A Food Lover's Guide to the Smoky Mountains' Culinary Scene

Well known for its Smoky Mountain view, Gatlinburg, TN, has a lot more to offer than natural wonders. For myself, any time I'm traveling, I'm definitely wondering what the accommodations and food situation is like. Between hearty Southern comfort food and creative originals, I discovered that Gatlinburg knows a thing or two about good food.

In the context of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN, I'm sure that's up for debate for many. However, I always try to do as the locals do, because they rarely point me in the wrong direction.

The hidden gems are always the most memorable for me, and the Gatlinburg area has plenty to check out. For this food guide, I'm highlighting some of the best Gatlinburg restaurants I came across during my short stay in the area.

Exploring Gatlinburg's Culinary Landscape

Although it's clear why southern food would be popular here, Gatlinburg was a lot more diverse than I expected. It was my first time, and I was honestly impressed with how innovative some of the chefs got with their recipes.

From long-standing establishments that are local staples to holes in the wall that are easily missed, I could've spent my whole trip exploring the food. There's something unique about many of these restaurants. Some take a new age approach, while others look like they haven't changed in 100 years. Nevertheless, I definitely came out with a few favorites by the time I had to head back home.

6 Best Places to Eat in Gatlinburg, TN

As I bounced from one spot to the next, I came to realize that each spot reflects a certain charm of the local area. I've spent most of my life in major cities, and the southern flair of this place is strong in all the right ways.

Whether it was a breakfast spot or a proclaimed hidden gem by the locals, I was never disappointed. Of course, I ended up with a few favorites I'll never forget. In the table below, I've listed several of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN that are a must-have for any itinerary.

Restaurant	Highlight
Crockett's 1875 Breakfast Camp	Smoked meats, creative sandwiches, and reliable Southern sides
Alamo Steakhouse	Fresh seafood, surf-and-turf, and intimate dining setting
The Greenbrier Restaurant	Historic log cabin, unique sides, and dry-aged steaks
Big Daddy's Pizzeria	Signature pizza, fresh dough, wood-fired crust
Cherokee Grill	Lodge-style decor, famous Prosperity Steak, and regional
Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que	Hickory-smoked meats, large portions, and unique starters

It's helpful to note that this barely scratches the surface of what I experienced in the area. They honestly have so much good food that there was no way I was going to be able to try it all. As with any food guide, it's important to hash out the details on what made it all so great.

1. CROCKETT'S 1875 BREAKFAST CAMP

Crockett's Breakfast Camp is the go-to spot for a memorable breakfast in Gatlinburg, serving up hearty frontier-inspired fare that truly stands out. Signature plates like Aretha Frankenstein's Pancakes, Elk Mountain Grande Burrito, and the legendary Crockett's Thick French Toast showcase their imaginative approach to classic morning favorites. With a nod to mountain traditions, I couldn't pass up their famous cinnamon roll—pan-fried and drenched in maple syrup, it was an absolute revelation alongside a skillet loaded with eggs, chorizo, and hunt camp potatoes. The welcoming atmosphere feels straight out of a storybook, rooted in the legacy of David "Crockett" Maples, making every bite taste like a tribute to frontier flavor.

Here's What Stood Out:

• Unique menu items like the Mountain Omelet and Elk Mountain Grande Burrito
• Signature sides such as Hunt Camp Potatoes and Fried Cinnamon Rolls
• Rustic decor and a family-friendly, frontier camp vibe
• Legendary cinnamon rolls, pan-fried and unforgettable

2. Alamo Steakhouse - Fresh Flavors from the Smoky Waters

A great spot for upscale seafood and American classics, my favorite dish from Alamo Steakhouse was the Stuffed Shrimp. On top of that, I felt like the Crab Soup was the perfect complementary option to the shrimp.

While I'm not huge on red meat, I can still respect how delicious it all looked. Every dish that passed my table smelled amazing and came with a professional presentation.

If I wanted a mix of both, Alami knows a thing or two about surf-and-turf goods. Their Prime Rib and Filet Mignon are clearly popular, as I saw multiple visitors giving them a go. Between the food, attentive and friendly service, I'd say Alamo Steakhouse was a winning choice.

Here's What Stood Out:

• Fresh seafood such as oysters, crab, lobster, shrimp, and more
• Upscale yet intimate dining setting
• Highly favored for their surf-and-turf options
• Favorites include the Crab Soup, Stuffed Shrimp, and Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

3. The Greenbrier Restaurant - Smoky Mountain Charm and Fine Dining

Set in a beautiful historic log cabin, The Greenbrier is well known for dishes like their Beef Wellington and Duck Confit Egg Rolls. For myself, I dove in headfirst with the Bone-in-Ribeye. I took one look at this dish and I was sold.

There are also amazing seafood options here, such as Crab Cakes and their own take on Stuffed Shrimp. This is another restaurant with an intimate dining atmosphere, and I had to help myself with a cocktail or two.

It's pretty easy to get full here, but I'd advise considering a few starter sides as well. The locals were right about the Duck Confit Egg Rolls. Aside from that, I gave the Mushroom Risotto a go as well, which was entirely perfect.

