When it comes to the best restaurants in Smoky Mountains, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Here in this Smoky Mountains vacation guide, we’ll let you into some of our favorites.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, The Smokies has some delicious options to suit your needs.


If you’re looking for the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains, look no further!
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we’ve got what you need!
So come on in and enjoy the best that the Smoky Mountains has to offer!

What Food is the Smoky Mountains famous for?
The Smoky Mountains are home to some of the best southern cooking in the country. From barbecue to homestyle cooking, there is something for everyone in the Smokies.
- Barbeque
- Fried Chicken
- Old-Fashioned Taffy
- Cornbread
- Apple pie
- Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes
- Corn Chowder
- Smoky Mountain Moonshine
There are many reasons to try the food in the Smoky Mountains. The area is known for its fresh, local ingredients and its unique flavor combinations.
Visitors can find traditional Appalachian dishes and modern takes on classic comfort foods. There are also many restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options.

In addition to the great food, the Smoky Mountains also offer breathtaking views.
Dining in the Smokies is an experience that you won’t soon forget.
Best Restaurants in Smoky Mountains
No matter what your food preferences are, you're sure to find something you'll love at one of these great restaurants in the Smoky Mountains.
The Peddler Steakhouse offers a wide variety of custom-cut steak and seafood dishes. The restaurant also has a large wine list and an extensive dessert menu that you can enjoy as you take in the view of the Little Pigeon River.
This restaurant is located in Gatlinburg and offers American cuisine with a twist. The Park Grill has a relaxed atmosphere with amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This restaurant has been serving the Knoxville community for over 40 years and is a favorite dining destination for special occasions, Sunday brunches, and social gatherings.
The menu features a variety of American and Southern dishes, from steaks and seafood to an extensive wine list.
The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe in Pigeon Forge is a unique places to dine and experience the unique art of pottery.
You can choose from their wide selection of food options, including fried chicken, seafood, freshly made sandwiches, and salads served on dishes that are made by the potters right next door.
Enjoy Southern-style dining at the famous Old Mill restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
From delicious corn chowder and corn fritters to southern fried chicken and country fried steaks, you're sure to have a hearty meal that you'll want to taste over and over again.
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is a charming farm-to-table dining experience.
While they have a variety of dishes on their menu, the best ones you should try are their apple fritters, homemade apple butter, and applewood julep.
Mama’s Farmhouse is a family-style restaurant that serves up classic Southern comfort food. The hearty meals here will definitely leave you feeling satisfied, and you can’t go wrong with any of the home-cooked favorites on the menu.
As its name suggests, the Smoky Mountain Trout House specializes in serving up fresh trout from the nearby streams. The restaurant also offers a variety of other seafood options, as well as some delicious steak and chicken dishes.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of barbecue wafting through the air, and at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que in Gatlinburg, that’s exactly what you’ll find. This popular spot has been serving up mouth-watering barbecue since 1991, and it’s easy to see why it’s a local favorite.
The menu features all of your barbecue favorites, from pulled pork and ribs to chicken and sausage. And of course, no meal is complete without sides like baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw.
If you're looking for some good ol' southern cooking while in the Smoky Mountains, then you have to check out Paula Deen's Family Kitchen. The restaurant is owned by celebrity chef Paula Deen and her family, so you know the food is going to be good.
The menu features all of your favorite southern dishes, like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and of course, peach cobbler.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get You FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist!
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Aside from going on a food crawl in Smoky Mountains, I’m sure you’re wondering what else you can do in this gorgeous mountain escape. Why not try these Best Off the Beaten Path Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains for a change?
Before you explore, make sure you have a compact travel camera with you to capture all those amazing and unique views along the way.