There are seemingly always new attractions popping up in the Smokies. However, not many of them receive as much excitement as a new restaurant.
East Tennesseans can be quite the foodies, after all.
And with the recent opening of Pizza Rio in Pigeon Forge, there’s not just another new pizza place in town – they are bringing a new Brazilian-style dining experience.
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Is Pizza Rio in Pigeon Forge open?
Yes! I’m happy to report that the new restaurant held a grand opening in February 2023.
It offers a modern yet cozy atmosphere. As weather permits, they also offer a gorgeous outdoor seating area.
You may not think of a “pizza place” as a romantic setting. But this restaurant is a more upscale dining experience that is ideal for a romantic date night.
Of course, it’s also family-friendly with kids’ pricing available. Plus, kids three and under eat free.
Read Also: 29 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Ranked [2023]
What is a Brazilian-style pizzeria?
Okay, you may be wondering what makes this pizzeria unique.
Well, they specialize in a Rodizio-style continuous Brazilian style dining experience.
That means during your dinner, servers will continuously visit your table to display various handcrafted pizzas for you to select. You can feel free to accept or decline each dish and be assured that another pizza is just around the corner.
And you can eat as many types as you would like.
Comparing it to a pizza buffet would be an insult to the upscale pizza that Pizza Rio offers. But, it’s similar in terms of selection, variety and the number of helpings. But with much higher-quality pizza, eaten at a much more leisurely pace.
Does Pizza Rio only serve pizza?
Nope!
Guests who dine with Pizza Rio will enjoy an incredible 5-course meal.
The meal includes house-made Picanha and Yucca soup, a salad of mixed greens with lemon honey vinaigrette dressing, house-made meatballs in a house-made sauce along with a selection of delicious dessert pizzas.
And did I mention that it’s all you can eat?
During my visit, we also had a chance to sample chicken wings in a variety of flavors.
Additionally, Pizza Rio offers national and international wines and hand-crafted cocktails.
The most notable beverage is the Brazilian caipirinha – a refreshing drink that traditionally features lime juice, sugar and the spirit cachaça.
If you’ve not tried it, I definitely recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.
What kind of pizza does Pizza Rio have?
Pizza Rio has Brazilian-style pizza, which features a thin, crisp crust cooked in a brick-fired oven. This was great news for me because ultimately, it lets you eat more pizza since it’s not overly filling.
Most pizzas have a house-made tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and oregano, although there are a few exceptions.
The savory pizza selections will vary. However, some examples include the Calabresa – which has Calabrese sausage, onions and olives.
One of my favorites was the Quatro Queijos, which had white sauce and a mix of four kinds of cheese including mozzarella, Parmesan, blue cheese and Brazilian cream cheese.
Of course, they also have pizzas that you might be familiar with like the Margherita, the Champignon (with mushrooms) as well as Pepperoni and Cheese pizzas.
All of the pizzas are made with house-made dough and fresh ingredients.
You can view the menu on their website here.
Is Pizza Rio in Pigeon Forge good?
Yes! I absolutely loved my experience dining with Pizza Rio and I can’t wait to go back.
Honestly, I’m a pizza fan. And generally, even when it’s bad, it’s good.
But this pizza was excellent. They had an unforgettable taste, and my only regret was not being able to eat more of them. It’s definitely some fierce competition for the best pizza in Pigeon Forge.
Overall, it’s definitely worth a visit on your next trip.
As an important note, reservations are recommended although generally not required.
Read Also: 16 Restaurants in Pigeon Forge That Take Reservations
The restaurant is open from 4-10 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Happy hour specials happen daily from opening until 6 pm. Hours and pricing are subject to change.
Pizza Rio is located at 140 Showplace Boulevard, just off the Pigeon Forge Parkway.
Have you been to Pizza Rio in Pigeon Forge? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