Here's What Stood Out:

• Established in a rustic, cozy log cabin in a Smoky Mountain setting
• Delicious and unique side dishes like the Confit Egg Rolls and complimentary Spoonbread
• Beautiful cocktails like the Guava Margarita and the signature Dylan
• Rare in-house dry-aging for dishes like the Beef Wellington and American Bison Ribeye

4. Big Daddy's Pizzeria - Wood-Fired Flavor Meets Family Fun

With fresh dough and sauces made in-house daily, there's a reason why the Carnivore and Big Kahuna pizzas are so popular. Sometimes, I just want something simple yet delicious to eat on my trip. The fancy restaurants are nice and all, but a pizza craving is hard to ignore.

Big Daddy's Pizzeria is known for its stance on wood-fired pizza, especially coming from a 550-degree brick oven. This promises a crisp and Neapolitan-style crust that tasted way better than I expected.

My personal favorite was the Chicken Florentine, and let me say, every layer of this pizza was beyond tasty. Consistently praised for the friendly service, coming by here was entirely worth the stop. On top of it all, it was an affordable choice, considering I hit plenty of upscale restaurants along my food journey in Gatlinburg.

Here's What Stood Out:

• Signature pies like the Big Kahuna and Porky Pie, which are fan favorites
• All ingredients are prepared fresh every single day
• Pizzas are baked in a high-heat wood-fired oven for a crispy crust
• Locals love it, making it a go-to spot that can be trusted

5. Cherokee Grill - The Mountain Lodge Dining Experience

Offering standout dishes like their Prosperity Steak and rich Crab Cakes, it isn't hard to get full here. The Cherokee Grill offers a mix of American classics, southern flair, and a unique menu overall.

I found their upscale lodge decor to be super cozy, and the interior is scattered with nice granite, walnut, and stone accents. A few other popular dishes from this place include their New York Strip and Filet Mignon.

Rest assured, these come with a flavor that I would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else locally. I can't forget to mention the desserts either. By the end of my night, I had to give the peach shortcake a go. Every choice I made with the menu here was a winner from start to finish.

Here's What Stood Out:

• Beautiful lodge-inspired ambiance for a refined yet rustic look
• Their signature dish is the Prosperity Steak for its bold and rich flavor
• Private dining and banquet facilities are available
• Regional side dishes like the Spinach Mac, Neva Potatoes, and Crab Bisque

6. Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que - Hickory Smoked Tradition

Highly rated for their fall-off-the-bone ribs, I had to give them a go for myself. I have spent plenty of time in southern regions, so I can be somewhat of a bar-b-que critic. With Bennett's, it's clear they're doing it right over here.

Every cut of meat is hickory-smoked low and slow. That's the southern flavor I was looking for, and I had to give their pulled pork a shot too. I also found classic side pairings, such as collard greens and BBQ beans. However, I was really interested in tasting what their spicy mac and cheese had to offer.

Sure, it's a spot that got me full pretty quick, but the flavors kept me going. Clearly, a local crowd, please, Bennett's Pit is up there with some of my favorite BBQ from Gatlinburg.

Here's What Stood Out:

• Family-style BBQ tradition with red-checkered tablecloths and sizable portions
• Popular dishes like the Spicy Brisket Philly sandwich
• All meats are smoked up to 14 hours
• Rare southern starter dishes that come with a unique twist

Tip for Exploring the Best Gatlinburg Restaurants

For travelers coming through from out of town, it's all about planning ahead. While a reservation isn't always required, it doesn't hurt to be prepared for the just-in-case. These places are pretty popular, and I know I didn't want to miss out.

Thankfully, I was able to walk into most of these places without much of a wait, but I still called ahead. To find the best places to eat in Gatlinburg TN, blending hidden gems with well-known restaurants is how I diversified my options.

Another key detail to think about here is visiting outside of their peak hours. I know that it can be hard to always fit into a travel itinerary, but these restaurants can get pretty busy.

Considering this was my first time in Gatlinburg, I definitely asked locals for a few pointers here and there. They set me up with the right dishes based on my cravings, and I took full advantage of the southern favorites. I would tell any traveler to seek out that southern charm in the food, but don't hesitate to try their more inventive recipes.

Some might write Gatlinburg cuisine as overly southern, but that just isn't the case. Above all else, I was blown away at how creative they could get with certain dishes I've known my whole life.

The Final Word

Gatlinburg offers a very diverse culinary scene. From southern comfort food to innovative ideas I've never seen before, the variety was there. Restaurants do a great job of reflecting local culture, and the people were great to me all around.

Seeing how common it was to take a creative twist to traditional recipes told me why these places had become so popular. Outside of the food, my accommodations gave me a great night's sleep after a day full of eating.

This was made possible with Stony Brook Lodging. After a little research, they were able to plan me in a cozy spot that came with an insane view. Overall, this guide should be a go-to for anyone searching for the best places to eat in Gatlinburg, TN.

FAQ

What Types of Cuisine Can I Expect in Gatlinburg Restaurants?

I commonly found a mix of southern comfort food, like BBQ and seafood. However, most of the restaurants I visited offered plenty of creative twists to these staples.

How Do I Find the Best Hidden Gems in Gatlinburg?

Start by asking locals for recommendations, and don't hesitate to hop online to check out the reviews as well.

Do I Need Reservations for Gatlinburg Restaurants?

Although it isn't always a requirement, it wouldn't be a bad idea to secure a spot. The restaurants mentioned in this article are all widely popular.