27 Best Smoky Mountain Restaurants | Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, & Asheville
Make no mistake — There’s plenty to see, do, and experience in the Great Smoky Mountains. Between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove, and Clingman’s Dome, the Smokies are truly a sight to behold and one of America’s most beautiful wonders.
Dotted throughout are dozens of Smoky Mountain restaurants filled with delicious food. They offer a true taste of the South, not to mention plenty of hospitality.
No matter if you’re craving pizza, Southern classics, comfort food, or breakfast, these local Smoky Mountain restaurants have you covered. You’ll leave full, happy, and ready to explore!
Best Gatlinburg Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day before visiting the national park, head to one of the most popular Gatlinburg restaurants. From fluffy biscuits to golden brown pancakes to scrumptious skillets, everyone can find something to love on Crockett’s menu.
One thing is for sure — When you’re done with your breakfast at this Gatlinburg TN restaurant named after David C. “Crockett” Maples, you’ll leave with a full stomach, a big smile, and plenty of energy to start your day.
Cherokee Grill
1002 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
If you’re looking for a special meal on vacation or the perfect spot for a special occasion, Cherokee Grill is the place. Quality and freshness are paramount here, and the restaurant is supplied by its own bakery, warehouse, and butcher.
Treat yourself to a juicy steak cooked to perfection. Sample a fresh salad to start the meal. Then, end your experience with a delectable homemade brownie.
Delauder’s Smoky Mountain BBQ
1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
A true taste of the Smokies can be found here, and it’s a great spot to get away from the crowds. It sits in the center of Gatlinburg and is just a few minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It’s easy to feel at home as you pull up a chair to a family-sized table, complete with the classic checkered tablecloth. Dig into classics like pulled pork, a three-meat platter, or a rib platter. If you’re not feeling a whole meal, try one of the delicious apps.
Pancake Pantry
628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
The oldest pancake house in the Volunteer State is also one of the best. For more than 50 years, Pancake Pantry has consistently churned out mouthwatering pancakes and still has a line out the door more often than not. So what makes Pancake Pantry so special?
There are two dozen types of pancakes, French toast, omelets, several types of waffles, and just about anything else you could want at the breakfast table. Everything from the pancake batter to the syrup is homemade, so get ready for the best pancakes you’ve ever had!
Split Rail Eats
849 Glades Rd Suite 1B1, Gatlinburg, TN
At Split Rail Eats, you’ll find homemade comfort food that suits young and old palates alike. Indulge in goodies like fried cheese curds and fried pickles before digging into the main course.
For your meal, grab a sandwich or a burger, or try one of four different kinds of Tater Bowls. If you’re really looking for a unique breakfast, try a B.L.E.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, egg, avocado, and tomato) sandwich.
The Wild Plum Tea Room
555 Buckhorn Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
There’s a lot to see and do in Gatlinburg, but this restaurant offers the chance for a quaint meal of unique entrees, teas, and desserts. Apps include hot pimento cheese dip, buffalo cauliflower, and baked Brie.
Soups include Mediterranean stew and sherried tomato bisque. Entrees include the sandwich of the day, chicken salad, and rotating chef’s specials.
Three Jimmy’s
1359 East Pkwy #F, Gatlinburg, TN
You’ll be treated to bar food that’s simply too good to pass up at Three Jimmy’s. Combined with friendly staff, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into some secret hangout spot that no one else knows about.
Nosh on the award-winning chicken wings, which have the right amount of crispy and come with your choice of sauce. Or, if you’re feeling extra hungry, order a smoked rib-eye or beef brisket. While you enjoy your meal, you get to listen to live music, which is played almost every night.
Best Pigeon Forge Restaurants Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen
3214 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
This is a true Southern eating experience, right down to the cold glasses of sweet tea served in mason jars. This locally owned eatery is just 11 years old but has quickly become a favorite with visitors and locals alike.
J.T. Hannah’s Kitchens offers casual dining at affordable prices, delicious burgers, sandwiches, desserts, and plenty of Southern hospitality.
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
3053 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
You can find great pizza, even in the Smoky Mountains. With handcrafted dough, piles of toppings, and wood-fired pies, there’s something for everyone here.
