Welcome to our visitor’s guide to the best restaurants in and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Nestled in the heart of the southern Appalachian Mountains, this stunning national park draws millions of visitors every year who come to explore its majestic peaks, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. But after a long day of hiking, biking, and sightseeing, it’s essential to refuel with some delicious food. Luckily, the area around the park is home to a fantastic array of restaurants, ranging from rustic BBQ joints to upscale bistros serving farm-to-table cuisine. In this blog, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of the best restaurants in and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, sharing our top picks for everything from breakfast and brunch to dinner and dessert. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just looking for a great meal, we’ve got you covered!
1. The Peddler Steakhouse
Located in Gatlinburg, The Peddler Steakhouse is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. It offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere with beautiful views of the river. Known for its delicious steaks and seafood, the restaurant features a salad bar and a variety of sides to complement your meal. Patrons often praise the prime rib and the attentive service.
- $$
- 4.5/5
- Steakhouse, American, Seafood
- Prime Rib, Filet Mignon
2. The Wild Plum Tea Room
The Wild Plum Tea Room, nestled in Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Community, offers a unique dining experience in a quaint, log-cabin setting. Inspired by Austrian tea houses, it serves a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal dishes, and homemade soups. The lobster pie and wild plum muffins are among the customer favorites.
- $$
- 4.5/5
- American, Cafe, Vegetarian-friendly
- Lobster Pie, Wild Plum Muffins
https://thewildplumtearoom.com
3. The Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon
Located in Pigeon Forge, The Alamo Steakhouse & Saloon is known for its quality steaks, seafood, and hearty appetizers. The restaurant’s rustic, western atmosphere contributes to a memorable dining experience. Customers often rave about the blackened prime rib and the stuffed mushrooms.
- $$
- 4.5/5
- Steakhouse, American, Seafood
- Blackened Prime Rib, Stuffed Mushrooms
https://www.alamosteakhouse.com
4. Pancake Pantry
Established in 1960, Pancake Pantry is a Gatlinburg institution known for its wide selection of pancake flavors and breakfast options. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The sweet potato pancakes and wild blueberry pancakes are often recommended.
- $
- 4.5/5
- American, Cafe, Breakfast
- Sweet Potato Pancakes, Wild Blueberry Pancakes
5. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp in Gatlinburg offers a unique dining experience themed around the life of Davy Crockett. The restaurant serves large portions of classic Southern breakfast dishes in a rustic setting. Customers appreciate the blackberry cobbler French toast and cathead stacker.
- $
- 4.5/5<
- American, Cafe, Breakfast
- Blackberry Cobbler French Toast, Cathead Stacker
https://crockettsbreakfastcamp.com
6. The Park Grill
The Park Grill, located in Gatlinburg, offers a rustic mountain lodge ambiance and serves delicious American cuisine. Known for its steaks and seafood, the restaurant also features a large salad bar. Visitors often praise the prime rib and rainbow trout.
- $$
- 4.5/5
- American, Steakhouse, Seafood
- Prime Rib, Rainbow Trout
https://parkgrillgatlinburg.com
7. The Pottery House Café & Grille
Located in Pigeon Forge, The Pottery House Café & Grille offers a charming, homey atmosphere with a beautiful courtyard. The menu features a variety of Southern-inspired dishes, homemade bread, and desserts. Customers often recommend the quiche of the day and the fried green tomatoes.
- $$
- 4.5/5
- American, Cafe, Vegetarian-friendly
- Quiche of the Day, Fried Green Tomatoes
https://www.old-mill.com/info/pottery-house-cafe
8. Cherokee Grill
Cherokee Grill, located in Gatlinburg, offers a warm and elegant atmosphere with a menu of American and Southern-inspired cuisine. The restaurant is known for its excellent steaks, seafood, and signature sides. The ale steak and the corn pudding are among the customer favorites.
- $$
- 4.5/5
- American, Steakhouse, Seafood
- Ale Steak, Corn Pudding
9. Calhoun’s Gatlinburg
Calhoun’s Gatlinburg offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a menu of American and BBQ dishes. Located in Gatlinburg, the restaurant features a large selection of beers and a beautiful patio area. Patrons often praise the ribs and the Tennessee whiskey cake.
- $$
- 4/5
- American, BBQ, Bar
- Ribs, Tennessee Whiskey Cake
10. Log Cabin Pancake House
Log Cabin Pancake House, located in Gatlinburg, offers a cozy cabin atmosphere with a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Known for its delicious pancakes and generous portions, customers often recommend the Caribbean pancake and the country ham.
- $
- 4.5/5
- American, Cafe, Breakfast
- Caribbean Pancake, Country
http://logcabinpancakehouse.com
11. Smoky Mountain Brewery & Restaurant
Located in Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountain Brewery & Restaurant offers a casual, lively atmosphere with a menu of American cuisine and a large selection of craft beers. Known for its hand-tossed pizzas and tasty burgers, customers often recommend the mountain burger and the calzone.
- $$
- 4/5
- American, Bar, Pizza
- Mountain Burger, Calzone
12. Best Italian Café & Pizzeria
Best Italian Café & Pizzeria, located in Gatlinburg, offers a casual and friendly atmosphere with a menu of classic Italian dishes. The restaurant is known for its delicious garlic rolls, pizzas, and pasta dishes. Patrons often praise the baked ziti and the New York-style pizza.
