The times are a changing. Not that long ago in Sevier County, there were only a handful of good restaurants. Specifically, most of the dining in the mountains was targeting what I’d call the tourist trade. The key was low price, high volume and acceptable taste.
I’m not sure when this started to change. But today, visitors will find the mountains full of delicious and interesting dining options.
Today, in addition to the tourist trade, there’s a legitimate growing foodie scene. Sevierville in particular offers a variety of restaurants that would make any big city’s food culture proud.
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What are the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains?
First, I’m restricting this to Sevier County.
What are the criteria? A combination of flavors, cost and availability. In other words, the ineffable calculus of vibe, quality and feel. But also, I’ll add in some intermixing of personal preference and general consensus.
Is it a scientific method I employ? Nope, it’s is an art.
With this in mind, with all the restaurants on this list, they are all great or even excellent. The dining scene in the Smokies is strong.
1. Local Goat
Pigeon Forge
A self-described new American restaurant with a scratch kitchen, the Local Goat manages to deliver a menu that is familiar and especially unique. For example, think deep-fried deviled eggs or bison meatloaf.
From artisanal burgers and handhelds to steaks, pasta and more, the Local Goat delivers. However, it’s more accessible and not as fancy as the places immediately below it on the list.
Finally, reservations are certainly a good idea.
2. Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar
Gatlinburg
This is just classic seafood done with excellence. Everything from the fresh sea scallops to the shrimp cocktail seafood bar is certainly top-shelf cuisine.
If you’re dining with a friend or two, the Seafood Tower is also a delight.
3. The Appalachian
Sevierville
With a name that sounds like an HBO Max prestige drama, The Appalachian is at the forefront of a burgeoning Sevierville foodie scene. Billed as Sevierville’s finest restaurant, you could make the case that it’s Sevier County’s finest, and I surely wouldn’t argue. It brings a Southern Appalachian twist to fine dining.
The farm-to-table menu is subject to change on availability, seasonality and the chef’s desire. From an upscale burger to duck breast to rainbow trout, you’ll certainly find an option that fits your tastebuds and that option is going to be perfect.
4. The Peddler Steakhouse
Gatlinburg
The Peddler, in my opinion, is in a constant three-way horse race with the Greenbrier and Chesapeake’s for the best restaurant in Gatlinburg. On any given day, I could choose one of the three over the others.
But the good news is you’re going to get a great meal no matter which one you choose. The Peddler menu is pretty typical steakhouse fare with an excellent salad bar. There’s not a lot of frou-frou messing about.
5. The Greenbrier Restaurant
Gatlinburg
There are some who will be outraged at the Greenbrier’s placement here.
From the Chilean Sea Bass to the Duet of Beef or the Rack of Lamb, they consider the Greenbrier the best dining destination in the mountains. Of course, they are not wrong.
Keep in mind that the menu rotates seasonally.
Read Also: The Greenbrier Gatlinburg: The Best and Most Haunted Restaurant in Town
6. Pancake Pantry
Gatlinburg
This is quite a jump from The Appalachian, The Peddler and The Greenbrier. However, one does not vacation by fancy restaurants alone.
At this point, the Pancake Pantry is a Smoky Mountain institution. In fact, it’s the first of the now multitudinous Sevier County pancake houses.
This is where you go for pancakes, maybe some French toast or something from the lunch menu. It’s a popular eatery, therefore, come early and bring your appetite.
And if you don’t come early, you’ll probably find yourself outside waiting in line to get in. But it will be worth it.
7. The Chop House
Sevierville
The Chop House is part of the Connors family of restaurants – East Tennessee culinary royalty – that stands for quality. In truth, I’ve never had a bad experience at a Connors-owned restaurant.
The Christmastime tradition for my wife and me is to hit Tanger Outlets for some shopping and then stop by the Chop House.
The menu is traditional steakhouse style, and it’s excellent.
8. Delauder’s BBQ
Gatlinburg
Now we’re getting into some mountain cooking. Delauder’s isn’t fancy. They have checkered tablecloths and a menu that’s heavily based on smoked meat and pork products.
Is it the best BBQ in the mountains? I think so, but I also think you could make a case for Preacher’s or even Calhoun’s, which we’ll talk about in a minute.
What should you get? My recommendation is the sampler dinner. You get to try a little bit of everything. Still, if your stomach is not quite ready, there are two and three meat options available.
9. Pinchy’s Lobster & Beer Co.
Sevierville
Pinchy’s is another important piece of the rising Sevierville foodie scene.
In fact, it is something of an anomaly in the Smoky Mountains. In particular, the restaurant serves northeastern fare like lobster rolls, oysters, sushi, great burgers, sandwiches and fish and chips.
