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[title]With the flurry of public holidays in the past month, it’s easy to forget that there’s another important date just over the horizon of this week... Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day dates back more than a century, beginning in the United States largely due to the efforts of one Anna Jarvis. After the death of her mother in 1905, Jarvis campaigned for a national day to honour mothers for their love, sacrifice, and care. The first celebration of Mother’s Day in the United States occurred in 1908, and in 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday.
In South Africa – along with the United States and Canada – Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. That’s this Sunday, 11 May 2025, by the way! However, it’s not the same around the world. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, ‘Mothering Sunday’ is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which fell on 30 March 2025. In France, it falls on the last Sunday in May, and Norway goes completely left-field with the second Sunday in February.
But when you celebrate is perhaps less important than ensuring that you do. While a home-cooked meal or serving breakfast in bed (as well as doing the dishes, don't forget) is a fine way to honour your mother figure, Cape Town also offers plenty of fabulous events and special offers if you want to celebrate in style.
Here are some of the best Mother’s Day deals in town…
Mother’s Day Magic at Wilde Vy Bistro
Head for the most delicious new addition to the Durbanville winelands for a three-course lunch at Wilde Vy Bistro from chef Jürgen Snyman. There are choices for each course, with delicious Cape-inspired plates on offer. What’s more, moms receive a free glass of cap classique and a gift to take home too! R695 per person.
Musical Mother’s Day at Kloof Street House
Take your pick between a delicious brunch or an à la carte lunch amid the bohemian charm of Kloof Street House. There will be live music by Mr Keys and the Funky Munks, and all the good food you could hope for.
Bridgerton-Inspired Afternoon Tea at Pullman Cape Town
Now, who doesn’t love a little bit of the Duke? And nothing says high tea like a spoon, right? This year, Stratus Restaurant at Pullman Cape Town offers a themed high tea buffet (12pm - 3pm) featuring oysters, sushi, charcuterie, and pastries. Guests receive a glass of Steenberg Bubbles upon arrival. R895 per person.
Smile 90.4FM 'Out of Africa' Brunch at GrandWest
Get ahead of the game on Saturday, 10 May, as GrandWest and Smile FM host a gourmet brunch event in the Grand Market Hall featuring live performances by Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels, along with a drumming session by Drum Café. The dress code is 'Out of Africa'. Tickets are R450 per person.
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Party at Palm House Boutique Hotel
This idyllic hideaway has become a go-to destination for savvy locals seeking a quiet escape in the southern suburbs, and this Sunday chef Gregory Henderson is planning a splendid Afternoon Tea for Mother's Day. In partnership with Moët & Chandon, the nine-course Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Party (served 2.30pm – 5pm) will offer bubbly and oysters, savoury canapés and sweet treats along with fine teas and artisan coffees.
Mother’s Day Buffet at The President Hotel, Bantry Bay
Start your day with a morning walk along the Sea Point Promenade to work up an appetite before heading to The President Hotel for a delicious buffet, which includes a welcome drink, live carving station, and a dessert table. Enjoy live entertainment as well. Lunch costs R595 per adult, R250 per child aged 6–12, and children under 5 eat free.
Mother’s Day Lunch at The Twelve Apostles Hotel
Indulge in a gourmet buffet lunch with unforgettable ocean views at The Twelve Apostles Hotel. Begin with bubbly upon arrival before enjoying a decadent spread, accompanied by the soundtrack of local musicians. R995 per person in Azure Restaurant, R850 in The Atlantic Marquee (half price for children from five to 10 years old). There’s also a Mother’s Day High Tea available in The Leopard Bar upstairs.
Mother’s Day Buffet at Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Are you looking for a Halaal option? Visit the Hyatt Regency, where 126 Cape Kitchen & Café features a wonderful range of delicious Cape dishes at a Cape Malay buffet. R495 per person, with 10 percent of the proceeds donated to Gift of the Givers.
Mother’s Day Lunch at The Conservatory, Constantia
For a truly memorable lunch experience, look no further than The Conservatory. This year’s Mother’s Day menu begins with cheesecake made from Boland cheese and leek or shredded duck dumplings. Mains offer a choice between tender Chalmar beef fillet, the catch of the day, or a rich exotic mushroom risotto. Finish with a silky vanilla bean brûlée or a cherry-raspberry semifreddo. R755 per person.
Mother’s Day Lunch at Tryn Restaurant, Steenberg Estate
Tryn Restaurant is another stylish dining destination in the Constantia Valley. This year, you can treat mum to a three-course lunch – with amuse-bouche and chocolate truffles – for R740 per person.
Celebrate generations at Klein Constantia
Another charming option amid the vines is Klein Constantia, where The Bistro serves inspired bistro-style cuisine alongside the tasting room. Tables celebrating generations of women enjoy a complimentary glass of Cuvée Anabel Rosé.
Mother’s Day Lunch at Rick’s Café Americain
The rooftop views from Rick’s are reason enough to visit this Sunday, as is the wide-ranging menu that offers something for everyone. Moms arriving for lunch receive a complimentary floral gin and tonic, along with entry into a draw for a R1500 spa voucher!
Mother’s Day Lunch at Jack@SKYE Rooftop Bar
Another great rooftop in Cape Town is the Jack@Skye Rooftop Bar, where a three-course set menu awaits this Sunday. Enjoy lunch with city views – think crispy squid, roast pork belly, and milk tart spring rolls – for R595 per person. Booking is available via Webtickets.
One Mom Every Role, Radisson Collection Hotel
This celebration of single moms is more than just a great lunch with a sea view. This day-long event on Saturday, May 10 (9am-5pm) is all about celebrating and nurturing those moms who do it all: caregiver, provider, nurturer, disciplinarian. The day will feature insightful panel discussions, wellness sessions, and giveaways. There’s also a delicious breakfast and lunch, of course! The event is priced at R950 per person.
Bloody Marys and Marvellous Moms at The Pot Luck Club
There’s no need for a special menu when you have a brunch offering as memorable as The Pot Luck Club! This Sunday, Luke Dale Roberts’ much-loved small-plate destination in Woodstock offers their Sunday Brunch at R1250 per person and includes unlimited bubbly and a DIY Bloody Mary Station.
Get creative at Perdeberg
If you’re heading out to the Winelands, Perdeberg offers a pair of wonderful ways to celebrate. From 5-11 May, you can create your very own personalised label for a bottle of their sparkling wine. R100 for a thoughtful and unique gift! Or join them for a Mother’s Day weekend lunch, with a two- or three-course meal served with a complimentary glass of Lighthearted Sparkling White on arrival.