Aka Bistro

AKA Bistro is known for their exquisite, high-end French cuisine as well as their artfully prepared, mouth-watering sashimi dishes—and their brunch is a logical extension of their wonderful dinner menu.  Each dish served at AKA is inventively plated; they take great pride in their food and present each selection as a singular piece of edible art.  I know bread may seem like an odd food item to gush over, but their various breads and pastries are simply incredible.  Their servers and knowledgeable, attentive and polite and the food is phenomenal.  Try their “Omelette de saison” which is made with fresh vegetables, goat cheese and caramelized onions or their delicious French grilled cheese entitled the “Croque Madame”.

Bistro du Midi

Bistro du Midi is one of the top French restaurant’s in Boston, and their newly re-tooled Brunch menu has put them atop the many best brunch lists as well.  Their head sommelier tailored specific cocktails to pair with the new brunch options including a “Bouillabaisse Bloody Mary” that is unlike any Bloody Mary around.  They are known for their delicious seafood, but its tough to go wrong with any selection on their menu.  The atmosphere is classy and elegant, but never pretentious or constricting.  The views of the Public Garden are beautiful and expansive and their food is refined and meticulously prepared.  Try their “Citrus Tea Cured Salmon Benedict” or their “Goat Cheese Gnocchi” as both feature unique and robust flavor profile that are ideal for a special day out with Mom.

Smith and Willensky

Smith and Willensky is pretty much in institution as far as steak houses go.  Each location is luxurious and elegant, if you have been to the one in Manhattan, you can feel the hustle and bustle of the city,  but its hard to match the Back Bay location which is literally housed in a castle.  Smith and Willensky is an ideal choice to celebrate a special occasion and a great place to visit for brunch.  Their brunch menu offers unique takes on classic brunch options including a delicious and uniquely flavored “Gazpacho Bloody Mary” an incredible “Lobster BLT” one of the best “Steak and Eggs” dishes you’ll find, and a refreshing “Cauliflower Steak” option for non-meat eaters.    

Henrietta’s Table

Henrietta’s Table is a bit different from others on this list in that it’s not as luxurious or elegant; it opts more for a farm-to-table, rustic feel with their fresh food serving as the star attraction.  That is not to say that the accommodations there are lacking, it’s a beautiful restaurant with a brunch that rivals any in New England.  Their brunch is constantly revolving buffet style, but what sets it apart is the quality of the food that is served.  Everything served at Henrietta’s Table is vibrant and fresh and it shows in the flavors of their dishes.  The atmosphere is very much that of a home-cooked meal and the whole ambiance at Henrietta’s is lively and inviting. 

Deuxave

While it may not technically be considered a “brunch” -chic, high-end French eatery Deuxave is offering a special, Mother’s Day lunch menu that deserves to be on this list.  Deuxave is known as a restaurant frequented on special occasions as the food, the ambiance and the service are decidedly high end and all but emit sophistication.  The Mother’s Day lunch menu features their delicious “Shrimp Cocktail” in addition to their mouth-watering “Homemade Cavetelli” and their well-known “Pan-Seared Halibut” -all of which are great options for a refined and delectable Mother’s Day meal.