hajra mujtaba

The reviews brought us here. Our server recommended we try the French toast Logs and she was right! I added fried chicken to mine and it was the best decision. Everything we had tasted great. Deserves to be on the Michelin guide.

Dr Alo

Great food. Michelin rated. Loved all the different options! Busy but worth it. Small parking lot, but it's fine. You'll enjoy the food!

Loved the food. Seated promptly with a reservation on a Sunday. Server was friendly and the patio was cute. Ordered the Special Pork Belly Hash and my wife ordered a hash as well. Both were delicious and were more like 2 or 3 meals so it is great bang for buck. The coffee was super tasty too and would love to try an iced Vanilla Latte next time. Would love to come back and try the French toast or the donuts too that they are known for but might need a few more mouths before ordering those as it is a lot of food. Parking is plentiful on the streets near by, you just might have to walk 5ish minutes.

Our server was very nice and not over the top. She was at the table just enough to make sure we were doing good and got us everything we needed. The food was amazing and good portion size! I will definitely go back when I am in the area!

My kid got choce chip & bacon silver dollar pancakes...they are 3" around, and EIGHT of them!! Other kid got fried banana peanut butter silver dollar pancakes, and it came with a WHOLE fried banana on top of the stack! I got the chorizo scramble, amazing!!

ZØɆɆ ZØɆɆ

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.

+6

We heard about Great Maple from a friend and I’m glad we were able to try it out on our San Diego trip! It is fun restaurant to come to for a yummy brunch/ lunch spot! The portions are large and great to share. Some of the top dishes are the powdered sugar beignets and maple bacon donuts. We had the donuts, the great maple fried chicken sandwich, and the avocado toast. The service was good and they were accommodating. They have seating inside and outside. I would recommend you put it on your list to try!

+2

I ate here on March 7th, 2026 and had the best experience! We ordered the french toast logs and the BBQ pork belly & eggs. French toast is one of my favorite foods and this was the best french toast I've had. It was about $22 for it and was worth it. The BBQ pork belly was delicious and very tender. The lemonade tasted fresh and balanced. We parked at the DMV since it was very busy on a Saturday morning. We also made a reservation and got seated in about 15 minutes with about a dozen people waiting outside.

Carly Coleman

The food was really good. It was very filling, with huge portions. We ordered the brisket hash as a recommendation of the staff and he was right. There was plenty of brisket in there and it was juicy and flavorful. There could have been more vegetables but I was satisfied. My only real complaint is that the eggs were supposed to be Benedict but they cooked them too long and it was a hard boiled egg. We also ordered the maple bacon doughnuts. We were hesitant about the bacon on top of the doughnuts and she offered to put it on the side for us. The donuts were heavenly. They are moist and soft. We also got the great Maple scramble. Melt, it wasn’t my favorite. I wasn’t a fan of the soufflé eggs but the person who I was with. Enjoyed it a lot. That was also a large portion. Lastly I ordered chicken sausage because I was so hungry upon arrival and wanted something right away. It came out quickly and even that was large. I would definitely recommend this place. The staff was so friendly and very accommodated and helpful and making our decisions as we chose what to order. Their parking lot is small and there’s only street parking around.

+1

We headed to the restaurant directly from the airport for breakfast, and it definitely dissolved our fatigues from the early flight. We had the scrambled eggs with basil and tomatoes, it was really refreshing. We also ordered the pig in a blanket, it was unexpectedly delicious, the sausage inside was very flavourful and not dry at all. The portions were huge, it filled us up for hours! If you order the house blend coffee, it will be unlimited free refills. We also got served by the nicest staff which is always a plus. Overall a very nice breakfast and brunch place, will definitely recommend and come back to try out the cocktails!

My boyfriend recommended checking out Great Maple, in the Hillcrest neighborhood. Even though the menu is not overflowing (a bit a bad thing), it has a lot of variety with fantastic choices! Pretty much every diet is covered on this menu! I tried the Market Zucchini Scramble and I was so blown away by its flavors and organization and presentation! Eating alone I sat at the bar and got to watch the actions everywhere and the place is well organized, everyone seems to be having fun. The food all looks phenomenal! I can’t wait to come back.

Hipster vibes and easy to dismiss as a less than serious boozy brunch joint when you look around and see ladies doing the triple bloody mary brunch. BUT, turns out the place produces genuine legit tasty breakfast options that look suspiciously hip but turn out to back up appearances with extremely good food. We tasted the salmon toast, the brisket hash, the Frenchtoast logs etc.. looking for things to criticize as being more bougie than good, but we were proven wrong. This place serves up fresh tasting, delicious diner classics with unique twists that put it way over the top. The smoked salmon was actually thick, flaky, smoky and moist at the same time. The brisket in the hash bowl could hold its own at any bbq joint (and I've sampled some of the best). The Frenchtoast logs looked too big and thick to escape a dried out interior, but somehow they managed the yolk soak without either the outside being mushy nor the inside missing out on the required moisture. Impressive indeed. The bacon was prepared expertly with some crispy and some a little chewy, giving the eater the flexibility to find the right combination for themselves. It's all around unexpectedly excellent. Service was also excellent, and given how busy the place was, our server earned every bit of praise, keeping glasses full all around. If we have to knock the place, the atmosphere is crowded and noisy which in a way is a testament to the place. People want to be here and enjoy the food and company, so much so it makes for a crowded and noisy place. Can't blame them, worth the half hour wait to get in.