Big Daddy’s specializes in wood-fired pizza, which has a crispy crust with the perfect amount of chew. It’s the ideal spot for a family meal, and there’s an arcade attached to the restaurant, so you can play some games when your meal is done.
The Old Mill Restaurant
164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN
If you’re looking for generous portions of down-home Southern cooking, this is the place. The Old Mill Restaurant is one of the most popular in the Smokies for good reason.
You’ll get heaping portions of classic comfort food that make your mouth water and like you’re sitting down to Sunday dinner with family.
Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery
2525 DreamMore Wy, Pigeon Forge, TN
Located on the grounds of Dollywood, this place is open to both guests of the DreamMore Resort and Spa and the general public. Everything is about comfort here, from the rustic farmhouse decor to the large wooden family-style tables to the self-serve buffet.
You can expect a menu of Southern classics with a twist. And, along with the portions being generous and hearty, the menu rotates pretty often. Even if you eat here several times, you can have a different meal every time.
Bennett’s Pit BBQ
2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
Centrally located in Pigeon Forge, Bennet’s has been slinging tasty barbecue for more than 20 years. The prices, atmosphere, and friendly service make this a favorite of both locals and visitors.
If you’re looking for quality Southern cooking, you’ll find it in the smoked chicken, pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone ribs, brisket and so much more.
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant
2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
A newcomer among the Pigeon Forge restaurants, Sawyer’s Farmhouse has quickly established itself as one of the best spots to go for a great breakfast.
It offers an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, so there’s always plenty of variety. With made-from-scratch pancakes, bananas foster French toast, and bacon egg cheeseburgers on the menu, it’s best to come hungry.
Mel’s Diner
119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN
If you’re looking for a shot of nostalgia, you’ll find it at Mel’s Diner. From the oldies on the jukebox to the decor to the food, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
This 1950s-style diner serves American classics for every meal of the day, and the portions are big. Sink your teeth into a juicy hamburger or a hearty sandwich. If you’re in the mood for dessert, try a gigantic banana split or a milkshake.
Best Sevierville Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains
Holston’s Kitchen
639 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN
This eatery is a favorite with locals because it offers upscale dining at affordable prices. Holston’s may feel classy, but it’s a great spot to bring kids, too.
With a menu that features salads, steaks, and even Hawaiian chicken, everyone can find something to enjoy. There’s also a great Mexican menu, so you even can get your fix of chips and salsa, tacos, and enchiladas.
English Mountain Trout Farm & Grill
291 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN
If you’re looking for a different eating experience in the Smokies, this might be one of the most unique. Here, you get the chance to catch your own meal, so set aside plenty of time.
In actuality, you don’t have to fish for your meal, but you do have the “You Hook Em, We Cook Em” option where you can catch fresh trout and have the staff cook it for you. The regular menu features burgers, cheese fries, chicken strips, and much more.
Elvira’s Cafe
4143 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN
This Sevierville restaurant is a little out of the way and very unassuming. But, the food is worth the trip and reminds visitors a bit of Cracker Barrel.
Locals have come to love breakfast favorites like country ham and eggs and stacks of pancakes. If it’s your first time here, save room for at least a bite of Elvira’s specialty crepes. There are several sweet options, but there are savory crepes too, such as chicken and grits.
The Apple Barn and Cider Mill
230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN
If you love visiting apple farms and the taste of fresh apples, you’ll love the Apple Barn. You can not only enjoy fresh apples but also have them cooked in just about every way imaginable.
If you’re looking for goodies to take home with you, consider the freshly pressed cider, offered in both tart and sweet. Also, you can buy delicious apple fritter mix, yummy apple butter, and apple jam.
Thai Basil Restaurant
530 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN
On the outside, this eatery looks like a small strip mall restaurant. In reality, it’s a hidden gem that offers five-star Thai food and is a favorite with locals.
The owners import ingredients from all over the world and cook dishes that are packed full of Thai flavors and culture. If you visit, expect to find a packed house, but the meal is well worth the wait. You’ll have arguably one of the freshest, most delicious Thai meals you’ve ever had.
