If you’ve been running out of ideas on what to buy mom every year for Mother’s Day, it’s time to shower her with love and quality time — the Greater Fort Lauderdale way. Abounding with options to wine and dine and treat to some R&R, Fort Lauderdale has everything to spoil the women in your life a little extra this May 14. From rosé-filled brunches to luxurious spa rituals, here’s how to celebrate for everyone under the sun.
Brunch It Up
Fort Lauderdale is synonymous with brunch, and since Mother’s Day falls on a Sunday, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a decadent meal in the morning. For starters, head to Fort Lauderdale beach to enjoy luxurious waterfront dining at Steak 954 nestled inside the W Fort Lauderdale. While this modern steakhouse excels at fine selections of beef and fish, we recommend bringing mom along to enjoy wow-worthy dishes such as lobster and brioche to vanilla chantilly doughnuts to East and West Coast oysters — with a chilled glass of Champagne, of course.
Over at Salt 7, your mom can begin her special day with peaceful views of the New River or head inside for a more vibrant setting. Sip on bottomless mimosas and dig into tasty dishes while enjoying a vibe-heavy atmosphere that continues into the afternoon. Afterward, stroll along the waterfront and bask in the sights of Fort Lauderdale’s booming cityscape.
For a unique brunch experience, head to Ya Mas! Taverna on Las Olas Boulevard to transport mom to the Greek isles without ever having to leave Fort Lauderdale. Bright, airy decor, vibey tunes, and chef-driven cuisine rounds out this posh hotspot. Stop by for the Santorini Sunday brunch (there’s also Aura brunch on Saturdays with plate smashing!), complete with favorite Mediterranean flavors and large-format cocktails — perfect for sharing!
Dinner Delights
If you spent the day exploring the city, catching rays at nearby beaches, or learning what makes Greater Fort Lauderdale so special with mom, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Good news: You’re in luck! With endless restaurants to choose from, opt for one that will have mom smiling ear to ear from the moment her cocktail arrives to the last bite of dessert.
You can’t go wrong with Eddie V’s in the heart of the city, offering decadent seafood and steak dishes plus fanciful cocktails in an elegant setting. Another close-by gem is the newest Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão. Bring your appetite to enjoy meats carved tableside by gaucho chefs. For something truly divine, opt for selections on the “Indulgent Cuts” menu and sample from the endless salad bar, full of Brazilian side dishes and more.
Over at Fort Lauderdale beach, Takato is all the rage for its Korean-fusion menu. No matter mom’s palate, she’ll be able to indulge in everything from wagyu to Chilean sea bass to fresh nigiri and sashimi. Make Mother’s Day extra special by booking a reservation next door at Takoto’s sister concept Oku for an exclusive, private omakase experience like none other. Enjoy 15-plus selections of hand-selected fish and let chef guide you on an epic culinary journey.
Image By Sharon Morgenstern
If mom prefers to sip her rosé oceanside, revel with her and the family at DUNE by Laurent Tourondel. Chef extraordinaire Tourondel helms the namesake restaurant and brings his expertise to the Auberge Residences’ crown jewel restaurant, oozing with chic interiors and close-up ocean views. This Mother’s Day, DUNE will offer oceanside brunch and dinner options, featuring a complimentary treat to celebrate for mom on arrival. Expect specially curated dishes and live music if you stop by for dinner.
Anthony’s Runway 84 is also sure to make mom feel like the queen she is. The Italian dining institution made its dazzling new debut in winter, offering the same raucous dinner party-meets-Goodfellas glam vibes it featured when it opened in 1982. This old-school supper club hotspot will impress with its curated cocktail menu plus a dizzying array of housemade Italian-American dishes.
Relax & Unwind
If you want to treat mom to something extra memorable around town, book her a spa treatment at the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale. Spending the day at the oceanfront spectacle on Fort Lauderdale beach is sure to put her in a good mood. Begin the day by uncovering the pleasures of The Spa journey, inspired by Fort Lauderdale’s infinite waterways. Soothing, replenishing, and renewing, the spa experiences are designed to target restorative healing. Choose from massages to glowing beauty treatments and more. After freshening up, head to Evelyn’s for lunch or happy hour. An homage to Fort Lauderdale’s luminary Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, the fine-dining hotspot offers a coastal Florida-meets-eastern Mediterranean gastronomy experience sure to have mom talking about it for months.