+6

The food here is excellent. You literally can't go wrong, I don't think. I definitely didn't leave hungry either. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere is quaint and friendly. There is even outdoor seating with heaters when it is nice and sunny. If you go on the weekend, feel free to park at the DMV parking (at least when we went on a Sunday, you could park there -- ask the staff as well).

We loved this place! It felt very dinery—the vibe, the bustle, the WAY TOO GENEROUS portion sizes—but the menu was not confined to diner staples by any stretch. Everything was surprising and fun and sounded delicious. Even better, it WAS delicious! Brunch cocktail game was on point too. I have to come back, that's for dang sure.

This place is a must try! My wife found this spot from a neighbor and we checked it out today. The parking lot is kind of small but you may get lucky. The server Jasmine, highly recommended. She was friendly, very happy, and told us about to most popular dishes. Everything looked great! I got the pigs in the blanket and the Mrs. got the french toast. The portions are huge but the food was off the chain! Have to go back in a few weeks once I wake up from the food coma lol. Just a great place to eat!!!

Had a little brunch at the bar here and was really impressed with everything. The vegan hash is a really great dish but bring your appetite. If you're not looking totally vegan, you can add protein or an egg and I added fried jalapenos also. Had a seasonal drink that was an Apple Mule (name?). The staff was even more impressive than the food. Really welcoming and friendly.

Came here on a Sunday. I recommend making a reservation. This place is BUSY! There’s inside and outside seating. The parking lot is pretty small( one handicap parking spot) so we parked at the DMV. We ordered a cup of coffee, hot mocha, French toast logs( 4 huge logs covered in bacon, syrup and blueberries), brisket hash( had tons of bacon in it) and salted caramel bacon. Everything was really good.

+1

Always an amazing experience. Food is delicious, drinks are fantastic, service is awesome. Would definitely recommend the smoked beef brisket hash. Huge portions and so tasty. Keep in mind the Hillcrest farmer's market on Sundays may cause traffic to be busier but we still got street parking within a few minutes.

Amazing experience! We had the salmon toast and the French toast. Everything was delicious and the quality of the ingredients were top notch. Severs were attentive and friendly.

It had been forever since I visited this restaurant. I had forgot how big the serving sizes are. I ordered the French toast logs with extra bacon and fried chicken. I had enough leftovers to feed my adult son for a late breakfast. The food was delicious and service was excellent. Will visit again.

Cool and comforting atmosphere, reminds me of a 70s Cafe. Friendly staff, never let my coffee go below half a cup. Food came out quick but was still prepared well. Lots of flavor. Not over bearing on seasoning or spices. Topped with brown sugars and granola clumps, this blueberry crumbs pancake was out of the world delicious. So flavorful you don't need the butter at all. Hardwood amoked bacon scramble melt was a good mix of eggs and generous bacon. The guacamole on top of the eggs and bacon was a good cherry on top. I was really contemplating on getting the French toast maple log, but when I looked over it was probably a size for a family of 4 so I decided not to. Come on a weekday to avoid crowds and long line. Don't feel like you need to finish everything. Grab a box!! They have paper to-go boxes 📦. Super environmentally conscious 😍

+6

We came for brunch and, as is customary, the place did not disappoint. We have eaten here before and have learned that two things you can count on: customer service - every waitress we have had has been cheerful, helpful, and attentive - and delicious food! Our waitress was positively delightful and the food was fresh and tasty. They take reservations and I HIGHLY encourage it. This is a very popular restaurant and there is always a wait for those without reservations. We will be back... again, and again, and again. :) Strongly recommended. ♡ 6/7/25 UPDATE: My son and I came here for brunch and, once again, delicious. We ordered the maple donuts to start. This was the best donut I have had in...forever! I rarely eat donuts and have been craving one, and this totally hit the spot. The donuts are huge and I had 2/3 leftover for later. We both ordered cold lattes - vanilla for my son and caramel for myself. They were yummy, and needed a bit of sweetener. My son had the French toast log and ordered the fried chicken on the side. As a fried chicken aficionado, he was underwhelmed by the chicken. Otherwise, his meal was fabulous. I ordered the kale and quinoa salad, substituting the salmon for shrimp (the special of the day had shrimp, so they had shrimp, but typically do not). The salad was superb! It had kale, sliced cherry tomatoes, red onions, toasted pine nuts, and largely shaved pecorino cheese with shallot vinaigrette in addition to the (7) shrimp. It was positively divine! And I have a TON of leftovers, which I absolutely love having. This restaurant never disappoints. Our server was attentive and was spot on whenever we needed anything. Highly, highly recommended. Worth every penny and calorie! ♡

