Forget flowers! Great Melbourne restaurants for Mother’s Day

Elwood Bathers, a sun-drenched, all-day restaurant perched on the edge of Port Phillip Bay, attracts hungry folks in their droves all year round. This Mother’s Day, if your mum is the beach-loving type, she could be one of them!

The waterfront restaurant has a relaxed aesthetic. It’s breezy enough to feel like you’re at a mate’s beach house, but with classy enough fare to justify an indulgent, three-course lunch with mama, over a crisp bottle of white (or two).

The gorgeous peach-pink sunset views alone are worth it. But don’t overlook the menu.

From elegant charcuterie boards, chilli margaritas, and just-shucked oysters, to premium char-grilled steaks and Mediterranean-inspired pasta dishes, Elwood Bathers’ menu focuses on quality modern Australian classics, done well.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Crispy-skinned hapuka fillet with celeriac puree, mussels, tomato, clams and confit fennel ($44)

Has your mum got an artistic eye and a love of gardening?

Then she’ll love Flovie.

This quaint, floral-themed cafe in the heart of Carlton serves up colourful, inventive brunch dishes, inspired by Asian flavours, with a focus on bright, Insta-worthy aesthetics.

Wander into this lilac-toned garden wonderland, and your mum will be tempted to whip out her camera for the social media reel right away.

With picturesque beverages like the Rose tea latte adorned with dried rose petals, and the Snow White butterfly tea-infused drink with edible flower ice cubes, everything on the table here is designed to tantalise your eyes as much as your taste buds.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Curry scrambled eggs with diced potato, turmeric mayo, parmesan and ciabatta ($25)

For something a little different, why not take your music-loving mum out to an underground, chic jazz bar in the heart of the CBD for dinner?

Bird’s Basement is an intimate venue serving universally-loved Greek classics like char-grilled octopus, chicken and lamb gyro plates, and grilled saganaki – there’s plenty to share with mum as soft, jazzy tunes play late into the night.

If your mum’s a fan of a complex cocktail, the mixologists here will be happy to concoct something special – served just how she likes it, of course.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Prawns kataifi cutlets served with spicy honey and lemon dipping sauce ($22)

Matteo’s is a dimly lit, fine dining establishment that’s much lauded by Inner North locals for a reason.

Since 1994, Matteo’s has managed to fuse together attention to detail and traditional techniques, with a modern twist on some beloved European classics.
With a menu that reflects the changing of the seasons, you never know what you might find in this dining room – from prawn ravioli with a bisque butter sauce to a roasted duck breast with confit duck and sauerkraut croquette, parsnip puree and five spice duck jus.

The atmosphere is moody and discreet, with beautiful paintings, white table cloths, and minimalist furnishings.

For a truly special night out with the mum who loves to be spoilt, get in quick and book a table at Matteo’s.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Mother’s Day 2022 three-course set menu ($140 per person)

Holey Moley isn’t your average golf club, but it’s perfect for the mum who’s young at heart.

It’s a multi-sensory maze of nostalgia-inspired putting holes, self-described as “the craziest round of mini golf you’ve ever played.”

Grab a pizza, sando or burger and cocktail from the full service ‘Caddyshack’ bar and then get started on your multi-level course.

Pop culture references from the 80’s and 90’s abound, and while you might be entertained enough – you’re welcome to order more food and drinks while you’re out on the green.

Either way, there’ll be plenty of laughs along the way.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Brisket sando with dill and apple cider pickles ($18.50)

For the ultimate chill pill your mum never knew she needed, you can’t go past Willow Urban Retreat.

An inner Melbourne sanctuary offering massages, facials, wellness tonics and smoothies, and some of the fluffiest gluten-free pancakes south of the CBD, you’ve just entered a self-care retreat like no other.

The lunch menu, though health-focused, certainly isn’t boring and has a focus on clean, quality ingredients. Why not opt for the seared salmon sushi bowl, or the seasonal wild mushrooms with egg, herbs and grilled asparagus on sourdough toast?

Take it to the next level and check out the Retreat’s ‘A Day for Mum’ package, including a signature massage, a 24k gold infusion facial and a meal and drink at the Wholefoods café both you and mum can enjoy together.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Gluten-free banana pancakes, served with house vegan Nutella, raspberry puree, hazelnut crumble and seasonal fruits ($22.50)

Grazeland is a sprawling, international food truck market, with no shortage of exotic dishes for a travel-inspired mum to choose from.

Take a stroll and choose from some of the hottest food truck vendors in Italian, Sri Lankan, Indian, Polish, Spanish, Southern American, African, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Chinese and Mexican cuisine – and more – and pick a table with a view you like. Don’t forget dessert!

Live bands and rotating buskers enhance the loud, bustling vibe at Grazeland, while Melbourne’s city skyline creates the perfect backdrop.

It’s a festival of food your mum won’t ever forget.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Sri Lankan kotthu roti with chicken, egg and cheese ($14)