Top 9 Gatlinburg Restaurants You Have to Try

April 3, 2024

Travelers who are trying to decide where to eat in Gatlinburg will definitely want to visit some of the top Gatlinburg restaurants. Gatlinburg is home to a variety of delicious places to eat. Not only are they close to our cabins, but they’re close to other fun attractions! Take a look at our list of the top 9 Gatlinburg restaurants you have to try:

1. Pancake Pantry

The Pancake Pantry is one of the best Gatlinburg restaurants in the downtown area. It is Tennessee’s oldest pancake house and continues to be successful. Breakfast and lunch are served here. Peach, blueberry, buttermilk and whole wheat are a few of the many varieties of pancakes on the menu. Some of the types of waffles offered include pecan and strawberry. Other menu items include omelettes, eggs, and more. For more popular places to get pancakes in Gatlinburg, read our blog, “Where to Go for the Best Pancakes in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.”

2. Wild Plum Tea Room

The Wild Plum Tea Room one of the unique restaurants in Gatlinburg. It’s open for lunch from March to December. It’s tucked away in the Smoky Mountains, serving guests some of the freshest homemade lunches in all of Gatlinburg. Items on the menu here include lobster pie, salmon burgers, soup, salad and sandwiches.

3. The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler Steakhouse is another one of the popular downtown Gatlinburg restaurants. Material from early Gatlinburg houses was used to build the restaurant. While you dine, you can enjoy a view of the shimmering Little Pigeon River. Customers can order steak, chicken or seafood. Guests especially love having their steaks cut tableside.

4. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Waffles, omelets and French toast are just a few things on the breakfast menu. You can enjoy a full breakfast buffet, so make sure you come hungry! Burgers, sandwiches, soup and salad are served for lunch. Brisket and sausage sandwiches are available as well! Everything is packed full of flavor and based in Bennett’s own special sauce. Customers can order ribs, smoked meats, grilled meats, and more!

5. Alamo Steakhouse

The Alamo Steakhouse serves up delicious steaks for lunch and dinner. The steaks are hand cut and seasoned in house, then grilled over an oak fire. They also grind their own burgers, make all their own soups, and hand-bread their own mozzarella sticks! You can enjoy everything from steak, to seafood, to chicken, to pasta.

6. The Best Italian Restaurant

Craving Italian food? You have to get it from the best place in town! The Best Italian has New-York style Italian cuisine. At this downtown Gatlinburg restaurant, customers can order spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna, and more. Vegetable ravioli and vegetable lasagna are also available. Make sure you save room for dessert! Their homemade strawberry cheesecake is a big hit with the guests.

7. Hungry Bear BBQ

Hungry Bear BBQ is a locally owned restaurant just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. Visit this restaurant for some of the freshest barbeque and a variety of sauces. Pork, ribs, chicken and brisket are all on the menu here. Customers can order sandwiches, or opt for a dinner that comes with 2 sides and rolls. It’s the perfect place to go for a casual meal.

8. Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse

The Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse is a popular Gatlinburg restaurant to visit for dinner. Steak, chicken, seafood, sandwiches and burgers are all on the menu here. Its mountain lodge atmosphere gives guests an authentic Smoky Mountain dining experience. The menu includes their famous Smoky Mountain fried chicken, steaks, seafood, and more.

9. The Park Grill

The Park Grill offers visitors and locals a true taste of the Smokies in a rustic mountain lodge. Whether you’re craving a tender steak or a juicy burger, you’ll be able to satisfy your appetite at this Gatlinburg restaurant. End your meal on a sweet note with some blackberry cobbler, or try it all with the restaurant’s dessert sampler! Once you visit, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best downtown Gatlinburg restaurants.

More About Gatlinburg Restaurants

These are just some of our favorite Gatlinburg restaurants, but there really isn’t a bad spot in town! Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find it in Gatlinburg. From restaurants with gorgeous views to casual eateries, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect place to eat for everyone visiting with you. Whether you want American, Mexican, or Italian dishes, you’ll have your choice from plenty of tasty restaurants!

The best way to come experience these delicious Gatlinburg restaurants is to come stay in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains! We have Gatlinburg cabins that are perfect for couples, small or large families, and even big retreats! What’s even better is that you can find awesome amenities like hot tubs, mountains views, game rooms, and more all while having an affordable and fun vacation!

Are you planning on spending some time exploring Pigeon Forge while you’re in town, too? Be sure to check out some of these delicious restaurants in Pigeon Forge!