+2

My boyfriend and I swung by Great Maple for lunch (a quick bite after a day at the Zoo). My boyfriend ordered the Turkey Burger and I ordered the fried chicken sandwich. First off, that chicken sandwich was HUGE! I was able to save one cutlet for another sandwich (I’m not sure I should share that)! The burger was also delicious, but the star of the show was the side of fries! Those fries were AMAZING! Paired with the chicken sandwich, I was a happy gal! My boyfriend also ordered the buttermilk silver dollar pancakes and found them to be dry — I definitely agree with him. I think they needed to be fluffier and more moist. Overall, the food was great (sans the pancakes). Our server was friendly and present without being overbearing. The restaurant had a great aesthetic and a very clean bathroom. I like that there seemed to be a nice amount of intentionality in how the restaurant was designed — you can see into the kitchen which means you can see what’s happening to your food, if that’s your vibe. However, the view of the kitchen isn’t so open you’d feel like the smell of food will stick to you. Overall, I would recommend the restaurant for lunch or dinner.

I want that breakfast every day! And I would like to befriend my server! This is a Michelin mentioned cafe that is a must if you are visiting San Diego. Their menu is unique, in entire and food is absolutely delicious!

Breakfast was phenomenal, that's and under statement. I ordered the Cerrillos chilaquiles and thought it was not going to be enough food boy was I wrong. Had just enough chips to scoop the chorizo ( look ma no hands) The OJ was fresher than the San Diego weather. The toast logs were my dessert, now that right there was Great Maple at its finest. Got some powered bignets (I think I spelled that wrong, but spell check with the menu) Best Breakfast, my family and I had in the entire Daygo. Will most definitely be back. We paid $160 for 4, but I went all out ordering things like it was prime week. P.S. Parking sucks so wake yourself up when you hear the ocean chickens (seagulls) bright and early to beat the traffic. Peace ✌️ and Love ❤️

This was our first time ever eating there. Our son wanted to go there for his birthday 🥳 brunch. This place did NOT disappoint 🤩 I had their brunch special and so did my husband - all I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW!!! The food was outstanding and the portions were enormous! There was so much flavor in everything we ate and the service was fast, friendly, and accurate!! Truly was a different menu dining experience that one must try. I recommend making reservations - which I'm so glad our son did ahead of time 🥰 Also there is outdoor dining and pet friendly! Next time I'm taking my dog Riley 😍 It was a bit pricey, but it was a special occasion. And you gotta live just a little 💕🤗💐

+2

Always a great time at Great Maple! All of the hosts were extremely nice, polite, and had great attitude. Special shout out to our waiter Jenny who was kind, attentive, expeditious, and amazing the whole time! The smoked bacon scramble melt and the house smoked brisket hash were delicious. Can’t wait to come back!

This might be the best brunch place I’ve ever been too. The food was fantastic and service was great. I got a Bangers and Hash Special with an Iced Mocha. We also got a French Toast log. I will definitely come here again.

Fantastic brunch place, super tasty, super portion sizes and super friendly staff. We were very happy with our trip, couldn't possibly eat any more and still took a lot of food home! It got very busy, very quickly after 9am so book in advance. By the time we left, there were 7 people waiting to be seated. The food was very nice, the service was very good and the portions were huge. We had the 2 farm egg breakfast, French toast and brisket. All were delicious and all were taken home for another attempt. On that note, it is expensive but the amount of food you get is impressive... Parking was good around 8am however after we left, there was hardly a space free.

+6

Been here twice and the food are pretty good no matter what you get. The best thing there is the Maple Bacon Donut in my opinion (sooooooooooo freakin good). Had the french dip before and time, it was the cerrillos chilaquiles. Most items are BIG portions, so don't let the price deter you from getting some of the items. Had some friends say the pancakes were extremely fluffy, so probably get that next time.

+5

Delightful brunch at Great Maple! We sat on the dog friendly patio and ordered the two egg breakfast with chicken sausage and California Chorizo scrambled melt. Both tasted great and the food came out pretty quickly for a busy service time. We also ordered the maple bacon donuts to go which tasted delicious, very filling so glad we ate at home. Recommend!

+3

Probably one of the best meals in San Diego. Go for brunch and get the maple donuts without hesitation. Seriously, they're easily the best I've had. They will cost you $15+ for 3, but they're priceless in my book. They're delicious and heavy. Don't plan to eat more than one.