- $$
- 4/5
- Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian-friendly
- Baked Ziti, New York-Style Pizza
13. The Old Mill Restaurant
Located in Pigeon Forge, The Old Mill Restaurant offers a charming, rustic atmosphere with a menu of classic Southern dishes. Situated by the historic Old Mill, the restaurant is known for its hearty breakfasts, delicious dinners, and homemade desserts. The fried chicken and the fritters are among the customer favorites.
- $$
- 4.5/5
- American, Southern, Vegetarian-friendly
- Fried Chicken, Fritters
https://www.old-mill.com/info/old-mill-restaurant
14. Atrium Pancakes
Atrium Pancakes, located in Gatlinburg, offers a wide variety of delicious pancake options in a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its unique pancake flavors and generous portions, customers often recommend the apple cinnamon pancakes and the bacon pancakes.
- $
- 4.5/5
- American, Cafe, Breakfast
- Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, Bacon Pancakes
https://www.facebook.com/Atrium-Pancakes-102954083087076/ (Facebook page)
15. The Local Goat
The Local Goat, located in Pigeon Forge, offers a menu of American and Southern-inspired cuisine in a modern, rustic atmosphere. Known for its farm-to-table ingredients and creative dishes, customers often recommend the fried green tomatoes and the smoked chicken wings.
- $$
- 4.5/5
- American, Bar, Vegetarian-friendly
- Fried Green Tomatoes, Smoked Chicken Wings
16. Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery
Located in Gatlinburg, Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere with live music and a menu of American cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious burgers, pizzas, and wings. Patrons often praise the award-winning smoked wings and the fried pickles.
- $$
- 4/5
- American, Bar, Pizza
- Award-Winning Smoked Wings, Fried Pickles
17. Elvira’s Cafe
Elvira’s Cafe, located in Sevierville, offers a charming, country-style atmosphere with a menu of homemade Russian and American dishes. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and delicious, fresh food. Customers often recommend the crepes and the corned beef hash.
- $
- 4.5/5
- Russian, American, Cafe
- Crepes, Corned Beef Hash
18. The Melting Pot
Located in Gatlinburg, The Melting Pot offers a unique dining experience with its fondue-style menu. The restaurant is known for its romantic atmosphere and delicious cheese and chocolate fondues. Patrons often praise the Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Fondue and the Yin & Yang Chocolate Fondue.
- $$$
- 4.5/5
- Fondue, American, Vegetarian-friendly
- Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Fondue, Yin & Yang Chocolate Fondue
https://www.meltingpot.com/gatlinburg-tn
19. The Greenbrier Restaurant
The Greenbrier Restaurant, located in Gatlinburg, offers a fine dining experience in a historic log cabin with mountain views. The menu features a variety of American and Southern-inspired dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. The elk tenderloin and the smoked gouda mac and cheese are among the customer favorites.
- $$$
- 4.5/5
- American, Fine Dining, Vegetarian-friendly
- Elk Tenderloin, Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
https://greenbrierrestaurant.com
20. The Fox & Parrot Tavern
Located in Gatlinburg, The Fox & Parrot Tavern offers an authentic British pub experience with a menu of traditional pub fare and a wide selection of beers. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Customers often recommend the bangers and mash and the cottage pie.
- $
- 4/5
- British, Pub, Vegetarian-friendly
- Bangers and Mash, Cottage Pie
21. The Peddler Steakhouse
The Peddler Steakhouse, located in Gatlinburg, offers a warm, elegant atmosphere with a menu of delicious steaks and seafood. The restaurant is known for its river views and excellent service. Patrons often praise the filet mignon and the hickory grilled trout.
- $$$
- 4.5/5
- Steakhouse, Seafood, American
- Filet Mignon, Hickory Grilled Trout
22. Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast, located in Pigeon Forge, offers a cozy, country atmosphere with a menu of delicious breakfast and lunch options. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and friendly service. Customers often recommend the cinnamon roll pancakes and the biscuits and gravy.
- $
- 4.5/5
- American, Cafe, Breakfast
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, Biscuits and Gravy
https://www.sawyersbreakfast.com
23. Alamo Steakhouse
Located in Gatlinburg, Alamo Steakhouse offers a rustic, Texan-inspired atmosphere with a menu of mouthwatering steaks and seafood. The restaurant is known for its wood-fired grill and delicious appetizers. Patrons often praise the Texas T-bone steak and the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
- $$$
- 4/5
- Steakhouse, Seafood, American
- Texas T-Bone Steak, Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
24. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, located in Pigeon Forge, offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with a menu of delicious BBQ dishes. The restaurant is known for its hickory-smoked meats and tasty sauces. Customers often recommend the pulled pork and the brisket.
- $$
- 4/5
- Barbecue, American, Vegetarian-friendly
- Pulled Pork, Brisket
25. Mama’s Farmhouse
Mama’s Farmhouse, located in Pigeon Forge, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a menu of delicious Southern comfort food. The restaurant is known for its family-style dining and all-you-can-eat options. Patrons often praise the fried chicken and the banana pudding.
- $$
- 4/5
- American, Southern, Vegetarian-friendly
- Fried Chicken, Banana Pudding
https://www.mamasfarmhouse.com
26. Delauder’s BBQ
Delauder’s BBQ, located in Gatlinburg, offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere with a menu of mouthwatering BBQ dishes. The restaurant is known for its tender, slow-smoked meats and tasty sides. Customers often recommend the pulled pork sandwich and the smoked chicken.
- $
- 4.5/5
- Barbecue, American
- Pulled Pork Sandwich, Smoked Chicken
https://www.facebook.com/DelaudersBBQ/ (Facebook page)
