Mountain Flavor, Southern Hospitality, and Unforgettable Bites

When you’re exploring the Smokies, the adventure doesn’t stop at the trails—it continues at the table. From down-home diners to upscale mountain cuisine, the Smoky Mountains are a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re craving southern comfort food, sweet mountain treats, or farm-fresh fare, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.

At Welcome to the Smokies, we’re here to help you taste your way through the mountains—one delicious bite at a time.

Why Dining in the Smokies Is So Special

Food in the Smoky Mountains isn’t just about filling up—it’s part of the experience. Here, you’ll find:

  • Locally owned gems with deep roots in Appalachian tradition
  • Farm-to-table restaurants using fresh regional ingredients
  • Iconic breakfast spots serving up stacks of pancakes and biscuits with gravy
  • Mountain views that make every meal even more memorable

From cozy cabins turned cafés to riverside patios and bustling town-center eateries, you’ll eat well and feel welcome.

Top Dining Spots by Town

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is packed with flavor—perfect for both casual eats and culinary adventures.

  • The Pancake Pantry – A legendary breakfast spot where the syrup flows as fast as the lines.
  • Crockett’s Breakfast Camp – Rustic charm and hearty mountain-sized portions.
  • Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse – Upscale lodge-style dining with wood-grilled steaks.
  • The Peddler Steakhouse – Riverside views, custom-cut steaks, and historic ambiance.
  • Smoky Mountain Brewery – Craft beer, wings, burgers, and lively atmosphere.

Don’t forget to stroll through The Village, a cozy cluster of bakeries, coffee shops, and snack spots.

Pigeon Forge

This town serves up fun and flavor with restaurants as entertaining as they are delicious.

  • The Old Mill Restaurant – Set in a historic 1800s gristmill, serving Southern classics like fried chicken and corn fritters.
  • Local Goat – A modern twist on Tennessee flavors with craft cocktails and locally sourced dishes.
  • Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen – All-you-can-eat Southern comfort served family-style.
  • Mama’s Farmhouse – Country-style dining with rotating daily specialties.
  • Frizzle Chicken Café – Fun for kids with animatronic chickens and colorful décor!

Pigeon Forge also features food courts, dinner shows, and food trucks that are perfect for casual bites between attractions.

Sevierville

Less crowded but full of flavor, Sevierville offers hidden culinary treasures.

  • Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant – A Smokies staple serving apple fritters, chicken pot pie, and Southern classics.
  • Five Oaks Farm Kitchen – Country cooking at its finest in a beautifully rustic setting.
  • Thai Basil – A refreshing change of pace with authentic Thai cuisine.
  • Aubrey’s – Upscale casual dining with steak, seafood, and Southern favorites.
  • Holston’s Kitchen – Great variety, from burgers to prime rib, with fast, friendly service.

Pair your meal with a shopping stroll through Tanger Outlets or a visit to Downtown Sevierville’s historic square.

Best BBQ & Southern Cooking in the Smokies

When in Tennessee, barbecue and comfort food are a must. Local pitmasters and chefs pour generations of tradition into every bite.

  • Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que (Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge) – Slow-smoked meats, savory sides, and legendary sauces.
  • Boss Hogg’s BBQ (Sevierville) – No-frills, all flavor. A locals’ favorite.
  • Hungry Bear BBQ (Gatlinburg) – Roadside BBQ with big portions and even bigger taste.
  • Delauder’s BBQ (Gatlinburg) – A hidden gem with top-tier brisket and ribs.

Pro Tip: Always say yes to mac and cheese, cornbread, and banana pudding.

Breakfast & Brunch Favorites

Fuel up before you hit the trails or explore the towns with one of these morning must-visits:

  • Pancake Pantry – A Gatlinburg tradition since 1960.
  • Log Cabin Pancake House – Homey vibes and endless pancake flavors.
  • Mel’s Diner (Pigeon Forge) – Classic American breakfast in retro style.
  • Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant – Whipped cream, Belgian waffles, and sweet Southern charm.
  • Atrium Restaurant (Gatlinburg) – Best cinnamon roll in town—ask the locals.

Get there early—these spots often have lines by 9 a.m.

Vegan, Vegetarian & Health-Conscious Eats

Looking for lighter or plant-based fare? The Smokies have you covered.

  • Wild Plum Tea Room (Gatlinburg) – Elegant, seasonal, and vegetarian-friendly
  • Whole Earth Grocery Café (Gatlinburg) – Smoothies, soups, and wellness options
  • The Pottery House Café (Pigeon Forge) – Fresh salads, house-made breads, and gluten-free options
  • Healthy Balance Meals (Sevierville) – Grab-and-go meals with nutrition in mind

More and more restaurants are adding plant-based dishes to their menus—just ask your server!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

The Smokies are filled with nostalgic treats and sugary indulgences. Don’t leave without trying:

  • Homemade taffy
  • Fudge shops on nearly every corner
  • Hand-dipped ice cream parlors
  • Apple cider donuts and caramel apples
  • Old-fashioned candy stores with barrels of goodness

Stop by The Donut Friar in The Village (Gatlinburg) or Apple Valley Creamery in Sevierville for treats worth the trip.

Craft Beverages & Local Sips

Raise a glass to mountain flavor:

  • Ole Smoky Moonshine – Sample flavors like apple pie, blackberry, or white lightning.
  • Tennessee Homemade Wines – Sweet muscadine wines and tastings galore.
  • Smoky Mountain Brewery – Craft beers brewed right in town.
  • Sevier Distilling Co. – Smooth spirits with local flair.

Several tasting rooms offer free samples—and souvenirs you can drink later.

Plan Your Food Journey Through the Smokies

Here’s how to make the most of your culinary adventure:

  1. Make reservations for popular restaurants, especially in peak seasons.
  2. Ask locals for their favorite places—they rarely steer you wrong.
  3. Try a food tour for a sampler of local spots in one afternoon.
  4. Keep your eyes open for roadside diners, food trucks, and hole-in-the-wall gems.
  5. Pair your meals with your day’s plans: picnic on a hike, lunch in town, or a starlit dinner after a scenic drive.

Taste the Smokies, One Bite at a Time

Whether you’re feasting on flaky biscuits at sunrise, enjoying a riverside dinner at sunset, or sipping moonshine under the stars, every meal in the Smokies is part of the story.

Let Welcome to the Smokies be your guide to the flavors that define this beloved mountain region. We’ve done the tasty legwork so you can just sit back, dig in, and savor every bite.