Elizabeth Esther Cafè

We visited Elizabeth Esther Café for Sunday brunch and were impressed by the gluten-free options. The gluten-free bruschetta and chicken salad sandwich were excellent. However, the crêpes could have been better. The filling was just strawberry yogurt, and we felt the fruit on the side would have been better inside the crêpe. Overall, a great spot for gluten-free choices, with some room for improvement on the crêpes.

There is an amazing backstory to this charming and lovingly created restaurant. The building was beautifully constructed in 1868 by a local businessman. There were various owners over the years until Lindsay's ( the current owner and chef) parents bought it in the 1980's. Lindsay grew up in this house. In the early 2000's her family sold it and moved elsewhere. The next owner let it become derelict and it was slated to be torn down. Lindsay decided she wanted to buy it back and learned one day - quite by serendipity - that it was going to be auctioned off. She bid and lost. She was devastated. A few months later she found out the city of Smyrna had bought it. She negotiated a purchase with them and for three years she and her husband poured everything they had into its restoration. It has been done so thoughtfully. She is an excellent chef too! Our food was delicious and as vegetarians who are gluten free, the conscious and creative menu supported our diet beautifully. She even spent time with us relating the story. Excellent service. Excellent food. Excellent ambiance. A love like this deserves support!!! This is a destination restaurant with charm, romance, elegance and delightful flavors!! You won't regret the drive.