+6

Found this spot waiting for my daughter’s driving permit. Walked in and the place smelled great. The Weight staff is amazing, the food came out fast, and tastes great! Platting of the food is just fun. Definitely place you should check out if you’re in the area!!!!!

ONE OF THE BEST BREAKFAST PLACES I HAVE BEEN TO . VERY POPULAR ON WEEKENDS . INCREDIBLE MENU WITH LOTS OF FAVORITES . THE BLOODY MARYS ARE AMAZING WITH CRAFTED COCKTAILS . GET THE MAPLE BACON DONUTS AND TRY THE SCRAMBLE MELTS . OUTDOOR SEATING . PARKING LOT . OUR SERVER AND BARTENDER WAS MICHELLE , SHE WAS OUTSTANDING AND MADE OUR EXPERIENCE SO MEMORABLE

+6

Cesarina continues to be one of San Diego's absolute best Italian restaurants in 2025! The handmade pasta is incredible—fresh, perfectly textured, and full of flavor. I had the pappardelle with wild boar ragu, and it was hearty, rich, and unforgettable. The tiramisu is light and dreamy. The warm, family-like atmosphere and attentive service make every visit special. A true gem!

Great Mapel is a great spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch! On a Saturday morning we had about 30 minutes before we could be seated, but the surrounding neighborhoods are super nice for a quick walk. The food presentation is immaculate, and it tastes as good as it looks! The atmosphere is very laid back, and the music was a vibe. Staff was super friendly too! A little pricey but worth every penny.

+1

You have to try this brunch spot ASAP! First off, my group showed up 10 minutes from closing on a Wednesday afternoon and they treated us as if they just opened for the day. The menu is very straightforward no crazy suggestions like most brunch places that try to hard. Definitely order the apple chicken sausage, STRAIGHT FIRE! The lavender lemonade also should be a staple. For two people it was $75, which is prices but the portions were large so you will definitely have left overs. It’s a must if you need a go to spot.

We had breakfast here and absolutely loved it. As visitors, it was something truly special – the food was delicious and the atmosphere warm and welcoming. The staff was exceptionally kind and attentive, which made us feel right at home. A wonderful experience we won’t forget!

Brunch at Great Maple was a total win! I went based on recommendations and I'm so glad I did. First off, the French Toast Logs are HUGE—way bigger than they look in photos—and so delicious. Perfect amount of spice and the French toast logs were moist. We also loved the Hardwood Smoked Bacon Scramble. It was loaded with bacon, and the addition of fresh basil made the whole dish pop. The crispy potatoes that come with a scramble were a real highlight. I really enjoyed the herb seasoning mix that they put on the potatoes. The service was friendly and quick, and the restaurant had a pretty buzzy vibe, making the whole experience even better. Definitely a must-visit spot for brunch! Looking forward to my next visit when visiting the city.

For appetizer we ordered crispy calamari. For main dish we tried the Maple French toast log, Smoked brisket and Hardwood Smoked Bacon Scrambled omelet. For drinks: Frosted Blueberry Bulleit and a hot chocolate. This place doesn't miss. Everything was amazing. Went early to avoid any lines and had an excellent experience.

+3

Our second visit and still one of our brunch spot in San Diego! Made reservation for an early breakfast so no issues with parking/seat. We're satisfied of what we ordered. Smoked Beef Brisket Hash - I am not used to this version of hash BUT what a dish! Well seasoned potatoes, lots of chopped tasty bacon, tender/ delicious smoked beef brisket, poached egg topped with red pepper hollandaise sauce. It was perfect dish for me. Pigs in a blanket - make sure to bring your appetite. Three sausages rolled in a pancake is a must to order. The potatoes just need more seasoning for me. My wife only ate half of it so she enjoyed the leftover the next day! Two Eggs Breakfast - nothing special. Eggs to order, crispy potatoes, grilled chubata, and few fruit garnish. We had to remind our server for the bacon…she forgot. Also ordered the Powdered Sugar Beignets, we're surprised how good was it. Reminds me during our time in New Orleans. Mocha with Whipped Cream / Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream - both were delicious. Not too sweet. Will definitely order again. Dishes delivered quick in our table. Customer service were great! Always asked us if we need anything during our meal. Highly recommended and Outstanding breakfast spot to bring friends/ relatives visiting us in San Diego!

+4

Great food. Fast service! We sat outside on their wonderful patio with a breeze blowing through our faces as we ate our brunch it was fabulous! We had scrambled eggs bacon potatoes maple bacon Donuts French toast logs BLT with fries mascarpone polenta Squash Blossom hash and zucchini scramble we will definitely be back

+4

Honestly this place was great. The employees were very kind and attentive. The food was amazing that I forgot to take a photo before eating it! It was clean. Portions are amazing. Just best all around breakfast. Recommend reservations and there is free parking!

