Great Places to Dine in Gatlinburg Tennessee

Travelers that stay at or travel within the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area, will certainly be requiring food for fuel, and may be curious as to which options are among the best to consider. The good news is that there are several local restaurants to accommodate the needs of diners that are highly recommended by locals, and previous travelers alike.

One of the most reputable eateries in the Gatlinburg area is the Best Italian Café & Pizzeria, which has been providing diners with authentic Italian cuisine for more than 30 years. Customer rave about their famous, delectable, garlic rolls that are made in-house to accentuate each meal. This establishment is located in town, but may be a bit difficult to find, as it is hidden away in the back portion of Elk's Shopping Plaza, in a strip center. The homemade recipes at this Italian café have been passed down through three generations, and their chefs appear to have a natural flair with traditional Italian cuisine.

The Pancake Pantry has been a local favorite since the 1960s, and was Tennessee's very first pancake house to exist. Featuring made-from-scratch recipes, real butter, and freshly prepared whipped cream, has made this breakfast venue a Gatlinburg tradition. Housed in a building that is nearly a century old, the Pancake Pantry boasts brick and rustic copper accents that will be of interest to architectural enthusiasts.

The Wild Plum Tea Room is located within close proximity to several area attractions and sites of interest, and is an excellent place to grab a cup of coffee or one of their specialized brews of tea. The tearoom is a superb place to indulge in a light lunch or brunch, with an extensive selection of specialty sandwiches and homemade soups. This establishment offers a broad assortment of delectable desserts to indulge in, making it a perfect afternoon stop for sightseers.

Music lovers and memorabilia collectors revel in the atmosphere afforded at Gatlinburg's Hard Rock Café location. The food is traditional American fare, and service is prompt and reliable. The atmosphere at Hard Rock Café is casual, and hard core music enthusiasts can make souvenir purchases for themselves or loved ones in the on-site gift shop.

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company has a location within the Gatlinburg city limits, and is a seafood lover's paradise. As expected, Bubba Gump offers shrimp, and other seafood cuisine, cooked and prepared in just about any way you can imagine. The eatery is located near the entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Live music is common on weekends and the establishment boasts a vast array of microbrews by the bottle and on tap.