The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery
202 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN
If you’re looking for a taste of Ireland, you can find it here with a warm, cozy atmosphere and great food. The menu features Irish pub favorites that delight your taste buds, such as the corned beef Reuben, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie.
But if you feel daring, you can take on the Burger Challenge, a plate of three loaded bacon cheeseburgers and a pound of fries that has to be finished in 30 minutes or less.
Best Asheville NC Restaurants Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Biscuit Head
733 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC
If you want to put some South in your mouth, namely brunch or breakfast, this is a must-stop in Asheville. No breakfast in North Carolina is complete without a flaky biscuit that’s stuffed with breakfast meat and topped with rich gravy, and Biscuit Head is the perfect place to get one.
If you want to savor the biscuits on their own, you can do that too. You can even get more than a dozen delicious toppings, including lime caramel butter, cayenne jam, and bacon butter.
12 Bones Smokehouse
5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC
You may encounter a line when you get here, but don’t worry. It moves fast, and the food is fantastic. If you’re feeling extra hungry, you can try a full rack of delicious ribs. 12 Bones actually takes its name from a full rack. You can get them with a variety of rubs.
Load up on the sides too, such as cornbread, smoked potato salad, and corn pudding. One of the best things about 12 Bones is the help-yourself nature of the place. You order and then find your own seat. If you need extra sauce or a drink refill, you can get it yourself.
The Chocolate Fetish
36 Haywood St, Asheville, NC
While not a restaurant per se, The Chocolate Fetish is worth visiting if you love chocolate. From the minute you walk through the door and are greeted by the smell of chocolate, you’ll be in heaven.
The Chocolate Fetish makes three kinds of truffles, as well as toffees, caramels, and so much more. If you have time, pay just $5 for a guided tour, which includes samples.
Tupelo Honey Cafe
12 College St, Asheville, NC
If you’re looking for country cooking with a twist, waiting in line here is worth it. Tupelo Honey Cafe has long been known to locals as one of the best places to eat in Asheville. The menu is big and flavorful, so come prepared to eat.
Try the buttermilk fried chicken, which can be eaten on its own or with biscuits, pancakes, or in a Southern chicken BLT. The fried green tomatoes are delicious and a true taste of the South. This is a neighborhood gem that’s not to be missed.
Buxton Hall Bar-B-Cue
32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC
There are plenty of barbecue joints in North Carolina, but this eatery offers an authentic taste of East Carolina in a place with a unique vibe. With unique cocktail infusions, cooking, roasting, and homemade bread-making, it’s easy to become enamored with the smells.
Keep it simple with sweet and tangy pulled pork and yummy sides, or turn up the heat with the Carolina hot chicken sandwich. A great barbecue meal is a must on a trip to the Smokies, and this is the perfect spot to get an authentic taste.
Baked Pie Company
50 N Merrimon Ave St 103, Woodfin, NC
There aren’t many seats at this restaurant just north of Asheville NC, but if you’re lucky enough to get a seat, you can delight in the delicious smells coming from the kitchen as you enjoy a slice of your favorite pie.
There’s nothing better to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside than pie, and there’s plenty to be found here. Try a slice of strawberry rhubarb or sweet honey pecan. If cheesecake is more to your liking, try a slice of strawberry cheesecake.
All Souls Pizza
175 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC
Fans of artisan pizza will love this Asheville NC restaurant! With seasonal ingredients and organic grains, All Souls offers gourmet pizza as you’ve never had before. When the weather cooperates, it’s a great place to eat outside.
Try a classic pepperoni pizza with high-quality cheese and locally-sourced meat. Or, switch things up with one of two varieties of polenta pizza — one with criminis, roasted garlic, spinach, onion, and mozzarella; the other with mozzarella, sausage, leeks, and greens.
Come Hungry During Your Visit to Smoky Mountain Restaurants
As you can see, dozens of Smoky Mountain restaurants offer all the ambiance, food, and comfort that you could ever want during your Eastern Tennessee or Western North Carolina getaway.
Powered by some of the best meals you’ll ever eat, you’ll be ready to explore the wondrous beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and go back for another great meal when a day of exploring is done.
