Overview
You love your mum, and if you're looking for ways to spoil the leading lady in your life, we're here to help. Because let's face it — your favourite underground bar is a bit too dingy. Your go-to ramen joint is a bit of a lazy pick for the woman who gave you, you know, life. This is your chance to deliver something momentous. Something memorable — and earn some serious brownie points on the side.
From luxuriously long lunches to boozy brunches and everything in between, we've rounded up the best places for Mother's Day in Melbourne, and for every weekend after it. Go forth and really make mum's day.
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For Wine Lovers: Fergusson Winery
This Mother's Day, Fergusson Winery in the Yarra Valley is hosting a luxury garden party surrounded by rolling vineyards. The team has created a four-course menu just for the occasion ($99) and will set up a bunch of lawn games for the afternoon — just hope for good weather.
There will also be a special cocktail menu, discounted take-home wine packs and a special gift for each of the mothers who attend the lunch.
For Immersive Art, Dining and Yoga: The Lume
Melbourne digital art gallery The Lume's current multi-sensory exhibition is dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. All the floors and walls are covered in his masterpieces, plus works exploring his inspirations and contemporaries. And for this Mother's Day, there will be a stack of unique events taking place at The Lume.
You can book a spot at Caffè Medici's aperitivo lunch ($79.90) and dine surrounded by da Vinci's Last Supper, presented to scale as it appears in Milan's Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Fashion illustrator Sarah Darby will also be at the gallery throughout the day for those wanting to join one of her live sketching workshops ($119), plus early risers can drop by for an 8am yoga session ($35) amidst a unique meditative landscape.
For Classic Mother's Day High Tea: Queen Victoria Market, Mary Eats Cake, Pan Pacific and The Westin
Treating your mum to a luxe Melbourne high tea is a pretty classic Mother's Day experience. It's easy no matter the size of the group celebrating and doesn't have to be too expensive. There are also heaps of places in Melbourne that have made one-off afternoon teas for Mother's Day.
First off, Queen Vic Market will transform one of its sheds into a huge afternoon tea extravaganza, hosting separate brunch and lunch sessions ($85) that both come with mimosas and a selection of sweet and savoury bites. Mary Eats Cake is also running its Mother's Day high teas ($109) again, from Wednesday, May 8–Sunday, May 12. It includes your usual high tea treats as well as bottomless scones and a take-home macaron gift box.
Pan Pacific has made a special three-tiered afternoon tea ($115) just for the weekend, too. It includes a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival, plus a special gift for your mum. Lastly, The Westin's Mother's Day high tea ($150) will include free-flowing bubbles, live music and a gift for your mum as well.
For Cheese-Loving Mums: That's Amore
Make a gouda decision this Mother's Day and book a spot at this indulgent four-course feast hosted by That's Amore's Thomastown cheesery.
It's sure to be a suitably cheesy affair featuring bites like stracciatella teamed with raw scallops, ricotta gnocchi with lemon and caciocavallo beurre fondue, crispy porchetta, and special dessert. The menu comes in at $100 for adults, with two sittings available (11.30am and 2pm).
For Ceramics Shopping: Three Day Clay Pop-Up
Instead of picking a present to get your mum ahead of time and hoping she loves it, why not take her shopping for her own gift instead? You can hit up stores all over the city or opt to visit the Three Day Clay pop-up store on Sydney Road in Brunswick.
Over 13 artists are coming together to sell their wares during the mornings and afternoons, from Friday, May 10–Sunday, May 12. It's even open in the evening on Friday, when the team will be giving a glass of complimentary sparkling wine to everyone who stops by.
For a Lunchtime Feast: Bottomless Yum Cha at David's
If you prefer a more casual, all-you-can-eat feast for Mother's Day in Melbourne, then you've got to check out David's in Prahran. On Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, the team will serve up their bottomless yum cha ($72), which includes over 16 different dishes.
And if you feel like making it a bit boozy on Sunday, you can upgrade to a free-flowing sparkling trolley service for an additional $30 per person. These guys are super quick with their service, so you know the staff won't let that glass lay empty for long.
Petrina Tinslay
For Total Luxury: Reine and La Rue
Reine and La Rue is home to one of the finest dining spaces in all of Melbourne. And it's also hosting one of the most decadent Mother's Day meals in Melbourne. For both lunch and dinner, the team has made a long set menu, and is giving guests the opportunity to personalise the whole occasion.
When booking, guests can choose between two different floral arrangements created in collaboration with Le Salon Aux Fleurs and two gift options from Aesop. Those wanting even more treats can pre-order a box of six colourful macarons. The experience clocks in at a hefty $220 per person but is great for those without a budget this Mother's Day.
For Footy Fans: Amphora
If you're heading to Marvel Stadium to catch the Collingwood and West Coast Eagles footy match, consider dropping by the stadium's restaurant Amphora. Whether you just pop by for a light bite before the game or get around one of its famed seafood towers, every woman who takes a seat will get a complimentary glass of Moët on arrival. It's a pretty easy way to treat your mum on Mother's Day.
For a Sweet Treat: Piccolina
Not all Mother's Day treats have to include outings to Melbourne restaurants and bars. Sometimes, you just want to hang out at home and have some family time. If that's your plan, but you still want to do something a little special, think about pre-ordering some of Piccolina's limited-edition gelato-filled bonbons.
The pastry chefs over at one of Melbourne's best gelaterias have chosen some of their favourite Italian gelatos and hand-dipped them into different chocolate coatings. You can pick them up on Mother's Day and deliver them yourself for an easy $45.
Top image: Mary Eats Cake