This was my first time eating here. Everything was delicious! We had the French toast, brisket hash plate, and regular two egg plate with bacon. I highly recommend making reservations as there was a long line. Parking is hard to find, but it was a Sat so we parked across the street at the DMV.

Best breakfast place in SD! We had salmon toast, maple-bacon french toast logs, chilaquiles, and brisket hash! Everything was amazing. We were pleasantly surprised by the level of quality! Shout out to our server, Breanne, who treated us so nicely even though she had a full section!

Came here on a recommendation from a work associate. Ordered the Cerrillos Chilaquiles and of course had to try the bacon maple donuts. The Chilaquiles was good, I wish it came with a little more egg than chips, but the flavors were spot on. Could use a little more heat in the salsa verde. The bacon maple donuts, heavenly. Just heavenly. It was so good! I’m not a huge fan of sweets, but this was amazing! You get three donuts, I ate one and took two to go. They are large donuts. I will definitely stop by before I leave back for Atlanta to pick up some more of those donuts!

We went to Great Maple on a Thursday morning at about 0930. We did not have reservations but were able to be seated immediately on the patio. Could have also sat at the counter. 5 star customer service right there. However I highly recommend that if you’re going to go after 1000 or on a weekend you book in advance. Very popular spot. The Moroccan Iced Tea was amazing. Highly recommend. I didn’t care for the Johnny’s Kentucky Spirit. It was a touch too bourbon forward for me at 0930 and neither the orange or berries were strong enough to balance the drink. This is my fault as I had preconceived notions. The House Smoked Brisket Hash was under seasoned for my taste and served a little under temperature. I didn’t think the hollandaise had enough acid or my palette. This is not to say it wasn’t good. The toast was perfect as were the poached eggs and bacon. Because I’m a glutton I ordered the key lime pie even though I was full. The filling was divine and the perfect tartness. All in all I would most certainly go again. The atmosphere and service were spot on. Next time I’ll just try new things that caught my eye.

After years of anticipation, I finally had the chance to indulge in a late breakfast at The Great Maple in Hillcrest. This popular spot didn’t disappoint! We opted for the Pigs in a Blanket and the Brisket Scramble, and both dishes were absolute winners. The savory, flavorful combination of ingredients in each dish was simply divine. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, perfect for a leisurely meal. While the wait time was a bit longer than expected, the quality of the food made it worth the wait. If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying brunch experience in San Diego, I highly recommend giving The Great Maple a try. I also strongly recommend the Salted Caramel Budino con Panna.

+4

Start to end, it was a pleasant surprise! Easy and accessible parking in the Great Maple's private lot (which is rare in Hillcrest). It was pleasant surprise as I'm used to circling around a few times for restaurants. My family and I made a reservation and were seated right on time. The staff was attentive and helpful providing recommendations. Note, some portions are MASSIVE! I ordered the California Chorizo Scramble. It was the perfect balance of protein, fruits, bread, and the guilty pleasure potatoes. The iced mocha presentation was a little messy but worth it. It was delicious! Can't wait to return to try the crispy mushroom fries and one of the signature donuts.

Such a good breakfast place. We had a party of 9 and everyone was very satisfied and all the food was really good. Update: we come here every year. Food is good as ever. Everyone’s meals were 10/10 and we will keep coming back every year, definitely make a reservation!!

+3

Worth the hype. Huge food portions (with corresponding prices) on what we ordered so good idea to share. We ordered the French Toast Logs and the California Chorizo Scramble Melt. We went 8am on a Friday so easy to get in and not crowded but it was picking up as we left. Parking lot is tight and small. We took a ride share so no issues.

This was my second visit, and the food was as good as the first time. I had the French toast, sans maple bacon syrup and blueberries, with scrambled eggs on the side. Very tasty! I will definitely return on my next San Diego trip.

We haven’t been at TGM since they closed their UTC location, which was really close to our office. Today, we really wanted a good brunch, so we came to the Hillcrest location for the first time. So happy we did it! As always, they never disappoint us. This place is just PERFECT. The one in Newport, the now closed location at UTC and this one in Hillcrest share the same food quality, huge portions and fast and friendly service. EVERYTHING was delicious. Plates arrived fast and hot. The service was superb, even when the place was pretty crowded and the food is inexpensive considering the quality of their ingredients and the huge portions. We had their beignets with coffee before our breakfast arrive and oh my!!! Perfection! The chilaquiles were topped with half of a huge avocado. We all had tons and tons of left overs. Their maple bacon french toast, is the best in San Diego. Super fluffy and moist. I was able to only eat one log out of the 4 I had on my plate. The French Toast plate was $19 plus $8 extra dollars for the fried chicken I added. I only finished 1/2 of one of the chicken breasts. Those were perfectly cooked, super flavorful and juicy. This location became today, our new fav spot, even if it’s “so far away” :)

We've been a few times and have loved it everytime! Amazing food. Great drinks and the staff is awesome!

