Taking the family out for a luxurious dining experience is a longstanding Mother’s Day tradition. What better way to celebrate Mom, Nana, your partner and/or the other women in your life than with a fine Sunday brunch? And with more than 40 miles of coastline at our disposal, Ventura County has some fabulous beachside brunch options. If you’re still contemplating how to make May 14 special, keep reading — we’ve rounded up a few local favorites.
Top of the Harbor at the Crowne Plaza
Ventura Beach
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
877-227-6963
Elegant fare with a spectacular ocean view is one of the best reasons to brunch on the Central Coast, and the Sunday Grand Buffet at the Crowne Plaza’s Top of the Harbor is one of the best places to experience it. Enjoy a selection of delicious breakfast and lunch items served in the beachfront hotel’s grand ballroom boasting large windows overlooking the scenic Ventura Promenade. Pricey but undeniably special. $75 for adults, $55 for seniors and $27 for ages 12 and under.
Ox and Ocean at Zachari Dunes on
Mandalay Beach
2101 Mandalay Beach Road, Oxnard
805-760-9040
With a menu inspired by the produce of the Oxnard Plain and the freshest seafood from the area’s coastal waters, Ox and Ocean is a culinary treat any day of the week. But Executive Chef Damien Gilliberti is going all out for Mother’s Day, with a brunch buffet that includes charcuterie, omelet and carving stations; a selection of salads; steelhead and shrimp; a variety of desserts and more. $90 for adults, $50 for children.
Water’s Edge Restaurant and Bar
1510 Anchors Way, Ventura
805-642-1200
Serene and sophisticated, with a contemporary look, a lovely patio and enormous windows that look out onto the sparkling waters of Ventura Harbor — what better way to spend any Sunday, but especially Mother’s Day? Water’s Edge has a special brunch menu for March 14 which includes shrimp cocktail, lox crostini, omelet and waffle stations, glazed salmon and Szechuan pork ribs. Be sure to take advantage of the bar’s wonderful craft cocktails!
Waterside Channel Islands
3500 Harbor Blvd.,
Suite 1-100, Oxnard
805-985-4677
The sister restaurant to Water’s Edge situated in Channel Islands Harbor has long been a destination for locals and tourists alike looking for oceanside dining. Mother’s Day is made extra special with no less than five separate stations (omelet, salad, seafood, bagel and eggs Benedict) for customizing your meal. In addition, there will be tacos, chicken marsala, salmon piccata and tri tip; pancakes, sausage and bacon; and a selection of sweets to end the meal. At $49 per person, this is easily one of the better deals for May 14.
The Greek at the Harbor
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Suite 101, Ventura Harbor Village
805-650-5350
Mother’s Day with a Mediterranean twist, anyone? The Greek in beautiful Ventura Harbor is both flavorful and fun, with a gorgeous patio overlooking the water, a garlic-infused menu and plenty of room for dancing. The Greek’s famous dips include hummus, skordalia and melitzanosalata, while entrees like falafel, fresh fish, cioppino, kebabs nd gyros will have Mom shouting “Opa!” even before the belly dancers come out (at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.). Know before you go: The special menu will be served 12-8 p.m., each seating is two hours and a 20% gratuity will be added to all checks.