It’s fun and fresh and cool and also completely different.
10. Calhoun’s
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
A classic East Tennessee destination, Calhoun’s has been on top of the East Tennessee dining scene for decades and shows no signs of slowing down.
The pulled pork, the beef brisket and the ribs are all classics.
Their Family Feed Packs also make for a nice grab-and-go mountain picnic.
11. Puckett’s Restaurant
Pigeon Forge
I cannot overstate the degree to which I enjoy Puckett’s. It’s fantastic Southern food.
Start with some pimento cheese bites, follow with the smoked meatloaf or perhaps the Whole Farm, if you’re hungry. It’s all beef brisket, cherry wood-smoked pulled pork, smoked half chicken and baby back ribs.
The Piggy Mac – which is what it sounds like – and the Smoked Bologna Sandwich are also fan favorites.
I know that Nashville Hot Chicken is the thing everywhere you go now, but with Puckett’s roots in Nashville, theirs might taste a tad more authentic. I say “might” because I’m way too old with too little stomach lining left to be messing around with such spice.
12. Junction 35
Pigeon Forge
This one is a rising star. Junction 35 – which is supposed to be a distillery first and a restaurant second – is quickly becoming one of our favorite places to eat in the mountains. They have BBQ, burgers and more. But it’s nothing too fancy.
I will say the Country Reuben – with Montreal beef brisket, Swiss cheese, whole grain mustard, sauerkraut and house sauce on toasted rye bread – is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.
But if you are craving a burger, try the Smash Burger which is also fantastic.
13. Tennessee Jed’s
Gatlinburg
Speaking of sandwiches, Tennessee Jed’s is all about sandwiches, hot dogs and smoked meat.
The sandwiches include a classic Reuben, a Cubano and a delicious smoked chicken salad. You can also buy the smoked meat – and the chicken salad – by the pound to make for a great start to a picnic. The hot dogs, by the way, are Nathan’s and they are also terrific.
14. Preacher’s Smokehouse
Sevierville
Preacher’s is run by an actual preacher. So, out of respect, I won’t make any jokes about the holiness of great barbecue.
In short, this is a fantastic spot, and it says something about the quality of the food scene in Sevier County that I’ve got this place at 14th. In fact, I could eat here every day of the week.
Just like Delauder’s, one of the combo plates is your best choice just so you can try it all. However, you can’t go wrong with anything on the chalkboard menu.
15. Ristorante DellaSantina
Sevierville
It’s hard to find real, classic Italian in the Smokies. There are a lot of pizza places that dabble, but if you’re looking for the real thing, this off-the-beaten-path eatery is the right spot.
The food is fresh and organic whenever possible. It’s never frozen or microwaved.
16. Cherokee Grill
Gatlinburg
Located near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this eatery is perfect after a nice scenic drive through the mountains. The menu is steakhouse fare, and it’s all good.
Part of the Copper Family of restaurants, Cherokee Grill is indeed fantastic but also has the bonus of access to nearby parking on the Gatlinburg strip, so that’s a real plus.
17. Seasons 101
Sevierville
Another one that is quickly moving up our charts, this American-style bistro is what I’m going to call high-end burgers and sandwiches as well as what Seasons calls Chef’s Signature Culinary offerings.
They offer items like Duo of Maple Leaf Farms Muscovy Duck and Brie Cheese Barramundi, which is an Asian sea bass. And yes, I had to Google it.
In other words, it’s an exciting time for foodies in the area as this is part of the growing and quite interesting downtown Sevierville foodie scene.
It’s impressive considering I can remember when Sevierville dining meant fast food, the Mexican restaurant by the fast food or the Chinese place that’s been there since possibly the beginning of time but also was a used car lot at some point.
18. Melting Pot
Gatlinburg
Here is the first truly chain restaurant on the list. Do I apologize? No, I do not. Fondue is freaking delicious.
It’s also a great date night option or perfect for the honeymooning couple looking for a romantic night on the town.
19. Alamo Steakhouse
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
The Alamo specializes in aged steak, hand cut and seasoned in-house before it’s grilled over an oak fire to sear in all the juices and natural flavors.
The menu is pretty classical steakhouse fare with a few Texas spices thrown in.
Try the Horseradish-Parmesan Prime Rib Strips appetizer if you don’t mind starting your steak meal with a little more steak. It is prime rib cut into strips, blackened to make them spicy, and then topped with horseradish parmesan crust.
20. Harpoon Harry’s
Pigeon Forge
Harpoon Harry’s is a massive place with a huge amount of seating and a massive menu. There are times I’d wish they’d pare that menu down a bit and focus.
