Though it serves as a popular jumping-off point for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, more than holds its own as a travel destination. With dozens of attractions, plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, and gorgeous scenery to boot, this city has everything you could want and then some.
That includes a world-class dining scene, with diverse options ranging from high-dollar steakhouses to budget-friendly breweries. You can eat mouthwatering ribeyes, fuel up with decadent pancake breakfasts, and, yes, sample some of Tennessee’s finest barbecue right here in town.
You’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of eateries in the area, so we’re sharing our top picks for the best restaurants in Gatlinburg. That way, you can start making your dinner reservations and planning detour-worthy lunch stops ahead of time.
Even more important than where you’ll eat, though, is where you’ll stay. Book your trip dates with Prestige Vacation Rentals, so you’ll be just a few minutes away from all the must-try food that Gatlinburg has to offer.
The Peddler Steakhouse
Photo Credit: Jim Bowie
- Address: 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: Prime rib
- Price point: $$$
The Peddler Steakhouse’s upscale yet comfortable atmosphere is perfect for just about any kind of dining occasion — and that’s before you take into consideration their famous steaks and popular salad bar.
For almost 50 years, this local favorite in the outskirts of downtown Gatlinburg has garnered a reputation for delicious eats and custom cuts of meat (including specially sized steaks just for kids). As an added bonus, you can take in views of the Little Pigeon River while you eat.
Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar
Photo Credit: Chonlapron S
- Address: 437 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: Broiled seafood platter
- Price point: $$$
Though Gatlinburg is often called the Myrtle Beach of the Mountains, the city is still in the very much landlocked state of Tennessee. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat amazing seafood right here in the mountains.
Head downtown to Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar to slurp oysters, sip craft cocktails, and chow down on Maine lobster. Once you’ve finished your meal, walk off those calories with a short jaunt to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
The Donut Friar
Photo Credit: Alexander Prokopenko
- Address: 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: Chocolate eclair
- Price point: $
One of 27 boutique shops and restaurants located in a Bavarian-themed shopping center known as The Village, The Donut Friar is renowned for its fluffy pastries and morning pick-me-ups. Offerings range from traditional yeast donuts to European-style sweets like eclairs, crullers, and danishes.
Make sure to wash your donut down with a latte or cappuccino — the coffee here is every bit as tasty as the baked goods.
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Photo Credit: David Pimborough
- Address: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: Griddle cakes
- Price point: $$
Alright, everyone has tried breakfast classics like eggs benedict, omelets, and cinnamon rolls — but we bet you haven’t had them the way Crockett’s Breakfast Camp makes ‘em.
You may need to wait a little while for a table since this ultra-popular spot doesn’t take reservations, but the hearty food is more than worth it. Once you get seated, start your day off right with a heaping helping of Crockett’s hot griddle cakes, so rich and sweet you might not need any maple syrup to top them off.
Tennessee Jed’s
Photo Credit: fornStudio
- Address: 631 Parkway Suite A8, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: Reuben
- Price point: $
If you’re looking to grab some quick grub on your way to your next adventure in Gatlinburg, make a pit stop at one of Tennessee Jed’s two locations for hefty sandwiches, hot dogs, and just-the-right-kind-of-greasy frito pies. Need to feed a large group? You can purchase pulled pork, corned beef, and Virginia ham by the pound, a great choice for picnicking in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
Photo Credit: P Maxwell Photography
- Address: 1004 Parkway #501, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: Boneless wings
- Price point: $$
Gatlinburg is home to a respectable handful of craft breweries, but Smoky Mountain Brewery ranks as the most popular by far. In addition to a wide selection of original beers on tap, Smoky Mountain Brewery also features live entertainment and a lengthy menu of sports bar fare, including entrees like chicken wings, pizzas, calzones, and hamburgers.
For dessert, you can choose between a slice of key lime pie or one of the daily rotating cheesecakes. This spot also has regular live music and outdoor seating, making it perfect for a night out!
The Greenbrier Restaurant
Photo Credit: sweet marshmallow
- Address: 370 Newman Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: Bone-in ribeye
- Price point: $$
Anyone seeking a romantic night out should do themselves a favor and book dinner reservations at the Greenbrier Restaurant, housed in a historic log cabin that dates back to the 1930s. But the restaurant limits the rustic charm to its decor — the menu is all modern, with hand-cut Premium USDA steaks, stuffed Carolina trout, and a few European-inspired dishes like duck rillette.
No matter what you pick, pair your meal with a seasonal craft cocktail from the Greenbrier’s extensive drinks menu.
Delauder’s BBQ
Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker
- Address: 1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: Pulled pork sandwich
- Price point: $
A feast of Appalachian comfort food awaits visitors to Delauder’s BBQ, an award-winning local favorite. There’s no fuss or frills here — take a seat at one of the checkered-cloth-covered tables and order up some smoked brisket or a juicy pulled pork sandwich with a side of fried mac-n-cheese for good measure.
Those who feel like taking a walk on the wild side should try the Sneaky Pig sandwich, which comes dressed in Delauder’s famous habanero sauce. It’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget!
Cliff Top at Anakeesta
Photo Credit: Cartela
- Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
- Favorite menu item: House battered fried green tomatoes
- Price point: $$
You might come to outdoor adventure center Anakeesta for the ziplines, mountain roller coasters, and other fun activities, but you’ll stay for much longer once you get a whiff of the food cooked at their on-site eateries and bars. While all serve solid menus of good food, Cliff Top is the most popular for its panoramic mountain views. Start with a plate of fried green tomatoes, a popular appetizer, before getting a hamburger or one of the signature salads. After dinner, swing by for an American classic — Pearl’s Pie in the Sky for a hand-dipped ice cream cone or sundae.
Dine in or Out in Gatlinburg
Now that you know all about the best restaurants in Gatlinburg don’t wait to reserve your tables and book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals. You can even order takeout from some of these restaurants and enjoy your meal from the comfort of your rental cabin’s patio or dining room.
Just make sure to bring your appetite when you visit — we take our food seriously around these parts.
