As the food and drink capital of the country, there’s really no shortage of great restaurants and unique dining ideas to try in Cape Town. But the bar should always be raised even higher for Mother’s Day.
Benn Ndzoyiya shares some of the best places in Cape Town to take your mom this Mother’s Day and to make new memories. A friendly reminder to kids and partners reading this – bookings for Mother’s Day tend to fill up super fast so you’ll get proactive and reserve your space.
MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL
Where: 76 Orange Street, Gardens
You can’t go wrong with an afternoon tea in Cape Town this Mother’s Day. The Nellie is pretty much the standard if you’re looking for a beautifully presented menu of sandwiches, savoury creations, and fine patisserie.
Oasis Bistro is adding a special twist for Mother’s Day to their regular Sunday brunch where everything is taken care of. Start with a welcoming drink or cocktail whipped up at the Belvedere Vodka drinks trolley. All moms receive a special gift departing gift from Librisa Spa at Mount Nelson Hotel. The gift includes Esse and Theranaka luxury skincare products. READ MORE
When: Sunday, 14 May. Afternoon tea – 12pm & 3pm. Sunday Jazz Brunch – from 11.30am to 3pm
Cost: Afternoon tea – R600 per adult and R350 per child (ages 4 to 11) | Sunday Jazz Brunch – R650 per adult; R350 per child; Additional R250pp for unlimited bubbly
TANG RESTAURANT AND BAR
Where: Shop 153, 19 Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
TANG restaurant and bar at V&A Waterfront is doing Mother’s Day a little differently this year with a spread that’s sure to impress. Famous for its award-winning take on Japanese Izakaya-style dining mixed with elements of classic Cantonese cuisine, the Cape Town restaurant is joining forces with Japanese handcrafted gin label Roku to host a unique Sunday brunch experience with Origami masterclass and a special bar serving Roku gin cocktails. READ MORE
When: Sunday, 14 May from 12pm – 11pm. Origami masterclass is running from 12pm to 3pm
Cost: Complimentary access with bookings for Sunday lunch
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA
Where: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Up for a sophisticated experience with views of the Table Mountain National Park and the Atlantic Ocean? Set your sights on The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. On Sunday, 14 May, Azure Restaurant is serving up a special Mother’s Day lunch buffet. Tuck into starter options, a range of classic roasts and sides, as well as other delicacies.
There’s also a High Tea with finger sandwiches, chocolate brownies, cream puffs, macarons, madeleines, and more. Try a bottomless selection of loose-leaf teas and specialty coffee, or go for the Moët & Chandon High Tea, served with a glass of Brut Imperial champagne. A vegan option is also available. FIND OUT MORE
When: Sunday, 14 May. Mother’s Day Sunday buffet lunch – 1pm | Mother’s Day High Tea – 10am & 3pm | Oysters, Bubbly & Sushi – 11am
Cost: Mother’s Day Sunday buffet lunch – R796pp | Mother’s Day High Tea – R625pp | Oysters, Bubbly & Sushi – R625pp. Book here
SCALA PASTA/BAR
Where: 81 Church Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Bring your mom up to speed with what’s trending in Cape Town’s dining scene right now. As their brand slogan boldly states, Scala Pasta/Bar in the CBD is ‘not your mamma’s pasta.’ The restaurant’s speciality is a steady take on freshly made pasta with mod gastro twists and a menu crafted by Michelin-star Italian master chef, Luciano Monosilio.
Try their winter set menu offer going at R999 for two. You’ll dine on 10 sharing plates with highlights from the menu that include their very unique meatballs, Chef Monosilio’s signature Carbonara with just the right amount of Pecorino, and Sicilian-style Cannolo with dark chocolate and crushed pistachio.
The mood and interiors are contemporary with understated Italian minimalism. Advance booking is essential. READ MORE
When: Set menu served daily, from 12pm – 10:30pm
Cost: R999 for two. Drinks pairing, R149pp
THE CELLARS-HOHENHORT
Where: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights, Cape Town
Spoil mum with a classy lunch or high tea feast this Mother’s Day at The Cellars-Hohenhort Hotel in Constantia Winelands. For lunch, their set menu comes packed with flavourful dishes to choose from such as heirloom tomato tartare, a classic sirloin cut cooked right with potato fondant and artichokes, and a fragrant mille feulle with hibiscus, lavender ad orange flavour elements among others.
The high tea features a selection of tea sandwiches, savoury treats, freshly baked scones, and gorgeous patisserie. FIND OUT MORE
When: Sunday, 14 May. Mother’s Day lunch – 1pm | Mother’s Day High Tea – 10am & 3pm
Cost: Mother’s Day lunch – R645pp | Mother’s Day High Tea – R425pp. Book here
SQUARE CAFE & WINE BAR
Where: Century City Hotel, 3 Energy Lane, Century City, Cape Town
Treat your Mom, gran, or any special lady in your life to a gin-infused high tea experience at Square Cafe & Wine Bar in Century City. Start a Sunday afternoon with a welcoming Hendricks Gin cocktail on arrival before snacking on a bottomless selection of savoury treats, patisserie, tea and coffee. Square Cafe is located in the heart of Cape Town’s smart city with elements of greenery and wood for a natural touch. The atmosphere is relaxed with a dash of modern elegance. FIND OUT MORE
When: Sunday, 14 May from 1pm to 3pm
Cost: R399pp. Book online
TOBAGO’S RESTAURANT, BAR & TERRACE
Where: Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, 100 Beach Road, Granger Bay Boulevard, Cape Town
Tobago’s serves up a three-course buffet menu of modern brunch faves and Sunday lunch classics for Mother’s Day. Think fresh oysters, build your own salads, a carvery selection and much more. Take in waterside scenery while live music sets the mood. As a special treat, all mothers are greeted with a Momgarita and take home a gift of appreciation. FIND OUT MORE
When: Sunday, 14 May from 1pm to 4pm
Cost: R595pp. Book via email
BENGUELA COVE
When: Benguela Cove Wine Estate, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Walker Bay, Hermanus
Few things in life say leisure and relaxation the way a soft sun embellished with the slow and melodic sounds of saxophone does.
Enjoy flavour combinations and tastes created and devised by the resident chef, Annie Badenhorst, at this fantastic restaurant. With meals that cater to Vegetarians and Omnivores alike, The Moody Lagoon creatively produces mouthwatering dishes using only the finest, freshest ingredients.
Tap your toes to the sound of local jazz musicians as you absorb the relaxing atmosphere, panoramic views, excellent service, and tranquil bliss Benguela Cove offers. See here for more. READ MORE
When: Sunday, 14 May from 12pm – 11pm
Cost: A la carte menu
