There are numerous places to eat in Gatlinburg for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Which forces visitors to either take a chance on a local restaurant they may have never heard of or go to a familiar chain restaurant in Gatlinburg. While there are plenty of chain restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Hard Rock Cafe, etc there are a lot more locally-owned Gatlinburg restaurants that serve up amazing food and southern hospitality that bring visitors back year after year!
We’ve selected the best all locally owned, ran by locals, as well as frequented by locals.
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The Best Local Restaurants in Gatlinburg
1. The Peddler Steakhouse
One of the best Gatlinburg restaurants with the longest history is The Peddler, which has quite an amazing history and even more amazing food. Locally-loved throughout the years for their salad bar, steaks, and desserts The Peddler has moved from being Gatlinburg’s best-kept-secret on River Road to a popular must-eat-at restaurant in Gatlinburg for people from all over. Make sure to do call-ahead seating!
Open daily at 5:00pm
The Peddler Steakhouse Website
2. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
This is not your average pizza pie. At the heart of Big Daddy’s is a 550 degree, wood-fired flame inside a one-of-a-kind brick oven. Their pizza starts with hand-crafted, homemade dough, pulled by their own “pizzeoli”. It’s topped with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients.
Lunch 11am-3pm
Dinner 3pm-10pm
3. Buckhorn Inn Restaurant
The Buckhorn Inn originated in 1938 and has a long history of rave reviews and return-visitors. They serve great breakfast, lunch, and a four-course dinner with a menu that changes daily. Be sure to call ahead for reservations…especially for dinner, which is $35 per person for the four-course fine dining meal.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Buckhorn Inn Restaurant Website
4. Greenbrier Restaurant
The Greenbrier Restaurant in Gatlinburg, TN is tucked away not too far from downtown, but just far enough to make you feel like you’re away from the hustle and bustle. The Greenbrier has a unique history complete with its very own ghost legend! Built as a log cabin in 1939, most of the building is still original which gives it a unique, Appalachian character. Greenbrier’s selection of food and prices are somewhat in the fine-dining range and better suited for couples and adults. Most visitors tend to go for their prime rib and twice-baked potato…they also have a variety of wine available.
Open for Dinner Only
Sunday—Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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5. Log Cabin Pancake House
Gatlinburg has quite a few pancake houses and restaurants, but The Log Cabin Pancake House is consistently a favorite among locals and visitors alike! They serve up Belgian waffles, Crepes, and of course pancakes! The Log Cabin Pancake House also has a location in Pigeon Forge as well, so be sure to eat at either one for breakfast during your next visit!
Log Cabin Pancake House Website
6. Best Italian
If a restaurant is named “Best Italian”, it probably has high expectations…right? Well the Best Italian Restaurant in Gatlinburg, TN has been serving the area for over 30 years while being known for their garlic rolls and large pizzas. The Best Italian Restaurant is a good choice for lunch or dinner for people of all ages with plenty on the menu and decent prices. If you’re in the mood for pizza when you’re in Gatlinburg, don’t settle for a chain…try Best Italian!
7. Wild Plum Tea Room
The Wild Plum Tea Room has been a “wildly” popular local eatery for decades in the Arts & Crafts Community of Gatlinburg. Known for their fresh ingredients and excellent treats such as wild plum muffins and wild plum tea, The Wild Plum Tearoom is a great place to stop for lunch as they are open seasonally from March 1 through Mid-December.
Wild Plum Tea Room Menu: http://www.wildplumtearoom.com/#!vstc2=our-menu
Open Monday-Saturday 11am-3pm (Closed Sundays)
8. Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill
Crystelle Creek Restaurant and Grill is one of the most unique Smoky Mountain and Gatlinburg restaurants offering something for everyone; including families, groups, children or a romantic dinner for 2. Their goal is to provide you with the finest dining and entertainment experience in Gatlinburg at an affordable price with professional and friendly service.
Open Monday – Sunday 3:00 – Close
Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill Website
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9. Pancake Pantry
Gatlinburg is stacked with pancake houses. The Pancake Pantry stands out above the rest, consistently voted a favorite with both visitors and locals. Breakfast is legendary, with options so numerous it can be hard to know what to order. From wild blueberry pancakes to apple walnut crepese, you really are in for a treat at this breakfast hotspot. Be prepared for a wait, though. People line up to get a taste of the first Gatlinburg pancake house.
