If you have recently started playing Run a Restaurant, you have probably noticed that the game hides plenty of little secrets around the island. Some players focus entirely on upgrading tables, hiring workers, and trying to turn their tiny café into a luxury restaurant empire, but others quickly realize there is another important mechanic that can seriously help progression early on: collecting Gnomes.
At first, I honestly ignored them. I saw one standing near the center fountain and assumed it was just decoration. A few minutes later, another player mentioned that Gnomes permanently improve important stats like Cooking Speed and Money Earned, and suddenly the entire island turned into a treasure hunt. The funny thing is that the game never really forces you to collect them, which somehow makes the whole experience more enjoyable. You discover them naturally while exploring the map, checking hidden corners, or wandering around while waiting for customers.
There are 10 Gnomes in total spread across the island. Some are easy to spot, while others are hidden behind rocks, near water, or tucked away behind objects players usually ignore. If you are missing a few of them, this guide will help you find every single one without wasting time running in circles.
Before jumping into the locations, it is also worth mentioning that the game has several redeemable codes available from time to time. These codes usually give extra cash, boosts, or other useful rewards that can help new restaurant owners progress much faster. Combining those free rewards with the permanent bonuses from Gnomes is honestly one of the best ways to get ahead early in the game.
Why Gnomes Matter in Run a Restaurant
The biggest reason players hunt for Gnomes is simple: permanent upgrades.
Unlike temporary boosts that disappear after a while, Gnomes act more like relics or hidden collectibles that improve your overall profile permanently. That means your restaurant becomes more efficient over time just by exploring the island. Cooking becomes faster, earnings improve, and your entire operation starts running more smoothly.
For beginners, these upgrades are surprisingly valuable. Early progression in Run a Restaurant can sometimes feel a bit slow, especially when you are saving up for better furniture or trying to expand your business. Collecting Gnomes gives you a noticeable boost without requiring any complicated challenges or expensive purchases.
The best part is that there are no requirements. You do not need a certain level, special items, or premium access. You can start collecting them immediately after joining the game.
Gnome Location 1 – Near Taco Tuesday NPC
The first Gnome is probably the easiest one to find because it sits close to the center of the map. Head toward the Taco Tuesday NPC near the Customers Board area. Around the grassy section nearby, you will spot the little Gnome standing close to the path.
Most players accidentally discover this one while learning the layout of the island. If you spend enough time around the center fountain, you will eventually notice it sitting there.
This location almost feels like the game quietly introducing players to the collectible system.
Gnome Location 2 – Under the Cone-Shaped Tree
From the Customers leaderboard, turn toward the left side and look for a single cone-shaped tree. Underneath the tree, hidden in the shade, you can find a blue Gnome.
This one is slightly easier to miss because players rarely pay attention to the trees around the fountain area. The developers clearly wanted some of the Gnomes to blend naturally into the environment rather than stand out immediately.
Once you find it, though, you will probably start checking every suspicious-looking corner on the map.
Gnome Location 3 – Hidden Beneath the Bench
Directly opposite the previous location, on the other side of the fountain, there is a small bench. Under the left side leg of the bench, you can find a red Gnome hiding underneath.
This is one of those locations that players often walk past dozens of times before noticing anything. I actually laughed when I finally spotted it because I had been running around the fountain for almost half an hour searching nearby bushes instead.
The game definitely rewards curiosity here.
Gnome Location 4 – Behind the Update Board
Next, walk straight from the fountain area toward the opposite side of the island. Eventually, you will see the large Update board. Slightly behind it sits another blue Gnome.
This location feels more intentional compared to the earlier ones. By this point, the game subtly encourages players to explore farther away from the crowded center hub.
A lot of beginners never even visit this side of the island until much later, so this Gnome can remain hidden for quite a while.
Gnome Location 5 – Stuck Near the Stone Blocks
Near the fourth Gnome location, you will notice small stone blocks and a nearby tree close to the water. Behind the stones, partially stuck inside the terrain, there is a red Gnome waiting to be collected.
This one can be annoying because it blends into the environment surprisingly well. Depending on your camera angle, it may even look like part of the rock texture.
