Gatlinburg’s Wild Plum Tea Room Ranked Among 10 Best Restaurants in Tennessee

The Tennessean newspaper recently released a list of the 10 best restaurants in the state, and we’re pleased to report that a local favorite made the grade! The Wild Plum Tea Room in Gatlinburg was praised as “quaint and whimsical…a refreshing lunch option with attentive service set off the beaten path”. Here at Visit My Smokies, we couldn’t be happier that one of the area’s hidden gems is getting the statewide recondition that it so richly deserves. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we have put together a guide to everything you need to know about dining at The Wild Plum Tea Room.

The Story Behind the Tea Room

The owners of the Wild Plum Tea Room were inspired by the traditional tea houses found in the mountains of Austria. At these cozy cafes, guests would gather to enjoy great conversation and freshly prepared meals. The Austrian tea houses provided a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that brought visitors back again and again. When you dine at The Wild Plum, you will enjoy this authentic tea house experience right in Gatlinburg!

Wild Plum Tea Room Location

The Wild Plum Tea Room is located in Gatlinburg’s historic Arts and Crafts Community at 555 Buckhorn Road. Situated off of the East Parkway, this 8-mile loop is home to the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Visitors to the Arts & Crafts Community will find dozens of shops, galleries, and studios filled with handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. The Wild Plum is the perfect place for a tasty lunch after a morning of shopping!

Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Guests can choose to eat in the restaurant’s main dining room, screened-in porch, or outdoor garden (when the weather is nice). With its towering walnut trees and secluded feel, The Tennessean describes eating in The Wild Plum’s patio as “an experience that feels almost magical”. Guests who dine in The Wild Plum’s garden are welcome to bring their dogs, as long as they remain on leashes.

Wild Plum Tea Room Menu

All of the food at The Wild Plum Tea Room is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients available. The Tea Room’s recipes have been passed down through the generations from family members, friends, and neighbors. Here is a quick look at some of the most popular items on The Wild Plum’s menu:

• Norwegian Salmon Burger
• Lobster Pie
• Homemade Chicken Salad (with Fresh Fruit and Warm Scone)
• Bison Burger
• Wild Plum Tea
• Blackberry Cobbler with Cinnamon Ice Cream

For the restaurant’s full menu, visit the official Wild Plum Tea Room website.

Reservations Recommended

The Wild Plum Tea Room strongly encourages guests to make reservations at least one day in advance. “Same day” reservations won’t be processed in time because voice messages aren’t reviewed until the following day. Visitors without reservations will be seated on a first-come basis if there is space available in the restaurant. The Wild Plum is open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday.

For even more great places to eat during your vacation, check out our complete listing of restaurants in Gatlinburg!