The New Descanso Gardens Brunch Restaurant Is a Stone Cold Stunner

There are endless options for brunching across Los Angeles, whether that means queueing up for the right to order some expensive toast at Gjusta, or sitting down to a leisurely, leafy meal at Cliff’s Edge. But there may be no more beautiful brunch destination in the city right now than Maple at the Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge.

Located on the lush grounds of the Descanso Gardens in the foothills of the city, the open restaurant works a heavy Venn Diagram of rustic charm and sun-dappled California casual, complete with exposed beams propping up the peaked roof, and hanging greenery along one wall. Should the fall weather allow, there’s even a patio for relaxed outdoor dining — and a rack of perfectly chic blankets along one side if the weather turns cold.

What’s perhaps most stunning about Maple is its surroundings, tucked into the grounds of the famed Descanso Gardens in La Cañada. The site offers acres of available pathways to explore gardens and greenery unique to Los Angeles, making it a strong weekend destination for families, dates, tourists, and anyone else just looking to escape the city for a bit.

That’s perfect for the weekend-only Maple, as the restaurant’s straightforward brunch menu — manned by chef Mark Salazar of the overseeing Patina Group — is sure to entice just about everyone. Though specific dishes will rotate on and off with the seasons, expect options like smoked salmon bagels, eggs benedict, a breakfast burrito, and a thick brioche French toast. The richest (in both price and flavor) menu item is a $15 burger, served with a side of fries.

Maple opens for brunch this Saturday, keeping weekend-only hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for now. Come late November, expect Maple to add a dinner component, with the possibility of a weekday lunch down the line.

Maple at Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA

Wonho Frank Lee