Great Maple

Came here for brunch with high expectations, and honestly… mixed feelings. The good: The French toast logs were genuinely amazing — super fluffy, soft, and easily the highlight of the meal. Our server was also really kind and polite, which we appreciated. The not-so-good: Unfortunately, the rest of the food was pretty meh — nothing memorable and definitely not worth the hype. The mocha was messy and disappointing, and overall the place felt overhyped. We were seated outside even though it was raining, and were told the area was covered and had fire pits for warmth. However, our umbrella had a hole, and while another staff member fixed umbrellas for other tables, we were told they “couldn’t do anything” for us — despite multiple unused umbrellas sitting right there. That felt dismissive and unnecessary. On top of that, the outdoor tables were sticky and not well maintained, which really took away from the experience. Overall: Great French toast logs and a sweet server, but average food, uncomfortable outdoor seating management, and poor attention to cleanliness. Not sure I’d go back — definitely didn’t live up to the hype. ⭐️⭐️ / ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (depending on how generous I’m feeling)

The Great Maple isn't just a restaurant; It's an experience that defines elevated comfort food in San Diego. From the moment you walk into the stylish, mid-century modern-inspired space in Hillcrest, you know you're in for something special. The combination of warm, sophisticated decor and the friendly buzz of happy diners creates an instantly inviting atmosphere. Let's talk about the food. Every dish is a testament to transforming American classics into something extraordinary. You absolutely must start with the Famous Maple Bacon Doughnuts—they are warm, perfectly glazed, and the savory hint of bacon makes them an addictive masterpiece. For brunch, the Smoked Brisket Hash is a powerhouse of flavor, featuring perfectly smoked meat, crispy potatoes, and runny poached eggs that tie it all together. For a main course, the Lobster Poutine is a decadent, East Coast-meets-West Coast revelation. The quality of the ingredients is evident in every bite, from the responsibly sourced seafood to the farm-fresh meat. What truly seals the five-star rating, however, is the impeccable service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming, making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. If you're looking for a spot that delivers on style, incredible flavor, and fantastic hospitality, stop searching. The Great Maple is a must-try in San Diego for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Go, and prepare to be delighted!

We visited Great Maple for Sunday brunch without realizing it’s been a Michelin-recommended spot for several years, so expectations were high. The wait was about 30 minutes, which wasn’t bad considering the brunch rush, but parking was a real challenge — especially with the Hillcrest Farmers Market taking up most of the nearby spots. Inside, the restaurant is lively and full of energy, but also very loud and tightly packed. Walking space between tables is almost nonexistent, so if you value elbow room, I’d recommend sitting at the bar or ordering to-go. We ordered the chilaquiles, brisket hash, pork belly, and French toast logs. Every dish was flavorful and well-executed — meats were tender, portions generous, and nothing felt overly greasy or heavy. The brisket hash stood out for its depth of flavor, and the French toast logs were surprisingly balanced, not too sweet. Portions are large enough to share, and we definitely couldn’t finish everything. Food: 4.5/5 – Excellent flavor and texture. Ambiance: 2/5 – Too loud and cramped for comfort. Service: 3.5/5 – Friendly but stretched thin due to crowd size. Overall, I’d give Great Maple a solid 4/5. The food lives up to the Michelin mention, but next time I’ll plan ahead, share a plate, and probably skip the coffee — it was too dark and bitter for my taste.

Great Maple was such an awesome spot. The vibe is lively but comfortable, and the food really stood out. Everything we ordered came out looking amazing and tasted even better. The portions are generous and the flavors were on point. From the hearty breakfast plates to the insanely good French toast stacked high with blueberries and bacon, everything was cooked perfectly. Even the cocktails were spot on—fresh, balanced, and a great complement to the food. It’s one of those places where every dish feels like it’s made with care, and you leave full and happy. Definitely a must-try if you’re in the area and want a fun spot with great food and great energy.

Had a fantastic spontaneous visit to Great Maple! I enjoyed the Little Gem’s Salad—fresh and flavorful, just what I needed. Brendan went for the prime rib, and while it was great, not quite the best he’s ever had, it definitely hit the spot. We also shared the Burratta appetizer with fig, which was absolutely amazing—a definite must-try! Parking was easy, and we were lucky to have Marcos and his trainee Brendan providing top-notch, friendly service that really made our visit special. If you’re in the mood for elevated comfort food and great vibes, Great Maple is a spot you shouldn’t miss!