Bring your appetite to Gatlinburg for a rich variety of flavors and ambiances in this mountain town! In Gatlinburg, every meal is a journey – a delightful exploration of plates and flavors for palates of all kinds. This charming mountain town is a foodie paradise that’s as diverse and impressive as the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains themselves!
The town’s culinary scene is a mosaic, blending the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional Southern cuisine with the intricate notes of international fare. Whether you’re perched in an upscale restaurant admiring the panoramic vistas or nestled within the warm embrace of a casual eatery, Gatlinburg promises to wow you with its culinary offerings. Read our Gatlinburg dining guide below.
Options Galore
Vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore, the range of dining options here knows no bounds. One could be savoring a gourmet meal under the stars, laughing over a generous spread fit for a family reunion, or grabbing a quick, scrumptious snack to reenergize between adventures. Each bite, each moment at the table, leaves a piece of Gatlinburg with you. Check out the options for fine dining, family friendly, casual cafés and more in your Ultimate Guide to Dining in Gatlinburg.
Fine Dining in Gatlinburg
For a range of upscale places to eat in Gatlinburg that will leave you wanting more, check out the following recommendations.
The Peddler Steakhouse
Located on the banks of the Little Pigeon River, The Peddler Steakhouse is a culinary landmark! This steakhouse is known for its rich history and exceptional food and service. They specialize in custom-cut steaks, ensuring that you’ll receive a meal tailored to your specific preferences. Alongside its famous steaks, The Peddler offers a variety of hot sides and a salad bar that can be a meal all on its own.
For a sweet end to a savory meal, try the blackberry cobbler and donut cheesecake for dessert. The serene riverside view adds to the overall ambiance, making The Peddler an ideal spot for romantic dinners or special celebrations.
The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier restaurant, housed in a historic building from the 1930s, once served as a lodge for wealthy adventurers. Today, it stands as a fine dining establishment with a cozy log-cabin ambiance, renowned for its hearty meat and seafood dishes. Mouthwatering signature dishes include duck and grits, beef wellington, and short ribs.
The Greenbrier’s craft cocktails and extensive whiskey selection are highlights, inviting you to enjoy a drink with your meal. The restaurant’s ambiance combines a sense of homey elegance with a touch of history. Bring a date, the whole family, or enjoy solo – either way, you are sure to enjoy yourself.
Cherokee Grill
Another spot with a mountain lodge feel, Cherokee Grill stands out with its sophisticated interior design, featuring rich walnut and granite – reflecting the warm glow of the fireplace. This restaurant is celebrated for its upscale American cuisine, focusing on quality steaks, seafood, and inventive sides.
The sophisticated atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, ensures a dining experience that goes beyond the meal itself. Cherokee Grill is a favorite among visitors in search of an upscale yet comfortable restaurant in Gatlinburg.
Chesapeake’s
For sophisticated seafood dining, Chesapeake’s provides a fresh taste of the ocean right in the mountains of Gatlinburg. Chesapeake’s is committed to freshness and quality, which is seen through their menu that highlights the best catches and flavors of the sea.
The ambiance, reminiscent of an industrial yet coastal lodge, enhances your overall experience. The combination of exceptional seafood dishes, a cozy yet elegant setting, and attentive service makes Chesapeake’s a standout choice in Gatlinburg’s fine dining scene.
Come experience what fine dining is like in Gatlinburg! From the historic charm of The Greenbrier to the riverside serenity of The Peddler Steakhouse, the warm elegance of Cherokee Grill, and the fresh seafood delights of Chesapeake’s. Each meal is bound to become an unforgettable part of your visit.
Casual Eateries and Cafés
For a more laid-back dining experience, Gatlinburg’s casual eateries and cafés are sure to please. Delauder’s BBQ is renowned for its pulled pork dishes, ribs, and BBQ chicken, offering some of the best flavors in the country. Smoky Mountain Brewery, blending the feel of a ski lodge with a pub, provides a great spot to relax with flavorful food and micro-brewed beer.
Delauder’s BBQ
Delauder’s BBQ is a testament to Gatlinburg’s ability to offer down-to-earth, delicious dining experiences. The focus on food and flavor is clear at Delauder’s. When you stop by, you’ll feel as if you’re visiting the home of a really good cook. A relaxed atmosphere and checkered tablecloths give off that quintessential barbecue feel.
Famous for its smoked pulled pork, ribs, and BBQ chicken, Delauder’s prides itself on serving scrumptious meals infused with the warmth and hospitality Tennessee is known for. Down home cooking and friendly service make it a great spot for families and groups looking to get down on some good food.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
Combining the charm of a ski lodge with a German beer haus, Smoky Mountain Brewery offers a fantastic selection of micro-brewed beers with great views. Sip and savor your beer while you overlook Calhoun’s Village and the Smoky Mountains from their enclosed deck.
The brewery also serves classic American dishes like steaks, burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches. Come visit and vibe with the locals, hikers, skiers, and snowboarders. There’s always something entertaining to see and do at the Smoky Mountain Brewery!
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Gatlinburg’s dining scene is becoming increasingly friendly to vegetarians and vegans, with several places to eat in Gatlinburg offering plant-based menus or options. Many restaurants in Gatlinburg are adapting their menus to cater to a broader range of dietary preferences, including vegetarians.
If you’re visiting Gatlinburg and are someone who doesn’t eat meat, you’ll find a surprising variety of dining options that cater to your plant-based preferences.
