Famous for being a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the resort town of Gatlinburg is a cozy, charming, and absolutely full of life.
Though it’s surrounded by foothills and sometimes has bears lumbering down the streets, the Gatlinburg restaurant scene is surprisingly cosmopolitan. The sheer diversity of cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, Irish, and more, bears this out. It’s quite possible that this Tennessee getaway with a population of just 3,701 has more restaurants per year-round resident than anywhere else.
If you’re a food lover who’s looking for a Gatlinburg dining guide, you’ve come to the right place. From bustling pancake houses to family-friendly joints with organic wraps to candle-lit fine dining with a view, let’s check out some of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg for every taste.
Table of Contents
The Best Pubs in Gatlinburg
POV: You’ve just gotten back from a satisfying trek out in the Smokies, and you’d like to grab a beer. What’s the best place to kick back and shoot the breeze with your hiking buddies?
The Gatlinburg Brewing Company has wings, jumbo pretzels, and a variety of great pizzas. Don’t worry about over-indulging in your favorite draft beers—just order the “Hangover Helper” pizza and you’ll be fine.
Craving some serious protein? Try the Highland Steak at Boudicca’s Celtic Pub. It’s marinated in Irish ale and topped with Irish butter! Boudicca’s has a 4.9-star rating and has won multiple awards.
Not ready to leave the mountains? The Bear Can at Anakeesta is a full bar located in Stone Village. (A bear actually tried to get in there recently.)
The Best Pub Experience: Boudicca’s
The Best Date Night in Gatlinburg
Looking for just the right steakhouse, upscale seafood joint, or cocktail bar for a romantic evening? Any good Gatlinburg restaurant guide will mention the Heirloom Room, the Greenbrier, and the Bar at the Top of the World.
The Heirloom Room serves beautifully crafted appetizers and entrees that look as good as they taste. If you’re looking to delight your date with unexpected restaurants in Gatlinburg, then this might be just the place! The menu includes quail eggs, frog legs, and venison loin.
If you love views, Anakeesta’s serving them, along with bourbon salmon, chargrilled burgers, and filet mignon at the Clifftop Restaurant in the Magical Firefly Village. Chat with your date while lounging beside a firepit at the top of a mountain!
The perfect dish for two, however, might just be the fondue at the Melting Pot. The servers at this special hangout blend and season the cheese right by your table.
The Best Restaurant for Couples: The Clifftop Restaurant
The Best Southern Food for the Whole Family
Do your kids like burgers and hot dogs? Then they’re gonna LOVE Smith & Son Corner Kitchen. This family grill boasts award-winning Slow Cooked Ribs with special BBQ sauce, a “Fajita Dog,” and basically anything your hangry kids could possibly want.
Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant has a 4.7-star rating and great Southern home cooking cuisine. Great for your vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free family members!
Bennett’s Pit BBQ slow-smokes their meats for the ultimate, flavor-packed meal. They’ve been voted Best BBQ AND Best Ribs more than a few times.
Our pick: Smith & Son.
Our Pick of Southern Food: Smith & Son
Restaurants with Jaw Dropping Views
Views, you ask? Gatlinburg’s got ‘em—and that’s what makes parks like Anakeesta so worth the trip. Enjoy a mellow sunset while sipping a specialty cocktail at the Bar at the Top of the World, and you’ll feel like you’re… well, at the top of the world.
The Peddler Steakhouse also offers some breathtaking views of the Little Pigeon River along with delicious steaks and seafood. Enjoy your meal while watching the gentle flow of the river, making it an unforgettable dining experience.
The Best Views in Gatlinburg: The Bar at the Top of the World
The Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Williamsburg, VA may have the most pancake houses per capita, but Gatlinburg’s not far behind. Competition is fierce, so you know the food’s going to be good.
The Pancake Pantry, with its lovely Bavarian-style building, has been in business since 1960. It’s easy to see why once you see how many pancake options they’ve got.
For a more rustic experience, you might want to check out the Log Cabin Pancake House. Starting out in Pigeon Forge in the 1970s, this breakfast “institution” has buckwheat pancakes that locals swear by.
Our Pick: Log Cabin Pancake House
The Best Mexican Food in Gatlinburg
Over 16% of the local population in Gatlinburg is Hispanic, so you can bet there are some fantastic Mexican joints. El Soñador is one such spot with a cool vibe, great salsa, and a circular bar right in the middle of the restaurant.
Another great place to find fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine is No Way Jose’s Cantina, which looks out on the Little Pigeon River. No Way Jose’s also has a location in Pigeon Forge.
Arguably the best tacos can be found at the Taco Trail Taqueria & Bar on Parkway. People also swear by the queso, which is possibly why this place is considered one of the best places to eat in Gatlinburg with a 4.9-star rating.
Of course, you’ve got tacos and TexMex on top of Anakeesta too! Enjoy some chimichangas while gazing out at the mouthwatering mountain views.
The Best Mexican Restaurant in Gatlinburg: Taco Trail
The Best Budget Restaurants
It’s well known that Gatlinburg is a pricier town than nearby Sevierville or Pigeon Forge. That doesn’t mean you won’t find a good restaurant deal, however.
Tennessee Jed’s is famous for its great sandwiches at a reasonable price. If you’ve got the munchies, you’ve got to try their Reuben—it’s the best in town.
Mama’s Chicken Kitchen also gives you some real bang for your buck with their to-go chicken buckets. If you’re looking for some real nutrition to get you up that mountain, this is the stuff that will keep you going.
The Best Bang for Your Buck: Tennessee Jed's
The Best Vegetarian + Vegan Restaurants in Gatlinburg
Vegetarians and vegans might wonder if a town famous for BBQ and Southern cuisine has enough to offer. Thankfully, Gatlinburg delivers delicious plant-based dining options that won’t leave you feeling left out.
Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant stands out for accommodating vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners, offering Southern-inspired dishes made from fresh, wholesome ingredients. Their vegan-friendly options include hearty grain bowls and colorful salads that reflect local tastes.
Wild Plum Tea Room offers an inviting, rustic atmosphere and a menu highlighting fresh, local ingredients. Try their Vegan Quinoa Salad packed with seasonal veggies, nuts, and dried fruits, or indulge in their famous house-made veggie burgers that are hearty and satisfying.
The Best Vegan/Vegetarian: Timber's Log Cabin
Gatlinburg, Tennessee: A Culinary Hotspot in the Smokies
As you can see (and taste), this Tennessee town’s got much, much more than you’d expect when it comes to variety and quality of restaurants. We hope this Gatlinburg restaurant review has given you some ideas for your next trip!
And of course, if you just want to hang out at the top of Anakeesta Mountain, we’ve got all the nutritional groups (including beer and booze) right in one spot in the Magical Firefly Village.
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