Whether you’re looking for an awesome brunch spot for Mother’s Day or to make a regular weekend extra special, here are options from all Capitola, Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Seaside. Plus, we have the details on a few special Mother’s Day brunches.
CAPITOLA
Busy Bee Cafe has fun options like the Bossy Bee, Stinger Bee, or Happy Hipbee (featuring garam masala tofu and cashew coconut curry hollandaise sauce).
CARMEL
Stationaery offers all-day brunch everyday, from a local yogurt bowl to a Maine lobster roll. From Scratch has Guy Fieri-approved all-day breakfast on a first-come, first-served basis. Order a Point Lobos Benedict with a view of the coast at Pacific’s Edge.
MONTEREY
Enjoy omelets and other locally sourced foods, cocktails, and artsy lattes at Wild Plum Cafe; sign in to be added to their waitlist. Esteban Restaurant offers indoor or patio brunch with options like Wagyu bavette and eggs or an omelet with crab. Ashley Sargent, creator of The Monterey Bucket List on Instagram visited California Seltzer Company and loved the mimosa flight. Savor your breakfast favorites on Wave Street Cafe’s patio, then finish with a family stroll along the Monterey Rec Trail.
PACIFIC GROVE
Soak in the adorable ambience of the historic former Winston’s Hotel at Winston’s—A Brunch Place. The Grill at Point Pinos has been voted the best huevos rancheros for the sixth year in a row by the Monterey County Weekly, plus it’s a certified green restaurant.
SALINAS
The 31st Grill shares organic, local foods, such as Salinas Valley breakfast bowls, and aims to make you feel at home. Chilaquiles divorciados or linguica and eggs are among the offerings at Ariana’s Restaurant.
The Village Restaurant has a great view and offers Chef Alfredo’s combination of Italian, Mexican, and American flavors, plus plenty of parking. 201 Main features staples and has special themes each Sunday, such as Mexican dishes with a mariachi band at 12 pm (second and fourth Sunday), Taste of the Sea (first Sunday), and Race Around the World (third Sunday).
SANTA CRUZ
Foodie Shannon Conner (AdventuresinSweets on Instagram) enjoys Walnut Avenue Cafe downtown for all the classics. Conner also recommends Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe’s seasonal specials and delicious baked goods in a cozy atmosphere (get there early if you can). Order breakfast sandwiches and choose between seven different kinds of matcha drinks at Mad Yolks.
SEASIDE
Savor delicious crepes (made with vegan batter) and try various coffees of the world not seen on other menus at The Creperie Cafe. The Butter House is always serving up their breakfast favorites “with Filipino/Pacific Islander flair.”
MORE SUGGESTIONS
Try grabbing brunch a different day of the week; for example choosing from the many varieties of French toast and other upscale Mexican food at El Bistro by the Sea in Carmel.
Cruise down to Big Sur to enjoy some riverside time at Big Sur River Inn. You can even eat while sitting in Adirondack chairs in the river.
Book a custom high tea through Rosemary and Thyme High Teas or join the monthly second Saturday Beth’s Afternoon Tea at the Steinbeck House. Scones and finger sandwiches always hit the spot.
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH SPECIALS
Celebrate your mom on May 11 with the tried-and-true classic of a delicious brunch!
The Portola Hotel (10 am–2 pm, in Monterey) will be featuring an elegant buffet in the De Anza Ballroom with live piano music by Dave Conley. Mission Ranch (10 am–2 pm, in Carmel) will be accepting limited indoor reservations by phone and walk-ins for their patio, serving chef’s table and hot and cold station options. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa’s brunch (10 am–2 pm, in Monterey) also offers seafood and dessert beyond the classics, plus a photo backdrop and a cardmaking station. The Bayview Grille at Bayonet Blackhorse (10 am–3 pm, in Seaside) will be working hard to impress mom. Roaring Camp Railroads (9 am–4 pm, in Felton) will serve brunch with live music by Rory Lynch at Bret Harte Hall followed by a train ride, then a variety of special activities, such as a craft table, Hallcrest Vineyards, and tintype family portraits by the Midnight Oil Collective. Grab reservations for Chaminade Resort & Spa’s brunch buffet (9 am–4 pm, in Santa Cruz) with views of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay.