The next time you come to the Smoky Mountains, you should try some of the local restaurants. They have great food and awesome atmospheres, making you want to come back again and again. We want to share some of the best local restaurants in Gatlinburg TN, from Italian to southern cuisine. Here are 5 of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg TN if you want to eat local:
1. New Orleans Sandwich Company
If you love seafood or Cajun food, you have to try New Orleans Sandwich Company. The owner is from Louisiana, so you’ll be getting authentic flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the Smokies! This local place to eat has shrimp, oyster, and fish po’boy sandwiches. You’ll also find BLTs, fried and grilled chicken, and other kinds of sandwiches. Plus, you can try authentic crawfish etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. Even your kids will love eating here!
2. Crystelle Creek Restaurant
Crystelle Creek Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg TN with its unique space and wide variety of food. The landscaping around the restaurant is incredible, with a fish pond and a tree that lights up at night with over 150 candles. There’s a creek behind the restaurant, so you can watch water rush by from your seat. Try the grilled pork chops, baby back ribs, or beef tenderloin. You will also find fried chicken, rainbow trout, and fried shrimp. Crystelle Creek even has Italian options, from chicken alfredo to lasagna. This is a great restaurant to try when you want a fine dining experience.
3. Split Rail Eats
If you want to try a local restaurant that is casual with unique food, you should go to Split Rail Eats. It is along the Loop of the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community. You can try their fredo fries, which are loaded french fries covered in alfredo cheese, other cheese, bacon, and green onions. For something a little heartier, you can get a chicken fritter or a hand pie stuffed with ham or spinach. The signature food at Split Rail Eats is their tater bowls. Get a bowl full of tater tots or french fries with taco, cheeseburger, greek, or buffalo toppings. Split Rail also serves salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
4. Best Italian Restaurant
If you find yourself in the mood for Italian food, you should eat at Best Italian Restaurant. Start out with garlic rolls or calamari. If you want pasta, they have everything from pasta primavera to spaghetti with meat sauce. Try the chicken parmigiana, chicken marsala, or linguini and clam sauce. Best Italian also has pizzas and calzones. You can choose from one of their specialties or create your own.
5. Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant
Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg TN if you want to try a local place. They have a very mountain vibe since the restaurant looks like a log cabin. There’s a patio where you can enjoy your food out in the open air. They serve breakfast all day if you are in the mood for breakfast for dinner. You’ll also find all kinds of sandwiches, from cheesesteaks to reubens on their menu. There’s also burgers and hot dogs stuffed with all your favorite toppings.
These are just some of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg TN you should try if you want to eat at a local place. Since you have an idea of where you will eat when you’re in town, all you need is a place to stay! Look through our Gatlinburg cabins and find one that’s perfect for your next trip!
