With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it can get stressful trying to pick a great spot where you can spoil mom. After all, she deserves the best. Luckily, there are lots of restaurants in Toronto that are perfect for celebrating mom. Here are 5 restaurants—some T.O. standbys and some newcomers—to celebrate mom at.

AP

 

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The details: Located in Yorkville, AP is perfect if your mom is bad and bougie. Chef Antonio Park’s namesake restaurant serves up delicious Japanese and Pan-Asian inspired dishes that are sure to impress.

The vibe: Immaculately decorated (would you expect anything less of Yorkville), AP’s spot on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre means stunning views of the Toronto skyline that can be enjoyed on their outdoor patio or from inside through their floor-to-ceiling windows.

The menu: AP serves a 6-course tasting menu ($95 per person) which gives guests a selection of delicious small plates and the option to add wine and sake sommelier pairings. It’s a luxe experience that is perfect for Japanese food lovers. For Mother’s Day, AP will be offering a special Omakase Platter ($55) which will include a selection of fresh sashimi and nigiri.

51st Floor, 55 Bloor Street W., aprestaurants.com

Taline

 

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The details: Owned by three brothers, including the former head chef of Mamakas Taverna, the iconic Greek restaurant on Ossington, Taline is named after and inspired by their mother. At Taline, the brothers serve up modern and traditional Armenian and Lebanese dishes that go beyond kebabs.

The vibe: Housed in a two-storey building, Taline feels like stepping into someone’s home. From the olive green seats, to the exposed brick, to the large windows that look out onto Yonge Street, Taline’s decor and soft lighting is welcoming and cozy.

The menu: Right now, Taline is serving up a spring menu featuring new, seasonal items. To start, order a few of Taline’s house dips like their delicious hummus with black garlic and roasted squash ($16) or the banru ($16) a spicy feta dip with beets and candied walnuts. Then, get the mante ($26), dumplings with ground beef, fresh mint and tomato consomme. Another must-order is the Soong ($28), a massive charred mushroom that is meticulously slow cooked by being hung above the hot stove for hours. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with any of their cocktails, especially the Streets of Anjar ($17), a spritz drink featuring clarified tomato for an intriguing savoury sip.

1276 Yonge Street, talineto.ca

La Plume


The details: This new spot at The Well serves French lunch, dinner and weekend brunch as well as elaborate and Insta-worthy cocktails. La Plume is run by John Horne, Oliver and Bonichini’s District Executive Chef who also oversees the culinary direction at popular French restaurant Maison Selby.

The vibe: Inspired by French boudoirs, La Plume is adorned with deep red leather stools, a long white marble bar and white marble tables, tiled floors and huge windows to let in natural light.

The menu: You can’t go wrong with French onion soup ($19) with a perfectly crispy cheesy baguette. La Plume’s omelette ($25) is stuffed with brie, asparagus and brown butter crumble, making it the perfect decadent brunch or lunch choice. And if you’re visiting for dinner, order the giannone chicken ($22 for a quarter, $36 for half and $60 for the whole bird), a rotisserie chicken served with the richest gravy. To drink, try the bon bon ($17), a rich cocktail reminiscent of a chocolate truffle with kahlua, cold brew and spiced rum.

453 Wellington Street W. (in The Well), laplumebrasserie.com

Kadak


The details: This new Indian restaurant in midtown is the perfect place for moms who love bold flavours and bold aesthetics. “Kadak” is a term used to describe something robust and intense, and the flavours at Kadak reflect that while using local ingredients.

The vibe: Kadak is a feast for the eyes. With gorgeous pink and orange wall murals and bright yellow velour chairs, this restaurant screams excess in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible.

The menu: To share, you can’t go wrong with their classic vada paav ($16), a spiced potato fritter that makes the perfect appetizer. For a main, the mushroom musallam ($23) is a delicious and rich curry dish with wild mushroom that goes well with their decadent truffle cheese naan ($9). To finish, the gulab jamun creme brulee ($14) is the best of both sweets: the saffron-infused Indian confection gets an extra bit of bite from the bruleed sugar.

2088 Yonge Street, kadak.ca

Lulu Bar

 

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The details: Another new spot in The Well, Lulu Bar is a Calgary import that takes their inspiration from islands in the Pacific—everywhere from Hawaii to Asia to British Columbia. Its bright interior and delicious bar bites makes this the perfect spot for moms who are dreaming up their next island getaway.

The vibe: With mid century modern furniture and wood-paneled walls, Lulu Bar is a cozy lounge that’s perfect for a laid back meal or a nightcap.

The menu: Lulu Bar has a fantastic collection of skewers that are a great starter (or drink accompaniment). Standouts include the grilled chicken satay ($8) which comes with chili peanut sauce and the house spam ($8) which recontextualizes the canned meat with toasted nori and ginger dill pickles. For something more filling, spring for the BBQ crispy half duck ($51), a shareable dish similar to Peking duck—though this version has turmeric-coconut milk crepes and tamarind sauce. To drink, get the adorable nine lives ($19), featuring toasted coconut and presented in an adorable cat cup. Or, if you’re the designated driver, the California sober ($12) mocktail is a blend of cold brew, matcha and toasted coconut milk for a pick-me-up.

427 Wellington Street W. (in The Well), lulubar.ca/toronto

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