If you cannot see it immediately, try rotating your camera and walking around the stones carefully.
Gnome Location 6 – Near the Ocean Edge
From the Cash Leaderboard, walk straight toward the ocean area, passing by player restaurants along the way. Near the edge of several terrain blocks, you will eventually find a maroon-colored Gnome.
This area feels much quieter compared to the busy center of the map, and honestly, it is one of the more relaxing spots in the game. Sometimes while searching for collectibles, I ended up getting distracted watching other players design their restaurants nearby.
That is one thing Run a Restaurant does well. Even simple exploration feels oddly cozy.
Gnome Location 7 – Behind the Main Shop
Head over to the main Shop area and move toward the left side. Hidden behind a gray stone resting on the grassy terrain, you will find another red Gnome.
Because the Shop is usually crowded with players buying furniture and upgrades, this collectible often gets overlooked. Everyone is too busy checking prices and decorations to notice the small figure hiding behind the rock.
Once you know where to look, though, it becomes impossible to miss.
Gnome Location 8 – On the Garden Ledge
Behind the Shop is the Garden area. Move toward the left side until you see higher terrain with a small ledge. A Gnome is standing there waiting for you.
This collectible is slightly tricky because reaching it requires positioning yourself carefully near the edge of the terrain. Some players think it is inaccessible at first, but you only need to get close enough for the game to register the collection.
The developers definitely enjoyed hiding these little guys in awkward places.
Gnome Location 9 – Floating Near the Ocean
While still exploring behind the Shop Garden area, continue walking toward the sea. Near the beach, you will notice a green Gnome floating in the ocean.
Yes, floating.
This is probably one of the strangest placements in the entire game. The first time I saw it, I thought it was a visual bug or some random object drifting in the water. But surprisingly, you can collect it simply by getting as close as possible near the shoreline.
It is a clever location because most players do not expect collectibles to be placed in the water.
Gnome Location 10 – Inside the Shop
The final Gnome is actually hidden inside the Shop itself. Enter the building and head toward the plants and garden section. Near the entrance corner on the right side, you will find the last collectible.
Ending the hunt inside the Shop feels appropriate somehow. By the time players reach this point, they usually have a much better understanding of the game’s layout and progression systems.
And honestly, collecting the final Gnome feels surprisingly satisfying.
What Happens After Collecting All Gnomes?
Once you collect all 10 Gnomes, the biggest reward is the collection of permanent boosts added to your profile. Your restaurant becomes more efficient overall, which makes future progression easier and faster.
You may not immediately notice dramatic changes after collecting just one or two Gnomes, but after gathering all of them, the difference becomes much more noticeable. Cooking flows faster, money starts accumulating more consistently, and expanding your restaurant feels less grind-heavy.
For newer players especially, this can save hours of slow progression.
It also adds an extra layer of exploration to the game. Instead of only focusing on profit optimization and restaurant layouts, players have a reason to actually walk around the island and pay attention to the environment.
The Gnome Statue Design
The Gnomes themselves have a pretty simple but memorable design. Each one features bright colors and a classic garden gnome appearance, making them easy to recognize once you know what you are looking for.
Different colors also help distinguish individual locations. Some are blue, others are red, green, or maroon. Even though they are small collectibles, they add personality to the map and make exploration more fun.
There is something oddly charming about hunting tiny statues while managing a restaurant empire.
Final Thoughts
The Gnome hunt in Run a Restaurant is honestly one of the better collectible systems found in Roblox restaurant games. It is simple, rewarding, and accessible to everyone without turning into an annoying grind.
What makes it work so well is the balance. The Gnomes are hidden enough to feel rewarding, but not so impossible that players need hours of frustration to find them. Every collectible encourages exploration naturally, and the permanent stat boosts make the entire process worthwhile.
If you are just starting your restaurant journey, collecting all 10 Gnomes should absolutely be one of your first goals. Pair those permanent bonuses with active game codes for extra rewards, and your restaurant will grow much faster than you might expect.
And honestly, wandering around the island hunting hidden Gnomes is a nice break from constantly serving impatient customers.