Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants on the Peaceful Side

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

Scouting out vegetarian options in the American South can feel like an Olympic sport. Even a simple bowl of grits might hide sausage, and house salads often come topped with bacon by default. When you’re on a family vacation, the last thing you want is to be that person holding up dinner plans. So we’ve done the legwork for you. Here are our favorite spots for vegetarian-friendly dining on the Peaceful Side. 

Best Fine Dining: Foothills Milling Co. 

This is hands down the most vegetarian-friendly fine dining option on the Peaceful Side. Foothills Milling Co. offers a dedicated vegetarian menu, with creative, elevated dishes that don’t treat vegetables as an afterthought. 

Vegetarian Entrées Include: 

• Tempura Fried Vegetables (Vegan): Tempura-fried asparagus, green beans and sesame-roasted mushrooms over scallion jasmine rice, with sweet Thai chili sauce and baby green beans. 

• Orechiette Mushroom: Orecchiette pasta tossed with basil pesto, wild mushrooms and roasted tomatoes, topped with shaved parmesan. 

• Pasta Primavera (Vegan): Broccolini, baby portabellas, sun-dried tomatoes, heirloom carrots and asparagus in a tomato basil sauce with orecchiette pasta. 

612 Sevierville Rd, Maryville, TN 37804 

Best Budget Bite: Southland Books & Café 

More than just a bookstore and community hub, Southland Café has one of the most expansive vegetarian menus in town—at prices that make you feel like you’ve time-traveled to 2010. 

Highlights Include: 

• Davinci: Pimiento cheese sandwich with lettuce and tomato on toasted bread 

• Dalai Lama: Hummus, black olives, cucumber, tomato, lettuce and feta in a wrap 

• Isaac Newton: Hummus, black beans, mushrooms, bell pepper and lettuce in a wrap 

• Thomas Edison: Pimiento cheese, cucumber, Swiss, tomato and lettuce in a wrap 

Chickpea salad sandwiches, tofu sandwiches, vegan BLTs and classic egg sandwiches round out a menu full of comforting options. 

1505 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804 

More Great Vegetarian-Friendly Stops 

Peaceful Side Social 

A modern space with a dedicated dietary restrictions menu. 

• Power Bowl: Quinoa, arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, half an avocado, lemon vinaigrette 

• Peaceful Garden Salad 

• Truffle Fries: Tossed in truffle oil and parmesan (note: made in shared fryer) 

7967 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882 

Bella 

Upscale Italian spot with lots of veg options (menu changes by time of day). 

• Beet Salad: Mixed greens, poached pear, roasted red beets, candied almonds, citrus vinaigrette 

• Mushroom Rigatoni, Penne al Pomodoro, Fettuccine Alfredo and Crispy Ricotta Ravioli 

• Brunch standouts: Lemon Mascarpone Pancakes, Caprese Frittata 

121 West Broadway Avenue, Maryville, TN 37801 

Maryville Corner Market & Cafe 

A cozy café known for its creative, locally-sourced dishes. 

• Veggie Wrap: Seasonal vegetables sautéed and topped with feta and spinach 

• Pimento Cheese Scoop Salad: Served over greens with fruit and veggies 

• Whipped Ricotta with Lime Thyme Honey: Served with organic veggies 

800 Montvale Rd, Maryville, TN Maryville, TN 37803 

Blackhorse Pub & Brewery 

Casual spot with several veggie-friendly pub fare options. 

• Field Burger: Plant-based patty on a multigrain bun 

• Spinach Parmesan Flatbread 

• Appetizers: Black Bean Hummus, Crispy Brussels and more 

441 N Hall Rd, Alcoa, TN 37701 

Petro’s Chili & Chips 

Quick, customizable and surprisingly vegetarian-friendly. 

Vegetarian Chili: Beans, rice, cheese, chips and toppings 

1427 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37801 

Vienna Coffee Company 

Great for breakfast or lunch with a side of local charm. 

• Crustless Quiche: Spinach, tomato, feta 

• Egg & Cheese Biscuit 

• Hummus and Veggie Wrap 

• Grilled Cheese 

212 College St, Maryville, TN 37804 

Asia Café Xpress 

Local Asian fast food with classic vegetarian entrées. 

Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles and Vegetable Hibachi 

2025 Bridgeway Dr, Maryville, TN 37801 

Jaboni’s Pizzeria 

Pizzeria with standout vegetarian pies. 

Margherita Special, Grande White and The Dillenger (topped with dill pickles and ranch drizzle) 

549 Foothills Plz, Maryville, TN 37801 

Smoky Mountain Brewery 

A reliable choice with hearty vegetarian mains and sides. 

Veggie Philly, Plant-Based Burger, Stuffed Shells, Veggie Pizza or Calzone 

743 Watkins Rd, Maryville, TN 37801 

Subs & Such 

Old-school sub shop with a solid salad bar. 

Veggie Sandwich, All-You-Can-Eat Soup & Salad Bar 

248 S Calderwood St, Alcoa, TN 37701 

The Soup Kitchen 

Offers at least one vegetarian soup daily, like Tomato Rice and Hearty Vegetable 

245 S Calderwood St, Alcoa, TN 37701 

REO Cheesewagon 

Comfort food with nostalgic flair. 

• Caprese, Pimiento Cheese and other grilled sandwiches 

• Sides include Mac & Cheese and Cheese Curds 

429 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN, 37801 

Lemon Grass 

Asian cuisine with dedicated vegan dishes. 

• Vegan Mix Veg in Brown Sauce 

• Vegan Eggplant with Basil 

• Broccoli & Mushroom with Tofu 

• Vegan Fried Rice 

912 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37801 

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.