Mother’s Day, the Lincoln Square Way

This Mother’s Day (May 11), give Mom or the mother figure in your life more than a card—give her a day to remember in Lincoln Square. Whether it’s a long, elegant brunch, an armful of flowers, or a thoughtful gift she wouldn’t splurge on herself, this Upper West Side neighborhood has everything you need to make it special. There are only days to go, but it’s not too late to plan something she’ll cherish.

Share a Meal

From refined prix-fixe menus to cozy neighborhood favorites, a meal in Lincoln Square is always a treat. Mandarin Oriental, New York’s MO Lounge (80 Columbus Circle at West 60th Street) will pull out all the stops with a lavish brunch featuring fresh local seafood, live carving stations, and irresistible desserts—plus those breathtaking Central Park views. While Mother’s Day at Jean-Georges is sold out, Nougatine’s (1 Central Park West at West 60th Street) three-course prix-fixe—featuring international flavors—has very limited availability. At Per Se (10 Columbus Circle), the seven-course menu will include Regiis Ova Caviar, Foie Gras, a glass of Modicum, and a parting gift for Mom.

The prix-fixe Mother’s Day brunch at Lincoln Ristorante (142 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) will feature options like burrata, pappardelle, and chocolate tortino. Porter House Bar and Grill (10 Columbus Circle) will host a champagne lunch where you can start the festivities early on Saturday, May 10. On Mother's Day, Porter House will offer seasonal items like crispy soft-shell crab, its iconic prime rib trolley service, and strawberry shortcake. Bar Boulud (1900 Broadway between West 63rd and West 64th Street) will serve à la carte brunch and dinner with Mother’s Day specials like jumbo lump crab cakes, seafood risotto, and ricotta cheesecake. For a full experience, head to Robert (2 Columbus Circle), where the panoramic views, live music by Scott Gordon, Elizabeth Ames, and Victor Lesser, and a special menu will come together for a complete celebration.

Atlantic Grill (50 West 65th Street between Broadway and Central Park West) and Rampoldi (49 West 64th Street between Broadway and Central Park West), both operated by MC Hospitality Group, are offering a three-course brunch with adult and children's menus—adults can order waffles and bourbon-glazed bacon while kids can enjoy waffles with Nutella and whipped cream—plus many other options. For a festive feel, book a table at Rosa Mexicano (61 Columbus Avenue at West 62nd Street), where you can order a special one-day-only oven-roasted salmon and a “Mom-Tini.” Over at Café Fiorello (1900 Broadway between West 63rd and West 64th Street), you’ll find classic Italian charm and delicious fare, with reservations for Mother’s Day still available.

Mother's Day is just a few short days away, and reservations are filling fast—don’t wait to book your table!

Give the Perfect Gift

Of course, a sweet gift is always welcome. Delight Mom with a charming selection of macarons, Eugénie sweets, fine teas, chocolates, and elegant accessories from Ladurée (10 Columbus Circle). For limited-edition chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, pick up a gift for the mother in your life at La Maison du Chocolat (10 Columbus Circle). Magnolia Bakery (200 Columbus Avenue at West 69th Street) has plenty of options to please Mom's sweet tooth, including Banana Pudding, cupcakes, and brownies. 

If flowers are her love language, stop by the Greenmarket at Richard Tucker Park (Broadway and West  65th Street) on Thursday and Saturday or browse the blooms at Gourmet Garage (155 West 66th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue), Morton Williams (2015 Broadway between West 68th and West 69th Street), and Whole Foods Market (10 Columbus Circle). For something that lasts longer, Venus et Fleur’s (10 Columbus Circle) signature arrangements can brighten her space for months. You can also find flowers, cards, and gifts at Target (1863 Broadway between West 61st and West 62nd Street), or pick up something creative at Paper Source (10 Columbus Circle), including books, crafts, and heartfelt stationery.

