LE SÉLECT 432 Wellington West (at Spadina), 416-596-6405, leselect.com
Most moms swoon over a bit of old world elegance, no matter how “un-fancy” they profess to be. Call your ma and tell her to slap on her favourite Breakfast At Tiffany’s shades and meet you for a bottle of (well-priced) Chablis on Le Select’s bistro-style patio. Then on to oysters, champagne and perhaps a croque-madame or two. Do be warned: Le Sélect’s patio is first come, first served.
Hours Monday to Wednesday 11:30 am to 11:30 pm, Thursday and Friday 11:30 am to 11:30 pm, Saturday 11 am to 1 midnight, Sunday 10:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Access One small step at entrance, washrooms on second floor.
GERALDINE 1564 Queen West (at Sorauren), 647-352-8815, geraldinetoronto.com
Escort your maman to Geraldine, the prettiest little room in all of Parkdale (and maybe in all of west Toronto) for the Queen’s End Social, a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea collabo with neighbouring confiture shop Kitten & the Bear (kittenandthebear.com). The prix fixe high tea includes savoury and sweet towers, jam, scones and clotted cream. Ma-worthy cocktails like the Scarlet Carson (jasmine and rose tea-infused gin, Campari, Lillet blanc, grapefruit and honey, $11) and the Fountain (blanco tequila, house-made vanilla-allspice dram, pear and verjus shrub, lime and rosemary, $14) are extra but way worth it. Call for reservations.
Hours Tuesday to Saturday 5 to 11 pm, Saturday-Sunday brunch 11 am to 3 pm, oysters and cocktails 3 to 5 pm, dinner 5 to 11 pm. Bar and oysters served later.
Access No barrier at entrance, washrooms on main floor.
CEILI COTTAGE 1301 Queen East (at Alton), 416-406-1301, ceilicottage.com
If your mother is a simple woman, albeit one with a healthy appetite, take her east to the Ceili Cottage for a full Irish breakfast, a pint and a badass plate of oysters. Cozy and rustic, the Cottage’s charm knows no bounds. With a glass of Guinness, Ma will feel right at home.
Hours Monday to Thursday 5 pm to midnight, Friday 5 pm to 2 am, Saturday 11 am to 2 am, Sunday 11 am to 11 pm.
Access Entrance barrier-free, washrooms on main floor.
MONTECITO 299 Adelaide West (at Widmer), 416-599-0299, montecitorestaurant.ca
Get the weekend started early at chef Jonathan Waxman’s slick, sprawling Californian-Canadian affair. The brasserie may have the best cinq-à-sept in town on Fridays, when bottles of champagne are half-price (!) and oysters a buck each. On Sunday, hit the brunch buffet from 11 am to 3 pm and get Mom a little toasty with Caesars or (why not?) more champagne.
Hours Monday to Wednesday 11:30 am to midnight, Thursday to Friday 11:30 am to 2 am, Saturday 11 am to 2 am, Sunday 11 am to midnight, brunch buffet 11 am to 3 pm.
Access Entrance barrier-free, washrooms upstairs.
HER MAJESTY’S PLEASURE 556 King West (at Brant), 416-546-4991, hermajestyspleasure.ca
The only place in T.O. where Ma can get a massage, blow dry and mani-pedi while never more than an arm’s length from a glass of champagne, Her Majesty’s Pleasure is the ultimate in parent pampering. A concise cocktail list focuses on strong and fruity drinks like the Blueberry Bourbon Smash and the French 75 Sour (both $15), but other cocktails are happily mixed on request. HMP recently partnered with Colette (550 Wellington West, 647-348-7000, colettetoronto.com) to offer salads, sandwiches and a tantalizing pastry selection to keep mom fed during her long pampering/drinking session. Check out the Spring Fling promo, discounts on any service from 10 am to 3 pm till May 15.
Hours Monday and Tuesday 9:30 am to 8 pm, Wednesday to Saturday 9:30 am to 10 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
Access Entrance barrier-free, washrooms on ground floor.