Nourishing Body & Soul

At St. Mary's Sewanee, we believe that nourishing the body is inseparable from nourishing the soul.

Our kitchen team prepares every meal with intention, care, and love—creating dishes that are as thoughtful as they are delicious.

From fresh ingredients straight from our garden to accommodations for dietary needs, our meals are designed to sustain you through your time of rest, reflection, and renewal.

Time and again, guests tell us that the food is a highlight of their retreat experience. Whether it's a quiet breakfast before morning meditation, a nourishing lunch shared in fellowship, or a comforting dinner that grounds you after a day of spiritual practice, our meals become part of the sacred rhythm of your time here.

A man with a beard, wearing a black t-shirt, gray apron, and a black cap, is holding a large bowl of colorful salad in a kitchen.
A picnic table with various foods including grapes, cherry tomatoes, cheese, crackers, vegetables, dips, and a small pumpkin, set outdoors with a scenic view of rolling hills and a sunset sky in the background.
A man wearing a black apron and gloves preparing pie crusts in a commercial kitchen.

"If St. Mary's Sewanee were a restaurant in East Nashville, I'd go every week. Thank you — not only for the delicious, nourishing food — but for your warm smiles and loving presence. I felt so taken care of."

~ Recent Guest

Garden to Table

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Every Dish with Love

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Fresh Ingredients

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Healthy & Nutritious

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Delicious

Garden to Table 〰️ Every Dish with Love 〰️ Fresh Ingredients 〰️ Healthy & Nutritious 〰️ Delicious

Buffet trays containing zucchini and cauliflower salad, cheese ravioli, and chicken with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
Two women preparing food in a commercial kitchen, one stirring a large metal bowl and the other wrapping food with plastic wrap.
A breakfast table with a bowl of peanut butter, crackers, a bowl of black olives, a flower arrangement, and paper plates, set outdoors with a view of a sunset over a field and trees in the background.
A spread of fresh vegetables, cheese, and dips on a white platter at an outdoor setting.
Four people working in a garden bed near a large building, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
A dessert in a glass dish topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cocoa powder, with slices of apple and cinnamon underneath.

What Guests Say

“Thank you for not only keeping us fed this week but going one step further in creating delicious meals that were approachable and nourishing. The hard work and care you put in is apparent."

Fresh strawberries and blueberries on a metal surface

"Even when I was losing it inside my head I always had a tasty meal to look forward to."

A table with a variety of foods including grapes, cherry tomatoes, sliced vegetables, cheese, crackers, and meats, set outdoors with a scenic view of trees and a sunset in the background.

"The meals really kept me going — they were delicious and nurturing. You made it harder to stay silent because I wanted to talk about how good everything was."

What to expect at the table…

  • We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most food allergies. Let us know your needs when you register.

    We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most food allergies. Let us know your needs when you register.

  • A breakfast table with plates of food, beverages, flowers, and a 'Reserved' sign, seen from above.

    All overnight retreat packages include three meals daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — served in our dining room.

  • A serving plate with pita bread and a bowl of hummus, set on a white cloth with a flower bouquet nearby.

    Whenever possible, we source fresh ingredients locally and from our own garden, reducing waste and supporting our community.

  • Buffet of fresh vegetables, including leafy greens, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, chopped onions, coconut, and other salad toppings with labels indicating gluten-free and vegan options.

    Meals are served at set times to support the rhythm of retreat life. Schedules are provided upon check-in.