But then we order a fantastic and massive nacho appetizer, some sushi, a lobster pie and the warm apple crisp for dessert and I say, the more the merrier.
And also, we went there for my son’s birthday dinner and had a relatively minor – and completely understandable issue. The management went so far over the top to make it right, it made for a birthday memory that JP will never forget. As a result, they’ve won my business for life.
Finally, as an added bonus, the deck at Harpoon Harry’s overlooks a little Greenway and river.
21. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
Sevierville
Another entry into farmhouse-style eating, this menu is full of chicken options and classics like pot roast or pork chops. Each meal comes with a serving of apple fritters, apple butter and the Applewood Julep.
If you want to be authentic in your country dining, be sure to get a side of pinto beans with your meal.
22. Old Mill Restaurant
Pigeon Forge
The Old Mill is a multi-purpose facility with a historic mill, restaurant, Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Old Mill Creamery. Now, we’re getting more into the type of dinner fare people may expect in the Smokies.
Specifically, the menu features Southern classics that go perfectly with sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese or green beans. We’re talking Southern fried chicken, beef liver, or country-fried steak, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings or a chicken pot pie.
It’s Southern-style farmhouse eating, and it’s all good.
23. Wild Bear Tavern
Pigeon Forge
I love the idea that someone looked at the pancake houses and the farmhouses and the fast food joints on the strip in Pigeon Forge and said, “You know what this place needs? The taste of Bavaria.”
To that culinary visionary, I can only say “Ya vol,” which I realize now – given the East Tennessee context – looks like a celebration of the Tennessee Vols. But I was going for the German, “Yes, absolutely.”
At any rate, the schnitzel, bratwurst and pork shank are all delicious.
24. The Park Grill
Gatlinburg
Another great spot located right at the entrance to the national park, this rustic mountain lodge-themed eatery has something for everyone.
They offer great steaks, fish and shrimp items or hickory grilled moonshine chicken. There are also lots of great barbecue items and burgers and sandwiches as well.
This is a good option for families who have a wide range of demands on what they want for dinner. It’s also a sister restaurant to the popular and previously mentioned Peddler.
25. PawPaw’s Catfish Kitchen
Sevierville
This is an off-the-beaten-path Cajun restaurant between Pigeon Forge and Townsend. I’m especially particular about my Cajun food, and I enjoy this place a lot.
If you make the trip to Sevier County, you owe it to yourself to drive through Wears Valley and go play in the water at Metcalf Bottoms. And if you’re going to do all that, you might as well stop at PawPaw’s for a Po Boy.
26. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Gatlinburg
There are a lot of breakfast places in the Smokies. Somebody out there figured out there’s big money in pancakes and country ham.
After the Pancake Pantry, Crockett’s is about the best of the bunch.
They have cathead biscuits, gravy and all the making of a breakfast worthy of somebody about to do a lot of physical work hiking the mountain trails.
Not going hiking? It’s also perfect for somebody ready to go back to the hotel room and take a post-breakfast nap.
27. Smoky Mountain Brewery
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
One of the relatively new Sevier County developments in my lifetime is the proliferation of craft beer joints and distilleries. I ain’t mad about it.
Of course, there was a time when I wouldn’t say it was hard to get a drink in a Sevier County restaurant, but it was harder than it is today.
The offerings at Smoky Mountain Brewery are about what you’d expect. For example, they offer items such as burgers, sandwiches, pizza and nachos. All of it goes excellently with the variety of craft beers offered.
28. Mellow Mushroom
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Here is another chain restaurant, but I couldn’t leave them off the list.
I like the vibe. And I also like the pies. This is excellent pizza work. Therefore, I will speak no ill of the Mushroom.
29. Wild Plum Tea Room
Gatlinburg
I cannot in good faith claim to be a tea room aficionado, however, I have it on reliable authority that this spot is a perfect old-world-style tea house. But this tea room is only open seasonally.
Advance reservations are also required, and they can only be made by calling the tearoom. Same-day reservations are generally not accepted, so make sure to plan ahead.
30. Cheese Cupboard & Hofbrauhaus Restaurant
Gatlinburg
Downstairs it’s a classic cheese shop with a fine variety of flavorful options you can’t get at the local market.
But upstairs? It’s a German-style pub with sandwiches, brats and cold Bavarian beer. In other words? It’s heaven.
31. Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders
Sevierville
As a small chain, Bellacino’s has exactly one restaurant in East Tennessee.
Does the word grinders remind me of Adam Sandler singing “The Sloppy Joe” song to Chris Farley dressed as a lunch lady on “Saturday Night Live”? It does.
