Gatlinburg is nestled on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers miles of natural beauty of mountainside just beyond its borders. In addition to having beautiful natural views surrounding the city as its landscape, the streets are lined with unbeatable attractions, shopping, and dining options. You’ll find great restaurants in Gatlinburg with a wide range of prices and styles from local favorites that have become traditions to franchise favorites typical of a high tourist area. The following is a list of the 15 best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN while you are visiting:
1. The Park Grill
A sophisticated restaurant, The Park Grill has a contemporary atmosphere that doesn’t depart from the Smoky Mountain feel. Burgers, chicken, steaks, and seafood are all offered on the vast menu. You’ll get to experience all the classic flavors of Southern Appalachia while dining in the comfort of a rustic mountain lodge.
2. Hungry Bear BBQ
The Hungry Bear BBQ has ribs, pork, and chicken, but it’s the homemade sides that keep you coming back. Enjoy coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans just the way Mom made them. This restaurant in Gatlinburg is locally owned and operated and located right in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains!
3. Pancake Pantry
As one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN, this charming pancake house serves made-from-scratch meals in a rustic setting for both breakfast and lunch. Since it became Gatlinburg’s first pancake house in 1960, Pancake Pantry has been serving delicious meals to both visitors and locals. Kids especially love the children’s menu, with favorites like Chocolate Chip Pancakes and M&M Pancakes.
4. Cherokee Grill
Cherokee Grill is an upscale restaurant located in the heart of Gatlinburg as well, right on the Parkway. Start the meal with a Shrimp Cocktail or Seared Ahi Tuna before moving on to the chicken, seafood, or sandwiches the menu offers.
5. No Way Jose’s Cantina
An authentic Mexican restaurant in Gatlinburg, No Way Jose’s Cantina is a great change of pace. It is the spot for tacos, fajitas, and burritos in Gatlinburg. On a nice day, dine on the outdoor patio and enjoy views of downtown Gatlinburg!
6. Wild Plum Tea Room
Wild Plum Tea Room is a beautiful log cabin structure with a screened-in porch. It’s a great spot for a unique lunch dining experience! The menu includes things like Lobster Pie, a Salmon Burger, and a Smoke Ham Sandwich.
7. The Peddler Steakhouse
When you dine at The Peddler Steakhouse, you can get steaks grilled to your personal liking, in addition to chicken, trout, and a salad bar. Located on River Road, you can dine while overlooking the shimmering river. The Peddler is known as one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN!
8. Calhoun’s
To taste some of the best BBQ, ribs, and steak in Tennessee, visit the Gatlinburg location of Calhoun’s! Calhoun’s is right near the national park entrance, so you won’t miss them. Look for the big wooden water wheel! The menu includes burgers, chicken cordon blue, and barbecue pork.
9. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is the perfect family restaurant because it’s known to be so kid friendly! This Gatlinburg restaurant is also on the Parkway. You can enjoy popcorn shrimp, crab, fresh fish, and more delicious seafood. If you can’t decide what to order, we recommend trying the Run Across America Sampler. Want even more seafood? Check out these other seafood restaurants in the Smokies!
10. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
On River Road, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que serves meals that are moist, tender, and packed full of flavor. This locally owned eatery features barbecue ribs, pork, chicken, and beef. They also offer a children’s menu.
11. Log Cabin Pancake House
On the Historic Nature Trail, the Log Cabin Pancake House has a rustic exterior with a pioneer feel. You’ll find every type of pancake, plus a lunch buffet and country dinners for the family. Enjoy this Gatlinburg restaurant any time of the day!
12. Smoky Mountain Brewery
When you dine at Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg, we recommend eating in the enclosed deck for gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains. Great food is served up with evening entertainment and their specially brewed beers.
13. Best Italian Café and Pizzeria
The Best Italian Cafe and Pizzeria is a casual spot for visitors to enjoy New York-style pizzas, calzones, and garlic rolls. People name is as one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN. You can also dine on eggplant, veal parmesan, and antipasto for dinner! Guests love all the Italian classics at this Gatlinburg restaurant.
14. Little House of Pancakes
The Little House of Pancakes in Gatlinburg has a delicious breakfast menu that not only includes pancakes, but has waffles and omelette too! Don’t skip over them at lunchtime, though. Their hamburgers and salads can really hit the spot.
15. Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina
Another Mexican restaurant in Gatlinburg you will want to try is Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina. This is one of the only places in downtown Gatlinburg where you can sit on the rooftop while you eat! Start out with guacamole or street corn, then get fajitas, tacos, or quesadillas. Don’t forget to look through the beer, wine, and cocktail menu to pick out the perfect drink to go with your meal!
More of the Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg
These are just some of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN, but there are plenty of delicious options for you when you visit. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast food or a tender steak, you can find it in Gatlinburg. In addition to the places listed above, you can try Blake Shelton’s Ole Red restaurant, Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, and Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery.
Dine at any of these best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN next time you’re in town! Browse our Gatlinburg cabin rentals and start planning your vacation to try all the tasty food.