It’s extremely rare for me to 5 star every section! But holy cow this place was insanely good!!! Walking in the host was so warm and bubbly, our waiter was so attentive, BUT THE FOOD!!! Looking at the prices I was a bit nervous BUT THE PORTIONS ARE HUGE!!!! We got the French toast logs with fried chicken and bacon on the side (bacon is normally chopped up and mixed with the syrup), grass fed beef burger, and kids silver dollar with eggs and sausage on the side! Bathrooms: wow Parking: decent Service: 10/10 Kid/ pet friendly!

The service was very kind. The food was good too and they had huge portions.

Great service , very busy on a weekend couldn’t go until the last day of our trip (Monday) , the apple pancakes were amazing and the eggs being separated in their own tray was a niche small joy for me. Even the bathrooms are aesthetically pleasing . Patio seating and indoor seating, heard a lot of people saying they made reservations , that’s probably the best move for this location

One of the BEST brunch spots in Hillcrest — hands down! ✨🥂 I popped in for a quick bite and was blown away by the service and food. Jenny, our server, was an absolute GEM! 💎 So friendly and thoughtful. I was craving a grilled cheese (not on the menu), and she went above and beyond — talked to her manager and surprised me with the most divine grilled cheese + fries combo! 🧀🍟 My friend got the avocado toast — fresh and delish! 🥑☀️ Oh, and the coffee + cappuccino? Chef’s kiss! ☕️👌 Will definitely be back for more. Highly recommend!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Came in for Father’s Day and it was great! We started with the maple bacon donuts and drinks, I got the dill pickle Bloody Mary. I also got the smoked brisket hash which was delicious. My son got pancakes with a side of bacon and it was a whole plate of bacon.

+6

Amazing food. We are from the East coast and pigs in a blanket don’t look like this. I had the Paris lunch. Sirloin and Parmesan truffle frites. Just delicious! Highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great Maple is a great spot. I showed up on a Monday morning around lunch time and the service was amazing. There was no wait, which made the experience even better. The food was delicious and everything came out quickly. Overall a really solid experience. Definitely a place I would recommend if you’re in San Diego looking for a good brunch or lunch spot.

Great place for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Food is fantastic, service is great, drinks are delicious. Get a reservation if you can but the wait is typically not that bad. Parking can be a pain but there are plenty of street spots and lots within walking distance

Enormous portions and delicious food for an excellent and affordable price! Seriously, each meal can easily feed two people. I can see why this place earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. The staff are friendly and a big plus is that they are dog friendly too! Also we only waited 15 minutes to be seated on father's day.

+6

Great food - the beignets were perfect. We had a seasonal steak dish which was quite flavorful. Several of my dining mates got drinks that looked quite appetizing. I would definitely get a table outside if the weather allows. It was very loud inside and I would imagine hard to have conversation. The only downside to this place is how busy it gets. There’s a big crowd outside (thank goodness we had reservations) and the inside was very loud and compacted.

Ricardo Rodriguez Escobedo

Great brunch spot! There’s usually a line, but it’s totally worth it. My girlfriend and I tried the avocado toast (delicious), the buttermilk pancakes (amazing), and a latte that was really good. We also ordered a bowl with bacon, everything was on point. Definitely coming back to try more from the menu.

Kenny Foster

The hype is real. Clean elevated dinette. The Michelin star got me through the door. Made an early rezzy and skipped the line. Staff was courteous and knowledgeable. Interior was a total vibe. Food looked amazing, and was... fine. Wanted something special (given the ticket price) but brisket hash, a milk, and a piece of pie put me out $60 after tip with no cocktail. Can say I did it. Would maybe come back for the pie?

A Brunch Delight - Great Maple in San Diego offers a fantastic brunch experience. Despite the peak brunch hour crowd on Saturday, we were promptly seated, thanks to the incredibly accommodating hostess who graciously adjusted our reservation. The service was impressively quick, and the staff was not only friendly but also offered excellent suggestions. The portions are generous and well worth the price. We thoroughly enjoyed the chilaquiles, "pig in a blanket," and the French toast log. The mimosa flight was also a highlight! It's safe to say we've become huge fans of their signature maple syrup. Overall, Great Maple provides a delightful diner-style atmosphere with outstanding food and value. Highly recommended!

+2

Jennifer St.Clair

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!

Food was great. It was my second time here but it has been a while and it was for brunch. I had the sunshine hash and tried some of the maple bacon donuts and pig in a blanket as well. Everything was delicious, esp for those with a hankering for a savory+sweet combo. I was surprised when I asked the waitress if there was an eggs benedict and there was none on the menu for brunch. I guess the only negative I can give is the limited menu, but it probably is because they only want to keep the best they make on there.

Nick Su

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.

