Dinner with MOM

Miss out on a brunch reso? Jessica Huras suggests picture-perfect spots to make your Mother’s Day celebration an evening affair to remember

For moms who love interior design: Minami

Recognized as Americas’ Best Designed Restaurant by the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards in 2021, Minami is a visual stunner that’s sure to impress moms with an eye for interiors. On one wall, deep blue banquettes are backed by a glowing arched screen while another wall features a hand-painted mural by Japanese artist Hi- deki Kimura. In the bar area, sheer orange fabric is draped from the ceiling to evoke flickering candle flames. The Japanese menu is no slouch, either. Mina- mi is part of the Aburi Restaurant group, which is known for a signature flame-searing technique that adds a tantalizing char to sushi.

225 King St. W. Suite 100, minamitoronto.com

For moms who love a big view: Don Alfonso 1890

Not every restaurant with a breathtaking view can deliver outstanding cuisine to match, but Don Alfonso’s commanding vistas of Toronto’s skyline are merely the prelude to an exceptional dining experience. The fare may be Italian, but chef Davide Ciavattella’s delicate dishes stand in stark contrast to the standard hearty plates of pasta and pizza. Instead, each dish is light and meticulously plated with thoughtful flourishes of colour and texture that harmonize with the restaurant’s refined, all-white interior. A lengthy wine list of almost 750 labels promises plenty of options for raising a glass in Mom’s honour.

1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, donalfonsotoronto.com

For moms who love bubbly: Lucie

Just because you’re not taking Mom for the usual Mother’s Day brunch, doesn’t mean you can’t com- memorate the occasion with a glass of bubbly. Dinners at Lucie begin with a Champagne trolley rolling up to your table, inviting you to kick off the night with a toast (the subject of this toast is obvious). The restaurant also has a robust list of sparkling by the bottle for those who want to go all out. Rather than familiar bistro fare, the menu aims to represent modern French cooking with intriguing dishes like Nova Scotia lobster paired with confit potato and comté cheese or foie gras with pear confit.

100 Yonge St., restaurantlucie.com

For moms who love live music: Margo

Swanky Mediterranean restaurant Margo hosts DJs every evening and live jazz performances on Wednesdays, so there are always sophisticated beats to sway to while tucking in to seafood towers and mezze platters. The saga- naki, which is set aflame tableside with ouzo, is a solid bet for further upping the entertainment factor of your meal. Vibrant floral installations hanging on the ceiling and walls feel like a built-in Mother’s Day bouquet. The restaurant is named after owner Charles Khabouth’s late mother, Margaret, making it an especially fitting place to honour our own maternal figures.

600 King St. W. 4th Floor, margotoronto.com

For moms who love low key: The Oxley Public House Laid-back moms who can take or leave fancy restaurants will find a lot to love about the Oxley. Set in a charming former home in Yorkville, the restaurant’s handsome interior captures all the cosy qualities of a classic British pub but with an extra dash of elegance. Chef and owner Andrew Carter’s culinary prowess is evident throughout a menu that spans from approachable favourites like fish and chips to more adventurous offerings like veal sweetbreads & spätzli. It wouldn’t be a proper pub without a strong tap list that includes a rotating traditional cask ale, plus there’s also an excellent lineup of spirit-free cocktails.

121 Yorkville Ave., theoxley.com

For moms who love a surprise: George Restaurant

House in a restored 1850s chocolate factory, George exudes a timeless fine dining ambience, complete with attentive service and dishes that are a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. Executive chef Lorenzo Loseto’s seasonally driven cooking earned the restaurant a nod in Toronto’s Michelin guide. For the tasting menu, available in five, seven or 10 courses, each dish is a surprise crafted around the diner’s preferences. Continue celebrating upstairs after dinner at the restaurant’s hidden speakeasy, Secrette (pictured). Try the Golden Ticket, a cocktail spiked with housemade chocolate bitters that nods to the building’s heritage. 111C Queen St. E., georgeonqueen.com