Red Oak Bistro
At Red Oak Bistro & Caffe, the focus is on crafting dishes that elevate the vegetarian and vegan dining experience to new heights. This European style bistro stands out for its creative use of fresh, local ingredients. With charcuterie board samplers, beet Napolean’s, caviar and rich chocolatey desserts – get ready to feast on luxurious plates coupled with great cocktails. Open from Thursday to Sunday, making a reservation is advisable to ensure you get to experience this culinary gem.
The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot features a fondue-centered menu that can appease any vegetarian. Make your reservation and then opt for their four-course dinner menu for two or pick and choose from a la carte. For a more indulgent meal, the four-course dinner option allows you to customize your courses, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant’s fresh salads can be tailored to exclude gluten, and the California Salad with raspberry walnut vinaigrette is a fan favorite.
Whole Earth Grocery & Cafe
For the health-conscious visitor, be sure to stop by Whole Earth Grocery & Café. Here you can find a café within that serves up vegetarian and vegan foods. Ideal for lunch, the café offers lentil burgers, veggie wraps, tuna and egg salad and green salads that are perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike. The lentil burger salad is great if you’re looking for a hearty and healthy option. Café hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, making it a great choice for a quick lunch on the go.
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom is known for being a funky, artsy pizzeria. Their stone-baked pizzas come in all types, including vegetarian and vegan options. It’s amazing what the Mellow Mushroom can do with vegan cheese! Customize your pizza with a variety of fresh vegetable toppings.
Beyond pizza, the restaurant also offers five different types of salads, gluten free pizza options and snacks if you’d rather have a lighter meal. Let Mellow Mushroom’s be your casual yet conscientious dining choice in Gatlinburg.
Family-Friendly Dining
Bring the whole family together for a memorable meal that won’t break the bank at these delicious restaurants.
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria serves authentic wood-fired pizza with a deliciously crispy crust. Nothing beats a hot, fresh pizza made with wood-fired flame inside a one-of-a-kind brick oven! This option is great for families and offers a variety of other options that aren’t pizza.
Pancake Pantry
For a breakfast that delights both young and old, Pancake Pantry is a Gatlinburg staple. As Tennessee’s first pancake house, it offers a wide variety of fluffy pancakes, from classic buttermilk to innovative flavors like sweet potato and wild blueberry! Come start your day with a yummy meal in this cozy, welcoming restaurant before exploring the wonders of the Smoky Mountains.
Fannie Farkle’s
Fannie Farkle’s is part restaurant, part arcade, making it a hit with families. Known for its “Ogle Dogs” which are foot-long corn dogs that have become a local legend. This is a great place for kids to play games while parents relax. At Fannie Farkle’s, even the pickiest eaters will find something to love.
Budget-Friendly Eats
Gatlinburg has a variety of budget-friendly restaurants that don’t compromise on taste or quality. Enjoy good local eats without overspending.
Loco Burro
Live la vida loca at Loco Burro, where the festive vibes flow freely alongside delicious Tex-Mex inspired dishes. From the scrumptious Locos Nachos to the El Jardin burrito and the incredible enchiladas – each bite will make you return for more.
For a taste of fun, Loco Burro features a mechanical bull that will challenge you! Come during happy hour for delicious cocktails alongside your menu options. Loco Burro is fun for the whole family, and easy on the wallet.
Johnny Rockets
Step back in time with Johnny Rockets, a retro diner serving up burgers, shakes, fries and fun! Beyond its iconic selection, Johnny Rockets spices up the diner experience with unique twists on traditional favorites, like classic cheeseburgers and chili cheese dogs. With its inviting ambiance and diverse menu, Johnny Rockets stands out as a prime spot for those looking to indulge in the nostalgic charm of American cuisine in Gatlinburg.
Must-Try Local Specialties
Ole Red
Welcome to a world where great live music meets delectable dining. Owned by country music star Blake Shelton, Ole Red is a dining experience that blends lively country performances with Southern and American menu options. Here you can get crispy fried chicken, juicy burgers, fried pickles and so much more!
Come be entertained by some of the best live acts in town while you feast. Ole Red stands as a top choice for anyone looking enjoy live music with great food. You’ll surely remember your time at Ole Red!
Sample This List of Gatlinburg’s Finest Foods!
Gatlinburg’s dining scene is an embodiment of diversity and quality, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that cater to every palate, preference, and occasion. From fine dining establishments, where each meal is a celebration of culinary excellence, to the warm and inviting ambiance of its casual eateries – Gatlinburg ensures every dining experience is memorable.
Bring your whole crew to any of the town’s family-friendly restaurants! Here you’ll be welcomed with open arms and menu options menus that please both young and old. Meanwhile, budget-friendly options prove that indulging in Gatlinburg’s culinary delights doesn’t have to break the bank.
Plan Your Trip to Gatlinburg with The Cabin Rental Store
To truly immerse yourself in the Gatlinburg experience, finding the perfect accommodation is key. The Cabin Rental Store is your gateway to discovering the ideal vacation rental that complements and keeps you central to all your culinary adventures. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin nestled in the mountains or a luxurious retreat with stunning views, The Cabin Rental Store offers you a curated selection of properties in Gatlinburg.
Embrace the opportunity to create unforgettable memories in Gatlinburg, where every meal is a discovery and every moment is a treasure. Let The Cabin Rental Store provide you with your next home away from home in Gatlinburg! Visit TheCabinRentalStore.com today and take your first step towards a vacation that blends beautiful Smoky Mountain surroundings, serene mountain living, and good food all in one place.
