mother’s Day, this upscale destination features a curated Buffet Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. The meal centers on a signature seafood tower, featuring freshly shucked oysters, chilled shrimp cocktail, lobster tails, and snow crab claws. Brunch highlights include cheese blintzes with berry compote, scrambled eggs, and sausages. Carving stations will slice NY Strip steak and honey-smoked ham alongside Mastro’s signature side dishes. For a sweet finish, enjoy Mastro’s famous mini butter cakes!
What to Order: Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
Location: 772 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Learn More: mastrosrestaurants.com
HABANA
Sunday Brunch at Habana at Irvine Spectrum Center is a lively experience that channels Cuban and Pan-Latin hospitality. The indulgent buffet features signature dishes such as paella, lechon asado, and mesquite-grilled meats. A variety of seasonal salads and fresh coconuts are offered. For dessert, house-made cotton candy and tableside banana flambé always delights. For festive gatherings, moms can enjoy beverages ranging from mojitos and piña coladas to bottomless mimosas, bellinis, and sangria.
What to Order: Sunday Brunch Buffet
Location: 708 Spectrum Center Dr Suite 708, Irvine, CA 92618
Learn More: TanakaFarms.com
RH OCEAN GRILL
RH Ocean Grill at RH Newport Beach, The Gallery at Fashion Island sets the stage for an opulent Mother’s Day celebration. The weekend brunch menu includes pressed green juice, Swedish pancakes with Vermont maple syrup, and a Parmesan hollandaise topped with Italian-inspired eggs Benedict with San Daniele prosciutto. The riviera ambience is enhanced by caviar carpaccios, mini lobster rolls adorned with Petrossian Imperial Kaluga caviar, and chilled seafood towers.
What to Order: Seafood and caviar: Grilled King Crab Legs, Mini Lobster Rolls, Seafood Tower
Location: 1101 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Learn More: rh.com
PET-FRIENDLY DINING
Mother’s Day is a total family event, and that includes your four-legged companions. These restaurants feature sunlit, open-air patios designed for comfort and accessibility for pets. While mom enjoys a craft mimosa flight or a signature eggs Benedict, your dog can relax by her side, ensuring no one is left out of the celebration.
LAZY DOG RESTAURANT & BAR
Celebrate Mom all weekend with Lazy Dog’s $35 D.I.Y. Mimosas, available May 8–10. Share a flight of fresh juices and a bottle of sparkling wine as you toast to Mother’s Day.
Located at The Market Place, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar’s made-from-scratch food is influenced by founder Chris Simms’ childhood memories in the Rocky Mountains. On the weekends, the kitchen prepares lumberjack breakfast tacos and loco moco fried rice until 2 p.m. A spring menu features chicken shawarma lavash wraps with mixed greens, fresh tomatoes, hummus, and feta cheese. It’s also available as a salad with crunchy garbanzo beans and garlic tahini dressing. The dog-friendly atmosphere is intended for celebrating with everyone. For the kids, a new customizable grilled chicken bowl comes with rice and edamame. Then for a sweet finish, order the yuzu lime cheesecake with black sesame crust.
What to Order (for you!): Sharable D.I.Y. Mimosas and Yuzu Lime Cheesecake
What to Order (for your pup!): Dog Meal with either grilled chicken breast or hamburger patty and rice and veggies
Location: 13290 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602
Learn More: lazydogrestaurants.com
POACHED NEIGHBORHOOD KITCHEN
Poached Neighborhood Kitchen at Harvard Place Shopping Center in Irvine serves hearty breakfast burritos, chicken n’ waffles, and a variety of eggs benedicts topped with short rib birria, smoked salmon, or ham. The spring menu includes seasonally inspired dishes, like berry bliss waffles, tropical pancakes, and mango curd topped French toast. Mom can enjoy lighter fare including an Asian chicken salad with sesame dressed napa cabbage and mixed greens, and a seasonal fried green tomato BLTA sandwich. A small pet-friendly patio space is available for casual al fresco dining with mom. Or place a takeout order and surprise her with breakfast at home.
What to Order: Any eggs benedict that mom desires!
Location: 17595 Harvard Ave Unit A, Irvine, CA 92614
Learn More: poachedkitchen.com