Looking for a gift that will make Mom glow? Find hair and skincare gifts at Aveda (10 Columbus Circle) and Kiehl’s (154 Columbus Avenue between West 66th and West 67th Street), and get makeup at Sephora (1863 Broadway at West 62nd Street) and MAC (10 Columbus Circle). If she’s into scents, visit Diptyque and Jo Malone (both at 10 Columbus Circle) for options like fragrances and candles. Fashion-forward Moms will appreciate picks from Hugo Boss, J.Crew (both at 10 Columbus Circle), J.Jill (170 Columbus Avenue between West 67th and West 68th Street), or Nordstrom (225 West 57th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue), while the more active Mom might prefer a gift from Arc’teryx (158 Columbus Avenue at West 67th Street), Alo (10 Columbus Circle), or Lululemon (10 Columbus Circle).

Show her how much she shines with a gift that sparkles from Monica Rich Kosann or Swarovski (both at 10 Columbus Circle). The Store at MAD (2 Columbus Circle), American Folk Art Museum Shop (2 Lincoln Square at Columbus Avenue and West 66th Street), and The Emporium Antique Shop Ltd. (20 West 64th Street between Broadway and Central Park West) also carry jewelry, but with a more unique twist, along with gifts for the home. If she has more modern tastes, check out the Mother’s Day collections at Pottery Barn (1965 Broadway at West 67th Street), West Elm (1870 Broadway between West 61st and West 62nd Street), and Williams Sonoma (10 Columbus Circle), where you can find stylish gifts.

If your Mom has the travel bug, consider a sleek bag from Tumi or a journal from Moleskine to record her adventures (both at 10 Columbus Circle). A pair of sunglasses from Sunglass Hut (10 Columbus Circle) will help to protect her eyes while she sees all the sights, and tech essentials from the Apple Store (1981 Broadway at West 67th Street) will make her travels easier. Don’t forget a good book from Shakespeare & Co. Booksellers (2020 Broadway between West 69th and West 70th Street) for the journey or some relaxing downtime. To help her recover afterward, get her a Therabody (10 Columbus Circle) massage gun—a thoughtful gift that brings relaxation home and soothes sore muscles after travel, workouts, or just a busy day.

Make a Memory Together

Quality time might be the most meaningful gift of all. Treat Mom to a 3:00pm performance of New York City Ballet’s All Balanchine II at the David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza), featuring elegant works set to music by Mozart and Strauss. If Broadway is more her speed, get tickets for The New York Times Critic's Pick Floyd Collins, starring Tony Award® nominee Jeremy Jordan, at 3:00pm or see Five Models in Ruins, 1981, which has performances at 2:00pm and 7:00pm—both at Lincoln Center Theater. (150 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue).

Music lovers will find multiple performances featuring extraordinary student talent in Lincoln Square. Kaufman Music Center (129 West 67th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue) is hosting two dance recitals—one at 11:00am featuring Lucy Moses School students of Parsla Vintere, and one at 3:00pm with students of Suzanne Grégoire. Then, at 6:30pm, young musicians from Kaufman’s Special Music School and Lucy Moses School will perform a wide variety of works for small ensembles at ChamberFest.

Students at The Juilliard School will be performing throughout the day. The Drama Division will present An Absolute Turkey at 1:00pm and 8:00pm (155 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue), while the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra will take the stage at Dizzy’s Club (Broadway at West 60th Street) at 5:00pm and 7:00pm for a tribute to Duke Ellington (the shows at Dizzy’s are sold out online, but walk-up reservations are accepted). You can also catch free student performances—check Juilliard’s event calendar for details. Over at the Metropolitan Opera House (30 Lincoln Center Plaza), Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra join top high school bands for the Essentially Ellington Festival final concert at 2:00pm.

From surprise sweets to unforgettable performances, Lincoln Square has something for every kind of Mom—and every kind of celebration. For even more options, check out our Neighborhood Guide. However you spend the day, make it one to remember.