Nothing says "I love you, mom," like 15 cuts of meat carved tableside. This exotic restaurant specializes in Brazilian-style barbecue and its skilled gaucho chefs are ace when it comes to flashy presentation. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $42.50.

Famed Cuban-born chef Xiomara Ardolina creates exquisite Latin cuisine in a lovely space designed to evoke old Havana. On Mother's Day she has designed a special brunch menu that includes a number of the restaurant's signature dishes such as Spanish tortilla with fried plantains and chorizo, Chilean sea bass on corn guizo with roasted chile mashed potatoes and corn stew and Cuban sirloin steak with avocado and yucca frita. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., a la carte prices $11-$41.

Surprise! Wilshire Restaurant suspects that mom might be bored with the idea of a standard brunch so it is offering a three-course prix-fixe dinner as an alternative. The food is seasonal, often organic and locally sourced and includes wild mushroom duck potpie, whole fried Thai snapper and honey lime-glazed chicken. 5 p.m.- 9 p.m., $45.

This Hollywood chophouse in the classic Roosevelt hotel recently unveiled a secluded little outdoor dining area called "the Bridge," which overlooks the sexy Tropicana bar (and allows guests entrance to the often hard-to-get-into space after their meal). Specialty cocktails abound for the mom who likes to unwind as much as you do. 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

It's a two-fer at this classic 1907 Pasadena landmark: you can treat mom to brunch and a spa treatment. The Dining Room--a plush, formal dining area worthy of First Ladies--is offering a high-end brunch of exquisitely complicated egg dishes, tender meats and divine desserts. 11 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., $90 per adult, $35 per child.

Santa Monica's luxurious Le Merigot Hotel offers elegant indoor dining as well as alfresco dining on a shady terrace overlooking the pool. A family-friendly buffet is the order of the day on Sunday. International offerings include Pacific Rim, sushi and carving stations as well as Cal-French specialties and a fantastic selection of desserts. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., $75 per adult, $30 children under 12.

Patina catering is offering an exclusive brunch in the lovely, exotic Blue Ribbon garden behind this stunning Frank Gehry-designed landmark. Moms receive a complimentary glass of pink champagne and a fresh-cut flower and choose from a variety of breakfast favorites such as griddled French toast, carved applewood-smoked ham and savory crepes. Three seatings: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., $58 per adult, $21 per child; for reservations call (213) 972-7565.

This gorgeous Japanese oasis with a lush outdoor garden and an Asian-village-themed dining room is offering a mid-afternoon four-course, prix-fixe meal. Try mentaiko Caesar salad, maguro steak and pumpkin zensai for dessert. $3 p.m., $60 per person with a complimentary glass of champagne for the leading lady. For $80 a sake and wine-paired menu is also available.

Enjoy a fresh, seasonal brunch at this Westlake Village favorite. The bread and waffle station will offer traditional rustic breads, scones, bagels and hot waffles with fresh whipped cream. There will also be salad, seafood, carving and omelet stations. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $45 per adult, $19 per child.

Enjoy Mother's Day with an Asian twist. This popular restaurant on Beverly Hills' Restaurant Row is offering a special four-course contemporary Japanese meal. Fortunately for mom a saketini will stand in for tea and dainty American delicacies will be replaced by homemade tofu, wasabi mashed potatoes, beef tataki balsamic rice and onion tempura rings. $30 per person.

La Bohème serves California French cuisine in a setting reminiscent of a lush post-modernist opera house. Opt for dinner, not brunch, in the glittering outdoor garden. A complimentary glass of champagne and four-course meal including Alaskan halibut and chocolate mousse will surely satisfy mom's cravings. 4 p.m.- 8 p.m., $40 per adult, $25 per child.

This classy, classic favorite is offering a fresh, straightforward approach to brunch with sourdough pancakes, scrambled eggs with creamed spinach and roast beef salad with arugula. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Have brunch in a rustic century-old lodge or on an outdoor patio with lush foliage beside a cascading waterfall. The three-course menu includes chilled pea soup with minted yogurt, Brioche French toast with mixed-berry compote and sliced leg of lamb sandwich. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., $50 per adult, $25 per child.