If you’re someone who loves all kinds of cuisines, then you’ll have a fantastic time when you visit Gatlinburg! You'll find a variety of restaurants serving traditional Southern food, unique fusion dishes, sweet and spicy BBQ, and more! You’ll want to try all of the different food types before you head home. Here are 5 of the major types of food in Gatlinburg you can choose from during your vacation to the Smokies:
1. BBQ
Southern BBQ is a treat, especially if you can’t easily have it when you’re at home. You’ll find some of the best BBQ in Gatlinburg. There’s always the classic smoked pulled pork sandwich, sweet baby back ribs, or juicy brisket. The smoky chicken and tangy sausage are also fantastic protein options. Of course, the sides are probably the best part of BBQ, and you’ll find homestyle mac and cheese, delicious potato salad, creamy coleslaw, sticky baked beans, and so much more. When you’re hungry for BBQ, some of the best options include Delauder's BBQ, Calhoun’s, and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que.
2. Seafood
While seafood may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of food in Gatlinburg, it is abundant and delicious! You can’t go wrong with crispy fried seafood platters full of fish, shrimp, and oysters, or you can try a lighter meal of broiled fish or grilled shrimp. Some of the most popular places to get seafood in Gatlinburg include Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co., Smoky Mountain Trout House, and Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar, but several steakhouses in the area such as Howard's and Cherokee Grill have fantastic surf and turf options!
3. Mexican
When that craving for queso and margaritas hits, you’ll be glad to know that some of the best food in Gatlinburg is Mexican cuisine! Try crispy tacos full of chicken or beef and piled high with toppings you love, or get a burrito full of delicious food and covered in a tangy sauce. Every Mexican restaurant in Gatlinburg has its own specials, so you could try a mole, carne asada, parrilladas, and much more! Loco Burro has a beautiful rooftop bar where you can enjoy a view of downtown Gatlinburg, and No Way Jose’s has an incredible view of the river!
4. American
Sometimes you just get a huge hankering for a juicy burger and fries or your favorite sandwich. Luckily there are plenty of places for that good ole’ American comfort food in Gatlinburg too! You can’t go wrong with the steak cut of your choice paired with mouth-watering sides at the top steakhouses in Gatlinburg. Enjoy a hearty portion of your favorite Southern dishes at Cumberland Jack's, bar food and great lunch options at Smith & Son Corner Kitchen, or a more upscale celebratory dinner at The Heirloom Room or The Greenbrier.
5. Italian
If you’re on the hunt for delicious pasta and pizza while you’re in town, you’ll be glad to know there are several Italian restaurants in Gatlinburg! You can share a whole pizza covered in toppings you love with your family and friends, or you can order a slice just for yourself! When you want that traditional lasagna, chicken parmesan, or veal piccata, there are plenty of places to choose from. Some of the most popular places to get Italian food in Gatlinburg are Best Italian Restaurant, Pizza Rio, Pizzeria of Gatlinburg, and Big Daddy’s Pizzeria.
Now you know where to get the type of food in Gatlinburg you find yourself craving! Everyone loves the variety, and you might just find your new go-to vacation spot! Want to know what other restaurants are in the area? Check out these other places to eat in Gatlinburg TN!
