These are the best Gatlinburg restaurants of 2025, according to a local
Ranking the restaurants in Gatlinburg is a dangerous game. Not in the sense of actual danger, but dangerous in that figuring out how to weigh classics with a reputation decades in the making versus a new and interesting spot that may or may not have staying power can be a real pain. Also, I take these things seriously. I’ve woken up at night, jolted out of bed angry with myself because I put the Peddler ahead of Cheasepeake’s or vice versa.
There’s an arbitrary nature to the process as well. Some depend on our most recent experiences. Add in the inherent difficulties in weighing the value of a great sandwich shop vs a great barbecue spot. In other words, how do I rate an upscale family eatery like the Greenbrier against a world-renowned barbecue joint like Delauder’s?
It’s a conundrum. I could farm it out to the cloud and just tell you what the top-rated restaurants are according to online reviews, bury my personal experiences and bend to the will of the collective. But if I did that, the snack bar at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (4.6 on Google) would come in higher than quality eateries like Cherokee Grill (4.4), Park Grill (4.4) or the Peddler (4.5). So, obviously, I can’t do it that way. With all of this in mind, the following are the best Gatlinburg restaurants as of 2025:
1. The Peddler Steakhouse
There is a class of restaurants at the top of the Gatlinburg dining scene. In past years, I’ve placed the Greenbrier here. In all honestly, both are worthy of the top spot. Just below those are the Alamo Steakhouse, The Park Grill, Cherokee Grill and Calhoun’s. But in all honesty, my rankings would fill up quickly with a lot of redundancies. Is there a massive difference between the steak at The Peddler or The Greenbrier? Could I pick one of the steaks from another in a blind taste test? I don’t know that I could, but I’d be willing to try if someone wants to set it up. But the Peddler offers classic steakhouse fare with high-quality meats cut to custom sizes. Apps include delicious options like French onion soup and fried mushrooms and cauliflower. The Peddler is located at 820 River Rd in Gatlinburg.
2. The Greenbrier
Ask me tomorrow and I might have a different ranking here. Should it be the first listing? Maybe. But ultimately, this is one of the best dining experiences in town. The Greenbrier is located at 370 Newman Rd in Gatlinburg.
3. Delauder’s BBQ
Located on the upper Parkway, Delauder’s is a life-affirming barbecue spot served in a strip mall restaurant where the tables are covered with plastic checkerboard tablecloths and the chairs don’t all match. And none of that matters in the least. While the dining experience at Delauder’s is significantly different than the fancier places in town, you may not find a better meal in East Tennessee. Bring your appetite and order the five-meat sampler platter. Or go full boar and get the Holy Bologna sandwich, which is the distilled essence of the Smoky Mountain between two buns. It’s grilled bologna topped with pulled pork, onions, pickles, nacho cheese, lettuce, sweet jalapeno mustard and BBQ sauce. Delauder’s can be found at 1875 East Parkway in Gatlinburg.
4. Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar
I am ping-ponging back and forth between experiences here. Several times I have rated Chesapeake’s as the best restaurant in town. It belongs right up there with the Peddler and the Greenbrier in terms of dining experience in town. Based on a Maryland-style seafood house, Chesapeake’s offers top-notch seafood options. It’s not what you’d call an authentic mountain experience, but it stands out in the region. If you want fine dining but something different from the steakhouse life, you can’t beat it. Want a recommendation? Get the Wellington – barrel-cut filet of beef, prosciutto, mushroom duxelles and pate de foie gras wrapped in puff pastry and baked. Chesapeake’s is located at 437 Parkway in Gatlinburg.
5. Tennessee Jed’s
I didn’t mean to set out alternating between high class and folksy. But Tennessee Jed’s deserves recognition for taking the art of the sandwich seriously. Do I like the Grateful Dead theming? I do. Do I like it enough to overrate the restaurant? Probably, but that’s not what I’m doing. Jed’s sandwiches and hot dogs are works of art, like Monet or Van Gogh. They should hang the Tennessee Jed’s menu in the Louvre and let the French people ponder its wonder. I’m partial to the Reuben or the Cubano, but you can’t go wrong with any of the options. Well, I don’t think you can. I have yet to partake in the Spicy Tofu, but that’s more of a me thing. I’m sure if you like tofu, it’s great. Tennessee Jed’s is located at 631 Parkway, Suite A8 in Gatlinburg.
6. Pancake Pantry
This is an East Tennessee institution. Why is the Pantry important? First of all, it’s been great for nearly 85 years. That kind of longevity must be acknowledged and honored. Secondly, it’s the originator of every pancake palace and breakfast eatery in the region to follow. Seriously, the Pantry was the first pancake specialty place in Tennessee. Today, you can choose from a variety of pancakes and pancake-adjacent items like blintzes or crepes as well as several other breakfast and lunch options. But, don’t forget the Pantry’s raison d’etre. Order whatever you want, but make sure you try the pancakes. The Pancake Pantry is located at 628 Parkway in Gatlinburg.
7. Estrella Hondumex
This combination Mexican-Honduran restaurant is one of my favorite lunch spots in Gatlinburg. In the back of a grocery, it’s nothing fancy, but it’s quite good. Probably the best “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant in the county. Located up the park where near the exit of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, it offers Mexican and Honduran classics. As someone who didn’t grow up with access to Honduran cooking, it is quite a revelation. Try the Honduran Enchiladas or the Azada Honduran Style. Estrella Hondumex can be found at 109 Roaring Fork Rd in Gatlinburg.
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