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Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Gatlinburg or are a long-time vacationer to the Smokies, one of the things you’ll probably look forward to most when you’re in town is the food! We’ve selected the best of the best for every meal of the day and any type of food you're looking for to help narrow down your choices. From pancakes to upscale dining, here are the top 15 Gatlinburg restaurants:
Best Breakfast in Gatlinburg
1. Pancake Pantry
The Pancake Pantry is Tennessee’s first specialty pancake restaurant and has been open since 1960. There's a reason so many people make this spot a staple on their vacations, and once you visit you'll understand why. Choose from a variety of delicious pancakes and crepes! We recommend ordering the Smoky Mountain buckwheat pancakes or the berry crepes!
2. Log Cabin Pancake House
Another of the best places for pancakes in Gatlinburg is Log Cabin Pancake House. A couple of their specialties that we love include the Pancakes or French Toast Royale with sliced bananas and a sweet and creamy Royale sauce, as well as the wild blueberry or butterscotch chip pancakes. Breakfast at Log Cabin Pancake House is the best way to start the day!
Best BBQ in Gatlinburg
3. Calhoun’s
Mouth-watering barbeque and a unique lodge atmosphere are what Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg is all about. From wings and bacon-wrapped burnt ends to juicy pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, and steak, you’ll love all of the incredible options! Whether you're in town with family, friends, or your partner, you can't go wrong with a meal at Calhoun's.
4. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Another long-standing tradition for Smoky Mountain BBQ can be found at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. You have to get the pork rinds and deep-fried deviled eggs as appetizers! The Spicy Brisket Philly is a great sandwich option for lunch, and for dinner, we recommend the Texan Sampler so you can try all of their smoked meats: pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked jalapeno sausage, chicken, and baby back ribs.
Best Gatlinburg Restaurant with a View
5. Cliff Top
Arguably the best Gatlinburg restaurants with a view have to be the incredible options for dinner and drinks at Anakeesta, specifically Cliff Top Restaurant and Bar at the Top of the World! The honey bourbon salmon and the smoked gouda and cheddar mac and cheese are a couple of our favorites you should try. For a similar atmosphere and view, head to the Gatlinburg SkyPark to dine at Smoky Mountain Smash!
Best Steakhouse in Gatlinburg
6. The Peddler
You can’t go wrong with a steak dinner for a romantic date night in Gatlinburg! The Peddler just might be one of the top Gatlinburg restaurants of all time, with its fresh salad bar, steaks cooked to perfection, and incredible dining ambiance with views of a mountain stream. The salad bar has so many fresh ingredients that visitors love, and guests love the custom-cut Certified Angus Beef steaks.
7. Alamo Steakhouse
Another fantastic option is Alamo Steakhouse. They have unique items such as oysters and scallops, salmon and pork chops in addition to their incredible steaks. You also won’t find better mozzarella sticks in the Smokies! And be sure to save room for dessert because their award-winning Killer Key Lime Pie is the perfect end to your meal.
Best Burger in Gatlinburg
8. Boudicca’s Celtic Pub
You can find Boudicca’s in a tucked-away section of The Village Shops in Gatlinburg. They’re known for having some of the best burgers in town, along with authentic Celtic recipes and a wide variety of beer. Other great burger restaurants in Gatlinburg are Smith & Son Corner Kitchen and The Park Grill.
Best Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in Gatlinburg
9. Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill
Cheap eats certainly don’t mean poor quality, which you’ll understand right away when you enjoy a meal at Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill! The food is simple, cheap, and oh-so-good! Combined with your favorite beer or cocktail and live music, it’s a fun spot to hang out at any day of the week.
10. New Orleans Sandwich Co.
Not only is New Orleans Sandwich Co. a hidden gem in downtown Gatlinburg but also a great place to eat on a budget! You’ll find authentic Cajun food on the menu, from jambalaya and po boys to muffuletta, gumbo, and more. It's a taste of Bourbon Street in downtown Gatlinburg! New Orleans Sandwich Co. is tucked away in Baskins Square Mall.
Best Pizza & Italian in Gatlinburg
11. Best Italian Cafe
If you like New York-style pizza, then Best Italian Cafe in Elks Plaza is the spot for you! Plus, their signature garlic rolls, salads, pasta, and other entrees are delicious too. You can also visit the Best Italian Express location that's right on the Parkway and serves up the same mouth-watering meals.
12. Pizza Rio
A newer addition to pizza places in Gatlinburg, Pizza Rio is a Brazilian-style dining experience where you get to choose from a great selection of fresh savory and dessert pizzas, salads, breads, and more. They also offer carryout! It's the perfect spot for a more upscale pizza date.
Best Mexican Food in Gatlinburg
13. No Way Jose’s
No Way Jose’s Cantina is located in front of Ripley’s Aquarium and has a great outdoor patio on the river. They serve up all the best Mexican dishes, fresh guacamole, salsas, and queso made daily, and all kinds of specialty drinks and margaritas. You can't go wrong with anything you order here, but Jose's Baja Chicken & Shrimp and the Macho Grande Steak Burrito are two of the top choices! Other Mexican restaurants in Gatlinburg include Loco Burro and El Sonador.
Fine Dining in Gatlinburg
14. The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier is off the beaten path and the ultimate restaurant in Gatlinburg for elevated entrees, extensive wine and bourbon lists, and a romantic atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a birthday or anniversary! You won't find anything else quite like it anywhere else in town. We recommend ordering the lamb shank or seared duck breast, paired with a glass of wine.
15. Burg Steakhouse
While it may not technically be considered "fine dining," this spot has the perfect atmosphere for a romantic date night or other special occasion. The ambiance is more upscale than your typical cozy lodge atmosphere you'll find in other Gatlinburg restaurants. What's unique about Burg Steakhouse is that each entree is accompanied by an all-you-can-eat soup, salad, and sides buffet with everything from seasonal vegetables to green bean casserole. For the entree, you'll have your choice of meat, from filet mignon to tomahawk ribeye. Spend your next date night at Burg Steakhouse!
More Gatlinburg Restaurants
Want to learn more about great places to eat in Gatlinburg? Read about more of our favorite Gatlinburg restaurants — recommended by both tourists and locals alike!