+1

First time here. I ordered the apple cinnamon pancakes. Very delicious. Not enough parking and finding parking is very difficult.

This place won a best brunch award last year and I have to say it mostly lives up to the hype. We were a family of four adults, one kid and one infant. Pb pancakes were tasty but had too much peanut butter relative to the pancakes. Potato latkes and cauliflower hummus were a bit bland. Zucchini omelette was good. Avocado toast was very tasty but heavy on the basil. Greek yogurt was plain and not really worth it for kids but strawberries were pretty sweet. What was really good was the service. When we ordered juices for the family, the waitress Jamie automatically downgraded our daughter's cup to kid size. When our infant needed a non ceramic plate, she turned a takeout box into a makeshift one. The food came out decently quickly, with plenty of snacking veggies on the side for infants (cucumber and carrots). We were seated outside, and despite being ten feet from the street at Tuesday lunchtime, it was quiet enough that we could easily have conversations. Overall, pretty great place. I wouldn't trek out of the way for the food but it's a fantastic place for young families.

+2

We for the maple bacon donuts, pig in a blanket, and quiche. It was good. The portion sizes were way too big. It was 3 donuts, all huge, and it was more like a frybread with maple and bacon. The quiche was very eggy with light asparagus and the cheese on top - that must make it easy to do different flavors each day. My wife loved the sausage in the pig in a blanket - the wrapping pancake was standard pancake. It was good - go hungry because it is a lot of food.

Need to revisit this place for brunch! We had dinner here the other night and it was pretty great. Drinks and food was creative, definitely leaning on the sweeter side of things. I enjoyed the pork ribs, but the French toast & fried chicken was the star of the show.

This place is great as the name implies. Wait time wasnt too bad about 30 mins on a Sunday with a fully packed place. The looks feels like a relaxing brunch day with friends. Older rustic look on the inside. I was sat outside though. A little crowded to sit for the amount of space but made it work. Service kind of lagged a bit, but didn’t wait too long in between. Now for the food. The Brisket was cooked to perfection. Meat fell apart with flavor. The potatoes was perfectly seasoned. Crispy outside, soft inside. The Pork Belly was juicy and fell apart with a forks touch. The bbq sauce had a touch of sweetness, but was well balanced with a kick of tanginess. Placed upon a bed of potatoes. Every bite was delectable. The Irish Mary was good. Had the tomato tang and the strength of a Whiskey! Would definitely come back again to try the other dishes they offer!!!

+3

A decent breakfast place. While the presentation and ingredients are great it feels like dishes are lacking flavor and the combination of ingredients is lackluster. Squash blossom hash was lacking sauce to bring all the veggies together. And the squash blossom was essentially cheese in a fried shell. Poached eggs were cooked to perfection though. Slow cooked polenta without an addition of pork belly would have been disappointing. Pok belly is definitely worth an upcharge. Flight of mimosas had a decent amount of alcohol. However, all flavors (but pomegranate) felt artificial and too pronounced. Overall, overpriced for the quality.

+6

I went in with high expectations (maybe a bit too high). The place was packed, so the service was understandably slow, but the staff were friendly and doing their best. I ordered the French toast, which came in a huge portion, but the flavor was pretty basic. The latte was okay, nothing special. I also wish there were more vegetarian options on the menu. Overall, not a bad experience, just didn’t quite live up to the hype for me.

Place is very crowded this Saturday lunch. I had to park in DMV across the street. The food is good though. I like the patio -- did not seem congested even if crowded. The food & servers are fast. I ate their special of the day -- the crab sandwich with salad for $26, it is ok & tastes fresh. For dessert, I tried their big maple donuts which is priced at 3 for $11. I am pleasantly full after lunch :).

Minus 1 ⭐️ because one of the three orders arrived 4-minutes late. The proportion’s are large, the French Dip sandwich order will be tomorrow’s meal. $29.95/2=$14.98 per meal. My Cesar of Spain Salad + chicken was a bit dry so extra dressing helped. Luckily we found close by street parking easily on a Saturday.

Great food experience Donuts, French toast, pancakes, topping real good... Huge qties Cafe and drink, so & so🤔 Service to busy, would be able more kind and friendly Bill correct

Food was awesome as always. The service was ok but we had to ask the waitress for napkins, jelly for the toast, straws, etc . Stuff that should have been automatically taken care of even the table next to us had the same waitress and she brought they're food and left and after sitting they had to ask another waiter for silverware. Other than the waitress everything is always good. Maple bacon doughnuts always a hit!!!