If we order from Bellacino’s, do I spend the rest of the night singing “Hoagies and grinders, hoagies and grinders, navy beans, navy beans”? Yes, I do. Is it worth it? It is to me. The family, however, are less enthusiastic.
At any rate, are the grinders good? The 18-inch triple-decker certainly is.
32. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
This wood-fired, brick oven pizzeria brags about its in-house Pizzaioli pulling the homemade dough and also that it doesn’t have freezers on site.
The wood firing really does add some pizzazz to the classic pepperoni pizza, but there are fancier pizza options as well.
33. Lil Black Bear Café
Pigeon Forge
This tiny little breakfast and lunch spot is truly one of the best in the region.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, its pared-down menu is a couple of sandwiches and a handful of breakfast items but there is not an ounce of messing around.
If you could get the same food at a larger establishment, I’d probably move it high up the list. But truly, if you want to get away from the cookie-cutter Pigeon Forge breakfast experiences, this is your spot.
34. Best Italian Cafe
Gatlinburg
Is the name a little on the nose? Yes, it surely is. In fact, it’s the restaurant that was named for search engine optimization.
With two locations in Gatlinburg – one of them is an express location – you can get pizza, calzones or pasta and seafood dishes.
35. Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse
Pigeon Forge
From a Brazilian Steakhouse standpoint, I’m not sure this Pigeon Forge location is as authentic as you might hope.
However, it is good, and the salad bar is one of the best in the region.
36. Pizza Rio
Pigeon Forge
Speaking of Brazilian-style dining, I had to mention Pizza Rio. It’s one of the newer restaurants in town and offers a wide variety of delicious pizzas.
In fact, servers continuously visit your table to display the handcrafted pizzas for you to select. It’s all-you-can-eat and a fun yet upscale dining experience.
Read Also: Pizza Rio in Pigeon Forge Features New Spin on All-You-Can-Eat Dining
37. Log Cabin Pancake House
Gatlinburg
The breakfast food at the Log Cabin Pancake House is great. It offers the taste of a traditional mountain breakfast or a variety of more mildly exotic breakfast fare.
As a bonus, they also have free parking beside the restaurant.
It’s not unusual to see a line forming outside the Log Cabin Pancake House. But don’t let that deter you. The line moves quickly, and the service is always excellent.
38. Flapjacks
Multiple locations
What do I like about Flapjack’s? First of all, the variety of breakfast items – including the flapjacks – are quite good.
They also have several locations around the Smokies, so they are not hard to find.
Of course, they offer bacon, waffles and specialty items like Reese’s Peanut Butter Pancakes.
39. Mama’s Farmhouse
Pigeon Forge
Mama’s has family-style comfort food that will stick to your ribs. But would I feel better about the whole thing if the marketing was a little less on the nose? Yes, I would.
To explain, the artwork of the purported “Mama” behind this place looks like Woodrow Wilson with a granny bun and doily dress. Is it weird that I fixate on marketing? Maybe. Am I going to stop wondering if anyone is fooled by the fake Mama? I will not.
However, if you can get past all that is the country food worth your time? It is. I personally like a little more seasoning – especially at breakfast – but I know not everybody shares that feeling.
What restaurants in the Smoky Mountains have a view?
There aren’t that many restaurants with spectacular views around in my opinion, mostly because the best views tend to be high up in the mountains.
Most restaurants tend to be down in the valleys where it’s easy for people to get to them.
That being said, Clifftop Restaurant at Anakeesta in downtown Gatlinburg probably has the best combination of restaurant and view in the Smokies. The only reason it didn’t make the above list is that you’ve got to buy an Anakeesta ticket and then pay for your meal.
Of course, it’s the same deal if you want to eat at Dollywood, but if your sole purpose is a night out at dinner, that’s a steep cover charge.
Another place with a view is the SkyCenter, which is part of the Gatlinburg SkyPark. There’s a little cafe at the top of the SkyDeck.
The food is certainly snacky, though. You have pizza slices, pretzels, hot dogs, etc. – but the views – which are almost precisely across the strip from Anakeesta – are great. But again, you would have to pay admission to the park to eat there.
Finally, don’t look over the restaurants in Wears Valley. In truth, they all have a pretty good look across the wide-open valley to the mountain range on the other side.
Read Also: The Best Wears Valley Restaurants, Our Top 5 Ranked
Finally, if I’m being honest, I don’t really love the views of the mountains from restaurants in Pigeon Forge.
But John, you might say, what about all the neon and blinking lights and traffic along the strip? Isn’t that beautiful in its own way? I suppose.
But if you’re coming to the Smokies for a view of a bunch of neon signs or a lighted Ferris Wheel, you may be doing it wrong.
So, what is your favorite Smoky Mountain restaurant? Let us know in the comments!
