Ember & Elm Restaurant Review at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort

Nestled inside Dollywood’s beautiful HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the brand-new Ember & Elm Restaurant has quickly become one of the most talked-about dining experiences in the Smokies. For travelers looking for refined resort dining, or for families visiting Dollywood who simply want a memorable dinner, this restaurant has already made a strong impression.

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In this review, I’m walking you through our full dinner journey—parking, atmosphere, menu, shareables, entrées, desserts, and the relaxing outdoor fire pit—exactly as we experienced it.

Getting to Ember & Elm — Parking, Free Self-Parking & Reservations

Arriving at HeartSong Lodge feels peaceful from the very beginning. As you pull into the driveway near the resort, you’ll immediately notice convenient parking options. You may choose valet parking, but most guests prefer the large, easy-to-access free self-parking lot behind the resort.

One of the most common questions is whether you must be staying at the resort to dine here. The good news is that you do not. Ember & Elm is open to everyone. However, only resort guests may book reservations. All non-hotel visitors are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s where having a clear idea of the Reservations. system becomes helpful before you arrive, especially during busy seasons.

Inside Ember & Elm — Tables & The High Note Lounge

Once you step inside Ember & Elm, the warmth of the space immediately draws you in. The dining room features comfortable booths, spacious tables for families, and a bright open-kitchen view complete with a glowing brick oven. The atmosphere manages to feel both relaxed and elevated at the same time.

Off to one side sits The High Note Lounge—a cozy, stylish area where guests can sit back and enjoy casual bites or drinks. The High Note has its own menu, which includes items shown in photos like SHAREABLES, brick oven fired flatbreads, fresh SALADS, and evening options from BURGERS & SANDWICHES & SUPPER.

Brick Oven fired flatbreads Ember & Elm Restaurant

It’s the ideal space for anyone wanting something lighter or just a comfortable lounge setting.

Exploring the Ember & Elm Dinner Menu

wine & coctails Ember & Elm Restaurantwine

Cast iron skillets & entrees Ember & Elm Restaurant

The moment you open the dinner menu, it becomes clear that Ember & Elm aims to offer a complete Smoky Mountain dining experience. The menu includes wines and cocktails, shareables, soups, salads, brick-oven flatbreads, cast-iron entrées, and even a dedicated children’s menu. Every section is thoughtfully crafted, combining elevated Southern comfort with seasonal and regional inspiration.

And before you even look at the entrées, the kitchen sets the tone by delivering warm cheddar biscuits with their signature jelly.

Chef’s Philosophy & Those Cheddar Biscuits with Red Pepper Jelly

At the start of dinner, warm cheddar biscuits and chef-made red pepper jelly arrive at the table. The soft, buttery texture of the biscuits combined with the lightly sweet and spicy flavor of the jelly creates a beautiful beginning to the meal. The chef has mentioned that many ingredients on the menu are sourced locally within 100 miles. From Tennessee comes the cheesecake, Knoxville’s jams, Charleston’s rice, and North Carolina’s grits—each dish carrying the regional flavors of the Smoky Mountains.

Deviled Eggs Three Ways & Fried Green Tomatoes

chicken caesar& hot honey shrimp& fried deviled eggs

The shareables menu quickly sets Ember & Elm apart. The deviled eggs three ways are a standout—three completely unique styles presented together on one plate. The first is a warm fried deviled egg filled with creamy pimento cheese. The second carries all the flavors of a chicken Caesar salad tucked neatly into a deviled egg. The third is a classic Southern-style deviled egg topped with a hot honey fried shrimp that adds both sweetness and a mild kick.

The fried green tomatoes deliver the familiar Southern charm you expect, crispy on the outside and tender inside. But perhaps the biggest surprise on the plate is the small piece of fried cornbread served alongside it. Its warm, sweet, comforting flavor truly elevates the dish.

Drinks — Blue Dream Mocktails & Pumpkin Espresso Martini

The kids’ Blue Dream mocktail—with cotton candy dissolving dramatically into the drink—is always a hit. Watching the candy disappear is equal parts science experiment and fun treat. For adults, the pumpkin spice espresso martini offers a smooth, perfectly balanced blend of coffee and pumpkin spice, making it both comforting and festive.

Ribeye & Beef Short Rib

Our entrées were truly the highlight of the evening. The bone-in ribeye arrived beautifully plated with crispy potatoes and glazed carrots. The chimichurri butter slowly melting over the hot steak created a rich aroma that matched its incredible flavor. Tender, juicy, and perfectly seared, the ribeye showcased the level of care that goes into each dish.

beef short rib over Pento with broccolini

The beef short rib, served in a cast-iron skillet, was one of the most memorable dishes of the night. It was so tender that a knife wasn’t even necessary. Paired with pinto beans and fresh broccolini, the short rib had a deep, comforting flavor that made each bite melt in your mouth. Though both entrées were excellent, many at the table leaned slightly toward the short rib as the favorite.

Desserts — Cocoa Dusted S’mores Cheesecake & Cinnamon Pecan Bread Pudding

Dessert at Ember & Elm feels like its own experience. The cocoa dusted s’mores cheesecake was rich and silky, topped with toasted marshmallow whipped cream and resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. Each spoonful tasted like a refined, elegant version of a campfire s’more.

The cinnamon pecan bread pudding, made from Dollywood’s famous Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread, had a perfectly crisp top with a warm, soft cinnamon center. The addition of pecans added a pleasant texture. While both desserts were delicious, the s’mores cheesecake earned the most praise at our table.

Relaxing at the Outdoor Fire Pit

After dinner, stepping outside to HeartSong Lodge’s outdoor fire pit was the perfect way to end the evening. The gentle glow of the fire, the crisp Smoky Mountain air, and the peaceful setting make this spot a guest favorite. It’s a place where families can slow down, relax, and savor the moment after a wonderful meal.

Final Thoughts

Ember & Elm Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a full experience that blends regional flavors, warm hospitality, and excellent culinary technique. From locally sourced ingredients to beautifully plated entrées and relaxing post-dinner moments by the fire pit, the restaurant elevates the entire HeartSong Lodge stay. Whether you’re a Dollywood guest, a resort visitor, or simply exploring the Smokies, Ember & Elm is absolutely worth adding to your dining list.