Maria C

The staff here is top notch! Never an empty glass, super friendly, helpful with all questions, funny, and all around pleasant. Went late morning just before lunch, was able to be seated right away ---AND even found parking in front of the restaurant on the 1st attempt! (Parking is limited and can be tricky depending on the crowd.) It is well lit with windows all around but not to the point where the sun is blinding you or a bother. The atmosphere is cute, sophisticated, yet laid back. Looking at all the options on the menu vs the delivery's to everyone's table is always the hardest part, everything sounds good but when you see it plated it is very hard to make a decision 😖, too many great choices! Best to go with at least 1 or more people to share plates 😉. I went with the Provence Sunshine Squash Blossom Hash which boasted a stuffed squash blossom lightly battered and fried -filled with a light and fluffy goat cheese, sautéed spinach, on a layer of herbed potatoes, with a veggie melody of mushrooms and squash, topped with 2 poached eggs(I asked for a more hard poached/boiled), and their tarragon hollandaise sauce topped with a nice slightly spicy watercress. Very tasty mix of flavors and textures! My bestie went with the Great Maple French Toast Logs, I believe the bread was made in house, cut into thick slices, lightly battered and cooked then topped with a crisp smoked bacon, fresh blueberries, and warm syrup. Will absolutely hit that sweet tooth and fill you up without weighing you down. Oh, love the bathroom, VERY clear, great wall tile, cute light fixtures, and even has a little seat for your purse, bag, or child.

Ali P

Came here for a weekday brunch for 2. We had to wait about 10-15 minutes before we were seated. We ordered the bacon donuts, french toast logs, BLT with truffle fries, and the chilaquiles. I recommend only getting the donuts if you have ppl to share with because they are MASSIVE and very sweet so a little goes a long way. Overall we enjoyed all of our food. Chilaquiles had great flavor and the chips were crispy enough to hold up to the sauce. I recommend getting syrup on side of french toast logs since they’re so large you don’t want your leftovers soggy. Ultimately the food was yummy & we’d come back again. The only downside was the service. Once we got our food our waitress never checked back in with us. No drink refills, how is your food, can I get you anything, do you need boxes etc. it’s quite disappointing when you have to ask someone else for a box and then an additional person to find your waitress to then wait even longer just to get your check. The follow through with the wait staff could’ve really elevated the experience. Overall I’ll return but I don’t think I’ll bring anyone I want to have a good impression with the iffy service.

Erica

The vibe inside is really cute. They put a lot of thought into the design. The latte was delicious. Everyone (except who I can only assume was the manager) was so friendly. The food was mediocre. I was disappointed. The presentation is great, but there is zero flavor. Eveything was bland and expensive. I wouldn’t come here again.

Chanel Velasco

Food was great! But my pancakes didn’t come out with syrup. Had to get up and ask for some syrup. Waitress was sweetish but not attentive. Luckily one of the Managers peeped and tried to tend to us as best he could. Took forever to get the check. There was a party of four that came in after us, received their food, finished, and got the check to leave before we did. …. It’s still a cool spot for breakfast tho. I would recommend just coming for take out and skip any awkward encounters.

Pankaja

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)

Spacious outdoor dining and patio area that is dog friendly. Street parking only. Busy location. Service and the food were just okay. Our server didn't write down our orders and had to be reminded a few times to bring out our coffee and a missing beignet order. Group ordered the BLT, smoked beef brisket hash, and the California chorizo scramble melt, beignets, and portobello fries. The presentation of the chorizo scramble was lackluster, and the flavor wasn't much better, but the potatoes and bread were fresh and delicious. Others seemed to enjoy their dishes more.

Jazmin Smith

We were sat outside because I had my puppy and honestly that was the smartest decision of the morning. Inside was so loud and packed it felt like a festival without the music. Our server was cold, I understand it was busy, but a little warmth goes a long way. The hostess and a couple of servers decided the doorway behind my husband’s chair was the perfect spot for a full conversation. They talked for a straight five minutes. That may not sound long but when you are trying to enjoy brunch with your family it feels like forever. I could barely hear my kid across the table because their chat turned into the main event. The line outside was wild if you did not have a reservation but I did. Parking was even worse. We got extremely lucky and found a spot right in front, which I will probably never pull off again. If you do a reservation you will be seated quickly, but brace yourself for the noise. The food was not bad, but it was not amazing either. Definitely not worth the price or the hype. In the end I left more drained than satisfied. Grand Maple was a one time experience for me

Megan Hampton

I wanted to really like Great Maple because they are on the Michelin guide but some of the food was just not edible. The poached eggs were way over done and had a plastic taste, the smoked BBQ pork tasted old. The French toast was pretty tasty, maybe it depends on what you get. The proportions are wildly different, some people left the table still hungry while others had way too much food

I just dont understand why people wait in long lines to pay exorbitant prices for trash food. Food was cold and awful!! Coffee cup had a red lipstick stain. Just gross!! San Diego wake up. Do better. Great Maple you have some nerve to charge what you do and serve what you serve. SHAMEFUL. 100 DOLLARS FOR BREAKFAST FOR 3 PEOPLE? RIDICULOUS!! Food should be amazing. Food was edible at best.